The Mass is the most important sacramental celebration of the Church, and it always follows a set order.
Introductory Rites—preparing to celebrate the Eucharist
Entrance Chant – We gather as a community and praise God in song.
Greeting – We pray the Sign of the Cross. The priest welcomes us.
Penitential Rite – We remember our sins and ask God for mercy.
Gloria – We praise God in song.
Collect – We ask God to hear our prayers.
Liturgy of the Word—hearing God’s plan of salvation
First Reading – We listen to God’s Word, usually from the Old Testament.
Responsorial Psalm – We respond to God’s Word in song.
Second Reading – We listen to God’s Word from the New Testament.
Gospel Acclamation – We sing “Alleluia!” to praise God for the Good News. During Lent, we use a different acclamation.
Gospel Reading – We stand and listen to the Gospel of the Lord.
Homily – The priest or the deacon explains God’s Word.
Profession of Faith – We proclaim our faith through the Creed.
Prayer of the Faithful – We pray for our needs and the needs of others.
Liturgy of the Eucharist—celebrating Christ’s presence in the Eucharist
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts – We bring gifts of bread and wine to the altar.
Prayer over the Offerings – The priest prays that God will accept our sacrifice.
Eucharistic Prayer
This prayer of thanksgiving is the center and high point of the entire celebration.
- Preface—We give thanks and praise to God.
- Holy, Holy, Holy—We sing an acclamation of praise.
- Consecration—The bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
- The Mystery of Faith—We proclaim the mystery of our faith.
- Amen—We affirm the words and actions of the Eucharistic Prayer.
Communion Rite—receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ
Lord’s Prayer—We pray the Our Father.
Sign of Peace—We offer one another Christ’s peace.
Lamb of God—We pray for forgiveness, mercy, and peace.
Communion—We receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
Prayer After Communion—We pray that the Eucharist will strengthen us to live as Jesus did.