Diving Into The Mass
a mini course
Bring the People to Jesus!!
In order to LOVE the Mass, we need to learn about it!
Each time you watch a video and complete a worksheet for this course, you will be learning about two parts of the Mass.
Each time you watch a video and complete a worksheet for this course, you will be learning about two parts of the Mass.
Day One - the sign of the Cross & Greeting
Welcome!! We will begin today by watching this video then you can go to the worksheet below and complete it.
Day Two - The Kyrie & the Gloria
Watch this video then complete the worksheet that looks like the one below!
Day THREE - The Collect and tHe First Reading
Let's watch this video and answer the questions on the worksheet below!
Day FOur - The PsALM & the Second Reading
Let's watch the video and answer the questions on the worksheet below!
Day Five - The Gospel & the Homily
Let's mix it up. See if you can do the worksheet FIRST, THEN watch the video and see if you got the correct answers!
Day Six - The Creed and THE Prayer of the Faithful
While watching this video, write down on the back of the worksheet the 4 main parts of the Creed, add a prayer intention and then after the video complete the worksheet.
Day Seven - The Presentation of the Gifts & The EUcharistic Prayer
Let's see if we can complete the worksheet BEFORE watching the video, also while doing the review, see how far you can recite the Creed. Write on the back of the worksheet how far you got. (It's not always easy to say it all by yourself but when you're at church with all the faithful, it becomes easier to remember all the words!)
Day Eight - The Sanctus and tHE CONSEcration
Let's watch the video then complete the worksheet below!
Day NINE - The Our FaTHer and the Agnus Dei
Watch the video, then complete the worksheet below!
Day TEN - Holy Communion and the Final Blessings
YAY! We made it!! Our final video and worksheet - all about what we've been preparing and waiting so long to recieve!!!
| answer_key.pdf |
A Very Simple Guide to the Catholic Mass
Introduction
Maybe you haven’t been to Mass for a long time and can’t remember what to do. Maybe you go to Mass regularly, but you’re not sure of what’s going on.
Whatever the reason, to help you enjoy and understand the Mass,
we’ve put together this guide for you.
Introduction
Maybe you haven’t been to Mass for a long time and can’t remember what to do. Maybe you go to Mass regularly, but you’re not sure of what’s going on.
Whatever the reason, to help you enjoy and understand the Mass,
we’ve put together this guide for you.
Entering a Catholic CHurch
The first thing you’ll see people doing is dipping their finger in some water and crossing themselves. This water has been blessed by a priest, and is called “holy water.” Crossing yourself is done quite often by Catholics, so you should make sure you know how to do this.
First, you touch your forehead with a finger of your right hand, saying
“In the name of the Father,”
then touch your lower chest, saying, “the Son,”
next touch your left shoulder, saying, “and the Holy,”
and finally touch your right shoulder, saying “Spirit.”
Whenever you hear the priest say, “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” everyone crosses themselves. The priest doesn’t always cross himself, but sometimes makes the sign of the cross in the air, around a foot in front of him. When he does this, he’s blessing everyone, and you simply cross yourself.
First, you touch your forehead with a finger of your right hand, saying
“In the name of the Father,”
then touch your lower chest, saying, “the Son,”
next touch your left shoulder, saying, “and the Holy,”
and finally touch your right shoulder, saying “Spirit.”
Whenever you hear the priest say, “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” everyone crosses themselves. The priest doesn’t always cross himself, but sometimes makes the sign of the cross in the air, around a foot in front of him. When he does this, he’s blessing everyone, and you simply cross yourself.
Genuflecting, Tabernacle, bowing, Altar and other catholic words
When everyone takes their seat, before entering the pew, you’ll usually see them bow, dip their knees a bit, and some even bounce a knee off the floor.
This is one thing that many Catholics have no idea what they’re doing, or why they’re doing it. The basic idea is that you bow to the altar, and genuflect (touch your right knee to the floor) to the tabernacle. The tabernacle is a locked box where the Body of Christ is kept for adoration, and in reserve to give to the sick that can’t attend Mass. Most newer or renovated churches have the tabernacle off to the side or in another room, and you can usually find it by looking for a red light (often a candle) that looks important. In older churches, the tabernacle is right in front of everything. If the tabernacle is in front of you, genuflect to it, otherwise, just bow to the altar.
