How to Participate in Mass
We don’t want you to feel left out during the service, so we have made a simple guide to help get you more familiar with the liturgy.
Holy Mass is the highest form of worship in the Church, and the source of all her strength.
Mass has two main parts:
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The Liturgy of the Word
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The Liturgy of the Eucharist
Mass starts with the entrance of the priest and those who serve during the liturgy into the sanctuary.
The Penitential Rite, followed by the Kyrie, admits our sinfulness and asks for God’s mercy.
The Liturgy of the Word
The first part of Mass is called the Liturgy of the Word. We sit and listen to readings from the Old Testament, the Psalms, the New Testament and the Gospel. The readings are usually followed by the homily, when the priest gives a short talk to the people.
After the homily, we stand and declare our faith by saying the Apostles’ or the Nicene Creed together. We also pray for various needs and intentions, as we join our prayers with those of the saints in heaven and on earth.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist
The second part of Mass is called the Liturgy of the Eucharist. During this time, we bring bread and wine to the altar. The priest blesses them (from the Latin consecration meaning “making holy” or “sanctifying”), changing the bread and wine into the real Body (Eucharist) and Blood of Jesus.
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During Holy Communion, the Eucharist is distributed to those who are in communion with the Church. To receive Jesus in the Eucharist, one must be at peace with God and others.
Catholics who have committed mortal sins should go to Confession first. Non-Catholics or those who are not ready can get a blessing instead of receiving the Eucharist by crossing their arms.
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After Communion, the priest concludes Mass, giving thanks to God and a blessing to all attending the service. He then sends us out to share the Good News of Jesus with others.
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