STRUCTURE OF THE CATHOLIC MASS
| A. Introductory rites |
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| B. Liturgy of the Word |
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| C. Liturgy of the Eucharist |
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| D. Concluding rites |
INTRODUCTORY RITES
The Mass begins with the Entrance Song. The the celebrant greets the people. The Penitential Rite, the Glory to God, and the Opening Prayer follow. The purpose of these preliminary rites is to help the people, gathered for the celebration of Mass, to join with each other as a worshipping community, and to prepare them to listen to the Word of God and to celebrate the Eucharist.
ENTRANCE PROCESSION
The celebrant and ministers go to the altar, while the Entrance Antiphon or Song is sung.
#Entrance Antiphon: turn to the Proper of the Mass of the Day or a hymn is sung
GREETING
All make the sign of the cross. The celebrant then greets all present and gives a brief introduction to the Mass of the Day.
#The celebrant may briefly introduce the Mass of the Day.
RITE OF BLESSING AND SPRINKLING HOLY WATER
This rite may be used instead of the penitential rite at the beginning of Mass. If it is used, the Kyrie is not said. The priest greets the people. A vessel containing the water to be blessed is placed before him.
PENITENTIAL RITE
INVITATION
The celebrant invites the people to call their sins to mind, and to repent of them. He may use the following, or similar words.
#A pause for silent reflection follows. After the silence, one of three forms of the penitential rite is chosen.
THE KYRIE
A plea for mercy. It is not said here if it has already been incorporated in the penitential rite.
GLORY TO GOD
A hymn of praise. It may be said or sung. It is not used on the Sundays of Advent or Lent.
OPENING PRAYER
Celebrant and people pray silently for a while. Then the celebrant says the opening prayer, which expresses the theme of the days's celebration.
LITURGY
The word, sometimes rendered by its English translation "service", may refer to an elaborate formal ritual Catholic Mass. As a religious phenomenon, liturgy is a communal response to the sacred through activity reflecting praise, thanksgiving, supplication, or repentance. Ritualization may be associated with life events such as birth, coming of age, marriage and death. It thus forms the basis for establishing a relationship with a divine agency, as well as with other participants in the liturgy. Methods of dress, preparation of food, application of cosmetics or other hygienic practices are all considered liturgical activities.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
The Liturgy of the Word consists of readings from the scriptures; a homily, in which the minister explains the readings; the Profession of Faith, the creed of God's people; and the Prayer of the Faithful or General Intercessions in which the people intercede for all mankind.
First Reading.
This is from the Old Testament or, during Easteride, from the Acts of the Apostles.
Responsorial Psalm.
The Psalm is a reflection on the First Reading. the Cantor sings or recites the psalm, and the people respond.
Second Reading.
The New Testament Reading is generally from the letters of the apostles. It may be taken from the Acts of the Apostles, or from the book of the Apocalypse.
Gospel Acclamation and Gospel Reading.
The Gospel Book may be carried in procession to the lectern. To acknowledge Christ in his word, all stand. A verse of welcome is sung or said.
Homily.
Through the readings, God has spoken to his people of redemption and salvation, and nourished their spirit with his word. The homily helps those present understand and reflect upon what they have heard.
Profession of Faith (Creed).
This is said on all Sundays of the Year.
Prayer of the Faithful.
This opens with the celebrant's Invitation. There fellow the Biddings, to which the people reply according to custom. The celebrant says the concluding prayer.
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
#Preparation of the Altar and the Gifts
##Procession with the Gifts and Taking of the Gifts
At the beginning of the liturgy of the Eucharist, the gifts which will become the Lord's body and blood are brought to the altar. The offerings of the people may also be brought to the altar. During the procession of gifts, an offertory song may be sung. The gifts are received by the celebrant standing at a suitable place. Gifts other than bread and wine are not placed on the altar.
If no song is sung, then the people may make the responses to the prayer of offering.
#The celebrant washes his hands.
#Invitation to Prayer.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
The whole congregation joins Christ in acknowledging the works of God, and in offering the sacrifice.
#Introductory Dialogue.
##At the end of the Preface all sing or say the Acclamation.
###The Eucharistic Prayer follows.
####Memorial acclamation of the people.
#####Final doxology: in praise of God.
COMMUNION PRAYER
LORD'S PRAYER
In accordance with the Lord's command, the faithful receive his body and blood as their spiritual food. In the Our Father, all pray for daily food, and for forgiveness.
SIGN OF PEACE
Before they share in the same bread, the people express their love for one another, and pray for peace and unity.
BREAKING OF THE BREAD
#All: Sung or Said: Lamb of God,...
*while this is sung or said, the celebrant takes the host and breaks it over the paten, followed by quietly prayers.
*While the celebrant is receiving the body of Christ, the communion antiphon or song is begun.
THE PEOPLE'S COMMUNION
#The communicant offered the host.
##The communicant offered the chalice.
*After the communion of the people, a period of silance, a psalm or song may follow. Then celebrant and people pray in silence for a while, unless the silence has already been observed. Then the celebrant sings or says the prayer after communion.
CONCLUDING RITE
(Omitted if a liturgical ceremony follows the Mass)
If there are any brief announcements, they are made at this time.
BLESSING
A simple form or solemn form of blessing may be used.
*Solemn Blessing: Blessings proper to certain days are given at the end of the Mass texts for those days
DISMISSAL
All are sent out into the world, to do good works, blessing and praising the Lord.
*At the Easter Vigil, on Easter Sunday, throughout the Easter Octave, and at Pentecost, 'Alleluia, alleluia' is added to the dismissal formula and response.
*The celebrant kisses and salutes the altar, then returns to the sacristy with his ministers.
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