Parts of a Mass

Here are the different parts of a Mass (from USCCB).

Especially for RCIA participants (Catechumens and Candidates) and the newly baptized, it is best to use the Sunday Missal (placed in the church pews) to guide you and help you focus on the Mass.

The Mass is made up of two principal parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

For more details, see The Structure of the Mass, Its Elements, and Its Parts.

Introductory Rites

• Entrance - Procession of the altar servers, lectors, communion ministers, and the priest(s)

• Greeting

• Penitential Act

• Glory to God

• Collect - gathers the prayers of all into one and disposes all to hear the Word of God in the context of the celebration

Liturgy of the Word

In the Liturgy of the Word, the Church feeds the people of God from the table of his Word (cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 51). The Scriptures are the word of God, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. In the Scriptures, God speaks to us, leading us along the path to salvation. (from USCCB)

• 1st Reading

• Responsorial Psalm - sung between the readings. The psalm helps us to meditate on the word of God.

• 2nd Reading (on Sundays and Solemnities)

• Gospel Acclamation

• Gospel

• Homily

• Profession of Faith (on Sundays, solemnities, and special occasions)

• Prayer of the Faithful (or the Universal Prayer) - The gathered assembly intercedes with God on behalf of the Church, the world, and themselves, entrusting their needs to the faithful and loving God.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

The following timeline follows the traditional Liturgy of the Eucharist (from USCCB)

• Presentation of the Gifts and Preparation of the Altar

• Prayer over the Offering

• Eucharistic Prayer

  • • Preface

    • Holy, Holy, Holy

    • First half of prayer, including Consecration

    • Mystery of Faith

    • Second half of prayer, ending with Doxology

• The Lord's Prayer

• Sign of Peace

• Lamb of God

• Communion

• Prayer after Communion

Concluding Rites

• Optional announcements

• Greeting and Blessing

• Dismissal