The Mass can be roughly divided into four sections which can be summed up in one word each:1. Come - We come together in Mass as one Body, gathering before our Lord2. Listen - Listening to the Bible readings, the Word of our Lord and Homily3. Do - Praying and participating in the Eucharist, becoming One with Him4. Go - The sendoff where we bring this message to all the world

ComeEntrance Procession: Priest, deacon, altar servers and lectors enter the church or designated place for celebration of the liturgy.Entrance Hymn/Song or Gathering Hymn: The song/music which takes place during the entrance procession.Veneration of the Altar: The reverencing of the altar with a kiss by the bishop or priest who presides at the service followed by the other bishops, priests and deacons, and the optional use of incense.Greeting: The celebrant greets all present at the liturgy, announcing the presence of the Lord to the assembled community.Penitential Rite: A general admission of sinfulness by the entire assembly, accompanied by requests for God's mercy and forgiveness.Gloria: Ancient hymn of praise to glorify God. It is used on all Sundays (outside of Advent and Lent) and solemn celebrations. The text originates from the Christmas narrative in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:14).Opening Prayer: This prayer by the celebrant expresses the general theme of the celebration.

ListenLiturgy of the Word: The Liturgy of the Word consists of Scripture readings that are proclaimed and reflected upon. Usually, there are three readings: an Old Testament selection, a New Testament selection (from the books other than the Gospels), and the Gospel reading. A responsorial psalm occurs between the Old and New Testament readings.Responsorial Psalm:  Between the first and second readings, a psalm is spoken or sung by the entire assembly. The response is repeated after each verse. If sung, a cantor or choir sings the verses of the psalm.Alleluia Acclamation: This acclamation of praise to God follows the second reading and prepares the assembly for the Gospel.

Homily: The homily (sermon) is a reflection by the celebrant or other minister on the Scripture readings and the application of the texts in the daily lives of the assembled community.

DoProfession of Faith: The assembly together recalls and proclaims the fundamental teachings of the Roman Catholic faith. The Profession of Faith, also referred to as the Creed, is used on all Sundays and Holy Days. The Profession of Faith may be either the Nicene Creed or the Apostles' Creed.General Intercessions: Prayers of intercession for the Church, civil authorities, those with various needs and for the needs and salvation of the world. The celebrant invites all to pray, another minister proclaims the prayers of petition and the assembly responds by asking God to hear and to grant their requests.Liturgy of the Eucharist: The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the section of the celebration when the gifts of bread and wine are prepared and the Eucharistic Prayer is proclaimed by the celebrant, and the Blessed Sacrament (Eucharist, Communion) is distributed to the assembly.Preparation of the Gifts: The bread and wine to be used in the celebration are brought to the celebrant, usually by representatives of the faithful.Offertory Hymn/Song: Music used during the presentation of gifts to the celebrant and as the altar is prepared for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.Washing of Hands: This is an expression of the desire for inward purification. The celebrant washes his hands in symbolic cleansing to prepare himself just as the gifts have been prepared as an offering to the Lord.Prayer Over the Gifts: The prayer by the celebrant asking that the gifts to be offered be made holy and acceptable in the eyes of the Lord.Preface Dialogue: The introductory dialogue between the celebrant and assembly in which all are invited to join in prayer and thanksgiving to God called the Sanctus or Holy, Holy, Holy. The community responds to the preface and continues the general theme of praise and thanks.Eucharistic Prayer: The prayer of thanksgiving and sanctification. It is the center and high point of the celebration. During the Eucharistic Prayer, the Church believes that the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Included in the Eucharistic Prayer are the:Consecration: The prayer and blessing during which the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.Memorial Acclamation: The Priest declares the mystery of faith and the congregation responds.