Remember, whenever you’re walking around the church and you pass in front of the tabernacle, genuflect to it.
As well, whenever you pass in front of the altar, bow to it.
This is one thing that many Catholics have no idea what they’re doing, or why they’re doing it. The basic idea is that you bow to the altar, and genuflect (touch your right knee to the floor) to the tabernacle. The tabernacle is a locked box where the Body of Christ is kept for adoration, and in reserve to give to the sick that can’t attend Mass. Most newer or renovated churches have the tabernacle off to the side or in another room, and you can usually find it by looking for a red light (often a candle) that looks important. In older churches, the tabernacle is right in front of everything. If the tabernacle is in front of you, genuflect to it, otherwise, just bow to the altar.
Remember, whenever you’re walking around the church and you pass in front of the tabernacle, genuflect to it.
As well, whenever you pass in front of the altar, bow to it.
Before Mass begins
Before Mass starts, you’ll see some people kneeling. They’re simply getting ready for Mass by praying. If you want, you can do the same, but you don’t have to. It’s just as easy to pray while you’re sitting. You should use this time to prepare yourself to spend time with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit; by praying you're letting God know that you are ready to listen, learn and be fed.
INTRODUCTORY RITES
To start the Mass off, the priest and the helpers walk slowly to the altar, while everyone else stands. Usually a song is sung at this time. The priest and the helpers bow to the altar, and then take their spots. Most priests will also go behind the altar and kiss it (he’s not smelling it to see if it needs washing).
Remember how to cross yourself?
Well, this is the time to do it, as the priest says:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
And you say:
Amen.
Now the priest continues a bit, with something like:
The Lord be with you.
And you say:
And with your spirit.
RITE OF BLESSING AND SPRINKLING HOLY WATER
Sometime this is celebrated, we don't need to go into the details about it. Just remember that if the priest sprinkles holy water in your direction, make the sign of the cross again.
Well, this is the time to do it, as the priest says:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
And you say:
Amen.
Now the priest continues a bit, with something like:
The Lord be with you.
And you say:
And with your spirit.
RITE OF BLESSING AND SPRINKLING HOLY WATER
Sometime this is celebrated, we don't need to go into the details about it. Just remember that if the priest sprinkles holy water in your direction, make the sign of the cross again.
If the Rite of Blessing and Sprinkling Holy Water is not celebrated (which is most of the time), then the Penitential Rite is.
The priest tells us to remember our sins, saying something like:
As we prepare to celebrate the mystery of Christ’s love, let us acknowledge our failures and ask the Lord for pardon and strength.
After we remember our sins for awhile, one of the follow three prayers are done:
#1:
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.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.
#2:
You were sent to heal the contrite, Lord Have Mercy –
Lord have Mercy
You came to call all sinners, Christ Have Mercy –
Christ have Mercy
You are seated at the right hand of the father to intercede for us for us, Lord Have Mercy -
Lord have Mercy.
#3: The priest, or someone else, leads everyone in the following way:
the leader says something, followed by: Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
the leader says something, followed by: Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
the leader says something, followed by: Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
KYRIE
If the “Lord, have mercy” was not prayed in the Penitential Rite, it’s prayed now:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
The priest tells us to remember our sins, saying something like:
As we prepare to celebrate the mystery of Christ’s love, let us acknowledge our failures and ask the Lord for pardon and strength.
After we remember our sins for awhile, one of the follow three prayers are done:
#1:
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.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.
#2:
You were sent to heal the contrite, Lord Have Mercy –
Lord have Mercy
You came to call all sinners, Christ Have Mercy –
Christ have Mercy
You are seated at the right hand of the father to intercede for us for us, Lord Have Mercy -
Lord have Mercy.
