Parts of the Mass

Mass is an important part of our Tradition, of how our faith is lived and passed on. It is where our spirits are filled with God’s grace and love, and where we find community.

At Mass, by the power of the Holy Spirit, God is present to us. We are filled with His Word as we listen to the Scripture readings. 

Jesus is there with us in the Gospels, in the people, in the priest, and most especially in the Eucharist.

Through the Mass we draw close to God and feel the Holy Spirit at work in our hearts. We become more aware of God’s presence in our lives and how we can live by His will, not only in our own lives but also as part of the parish community and the whole Church.

We are blessed with God’s grace and strengthened to live out our mission as the Body of Christ on Earth.

Scripture is an important part of the Mass. Hearing God’s Word connects us with God, the stories of God’s people, and the history of the Church.

There are many examples of prayers and words used in our liturgies that come directly from Scripture. 

We hear Scripture readings during the Liturgy of the Word, and we are reminded of the words of Christ at the Last Supper in the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Thanksgiving --We thank God for His blessings: “Heavenly Father, we thank you…”

Contrition --We ask God for forgiveness: “I confess to almighty God and to you my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned.”

Adoration-- We praise God: “Glory to God in the Highest…”

Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds-- We profess and pray our beliefs.

Readings --Some of the Scriptures contain prayers.

Homilies--The priest or deacon may end his homily with a prayer.

Prayer of the Faithful--We ask God for help for ourselves and others: “We pray to the Lord…”

Presentation of the Gifts--As the gifts are brought up, we offer God all that we have, do, and are.

Eucharistic Prayers--We are united with Jesus and one another.

The Lord’s Prayer--We pray to the Father in the words Jesus taught us.

Sacred music, and processional and recessional hymns--We express our faith through song.

Meditative Prayer--We meditate on Jesus’ presence after we receive communion