Catholic Mass

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There is a set pattern for the things that happen in Mass. Communion and Eucharist are different names for Mass.

The priest welcomes everybody and then asks God to forgive their sins (wrongdoings). Penitential means being sorry. The people who go to mass are sorry for their sins. It is a good way to start the mass. If you go for a meal at someone's house but you have fallen out with them, you would make friends before your meal. The penitential rite is a bit like this.

This sounds complicated, but it is just the bit when a part of the Bible is read. Then the priest explains the Bible reading and how it affects the way people should live. This called the Sermon or Homily.

Creed and Bidding Prayers

A creed is said out loud by everyone. It is about what they believe in, including God, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and the Church. The bidding prayers are a group of prayers about people near and far who need help. After each prayer the congregation responds with "Lord, graciously hear."

Offertory

There is a collection of money, which represents an offering of our lives to God. The priest says a prayer over the bread and wine, and the offerings.

This is a whole series of prayers said to get ready for the actual communion. Some are said by the priest, some by the congregation. In the middle is the consecration of the bread and wine. It is here that Catholics believe that the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Jesus. This belief is called transubstantiation. At the consecration of the bread and wine, bells are rung to show that it is no longer bread and wine but has become the body and blood of Christ. This is a triple ring representing the Trinity.

Everyone says the Lord's Prayer together. Then they offer each other a sign of peace by shaking hands or hugging.

The priest receives communion first. He has the bread and then the wine. Because of transubstantiation he believes this to be the body and blood of Jesus. Then the congregation receives communion. As each person receives Jesus in the form of the bread and wine, the priest says, "The body of Christ" and "The blood of Christ".

The paten and chalice are purified after the body and blood of Christ have been received. They are carefully cleaned with water to be sure that no fragments or droplets are left.