Intercessions: A series of prayers for the Church, the world, the Pope, the clergy and the laity, and the dead.Final Doxology: A final prayer of praise of God.Amen: Also called the Great Amen. It is the acclamation by the people expressing their agreement with all that has been said and done in the Eucharistic prayer.The Lord 's Prayer (Our Father): The prayer of petition for our needs and forgiveness of our sins.Doxology: The response of the people acclaiming the sovereignty of God.Sign of Peace: Before sharing the Body of Christ the members of the assembly are invited to express their love and peace with one another, usually through shaking hands or a kiss.Breaking of the Bread: The celebrant carries out the gestures of Christ at the Last Supper when he broke the bread to give to his disciples. The action signifies that in communion the many are made one in the one Bread of Life which is Christ.Lamb of God (Agnus Dei): An invocation during the breaking of the bread in which the assembly petitions God for mercy and peace. Holy Communion: After saying a preparatory prayer, the celebrant (or other designated ministers) gives communion (the consecrated bread and wine which has been changed to the Body and Blood of Jesus) to himself and the other ministers at the altar, and then communion is distributed to the congregation.Communion Song: The music that is sung as the consecrated bread and wine - the Body and Blood of Christ - is distributed to the faithful.Prayer After Communion: The final prayer by the celebrant in which he petitions that the Sacrament be beneficial for all.

GoConcluding Rite: The brief rite which consists of the celebrant's greeting to all present, final blessing and dismissal; followed by a concluding song and the concluding procession.

The Book of Revelation as a model for the Mass

The Book of Revelation is amazing. As well as containing many prophetic statements, it contains a very accurate vision of the Mass as it's taking place in Heaven. The Catholic Mass is an echo on earth, of this beautiful ceremony.

Mass Stuff Revelation Passage Example Text

The Altar

Rev 6:9, 8:3, 5; 9:13, 11:1, 14:18, 16:17

Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at thealtar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne.

Vested priests

Rev 3:5, 3:18, 4:4, 7:13, 14, 22:14

"These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?"... Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.

Candles Rev 4:5 Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing.

Incense andPrayers of the Saints

Rev 5:8, 8:3, 8:4

...and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. (Rev 5:8)

Blood of the Lamb Rev 7:15 ...they have washed their robes and made them white

in theblood of the Lamb.

Holy, Holy, Holy Rev 4:8

Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.

Penitential Rite (repentance)

Rev. 2:5, 16, 21; 3:3; 16:11

Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent.

Silent prayer after Communion

Rev 8:1 ...there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.

Invoking angels Rev 5:11

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.

Gloria

Rev 1:6, 4:9, 11, 5:12,13, 7:12, 11:13, 14:7, 15:4

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor andglory and power, forever and ever!"

Sign of the Cross

Rev 7:3-4, 11:1, 14:1, 22:4

Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God. (Rev 7:3) ... 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads.(14:1)

Hallelujah Rev 19:1, 3, 4, 6

"Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God ... The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: "Amen, Hallelujah!"... . "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.

Liturgical readings Rev 5:1 ...in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a

scroll with writing ...

Lamb of God Rev 5:12

 "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" ...

Eucharist (Manna) Rev 2:17

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. (Note: An entire article on the Eucharist is here)

Mary Rev 12:1-17

A woman ... crown of twelve stars on her head... pregnant ... gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations ... And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne...Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring—those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus. (note: a full exploration of Mary in Scripture is here)

Relics of Saints under the Altar

Rev 6:9I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.

Bible references for the Catholic Mass(See Mass references in the Book of Revelation)INTRODUCTORY RITES

 

WE STAND UP

ENTRANCE SONG

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.

Biblical Foundation

Mt   28:19I Chron 16:36

II Cor 13:13

PENITENTIAL RITE

My brothers and sisters, to prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us call to mind our sins:

I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault in my thoughts and in my words, in what l have done, and in what l have failed to do. And l ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God. 

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. 

James 5:16Rom 12:16; James 3:6

I Thes 5:25

Rev 5:11, 6:9

Rev. 2:5,16,21; 3:3; 16:11

I Jn 1:9

 

Tobit 8:4; I Tim 1:2;Psm 51

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

GLORIAGlory to God in the highest,

and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

OPENING PRAYERThis prayer, said by the priest, is different in each single mass. Whe he finish we answer: Amen

WE TAKE A SEAT  

GLORIALk. 2:14

Rev 19:6Rev 22:9; Eph 5:20; Rev 7:2

II Jn 3; Phil 2:11; Jn 1:29

 

Rom 8:34Lk 4:34; Lk 1:32

Jn 14:26

LITURGY OF THE WORD

FIRST READINGThe Word of the Lord / Thanks be to God

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

SECOND READINGThe Word of the Lord / Thanks be to God

Text related to the readings of the Day

Old Testament / Acts of the Apostles

Psalm

New Testament 

PsalmII Cor 1:2

ALLELUIAWE STAND UP

The Lord be with you. And also with you. 

