Anatomy of a Catholic Mass

The ancient symbols in the Catholic Mass help me appreciate my relationship with the Savior.


1. Catholic Rites

Greeters - There are actual greeters that stand at the doors and welcome congregationalists. Everyone likes to be greeted and made felt welcome. I think we should all serve this function for one another. Noobs should be recognized and given a special hello and handed a hymnal.

Use of Water - When congregationalists enter the church, they dip the fingers of their right hand in a basin of holy water and make sign of cross to remind them of their baptismal covenant.

Genuflections - In medieval Europe, the custom was to kneel before a king or person of rank or authority. This secular tradition was adopted by the Church. Many people today express reverence with a similar but even older custom of bowing to the alter before taking their seats.

Priest's Greeting - The priest makes the sign of cross to, again, remind congregationalists of their baptismal covenant - The priest addresses the congregation, "The Lord be with you." This is scripture, found in Ruth 2:4. It is in reference to Boaz's address to Ruth when he returns from Bethlehem. That response has also now become ritual, and is returned by the congregation, "And also with you."

The Penitential Rite/ Gloria - [Opening Hymn] To remind the congregation of their common need for salvation.

Opening Prayer - The priest will then ask the assembly to join minds and hearts in prayer. After a few moments of silence, he will collect the congregation's intentions as one in prayer, to which all respond "amen" [Hebrew "So be it"].

2. Storytelling

Liturgy of the word - When at a friends' home, one always begins with conversation or telling stories. At mass, these stories are readings from the scriptures God's chosen people.

Three Readings & a Psalm -
a. First, a Hebrew scripture is read. The congregation is to recall the origins of their covenant. The message will offer background and insight into the reading of the Gospel section of the New Testament.
- Sing or recite a psalm [rest hymn]
b. Read an apostolic writing from the New Testament.
c. Reading from one of the four Gospels.

Standing for the gospel - Because of the unique presence of Christ in the Gospels, it is customary to stand in attentive reverence to hear these words. Like Catholics, Latter-Day Saints believe that Christ "is present in his word, since it is he, himself, who speaks when the holy scriptures are read in the church." [corroborated in DC 6:32, DC 1:38]. The priest closes the three readings with, "The Lord be with you." His thumb makes a cross over forehead, lips and heart while praying silently that God cleans his mind and heart so that his lips may worthily proclaim the Gospel. The priest concludes, "the Gospel of the Lord." The congregation returns, "praise to you Lord, Jesus Christ."

Homily [sermon] - The homily takes that word and brings it to our life situation. Just like bread must be broken to feed individuals, the word must also be broken open so it can be received and digested by the congregation.

Creed - Followed by moments of silence to express appreciation to God for hearing the word and are given time to apply. The congregation stands and recites the creed, which is a statement of faith that leads us to give our lives for one another as Christ gave his life for us.

General Intersessions - Just before the Eucharist is presented, the congregation is given a moment for introspection. During this time, congregationalists are to look into the readings like a mirror and ask, "is that who we are?" "Does the Body of Christ present reflect the picture of what we should be in the scriptures?" Usually not! And so, adjustments are made, in four categories:
*The Church
*Nations & leaders
*People in special need
*The local needs of our parish
The priest will announce the petition and the congregation is given as opportunity to pray for the intentions of our hearts and make some common response like, "Lord, hear our prayer."

3. Meal Sharing - When inviting someone to eat at your home, one first sets the table, says grace, then shares food. The same happens during the communion.

Preparations of the Gifts - Early Christians brought their own bread and wine with extra for the clergy and the poor. Today a collection plate is passed. The bread, water, and money are brought to the priest. He then mixes water with wine, and washes his hands. The priest then offers a prayer that the sacrifices be acceptable to God. The congregation joins in, "Amen."

The Eucharist Prayer - Center of the Mass

Eucharist, is a Greek verb, "to give thanks and praise." Though the words may vary, the structure is to remain the same.
*Call upon God to remember all the savings deeds in our history.
*Recall the central event in our history, Christ's passion, death, and resurrection.
*Gratefully recall God's saving acts for us and petition that they continue.
*Transubstantiation occurs.

The Communion Rite

*"Our Father" and "sign of peace"
*Invitation to communion. Congregationalists approach the alter.
*As God fed our ancestors in the descent, so God gives us food for our journey. "The body of Christ." "Amen." "The blood of Christ." "Amen." Usually sing hymn to unite voices, minds and thoughts as the body and blood of Christ unites our bodies. Pray silently thanking and praising God for all that the sacrament promises.

4. The Commissioning - Congregationalists are admonished to "live the Eucharist."

Announcements - Return now to the burdens left at the door, strengthened by participating in this Eucharist and community. Any upcoming activities. The priest extends a farewell to the congregation, "The Lord be with you."

Blessing and Dismissal - Assembly bows head for a blessing. Priest names Trinity/congregation sign the cross. Priest says, "Go in peace." Congregation returns, "Thanks be to God."

Living the Eucharist in the world - When a married couple leaves their wedding ceremony, they take their marriage with them. And what happens in the next days and years after their wedding gives deeper meaning to the symbols [their rings] they have exchanged.