#3: The priest, or someone else, leads everyone in the following way:
the leader says something, followed by: Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
the leader says something, followed by: Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
the leader says something, followed by: Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
KYRIE
If the “Lord, have mercy” was not prayed in the Penitential Rite, it’s prayed now:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Usually this is said or sung next, except during Lent.
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.
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.
The Collect, which has also been called the Opening Prayer goes like this:
The priest then says:
Let us Pray.
He then says a short prayer, ending with something like this:
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
Amen.
Or maybe ending with something like this:
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The priest then says:
Let us Pray.
He then says a short prayer, ending with something like this:
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
Amen.
Or maybe ending with something like this:
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
The First Reading
We don’t want to stand through the whole Mass, so everyone sits down now.
One of the congregation, the Lector, goes up to the Ambo to read from the Bible
(notice how they bow to the altar, or at least they should).
When they’re done reading, they’ll say:
This is the Word of Lord.
And you’ll respond:
Thanks be to God.
One of the congregation, the Lector, goes up to the Ambo to read from the Bible
(notice how they bow to the altar, or at least they should).
When they’re done reading, they’ll say:
This is the Word of Lord.
And you’ll respond:
Thanks be to God.
The Psalm
A Psalm from the Bible gets read, or sung, now. To make it more fun, everyone gets to join in. Try to quickly remember the first line the Cantor says or sings. This is the line that you and everyone else gets to do. The Cantor usually signals you to join in by raising an opened hand.
The Second Reading
The Lector returns to the Ambo to read from the Bible.
Again, when they’re done, they’ll say:
The Word of Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Again, when they’re done, they’ll say:
The Word of Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The Alleluia
Now it’s time for the priest to read the Gospel (one of the first four book of the New Testament). Since this is a story about Jesus, everyone stands.
Usually everyone will first sing:
Alleluia.
(except during Lent)
Usually everyone will first sing:
Alleluia.
(except during Lent)
THE GOSPEL
The priest walks over to the Bible (notice that he also bows to the altar as he passes it), and as he’s walking, he prays quietly in a whisper to himself:
Almighty God, cleanse my heart and my lips that I may worthily proclaim Your gospel.
Once he’s done, he says:
The Lord be with you.
You respond:
And with your spirit.
He then goes on to say :
A reading from the holy gospel according to: (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John).
Everyone then traces a small Cross with their right thumb on their forehead
(it looks like their scratching their forehead), on their lips, and on their heart.
As they do this they’re quietly praying in their head,
“May the Gospel be on my mind, on my lips, and in my heart.”
At the same time, they’re saying out loud:
Glory to you, Lord.
The priest then reads the Gospel, and when he’s done, he says:
The gospel of the Lord.
You respond:
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
The priest then kisses the Bible, and quietly says:
May the words of the gospel wipe away our sins.
And now everyone can sit again.
Almighty God, cleanse my heart and my lips that I may worthily proclaim Your gospel.
Once he’s done, he says:
The Lord be with you.
You respond:
And with your spirit.
He then goes on to say :
A reading from the holy gospel according to: (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John).
Everyone then traces a small Cross with their right thumb on their forehead
(it looks like their scratching their forehead), on their lips, and on their heart.
As they do this they’re quietly praying in their head,
“May the Gospel be on my mind, on my lips, and in my heart.”
At the same time, they’re saying out loud:
Glory to you, Lord.
The priest then reads the Gospel, and when he’s done, he says:
The gospel of the Lord.
You respond:
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
The priest then kisses the Bible, and quietly says:
May the words of the gospel wipe away our sins.
And now everyone can sit again.
THE HOMILY
Now the priest spends some time explaining the Bible readings that were just read. Usually this is quite interesting as the priest explains to us how the readings tie together and still pertain to today's world.
Profession of Faith - THE CREED
One of the Creeds (a short summary of what Catholics believe) is said.
And since we are professing what we believe - we stand to show reverence and fervor for what we are proclaiming.
Here are the two creeds - the Nicene Creed is usually the Creed said at Mass.
NICENE CREED
I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
(at this point we should all bow, at least our heads, for the next 2 lines)
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen
APOSTLES CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ,
his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
he descended into hell;
on the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen
And since we are professing what we believe - we stand to show reverence and fervor for what we are proclaiming.
