Parts of the Mass

Parts of the Mass

• Mass has 5 parts

Introductory Rites

• Beginning with the entrance hymn
• It is the first of 4 proper hymns sung
• The procession goes forward with the altar cross and candles
• Gospel Book and then the priest
• The cross must be close to the altar, representing the sacrifice that it symbolizes
• There is a Greeting where the crowd stands as the priest and faithful make the sign of the cross
• The priest greets the crowd by saying, "The Lord be with you"
• The crowd then responds with, "and also with you."
• The Penitential Rite is a time to reflect on sins
• People ask God for forgiveness
• It is a general forgiveness, which does not replace going to confession
• The Kyrie is also recited, "Lord Have Mercy, Christ Have Mercy, Lord Have Mercy."
• Followed by Gloria, or Glory in the Highest, which is a song
• Concluding with an opening prayer which is held in silence

Liturgy of the Word

• Follow the Lectionary
• Readings depend on the date
• A reading from the Old Testament
• A reading from the New Testament
• Followed by the Gospel from Matthew, Mark, Luke or John
• During the readings, the Responsorial Psalm is read or sung
• During the Homily, the priest explains the readings
• Encouraging words are spoken
• Next is Profession of Faith uniting people loyal to the faith so that they may celebrate the Eucharist
• Then are the needs of the church, public authorities and the salvation of the world asked through General Intercessions

The Liturgy of the Eucharist

• The bread and wine are presented to God
• The bread and wine are consecrated
• The Right hand washing, or Lavabo is preformed
• A prayer that breaks the silence after the Lavabo invites the congregation to pray, thereby claiming the sacrifice
• The Eucharistic Prayer consists of:
  • The preface is an introductory prayer giving thanks
  • The Sanctus is conducted in awe on bended knees in the presence of the Eucharist
  • Epclesis invocation of God to send the Holy Spirit to change the bread and wine to the Body and Blood of Jesus
  • The consecration step where the priest changes the bread and wine to the Body and Blood of Jesus
  • The Transubstantiation so that the priest can shows the congregation the transformed bread and wine
• The Memorial Acclamation:
  • Congregation proclaims the Mystery of Faith as it relates that Christ died, rose, and will return
• Remembrance is recalling the death and resurrection of Jesus
• Calling on God to offer the sacrifice to past sacrifices in the Offering
• The priest intercedes with the father, praying for the departed and all sinners during Intercessions
• The priest holds up the host and the chalice during the Final Doxology, proclaiming the words of praise linking the Father, Son and Holy Spirit

The Communion Rite

• Includes the Lord's Prayer, or Our Father Prayer
• As well as Embolism, asking peace for neighbors
• Symbolizing Jesus breaking bread at the last supper, the priest performs The Fraction
• The Commingling is when the priest puts a piece of the host of bread in the wine
• Agnus Dei occurs when the priest breaks the bread during the singing of the Lamb of God
• Communion is when the Eucharist is received
• Prayers are meditated to one's self in silence after Communion
• Another Prayer is made when the priest gathers the congregation to prepare for the Concluding Rite

Concluding Rite

• Announcements of events from the priest
• A Greeting exchange between the priest and the congregation
• The Dismissal closes the mass in solemn blessing of the congregation

Liturgical Calendar

• Celebrates the whole Paschal Mystery, from the Incarnation to Pentecost

Liturgical Colors

• Purple/Violet: symbolizes penance, humility, melancholy, preparation and sacrifice for Advent, Lent, funeral masses and penitential services
• Red: symbolizes blood or martyrdom; also fire, sacrifice and passion for Palm Sunday, Good Friday, the feast days of apostles and evangelists, and the celebration of martyred saints as well as Pentecost Sunday, the sacrament of confirmation
• White: symbolizes light, innocence, purity, joy, triumph, and glory used for Christmas and Easter seasons, also for Holy Thursday, the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the feasts of Our Lord
• Rose: symbolizes anticipation and rejoicing used for Gaudete Sunday (the third Sunday of Advent) and Laetare Sunday (fourth Sunday of Lent) which are variations of "to rejoice" in Latin
• Green: symbolizes life, hope and anticipation used during Ordinary Time, a season focused on the Lord's three-year public ministry, His teachings and miracles

Advent:

• Begins the Liturgical year
• A time of preparation lasting 4 weeks (22-28 days) before Christmas
• Celebrates the birth of God made flesh and final coming of Jesus

Christmas:

• Begins on December 25th and concludes the Solemnity of the Baptism of Jesus on the 3rd Sunday after Christmas
• Includes Epiphany (Little Christmas/Three Kings Day) on the 12th day of Christmas and the Feast of the Holy Innocents (December 28), the Feast of the Holy Family, and Feast of Mary, Mother of God (January 1)

Ordinary Time I and II:

• Ordinary Time is split into two sections numbered with ordinal numbers
  • The 1st taking place between Christmas and Lent
  • The 2nd taking place between Pentecost and Advent

Lent:

• Based on Jesus fasting for 40 days in the desert
• Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, lasting 46 calendar days, not counting Sundays
• Christians are encouraged to fast, pray, and give alms
• This focuses on what Jesus did

Easter Triduum:

• Easter Triduum consist of Three Days remembering the suffering and death of Jesus
  • Beginning the evening of Thursday and ending Sunday evening according to Jewish tradition
  • Includes Holy Thursday, the Mass of the Lord's Supper
  • Followed by Good Friday to reflect on Passion narrative, venerate the Cross
  • The celebration occurring during Easter Sunday, during the Easter Vigil with candles, fire, water and the welcoming of new members

Easter Season:

• Occurs from Easter Sunday up until Pentecost Sunday lasting 50 days
• Centers on the hope of a new life
• The season ends with Pentecost, the church is revealed and we are sent to carry out Jesus' mission after 50th day, Ascension Thursday