Sunday Mass
First time at Mass? Here's what's actually happening and why.
A Sunday Mass lasts about an hour. You can sit with everyone and follow along. Stand, sit, and kneel when the people around you do. Nobody expects you to know it yet.
Communion is for Catholics who are prepared. If you are not Catholic, you are welcome to stay in your seat and pray. In many parishes you may also come forward with arms crossed for a blessing.
Introductory Rites
01
Entrance
Stand
Everyone stands as Mass begins. (Some parishes ring a bell first.) A hymn begins, and the priest and servers walk to the altar.
I rejoiced when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord.
Based on Psalm 122:1
02
Sign of the Cross
Stand
Everyone makes the Sign of the Cross with the priest. He says, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” and you answer, “Amen.” Then he greets you, “The Lord be with you,” and you answer, “And with your spirit.”
Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Based on Matthew 28:19
03
Lord, have mercy
Stand
We tell God we are sorry. You may hear “Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.” Sometimes everyone says the “I confess” together.
O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
Based on Luke 18:13
04
Gloria
Stand
A song of praise, sung or said on Sundays and feast days. It is left out on Sundays in Advent and Lent, and on most weekdays.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will.
Based on Luke 2:14
05
Opening Prayer
Stand
The priest says, “Let us pray,” and gathers everyone’s prayer into one. This short prayer is called the Collect. Then everyone sits.
Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Based on Matthew 18:20
Liturgy of the Word
06
First Reading
Sit
A reader proclaims a passage, usually from the Old Testament. At the end the reader says, “The word of the Lord,” and you answer, “Thanks be to God.”
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching.
Based on 2 Timothy 3:16
07
Responsorial Psalm
Sit
A psalm is sung. You repeat a short line between the verses. It is a prayer, not a performance.
Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.
Based on Colossians 3:16
08
Second Reading
Sit
On Sundays and big feasts, a second reading comes from the letters of the apostles. Weekday Mass usually skips this.
They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles.
Based on Acts 2:42
09
Gospel Acclamation
Stand
Everyone stands. An Alleluia is sung before the Gospel. In Lent the Alleluia is not sung. Another line of praise is used instead.
Alleluia. Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.
Based on Revelation 19:1
10
Gospel
Stand
The priest or deacon reads from Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Many people make a small cross on the forehead, the lips, and the heart. This is the high point of the readings.
Blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.
Based on Luke 11:28
11
Homily
Sit
Everyone sits. The priest or deacon explains the readings and how to live them. Just listen.
Beginning with Moses, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures.
Based on Luke 24:27
12
Creed
Stand
On Sundays and solemnities you stand and say the Creed, the Church’s summary of the faith. Most parishes use the Nicene Creed. Bow at the words about Jesus becoming man.
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart, you will be saved.
Based on Romans 10:9
13
Prayers of the Faithful
Stand
A reader names people and needs: the Church, the world, the sick, the dead. After each one you answer, “Lord, hear our prayer.”
I ask that prayers and thanksgivings be offered for everyone.
Based on 1 Timothy 2:1
Liturgy of the Eucharist
14
Offertory
Sit
You sit while the altar is prepared. People bring forward bread and wine. A collection may be taken. These are gifts, not a show.
Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine.
Based on Genesis 14:18
15
Prayer over the Offerings
Stand
The priest asks you to pray that God will accept the sacrifice. You answer, “May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands.”
From the rising of the sun to its setting, a pure offering is made to my name.
Based on Malachi 1:11
16
Holy, Holy, Holy
Stand, then kneel
The priest prays the Preface, a prayer of thanks. Then everyone sings “Holy, Holy, Holy.” In the United States, you kneel when that hymn ends.
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts. The whole earth is full of his glory.
Based on Isaiah 6:3
17
Consecration
Kneel
This is the center of Mass. The priest prays the Eucharistic Prayer. He says Jesus’ words over the bread and wine. The Church believes they become Christ’s Body and Blood. Bells often ring. Look up if you can. A quiet bow is enough if you cannot kneel.
This is my body. This is my blood of the covenant, poured out for many.
Based on Matthew 26:26-28
18
Great Amen
Kneel, then stand
The priest lifts the Body and Blood of Christ. You sing a strong “Amen,” which means “Yes. This is true.” Then you stand for the Our Father.
Through him we say our Amen to God.
Based on 2 Corinthians 1:20
19
Our Father
Stand
Everyone prays the Our Father together. The priest then prays for peace and deliverance from evil, and everyone answers, “For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever.”
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Based on Matthew 6:9
20
Sign of Peace
Stand
You offer a simple sign of peace to the people near you, often a handshake or a bow. You are wishing them the peace of Christ, not starting a conversation.
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you.
Based on John 14:27
21
Lamb of God
Stand, then kneel
The priest breaks the host. Everyone sings “Lamb of God.” Then everyone kneels (in the United States). The priest holds up the host and says, “Behold the Lamb of God.” You answer, “Lord, I am not worthy.”
Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
Based on John 1:29
22
Communion
Stand
Catholics who are ready walk up to receive the Body of Christ, and often the Blood. Receive on the tongue or in the hand, as you wish. Communion is for Catholics who are prepared. If you are not Catholic, you are welcome to stay in your seat and pray. In many parishes you may also come forward with arms crossed for a blessing.
The bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.
Based on John 6:51
23
Prayer after Communion
Sit, then stand
There is a quiet moment. Then the priest says, “Let us pray,” and offers a short prayer asking that Communion bear fruit in our lives. You stand and answer, “Amen.”
What shall I return to the Lord for all he has given me?
Based on Psalm 116:12
Concluding Rites
24
Blessing and dismissal
Stand
The priest blesses you with the Sign of the Cross. Then he sends you out. You will hear “Go in peace,” and you answer, “Thanks be to God.”
The Lord bless you and keep you.
Based on Numbers 6:24
25
Recessional
Stand
Many parishes sing a closing hymn as the priest and servers leave. You may stay and pray, or go. Mass is over. The life it sends you into is not.
The Lord will guard your coming and your going.
Based on Psalm 121:8
26
Prayer to St. Michael
Stand
This is not part of the Mass. Many parishes add it after the dismissal. Everyone prays to St. Michael for protection. If your parish does not, Mass has already ended.
War broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon.
Based on Revelation 12:7