Here are the two creeds - the Nicene Creed is usually the Creed said at Mass.
NICENE CREED
I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
(at this point we should all bow, at least our heads, for the next 2 lines)
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen
APOSTLES CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ,
his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
he descended into hell;
on the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen
THE PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL
Now it’s time to pray intentional prayers.
The Commentator, the person who greeted and read the announcements at the beginning of Mass, will lead in the prayers.
Everyone responds the following way,
when they hear the Commentator say:
We pray to the Lord
we follow up each time by saying:.
Lord, hear our prayer.
(repeat the sequence)
The Commentator, the person who greeted and read the announcements at the beginning of Mass, will lead in the prayers.
Everyone responds the following way,
when they hear the Commentator say:
We pray to the Lord
we follow up each time by saying:.
Lord, hear our prayer.
(repeat the sequence)
THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
Everyone sits again, as the altar is prepared for the Eucharist.
The Eucharist is the bread and wine that’s been changed into the Body and Blood of Christ. The gifts (the bread and wine) and our tithing is usally brought up to the altar while a song is sung. This is the offertory song and procession. But during the pandemic, the bringing forward in a procession has been omitted in order to contain the spread of germs.
Once the altar’s ready, and the gifts are in their places, the priest starts praying.
Once the song is done he will continue with this:
The priest picks up the bread, and prays:
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.
You respond: Blessed be God for ever.
The priest pours the wine and a little bit of water into a cup, and prays:
By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.
He then holds the cup up, and prays:
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.
You respond: Blessed be God for ever.
The priest then quietly prays:
Lord God, we ask you to receive us and be pleased with the sacrifice we offer you with humble and contrite hearts.
The priest now symbolically washes his hands with water, and prays:
Lord, wash away my iniquity; cleanse me from my sin.
Then the priest says:
Pray, Lord, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.
You respond: 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 His Holy Church.
**It should be noted that the sacrifice is Christ.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
If everyone’s not standing yet, they should stand now.
The priest prays a short prayer, ending something like:
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
You respond: Amen.
The Eucharist is the bread and wine that’s been changed into the Body and Blood of Christ. The gifts (the bread and wine) and our tithing is usally brought up to the altar while a song is sung. This is the offertory song and procession. But during the pandemic, the bringing forward in a procession has been omitted in order to contain the spread of germs.
Once the altar’s ready, and the gifts are in their places, the priest starts praying.
Once the song is done he will continue with this:
The priest picks up the bread, and prays:
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.
You respond: Blessed be God for ever.
The priest pours the wine and a little bit of water into a cup, and prays:
By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.
He then holds the cup up, and prays:
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.
You respond: Blessed be God for ever.
The priest then quietly prays:
Lord God, we ask you to receive us and be pleased with the sacrifice we offer you with humble and contrite hearts.
The priest now symbolically washes his hands with water, and prays:
Lord, wash away my iniquity; cleanse me from my sin.
Then the priest says:
Pray, Lord, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.
You respond: 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 His Holy Church.
**It should be noted that the sacrifice is Christ.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
If everyone’s not standing yet, they should stand now.
The priest prays a short prayer, ending something like:
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
You respond: Amen.
He is truly right and just...This is the Preface:
(If you’re still not standing, you should definitely stand now.)
Father will begin by saying or singing:
The Lord be with you.
You respond: And with your spirit.
Lift up your hearts.
You respond: We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
You respond: It is right and just
The next prayer starts with the following words,
He is truly right and just....
but then changes from day to day.
When this prayer is done, there’s something for you to say or sing.
The HOLY HOLY HOLY!!!!
Is it done? Now it’s your turn.
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.
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.
This next part is very special.
This is where the bread and wine get changed into the Body and Blood of Christ. You’re supposed to kneel now. Whatever you do, don’t sit. Of course if you’re physically unable to kneel or stand, you may sit, but everyone else, DON’T SIT.
Christ is King, and when a king enters a room, nobody sits.
