Understanding the Elements of the Catholic Mass

Last Supper, Crucifixion, Wedding Supper of the Lamb

Eternal events that the Mass makes present to us

Holy water

Substance that reminds us of our baptism, as soon as we enter a church

Genuflection

Physical action which signifies humility, service, and a proposal to love

Alb

White vestment, worn by the priest, symbolizing purity

Chasuble

Vestment worn by the priest, which covers everything - symbolizes charity, and is in the color of the liturgical feast or season

Entrance Procession

Symbolizes our pilgrimage to heaven, led by Christ

Singing

We offer our voices to God, in the same way that we are meant to give our lives to God

Altar

One symbol of Christ in the sanctuary - where the sacrifice takes place - the priest kisses this as an undoing of the kiss of Judas

Relics

Are in the altar, showing the connection between the Church on earth and in heaven

Sign of the Cross

Marks us as belonging to God, reminds us of what our freedom cost, reminds us that we were meant to know, love, and serve God

The Lord be with you

A phrase used in Scripture for when someone is called to something greater - we respond to the priest, 'And with your spirit'

In persona Christi

Latin phrase which recognizes that when the priest is offering the sacraments, it is ultimately Christ acting through him to offer us grace

Sinner

The first step in becoming a saint is to recognize that one is a sinner, therefore allowing God's grace to work

Confiteor

Part of the penitential rite where we, like the publican in Jesus' parable, admit that we are sinners, and ask the members of the Church to pray for us

Kyrie Elieson

Greek phrase in Mass, second part of the penitential rite, in which we ask God for mercy

Gloria

After the penitential rite, we echo the angels in Bethlehem, and recognize that in the right praise of God, we will find peace (not said during Lent)

Collect

Prayer at the beginning of Mass, where the priest gathers our prayers, and prays on our behalf

Old Testament

The first reading on Sunday is often from this part of Scripture, and provides background for the other readings

Psalms

Prayers, mostly written by David, in which we respond to God

Epistle

The 2nd reading is traditionally from one of these, which means a letter, by someone who had direct contact with Christ or one of his Apostles

Gospel

Part of the Liturgy where we hear the direct words of Christ, read by the deacon or priest, from the ambo

Homily

Meant to be an explanation and application of the truths of the faith, from the mind of Christ and his Church, not just the priest's private opinions.

Creed

Literally means, 'I believe', statement of faith, which traditionally comes from the Council of Nicaea

Consubstantial

Term which means that Jesus, the Son, is the same substance as the Father.

Universal Prayer

Another name for the petitions, or prayers of the faithful, where the Church acts out its role as the Mystical Body