Ordinary Form (Novus Ordo) Mass Structure and Meaning

This set explores the specific parts and spiritual meanings of the prayers and actions within the Ordinary Form (Novus Ordo) of the Mass.

Ordinary Form (Novus Ordo)

The name given to the current form of Mass celebrated in the Catholic Church.

Introductory Rites

The first main part of the Mass, including the Entrance Antiphon, Greeting, Confiteor, Kyrie, Gloria, and Collect.

The Liturgy of the Word

The part of the Mass including the First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, Second Reading, Gospel, Creed, and Prayer of the Faithful.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist

The part of the Mass involving the Invitation Prayer, Prayer over the Offering, Preface, and Eucharistic Prayers I, II, III, or IV.

The Communion Rite

The section of Mass including the Lord's Prayer, Sign of Peace, Lamb of God, Invitation to Communion, and Communion itself.

The Concluding Rites

The final part of the Mass consisting of the Prayer After Communion, Solemn Blessing, and Dismissal.

Confiteor and Kyrie

Steps taken to take responsibility for your sins and ask for forgiveness.

The Gloria

A prayer used to praise God.

First Reading and Second Reading

Readings used to receive directions from the Old Testament and the Epistles.

The Gospel

The reading through which we learn about what Christ taught.

Homily (Priest's Commentary)

The moment to listen to the commentary from the priest about the readings.

The Creed

The moment to profess the Catholic Faith.

Prayer of the Faithful

The part of the Liturgy of the Word where we offer petitions to God.

Offertory (Offer your gifts)

The point in the Mass to offer your gifts to God.

Eucharistic Prayer

The moment to humbly witness the re-presentation of Jesus' crucifixion; includes versions I, II, III, and IV.

The Lord's Prayer

The part where we pray how Jesus taught us to pray.

Sign of Peace

A time to reverently offer peace to your neighbor remembering Christ is present on the altar.

Communion

The act of receiving the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ.

Prayer After Communion

A prayer to thank God for the gift of himself.

Dismissal

The final instruction indicating you are now sent into the world to preach the Gospel and bring souls to Christ.