If you feel weird about kneeling, do it anyway. You’ll look really out of place if you sit now, as sitting is a sign of disrespect. If you don’t want to kneel, you can stand, but if everyone else is kneeling, you’ll look out of place again, but at least you will be showing respect.
If kneeling is a legitimate issue it is understandable not kneeling but find a a way to show reverence to our King, Jesus Christ..
There are a number of different prayers that can be said now, and it’s up to the priest to choose which ones to use that day. It would take too long to show you all the different prayers, but they all share some parts, and I’ll show these to you.
After the priest’s been praying for awhile, he’ll remind us of the Last Supper.
Then he’ll hold the host up and say the words Jesus said:
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT IT: THIS IS MY BODY WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU.
As these words are said, the bread changes into the Body of Christ.
This is such a special moment that bells are rung sometimes.
As the priest show the Body of Christ to you, you can quietly pray,
“My Lord, and my God.”
After this, you should bow your head, as the priest genuflects.
The priest prays a bit more, holds up the chalice, and says the words Jesus 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 THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.
As these words are said, the wine changes into the Blood of Christ.
Again, this is a special moment, and bells might be rung.
As the priest shows the chalice with the Blood of Christ to you, you can quietly pray, “My Lord, and my God.”
After this, you should bow your head, as the priest genuflects.
Everyone usually stands up now, although some churches stay kneeling,
as one of the following is said:
-Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
Or:
-Praise to you, Lord Jesus, firstborn from the dead!
Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.
Or:
-We are faithful, to your command:
When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory.
Or:
Christ is Lord of all ages!
Lord, by your cross and resurrection you have set us free. You are the Savior of the world.
Again, it’s up to the priest to decide what to pray now, but when he’s done,
he’ll hold up the Body of Christ (it’s on the plate called a paten) and the chalice with the Blood of Christ, and says:
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.
Amen.
This is where the bread and wine get changed into the Body and Blood of Christ. You’re supposed to kneel now. Whatever you do, don’t sit. Of course if you’re physically unable to kneel or stand, you may sit, but everyone else, DON’T SIT.
Christ is King, and when a king enters a room, nobody sits.
If you feel weird about kneeling, do it anyway. You’ll look really out of place if you sit now, as sitting is a sign of disrespect. If you don’t want to kneel, you can stand, but if everyone else is kneeling, you’ll look out of place again, but at least you will be showing respect.
If kneeling is a legitimate issue it is understandable not kneeling but find a a way to show reverence to our King, Jesus Christ..
There are a number of different prayers that can be said now, and it’s up to the priest to choose which ones to use that day. It would take too long to show you all the different prayers, but they all share some parts, and I’ll show these to you.
After the priest’s been praying for awhile, he’ll remind us of the Last Supper.
Then he’ll hold the host up and say the words Jesus said:
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT IT: THIS IS MY BODY WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU.
As these words are said, the bread changes into the Body of Christ.
This is such a special moment that bells are rung sometimes.
As the priest show the Body of Christ to you, you can quietly pray,
“My Lord, and my God.”
After this, you should bow your head, as the priest genuflects.
The priest prays a bit more, holds up the chalice, and says the words Jesus 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 THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.
As these words are said, the wine changes into the Blood of Christ.
Again, this is a special moment, and bells might be rung.
As the priest shows the chalice with the Blood of Christ to you, you can quietly pray, “My Lord, and my God.”
After this, you should bow your head, as the priest genuflects.
Everyone usually stands up now, although some churches stay kneeling,
as one of the following is said:
-Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
Or:
-Praise to you, Lord Jesus, firstborn from the dead!
Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.
Or:
-We are faithful, to your command:
When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory.
Or:
Christ is Lord of all ages!
Lord, by your cross and resurrection you have set us free. You are the Savior of the world.
Again, it’s up to the priest to decide what to pray now, but when he’s done,
he’ll hold up the Body of Christ (it’s on the plate called a paten) and the chalice with the Blood of Christ, and says:
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.
Amen.
It’s time to pray the Lord’s Prayer (the Our Father).
If you’re still kneeling, you should stand up now.