A reading from the holy gospel according to... Glory to you, Lord. ( GOSPEL )

This is the gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

HOMILY WE TAKE A SIT

WE STAND UP

CREED OR THE PROFESSION OF FAITH

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL OR GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

Gospel- Explanation of ReadingsDeut 6:4 Gen 14:19 Gen 1:1Jn 3:16 Acts 2:36Lk 1:35Matt 1:22-23Jn 19:1-2, 17-19I Pe 3:18-19I Cor 15:3-4Mk 16:19Acts 10:42. II Tim 4:1Acts 2:17 Rom 5:5Mt. 16:18. Rom 12:5Rev 5:1, 7:9, 22:5, 20Jn 20:23Rom 8, 11I Tim 2:1-2

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARISTWE TAKE A SEAT

PRESENTATION OF GIFTS

COLLECTION

Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life. Blessed be God for ever. 

Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. I will become our spiritual drink. Blessed be God for ever.

Pray, brethren, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father. 

May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good, and the good of all his Church. 

WE STAND UP

Acts 4:35 - II Cor 9:12-13

Eccl 3:14 Sirach 17

 

Jn 6:35Psm 68, 36

Lk 22:17-18

Psm 68:36

 

Heb 12:28

 

Psm 50:23

 

Text related to the readings of the Day 

II Cor 1:2Lam 3:41Col 3:17Col 1:3

 

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTSThis prayer, said by the priest, is different in each single mass. Whe he finish we answer: Amen.

PREFACE AND EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

The Lord be with you. And also with you. 

Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. 

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It's right to give him thanks and praise. 

Father, it is our duty and our salvation ...... And so we join the angels and the saints in proclaiming your glory as we sing (say): 

Holy, holy, holy Lord. God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

WE KNEEL DOWN

Lord, you are holy indeed, the fountain of all holiness. Let your Spirit come upon these gifts to make them holy, so that they may become for us the body + and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Before he was given up to death, a death he freely accepted, he took bread and gave you thanks. He broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said: Take this, all of you, and eat it: this is my Body which will be given up for you. When supper was ended, he took the cup. Again he gave you thanks and praise, gave

 

Is 6:3 . Rev 4:8

 

Mk 11:9-10

 

II Mac 14:36

 

Phil 2:8 Jn 10:17-18

Mk 14:22-25 Mt 14:22-25 Lk 22:19-20.  I Cor 11:23-25

 Acts 2:23-24 / I Cor 15, 3-4Rev 22:17 22:20

Jn 6:51

 I Cor 10:17

 Eph 6:18

II Mac 12:45-46I Cor 15, 20-23. 29-30

 2 Tes 1:4-5. Rev 7:9-15

Heb 9:15I Cor 12:12-13Rev 7:12

the cup to his disciples, and said: Take this, all of you, and drink from it; this is the cup of my Blood, the Blood of the New and Everlasting Covenant. It will be shed for you and for all men so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in memory of me. Let us proclaim the mystery of faith.

Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again .

WE STAND UP

In memory of his death and resurrection, we offer you, Father, this life-giving bread, this saving cup. ....

...Through him, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honour is yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever. Amen. 

RITE OF COMMUNION

Let us pray with confidence to the Father in the words our Saviour gave us: 

OUR FATHER

Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.

Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles: "I leave you peace, my peace I give you", look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom where you live for ever and ever. Amen.

Mt. 6:9-13

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jn 17:15

 

 

Rev 5:12-13

 

Jn 14:27

 

The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you.

WE GIVE EACH OTHER A SIGN OF PEACE

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper.

Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed . 

WE GO TO RECEIVE COMMUNION

At the moment of communion the priest or the minister will say: The body of Christ. We must answer:Amen.

WE RETURN TO OUR PLACE AND WE TAKE A SIT TO PRAY QUIETLY

WE STAND UP

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNIONThis prayer, said by the priest, is different in each single mass. Whe he finish we answer: Amen

 

CONCLUDING RITE

 The Lord be with you. And also with you. 

May almighty God bless you, the Father,

 

Jn 20.19

 

 

Rom 16:16

Jn 1:29

 

 

 

Rev 19:9

Mat 8:8

 

 

Text related to the readings of the Day 

II Cor 1:2

 

Lk 24:51

 

 

Lk 7:50

II Cor 9:15

and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Go in the peace of Christ. Thanks be to God.

FINAL SONG