Its Structure THE MASS

LITURGY OF THE MASS Liturgy comes from Greek word that means “a public work or a service in the name of or on behalf of the people The Mass has two principal parts. Liturgy of the Word Liturgy of the Eucharist There are two additional parts of the mass that begin and end the Mass

BEGINNING OF THE MASS Make the sign of the Cross and respond to priest’s greeting Asking God for Mercy Joining the priest in praying the Glory to God

LITURGY OF THE WORD During Liturgy of the Word we hear God’s Word proclaimed to us The book containing all the readings in the Mass is called the Lectionary. There are three readings First Reading from the Old Testament Second Reading is from New Testament Third Reading are from the Gospels of Mathew, Mark, Luke or John After the readings there is a Homily

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST Begins with presentation & preparation of the gifts bread and wine which are basic to human nourishments Priest prepares bread & wine at altar Eucharistic Prayers – This is my body…this is my blood. This is called the Consecration leading to Real Presence Ends in Amen

LITURGY OF EUCHARIST II The Church offers Mass to God the Father We also offer our worries and needs and joys Lord’s prayer and Sign of the Peace moves us toward receiving Holy Communion Eucharistic Fast only water or medicine before Communion no food or drink 1 hr

END OF MASS Mass is a Latin word for “sending forth” Priest says “Go in Peace to love and serve the Lord,” The peace of Christ How – share our time, avoid all forms of injustice and prejudice, respect our bodies and the bodies of others as Temples of the Holy Spirit Serve by caring for the poor & sick and lonely, respecting life, participate in family and parish activities