The Mass: Structure

In its structure, the Mass has always included 5 basic parts:

1. The Introductory and Penitential Rite (asking for forgiveness of our sins); and
2. The Liturgy of the Word (readings from the sacred Scriptures); and
3. The Liturgy of the Eucharist (breaking of the bread, thanksgiving and consecration).
4. The Communion Rite; (after the consecration and in further preparation of receiving the living Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, true God and true man) and
5. The Concluding Rite.

The content of these parts can vary according to the different Catholic traditions around the world, but in England we practice the Roman Rite.

The purpose of this part of the Mass is to make the assembled people a unified community and to prepare them properly to listen to God's Word and celebrate the Eucharist.

Once the Entrance Song or Antiphon is sung or said, the Priest kisses the altar as a sign of veneration and the symbolism of Christ as the altar. The priest may then incense the altar. The sign of the cross is then made and the priest greets the people.

The priest then invites the congregation to take part in the penitential rite, which is a general confession made by the entire assembly and is concluded by the priest's plea to God on behalf of those present for His forgiveness and mercy.

This is immediately followed by the Kyrie Eleison (Lord Have Mercy) and depending on the time of the year and day, the Gloria (an ancient hymn that praises and prays to God) is sung or said.

The priest then collects and focuses the assemblies attention by offering the Opening Prayer (aka Collect) which expresses the theme of the celebration and provides a readiness to hear the Word of God.

The Word of God is then proclaimed. First are readings from the Old or New Testaments (or both) followed by the responsorial psalms. Then the priest or deacon proclaims a reading from one of the 4 Gospels. These readings are selected by the Catholic Church as part of a cycle over a 3 year period on Sundays, and on weekdays over a 2 year period. A sermon/homily is then usually given by the priest or deacon which ellucidates on the Scripture and it's application to the community's lives.

On Sundays and special feast days we then profess the Nicene Creed - a profession of the Catholic Faith crystallised at the Council of Nicea in 325 AD. The Prayer of the Faithful, following the homily or Nicene Crede then presents to God the prayers and petitions of the gathered community, so that they may be offered to God the Father in union with Christ who constantly intercedes for us to the Father.

Next comes the Preparation of the Gifts in readiness for the Offering made during the Eurcharistic Prayer. At this preparation, the priest asks God to bless and approve the bread and wine which will later become the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ. It is at this point that the Catholics at Mass are presenting themselves also to prepare themselves for the Eucharist, and humbly asking God to accept and purify that intention and to unite them with the eternal and pure offering of Jesus Himself.

During this Preparation of the Gifts, the priest prays that the Holy Spirit will make the bread and wine acceptable, an offering "in spirit and in truth".

Next comes the Eucharistic Prayer at which point the congregation kneel in readiness to greet the coming of Jesus, True God and True Man at the point of consecration. This is when the words of the consecration that Jesus himself gave us - "This is my body...This is my blood..." and "Do this in memory of me..." are used. As the priest speaks in persona Christi (in the person of Christ), it is at this point that the bread and wine truly change in substance to become the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ physically present on the altar. This is called transubstantiation.

At the Consecration, the saving death and resurrection of Christ is commemorated explicitly. The Eucharistic Prayer continues to then offer prayers for the whole Church, the pope and bishops, and all the church's members, living and dead.

In immediate preparation for receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the congregation prays the Lord's Prayer together and usually at this point greet one another with a sign of peace (handshake), to express unity, peace and reconciliation with each other and with the Lord. All Catholics who are not living in a state of serious unrepented sin are then encouraged to receive the Lord's Body and Blood in Holy Communion. This Communion is a communion not only with our Lord and Saviour, but also with every member of the Catholic Church, living and dead so as to be joined with them in a mystically physical and spiritual way through space and time in common faith and love.

The Mass then draws to a conclusion after having reached its climax in Holy Communion by the priest's blessing and prayer which directs the congregation to go out into the world and respond to the grace given in the Mass to live as Witnesses to the Truth.

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