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The Mass has two main parts:

• the liturgy of the Word (focused on the Bible)
• the liturgy of the Eucharist (Holy Communion)

In the first part people express sorrow for sins, listen to Bible readings, hear a sermon, recite creeds and offer prayers for the Church and the world.

In the second part bread and wine are offered to God. These are consecrated and received by the congregation. An important prayer said during this part is the Lord’s Prayer, also called the ‘Our Father’, which was taught by Jesus himself.

The order of the Mass

Usually the service will begin with the priest welcoming the congregation with the greeting, “The Lord be with you.” The congregation will respond, “And with you.”

Then the priest will lead the Church in prayer to ask God to forgive them for the wrong they have done. This is sometimes referred to as the Penitential Rite. The wording may be:

Priest: “Lord, we have sinned against you: Lord, have mercy.”

Congregation: “Lord, have mercy.”

Priest: “Lord, show us your mercy and love.”

Congregation: “And grant us your salvation.”

Priest: “May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.”

Congregation: “A�����.”

Next comes the liturgy of the Word. At this point the Bible is read. The priest will explain the reading and apply it to the lives of the congregation to show them how they should live. This is called the homily.

People are called to reflect on what they believe by saying the creed (statement of faith) together.

Prayers are said asking God to help others.

Sometimes an offering is collected to show care for others.

Next comes the liturgy of the Eucharist. The bread and wine are consecrated – this is when the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus. The bread and wine are no longer just ordinary substances.

People will say the Lord’s Prayer.

The people shake hands as a sign of peace.

This is followed by the Communion rite.

The priest will say, “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb. Lord, I am not worthy but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

Each person comes forward to receive communion. The priest says to each person, “The body of Christ. The blood of Christ.”

The cup and plate are cleaned so nothing is left.

The Mass finishes with a final blessing.