If you want, you can hold your hand towards heaven (just bend your arms at the elbows, and face your palms up).
Some people also like to hold hands now but during the pandemic we are not unless it is your family members
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.
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.
Father will then say a prayer called the embolism and we will respond with the Doxology:
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever.
If you’re still kneeling, you should stand up now.
If you want, you can hold your hand towards heaven (just bend your arms at the elbows, and face your palms up).
Some people also like to hold hands now but during the pandemic we are not unless it is your family members
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.
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.
Father will then say a prayer called the embolism and we will respond with the Doxology:
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever.
This part of the Mass has a special importance and shouldn't be looked over.
We are offering peace to one another and seeking peace & forgiveness as well BEFORE we receive our Lord and Savior. So when you are offered peace and you are offering peace to one another, truly be in that moment and realize that you hold the power to forgive, that same forgiveness we are seeking from our God.
The priest will begin this by saying:
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.
You respond: Amen.
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
You Respond: And with your spirit.
The priest then says:
Let us offer each other the sign of peace.
It’s now time to give the sign of peace.
It’s not time to say, “Hi, how ya doing?”
but time to shake hands with the people around you, and say to them,
“Peace be with you.”
We are offering peace to one another and seeking peace & forgiveness as well BEFORE we receive our Lord and Savior. So when you are offered peace and you are offering peace to one another, truly be in that moment and realize that you hold the power to forgive, that same forgiveness we are seeking from our God.
The priest will begin this by saying:
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.
You respond: Amen.
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
You Respond: And with your spirit.
The priest then says:
Let us offer each other the sign of peace.
It’s now time to give the sign of peace.
It’s not time to say, “Hi, how ya doing?”
but time to shake hands with the people around you, and say to them,
“Peace be with you.”
Stop shaking hands now, and say:
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.
As this is being said, the priest breaks a piece of Christ’s Body in two, and drops a small piece of it into the chalice of Christ’s Blood. As he does this, he quietly prays:
May this mingling of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life to us who receive it.
PRIVATE PREPARATION OF THE PRIEST
The priest now whispers a special prayer for himself that goes something like this:
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.
PREPARATION FOR THE COMMUNITY
The priest genuflects, holds up the broken pieces of Christ’s Body, and says:
This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper.
We respond with:
Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.
The priest quietly prays:
May the body of Christ bring me to everlasting life.
Then he eats the Body of Christ, and picks up the chalice of Christ’s Blood.
He quietly prays:
May the blood of Christ bring me to everlasting life.
Then he drinks the Blood of Christ.
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.
As this is being said, the priest breaks a piece of Christ’s Body in two, and drops a small piece of it into the chalice of Christ’s Blood. As he does this, he quietly prays:
May this mingling of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life to us who receive it.
PRIVATE PREPARATION OF THE PRIEST
The priest now whispers a special prayer for himself that goes something like this:
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.
PREPARATION FOR THE COMMUNITY
The priest genuflects, holds up the broken pieces of Christ’s Body, and says:
This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper.
We respond with:
Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.
The priest quietly prays:
May the body of Christ bring me to everlasting life.
Then he eats the Body of Christ, and picks up the chalice of Christ’s Blood.
He quietly prays:
May the blood of Christ bring me to everlasting life.
Then he drinks the Blood of Christ.
Now it’s time for everyone to eat and drink Christ’s Body and Blood, and a song might be sung at this time.
Now the Body and Blood of Christ is very sacred, and only Catholics (not Protestants) that have had their First Communion can receive it.
If you cannot receive the Body and Blood of Christ, you can still go up for a blessing. To show that you only want a blessing, cross both of your hands over you heart when you go up.
Some people will sit while they’re waiting to go up, but King Jesus is still in the room, so STAY STANDING!
When you get up there, look into the eyes of the person giving out the Body of Christ as he/she says:
The body of Christ.
Keep looking into his/ her eyes, and say:
Amen.
To take the Body of Christ in your hand, place your right hand under your left, and remember that you’re holding the most precious thing there is. Put it in your mouth, and check for any crumbs so you can eat them as well (these crumbs are also the Body of Christ). After consuming, you do the sign of the cross.
