Saints LightWhat Happens at Mass, Step by Step?
At Mass we listen to God's Word, Jesus gives Himself to us in the Eucharist, and then we are sent out to share His love.
The Mass is the greatest prayer of the Church. At every Mass, Jesus' one sacrifice on the cross is made present, and He gives Himself to us in the Eucharist (CCC 1324). The Mass has two big parts, with a beginning before them and an ending after (CCC 1346).
It starts with the Introductory Rites. We stand as the priest and servers come in, and everyone makes the Sign of the Cross. We tell God we are sorry for our sins and ask Him for mercy. On most Sundays we sing the Gloria, the song the angels sang at Christmas.
Next is the Liturgy of the Word. We sit and listen to readings from the Bible: usually one from the Old Testament, a psalm, and one from the letters of the Apostles. Then we stand and sing Alleluia for the Gospel, the good news of Jesus. The priest or deacon gives a homily to help us understand. We say the Creed together and pray for the world (CCC 1349).
Then comes the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Bread and wine are brought to the altar. The priest prays the great prayer of thanks, and when he says Jesus' words from the Last Supper, the bread and wine become Jesus' Body and Blood. We kneel and adore Him. We pray the Our Father, share a sign of peace and receive Holy Communion (CCC 1355).
Last are the Concluding Rites. The priest blesses us and sends us out to bring Jesus' love to everyone we meet. That is why the Church asks us to come every Sunday: it is our weekly family meal with God (CCC 2180).
Key points
- The Mass has the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
- At the consecration, bread and wine become Jesus.
- At the end we are sent out to share Jesus' love.
The Word of God
When he had sat down at the table with them, he took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking it, he gave it to them. Their eyes were opened and they recognized him; then he vanished out of their sight.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.
Catechism paragraphs for this lesson
- CCC 1324
- CCC 1346
- CCC 1349
- CCC 1355
- CCC 2180
CCC means the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Saints Light teaches it in its own words and never quotes it. Look up any paragraph in a printed copy or at vatican.va. See every lesson by paragraph in the Catechism index.
Live it this week
At Mass this Sunday, try to spot each part: the Sign of the Cross, the readings, the Gospel, the bread and wine brought up, the Our Father, Communion and the blessing. Afterward, tell your family which part you liked best.
Check yourself: three questions
1. What are the two big parts of the Mass?
- The singing and the collection
- The Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist
- The homily and the announcements
- The opening song and the closing song
Show the answer
The Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. First God speaks to us in the readings, then Jesus gives Himself in the Eucharist.
2. When do the bread and wine become Jesus' Body and Blood?
- When we walk in
- During the first reading
- At the final blessing
- When the priest says Jesus' words from the Last Supper
Show the answer
When the priest says Jesus' words from the Last Supper. At the consecration, the priest says Jesus' words and the bread and wine become Jesus.
3. What happens at the very end of Mass?
- We are blessed and sent out to share Jesus' love
- We sing the Gloria
- We hear the Gospel
- We receive Baptism
Show the answer
We are blessed and sent out to share Jesus' love. In the Concluding Rites the priest blesses us and sends us out.
Words to know
- Liturgy
- The Church's official public worship, like the Mass.
More terms in the Catholic glossary. More passages in the Scripture index.
For catechists: a one hour class plan
Goal. The children will know the main parts of the Mass in order and what happens in each, and will take part on Sunday with understanding.
Opener. Ask: "What do you usually notice at Mass? What is your favorite part, and what part is confusing?" Write their questions down and come back to them during the lesson.
Discussion questions
- Why do we say sorry at the beginning of Mass? [To clear our hearts before we meet God.]
- Why do we stand for the Gospel? [Out of respect, because these are the words and deeds of Jesus.]
- What happens at the consecration? [The bread and wine become Jesus. This is the most important moment.]
- Why do you think the Church asks us to come every Sunday? [It is our family meal with God, and every Sunday is a little Easter.]
Activity. Mass in order: write each part of the Mass on its own card (Sign of the Cross, saying sorry, Gloria, first reading, psalm, second reading, Alleluia and Gospel, homily, Creed, prayers for the world, bread and wine brought up, consecration, Our Father, sign of peace, Communion, blessing). In teams, children race to put the cards in order. Then, if possible, take a short tour of the church: altar, ambo, tabernacle, sanctuary lamp and baptismal font.
Closing prayer. Jesus, You are with us at every Mass. Open our ears to Your Word and our hearts to Your love. Help us pay attention on Sunday and carry You to everyone we meet. Amen.
Timing. Welcome and Sign of the Cross 5 min, favorite part opener 5 min, read the lesson aloud 10 min, discussion 10 min, Mass in order game and church tour 15 min, memory verse 5 min, quiz together 5 min, closing prayer 5 min.
Related lessons
- The Sacraments: How Grace Reaches Us (Start Here, free)
- After Easter: How Do I Not Drift Away? (Becoming Catholic, free)
- Is the Eucharist Really Jesus? (The Sacraments)
- Before Mass: What Should I Do (and Not Do)? (The Mass)
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