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C A T H O L I C   M A S S

 

The following page is designed to familiarize you with the Order of the Catholic Mass. Comments are included to help you understand the Mass. In addition, Bible verses are referenced to give you some insight into the Mass. 

The order of Mass is similar to the order of sacrifices in the Book of Leviticus in the Pentateuch. To achieve communion with God, one first had to be forgiven and totally committed to the Lord. The Israelites had to achieve holiness in order to achieve communion with God. We take the same steps in the Catholic Mass. This is not done in burnt offerings and the like, but in the symbolism of the Mass.

Mass stands for “Eucharist” or “Breaking of the Bread.” The Catholic Mass is the preparation to receive Christ in communion.

[More to come . . .]

 

I N T R O D U C T O R Y   R I T E S

 

We gather together to pray and ask forgiveness in preparation to meet Christ in the sacrament of the Eucharist. We also celebrate our unity with him, and our unity with each other in faith, by gathering together as a congregation.

Entrance Antiphon

An introductory song is sung as the priest and ministers proceed to the altar. The purpose of the opening song is to deepen our unity as the Mass is being introduced.

Greeting

Priest:  In the name of the Father, + and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
People:  Amen.

The priest welcomes us and we demonstrate our unity by responding as a congregation. (One of three greetings may be used.)

Option A:

Priest: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
People: And also with you.

Option B:

Priest: The grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
People: Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. *or* And also with you.

Option C:

Priest: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.

Rite of Blessing and Sprinkling Holy Water

This can be done in any church or chapel during any Sunday mass, including those celebrated Saturday evening. The Penitential Rite and Kyrie are omitted when the Rite of Blessing and Sprinkling of Holy Water is included.

Priest:  Dear friends, this water will be used to remind us of our baptism. Let us ask God to bless it, and to keep us faithful to the Spirit he has given us. 

Option A:

Priest:  God our Father, your gift of water brings life and freshness to the earth; it washes away our sins and brings us eternal life. 
We ask you now to bless this water, and to give us your protection on this day which you have made your own. Renew the living spring of your life within us and protect us in spirit and body, that we may be free from sin and come into your presence to receive your gift of salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
People:  Amen.

Option B:

Priest:  Lord God almighty, creator of all life, of body and soul, we ask you to bless this water: as we use it in faith forgive our sins and save us from all illness and the power of evil.
Lord, in your mercy give us living water, always springing up as a fountain of salvation: free us, body and soul, from every danger, and admit us to your presence in purity of heart. Grant this through Christ our Lord. 
People:  Amen.

Option C (during the Easter Season):

Priest:  Lord God almighty, hear the prayers of your people: we celebrate our creation and redemption. Hear our prayers and bless this water which give fruitfulness to the fields, and refreshment and cleansing to man. You chose water to show your goodness when you led your people to freedom through the Red Sea and satisfied their thirst in the desert with water from the rock. Water was the symbol used by the prophets to foretell your new covenant with us. You made the water of baptism holy by Christ's baptism in the Jordan: by it you give us a new birth and renew us in holiness. May this water remind us of our baptism, and let us share the joy of all who have been baptized at Easter. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
People:  Amen.

The following blessing will be used if salt is added to the water:

Priest: Almighty God, we ask you to bless + this salt as once you blessed the salt scattered over the water by the prophet Elisha. Wherever this salt and water are sprinkled, drive away the power of evil, and protect us always by the presence of your Holy Spirit. Grant this through Christ our Lord.

The water is then poured into the water. The priest then sprinkles himself, the ministers, and the people. This may be done while a song is sung. He then returns to the altar, joins his hands.

Priest: May almighty God cleanse us of our sins, and through the eucharist we celebrate make us worthy to sit at his table in his heavenly kingdom.
People: Amen.

Penitential Rite

The Penitential Rite is omitted when the Rite of Blessing and Sprinkling of the Holy Water takes place.

Option A:

Priest: As we prepare to celebrate the mystery of Christ's love, let us acknowledge our failures and ask the Lord for pardon and strength

Option B:

Priest: Coming together as God's family, with confidence let us ask the Father's forgiveness, for he is full of gentleness and compassion.

Option C:

Priest: My brothers and sisters, to prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us call to mind our sins.

AND

Option A:

Priest and People:  I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord, our God.

Priest:  May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
People:  Amen.

Option B:

Priest:  Lord, we have sinned against you: Lord, have mercy.
People:  Lord, have mercy.
Priest:  Lord, show us your mercy and love.
People:  And grant us your salvation.
Priest:  May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
People:  Amen.

