Mass in the Catholic Church
- The Mass in the Catholic Church is a religious ceremony where the faithful gather to worship God and receive the Holy Eucharist, which is believed to be the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The Mass is central to the Christian faith and is celebrated daily worldwide. It is structured into two main parts: the* **Liturgy of the Word** *and the* **Liturgy of the Eucharist**. *The* **Liturgy of the Word** *consists of readings from the Bible, including the Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospels. This is followed by a homily, where a priest or deacon delivers a sermon to interpret and relate the readings to the congregation's lives.*
- The* **Liturgy of the Eucharist** *starts with the preparation of the gifts, where bread and wine are brought to the altar. These elements are then consecrated during the Eucharistic Prayer, transforming them into the actual body and blood of Christ. The congregation participates in the* **Lord's Prayer** *and the* **Sign of Peace** *before receiving the Eucharist. The Mass concludes with the* **Final Blessing** *and the* **Dismissal**, *sending the congregation out to live their lives in accordance with the teachings they have just received.*
- The Mass is celebrated in various forms, depending on the liturgical season and the community's traditions. It can include prayers, hymns, and rituals that engage the senses and deepen the worship experience. The celebration is steeped in history, with roots that can be traced back to the Last Supper, when Jesus instituted the Eucharist.*
Mass In The Catholic Church Media
Depiction of the first Mass in Chile, by Pedro Subercaseaux
Altar of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, Rome.
Mass in the Grotto of the Annunciation, Nazareth.
Mass at the Grotto at Lourdes. The chalice is displayed to the faithful immediately after the consecration of the wine.
Hand-holding in an African-American parish in Oklahoma City
Sunday night student Mass at Rockhurst U., USA
Tridentine Mass celebrated by the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter