THE MASS
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is a celebration of the Last Supper. It has continued to be celebrated by the Church ever since Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and his dicsiples gathered together the night before He died on the cross for our sins. The Mass consists of seven rites, or sections, described below.
The section of the Mass preceding the Liturgy of the Word that confers a quality of preparation and introduction on the Eucharistic Sacrifice. The intent is that the assembled group unite as a community properly prepared to hear God's Word and celebrate the Eucharist. Includes the following:
• Entrance Antiphon
• Greeting
• Penitential Rite (Rite of Blessing & Sprinkling)
• Kyrie (Lord, Have Mercy)
• Gloria (Glory to God)
• Opening Prayer
The major part of the Mass between the Opening Prayer and the preparation of the Gifts during which the Word of God is proclaimed, responded to, authoritatively explained, accepted and held fast, and appealed to. Includes the following:
• First Reading
• Responsorial Psalm
• Second Reading
• Gospel
• Acclamation (Alleluia)
• Gospel Reading
• Homily
• Silence
• Profession of Faith (Nicene Creed) or (Apostles' Creed - Children Only)
• General Intercessions (Prayer of the Faithful)
• Church
• Public Authorities
• Salvation of the World (Oppressed)
• Local Community
The major part of the Mass after the Liturgy of the Word and ending before the Concluding Rite. This part corresponds to the words and actions of Christ at the Last Supper.
The priest prepares the altar and the gifts, prays over the bread and wine, and helps the assembly get ready for the tremendous Sacrifice that will take place in an unbloody manner. Includes the following:
• Offertory Song
• Preparation of the Altar
• Preparation of the Bread
• Preparation of the Wine
• Washing of Hands
• Invitation to Prayer
• Prayer over the Gifts
The center and high point of the Mass that makes Christ present for us in His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. During it, the entire assembly joins Christ in acknowledging the works of God and in offering the Sacrifice. Includes the following:
• Introductory Dialogue
• Preface
• Sanctus
• Eucharistic Prayer
• Thanksgiving
• Acclamation
• Epiclesis - Ask God to consecrate the Host & Wine
• Institution - Narrative and Consecration
• Anamnesis - Command of Christ through the Apostles
• Offering
• Intercessions
• Final Doxology
• Memorial Acclamation
• Great Amen
It is part when God gives a gift to Him. In both cases the gift is the same Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world. Includes the following:
• The Lord's Prayer
• Rite of Peace (Sign of Peace)
• Fraction Rite
• Breaking of the Bread
• Commingling
• Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)
• Personal Prayer
• Communion
• Silent Prayer
• Prayer after Communion
Immediately after the Communion Rite, should there be any announcements, these are made, but should be kept brief. Then just as the people were greeted at the beginning of the Mass, so now the priest greets the people again and blesses them in one of three forms, the simple one, or at his discretion a more solemn Blessing, particularly at various seasons or on specific feast days, or a Prayers over the people. Includes the following:
• Blessing
• Dismissal