The Holy Mass

The Mass is the most important prayer of the Church. At the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and wine and said, “This is my Body… This is my Blood… Do this in memory of me.”

The Mass has two main parts:

The Liturgy of the Word. We listen to readings from the Bible. The priest or deacon reads the Gospel, the words and actions of Jesus, and then explains them in the homily.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist. The priest offers bread and wine. At the consecration, by the power of the Holy Spirit and the words of Jesus, they become the Body and Blood of Jesus. Jesus is truly present! We receive him in Holy Communion.

At the end, the priest sends us out to love and serve the Lord.

How to take part well:

• Arrive early and be quiet before Mass begins.
• Sing, pray the responses, and listen.
• Make the sign of reverence (genuflect or bow) towards the tabernacle.
• Thank Jesus quietly after Communion.