Option C:

Priest:  You raise the dead to life in the Spirit: Lord, have mercy.
People:  Lord, have mercy.
Priest:  You bring pardon and peace to the sinner: Christ, have mercy.
People:  Christ, have mercy.
Priest:  You bring light to those in darkness: Lord, have mercy.
People:  Lord, have mercy.
Priest:  May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
People:  Amen.

Kyrie

The Kyrie is omitted when the Rite of Blessing and Sprinkling of the Holy Water takes place.

Priest:  Lord, have mercy.  
People:  Lord, have mercy.
Priest:  Christ, have mercy. 
People:  Christ, have mercy.
Priest:  Lord, have mercy.  
People:  Lord, have mercy.

Gloria

Priest and People:
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King,  almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world:  have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father:  receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One,  you alone are the Lord, You alone are the Most High,  Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,  in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Opening Prayer

Priest:  Let us pray.
The opening prayer gives the theme of the day’s mass and changes from day to day.
People:  Amen.

 

L I T U R G Y   O F   T H E   W O R D

 

First Reading

Lector:  A reading from the Book of ... 
The reading is given.
Lector: This is the Word of the Lord.
People:  Thanks be to God!

Responsorial Psalm

The Responsorial Psalm may be spoken or sung.

Second Reading

There is generally no second reading for weekday masses or minor feasts.

Lector:  A reading from the Book of ... 
The reading is given.
Lector: This is the Word of the Lord.
People:  Thanks be to God!

Alleluia

The Alleluia is spoken or sung and may vary.

If the Deacon reads the Gospel, the he will go to the priest and say: Father, give me your blessing.
Priest: The lord be in your heart and on your lips that you may worthily proclaim the gospel. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit.
Deacon: Amen.

If there is no deacon, the priest says inaudibly:  Almighty God, cleanse my heart and my lips that I may worthily proclaim your gospel.

Gospel

Priest:  The Lord be with you.  
People:  And also with you.
Priest:  A reading from the Holy Gospel according to …
People:  Glory to you, Lord!
The Gospel is given.
Priest:  This is the Gospel of the Lord.   
People:  Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

The priest or deacon then kisses the book and says inaudibly: May the words of the gospel wipe away our sins.

Homily

This is the sermon. The priest reflects on the day’s readings and applies them to everyday life.

Profession of Faith

We recite the Creed as a summary of our faith:

General Intercessions

We pray for the needs of the Church and the World. After each intercession, the lector says: Let us pray to the Lord.
People:  Lord, hear our prayer.

The priest then says the concluding prayer and the people respond: Amen

 

L I T U R G Y   O F   T H E   E U C H A R I S T

 

Preparation of the Gifts

The following is said by the Priest inaudibly before placing the bread on the altar. If no song is sung, it will be said aloud.

Priest:  Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life.
People (if said aloud):  Blessed be God for ever.

Priest:  Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become our spiritual drink.
People (if said aloud):  Blessed be God for ever.

The priest then says inaudibly: Lord God, we ask you to receive us and be pleased with the sacrifice we offer you with humble and contrite hearts. Then he washes his hands, and say inaudibly: Lord, wash away my iniquity; cleanse me from my sin.

Priest:  Pray, brethren, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.
People:  May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands, for the praise and glory of his name, for our good, and the good of all the Church.

Prayer over the Gifts

The priest asks the Father, on the behalf of the people, to bless and accept the gifts. This prayer is different for each Mass.
People:  Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer:

There are four that are most commonly used. Eucharistic Prayer #3 is shown below. 1, 2, and 4 will be included at a later date.

Introductory Dialogue:

Priest:  The Lord be with you.  
People:  And also with you.
Priest:  Lift up your hearts.  
People:  We lift them up to the Lord.
Priest:  Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.  
People:  It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Acclamation:

Priest and People:  Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Eucharistic Prayer #3 Preferably used on Sundays and Feast Days

The following is said by the Priest unless otherwise stated.

Praise to the Father

Father, you are holy indeed, and all creation rightly gives you praise. All life, all holiness comes from you through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, by the working of the Holy Spirit.

Invocation of the Holy Spirit

From age to age you gather a people to yourself, so that from east to west a perfect offering may be made to the gloy of your name.

And so, Father, we bring you these gifts. We ask you to make them holy by the power of your Spirit, that they may become to body and blood of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at whose command we celebrate this eucharist.

The Lord’s Supper

On the night he was betrayed, he took bread and gave you thanks and praise. He broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said:

Take this, all of you, and eat it: this is my body which will be given up for you.

When supper was ended, he took the cup. Again he gave you thanks and praise, gave the cup to his disciples, and said: Take this, all of you, and drink from it: this is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven. Do thbis in memory of me.

