Outline of the Mass
The celebration of Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life. Jesus is there and His sacrifice is made present again. We are required to participate at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.

INTRODUCTORY RITES – prepare to celebrate the Eucharist

  • Entrance Procession with Gathering Song
  • Sign of Cross and Greeting
  • Penitential Rite – remember sins and ask for God’s mercy
  • Gloria (Sundays and feasts) – praise God
  • Opening Prayer – helps us focus on the theme of Mass for Day

LITURGY OF THE WORD – hear God’s plan for salvation, God Speaks to us

  • First Reading – Usually from Old Testament
  • Responsorial Psalm – Book of Psalms
  • Second Reading – New Testament, Letters
  • Gospel Acclamation – Alleluia is sung, or other acclamation during Lent
  • Third Reading – from one of four Gospels
  • Homily – Priest or Deacon explain God’s Word
  • Profession of Faith – Nicene Creed, belief in Father, Son and Holy Spirit
  • General Intercessions – pray for our needs and needs of others

LITURGY OF EUCHARIST – God becomes present in the Eucharist

  • The Preparation & Presentation of Gifts – bread and wine brought to altar
  • Prayer over the Gifts – priest prays God will accept our sacrifice
  • Eucharistic Prayer – Center of Mass when bread and wine become Body and Blood
    • Preface – We give thanks and praise
    • Holy, Holy – We sing an acclamation of praise
    • Consecration- by power of Holy Spirit bread and wine become Body and Blood of Jesus
    • Memorial Acclamation – We proclaim the mystery of faith
    • Great Amen – We affirm words and actions of Eucharistic Prayer
  • Communion Rite
    • Lord’s Prayer – Prayer Jesus taught us
    • Sign of Peace
    • Breaking of Bread and Lamb of God – we pray for forgiveness, mercy, and peace
    • Communion – We receive Body and Blood of Jesus
    • Prayer After Communion – We pray in thanksgiving for Eucharist

CONCLUDING RITE- sent forth to serve Lord and one another

  • Final Blessing
  • Dismissal
  • Closing Procession

Holy Days of Obligation
January 1, Mary, Mother of God
Ascension Thursday – 40 days after Easter , when Jesus returned to Heaven
August 15, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
November 1 – All Saints Day
December 8 – Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Mary free from sin from moment of conception
December 25 – Christmas