DO NOT walk around with it in your hands, and DO NOT give it to anybody else.
If you’re only coming up for a blessing, get the blessing from a person handing out the Body of Christ.
The Blood of Christ is not offered at this time, but if and when it comes back you hold the same reverence. Don't take a huge gulp, you only need to touch your lips to the chalice. After consuming, you do the sign of the cross.
Now you go back to your seat. Some people will sit, and others will kneel.
Sing the Communion song or say a quiet prayer to yourself thanking Jesus for becoming one with you.
PERIOD OF SILENCE
Now is the time to kneel and pray.
A good prayer to pray is:
Lord, may I receive these gifts in purity of heart.
May they bring me healing and strength, now and for ever. Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
When the priest stands up again, so do you, and he prays a short prayer that ends something like:
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Amen.
Now the Body and Blood of Christ is very sacred, and only Catholics (not Protestants) that have had their First Communion can receive it.
If you cannot receive the Body and Blood of Christ, you can still go up for a blessing. To show that you only want a blessing, cross both of your hands over you heart when you go up.
Some people will sit while they’re waiting to go up, but King Jesus is still in the room, so STAY STANDING!
When you get up there, look into the eyes of the person giving out the Body of Christ as he/she says:
The body of Christ.
Keep looking into his/ her eyes, and say:
Amen.
To take the Body of Christ in your hand, place your right hand under your left, and remember that you’re holding the most precious thing there is. Put it in your mouth, and check for any crumbs so you can eat them as well (these crumbs are also the Body of Christ). After consuming, you do the sign of the cross.
DO NOT walk around with it in your hands, and DO NOT give it to anybody else.
If you’re only coming up for a blessing, get the blessing from a person handing out the Body of Christ.
The Blood of Christ is not offered at this time, but if and when it comes back you hold the same reverence. Don't take a huge gulp, you only need to touch your lips to the chalice. After consuming, you do the sign of the cross.
Now you go back to your seat. Some people will sit, and others will kneel.
Sing the Communion song or say a quiet prayer to yourself thanking Jesus for becoming one with you.
PERIOD OF SILENCE
Now is the time to kneel and pray.
A good prayer to pray is:
Lord, may I receive these gifts in purity of heart.
May they bring me healing and strength, now and for ever. Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
When the priest stands up again, so do you, and he prays a short prayer that ends something like:
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Amen.
CONCLUDING RITES
The Final Blessing
GREETING
The priest will begin:
The Lord be with you.
Your response is:
And with your spirit.
BLESSING
Everyone makes the sign of the Cross again, as the priest says:
May almighty God bless you, the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
~Notice the priest didn’t cross himself, but crossed everyone else.
There are a few other blessings the priest can use.
Some have a few verses which everyone answers with “Amen.”
DISMISSAL
The priest then lets you know that everything is over by saying something like:
Go in the peace of Christ.
Our response:
Thanks be to God.
The last song is sung now.
The priest kisses the altar again (not all priests do this),
then he and the helpers go in front of the altar, bow, than leave.
Most people pray a little bit more now.
Some kneel and others sit.
You should stay in your seat until you are instructed that it is time for your row to leave.
It is important to leave quietly
and we hope you enjoy the Mass.
The priest will begin:
The Lord be with you.
Your response is:
And with your spirit.
BLESSING
Everyone makes the sign of the Cross again, as the priest says:
May almighty God bless you, the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
~Notice the priest didn’t cross himself, but crossed everyone else.
There are a few other blessings the priest can use.
Some have a few verses which everyone answers with “Amen.”
DISMISSAL
The priest then lets you know that everything is over by saying something like:
Go in the peace of Christ.
Our response:
Thanks be to God.
The last song is sung now.
The priest kisses the altar again (not all priests do this),
then he and the helpers go in front of the altar, bow, than leave.
Most people pray a little bit more now.
Some kneel and others sit.
You should stay in your seat until you are instructed that it is time for your row to leave.
It is important to leave quietly
and we hope you enjoy the Mass.