Memorial Acclamation:

Priest:  Let us proclaim the mystery of faith. 
People: 
   Option A:  Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
   Option B:  Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.
   Option C:  When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory.
   Option D:  Lord, by your cross and resurrection, you have set us free. You are the Savior of the World.

The Memorial Prayer

Father, calling to mind the death your Son endured for our salvation, his glorious resurrection and ascension into heaven, and ready to greet him when he comes again, we offer you in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice. Look with favor on your Church’s offering, and see the Victim whose death has reconciled us to yourself.

Invocation of the Holy Spirit

Grant that we, who are nourished by his body and blood, may be filled with his Holy Spirit, and become one body, one spirit in Christ.

Intercessions: In Communion with the Saints

May he make us an everlasting gift to you  and enable us to share in the inheritance of your saints, with Mary, the virgin Mother of God; with the apostles, the martyrs, (Saint N.) and all your saints, on whose constant intercession we rely for help.

For the Church

Lord, may this sacrifice, which has made our peace with you, advance the peace and salvation of all the world. Strengthen in faith and love your pilgrim Church on earth; your servant, Pope N., our bishop N., and all the bishops, with the clergy and the entire people your Son has gained for you. Father, hear the prayers of the family you have gathered here before you. In mercy and love unite all your children wherever they may be.

For the Dead

Welcome into your kingdom our departed brothers and sisters, and all who have left this world in your friendship. We hope to enjoy for ever the vision of your flory, through Christ our Lord, from whom all good things come.

Concluding Doxology

Through him,
with him,
in him,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honor is yours,
almighty Father,
for ever and ever.
People: Amen.

 

C O M M U N I O N   R I T E

 

Lord's Prayer

Priest:
   Option A:  Let us pray with confidence to the Father in the words our Savior gave us.
   Option B:  Jesus taught us to call God our Father, and so we have the courage to say:
   Option C:  Let us ask our Father to forgive our sins and to bring us to forgive those who sin against us.
   Option D:  Let us pray for the coming of the kingdom as Jesus taught us.

Priest and People:  Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Priest:  Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
People:  For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.

Sign of Peace

Before partaking in the Eucharist, the church restores its peaceful unity by giving a sign of peace (this is usually done by shaking hands and saying “Peace be with you”).

Priest:  Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles: I leave you peace, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom where you live for ever and ever.
People:  Amen.
Priest:  The Peace of the Lord be with you always. 
People:  And also with you.
Deacon or Priest:  Let us offer each other a sign of peace.

The people give each other the sign of peace.

Breaking of the Bread

People: Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant us peace.

While the congregation is singing the above, the priest breaks the host over the paten, and says the following inaudibly while placing a piece in the chalice: May this mingling of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life to us who receive it.

Prayers before Communion

The priests says one of the following prayers inaudibly:

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, by the will of the Father and the work of the Holy Spirit your death brought life to the world. By your holy body and blood free me from all my sins and from every evil. Keep me faithful to your teaching, and never let me be parted from you.

OR

Lord Jesus Christ, with faith in your love and mercy I eat your body and drink your blood. Let it not bring me condemnation, but health in mind and body.

Reception of Communion

The priest holds the host over the paten and says:

Priest:  This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper.
People:  Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.

Before receiving communion, the priest says inaudibly: May the body of Christ bring me to everlasting life. May the blood of Christ bring me to everlasting life.

The people of the congregation proceed forward to the altar to receive communion, usually while a hymn is sung. The minister holds up the host before the communicant and says, “The body of Christ.” The communicant responds, “Amen,” takes the host, eats it, and makes the sign of the cross. The same is done for the wine:

Minister: The blood of Christ.
Communicant: Amen.

He/She then returns to his/her seat and kneels (if no kneelers are provided, the congregation usually sits after receiving communion).

The priest then cleans everything while saying inaudibly: Lord, may I receive these gifts in purity of heart. May they bring me healing and strength, now and for ever.

Prayer after Communion

After a period of silence for personal prayer, the priest then says a prayer for the people to live a holy life and live in faith.

Priest:  Let us pray.
(This prayer changes each Mass).
People:  Amen.

 

C O N C L U D I N G   R I T E

 

Greeting

Any announcements for the congregation are made at this point.

Priest:  The Lord be with you.
People:  And also with you.

Blessing

Option A:  Simple Form

Priest:  May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.
People:  Amen.

Option B: Solemn Blessing 

Deacon or Priest:  Bow your heads and pray for God's blessing.
This prayer changes.
Priest:  May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.
People:  Amen.

Option C:  Prayer over the People

Deacon or Priest:  Bow your heads and pray for God's blessing.
This prayer changes.
Priest:  May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.
People:  Amen.

Dismissal

Deacon or Priest:  Go in the peace of Christ. or The Mass is ended, go in peace. or Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People:  Thanks be to God!