Mass (liturgy)

The Sacramentary is the liturgical book containing the prayers and rubrics of the Roman Mass, used by the priest at the altar. The Mass, as the principal worship service of the Roman Catholic Church, has acquired through its long history several names, like Eucharist, Agape, the Lord's Supper, and Holy Communion. It is divided into the following sections:

Introductory Rites

Synopsis: The beginning of the Mass usually begins with a hymn and an exchange of greetings between the priest and the congregation. Following this, in the Penitential Rite, the congregation is invited to reflect on the acts and thoughts that fell short of Christian code of conduct. They ask for forgiveness in the Kyrie eleison ( = Greek "Lord, have mercy") and then receive a general absolution. On Sundays and feast days the Gloria is sung to praise God. Then an opening prayer, peculiar to the day, is recited.
• Entrance Hymn
• Greeting
• Penitential Rite
• Kyrie
• Gloria
• Opening Prayer

Liturgy of the Word

Synopsis: On Sundays and major feast days three readings from the Bible are heard: the first from the Old Testament, and the second generally from the Epistles or letters (mostly from St. Paul) or Acts of the Apostles. Since the first four books of the Bible (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) of the New Testament are held in particularly high regard, reading from one of them is preceding by special ceremonies which generally include singing the Alleluia and censing. Following the readings, the priest delivers a homily or sermon, frequently an elucidation of one of the readings.
• First Reading
• Second Reading
• Gospel Acclamation
• Alleluia
• Gospel
• Homily or sermon
• Credo - During most of the year the Creed is then recited to remind the congregation of the fundamentals of the Catholic faith. There are two versions: the long Nicene Creed and the shorter Apostles Creed.
• Intercessions - Here various needs of the parish and the world are brought to mind. The congregation pleads that God will answer the petitions presented to Him.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Synopsis: This is the center of the Mass where, it is believed, the bread (called a host) and the wine undergo the miracle of transubstantiation. The elements of bread and wine are brought to the altar and the attention of the congregation is directed there with the prayer Sursum Corda ( = Lat. "lift up your hearts"). The hymn of the angels called the Sanctus is sung just before the Eucharistic prayer, during which the miracle occurs at the "words of institution:" THIS IS MY BODY...THIS IS MY BLOOD. The congregation is again united in reciting the "Mystery of Faith:" which reads, "Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again."
• Preparation of Altar and Gifts
• Sursum Corda
• Preface
• Sanctus
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
• Mystery of Faith

Communion

Synopsis: The congregation reaffirms its unity in praying the "Our Father". This prayer is also called the "The Lord's Prayer" or "Pater Noster." (NOTE: Holding hands during the Lord's Prayer is not valid Catholic practice and creates an anti-climax to the Sign of Peace.) The "Doxology" is not the well-known hymn, but a brief statement of praise to the three Persons of the Trinity. The "Sign of Peace" again affirms that all those assisting at Mass are of one body. Greetings are exchanged with a kiss on the cheek or with shaking hands. The consecrated host is broken (= "fracture") and distributed to the congregation during Communion. The rite closes with a special prayer peculiar to the day.
• Our Father
• Doxology
• Sign of Peace
• Breaking of the Bread
• Communion
• Prayer after Communion

Dismissal