What is the Holy Mass?
The Holy Mass is a central act of worship for Catholics and Eastern Orthodox churches. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) describes the Mass as a corporate act of worship that celebrates Christ’s salvific passion and death, and the anticipation of living with God in heaven. The Mass is also seen as a re-presentation of Jesus Christ on the cross, and a sacrifice where Christ offers himself to God under the appearance of bread and wine.
The Mass has several parts, including:
- Liturgy of the Word: Includes readings from Scripture, the Responsorial Psalm, and the Gospel
- Liturgy of the Eucharist: Includes the preparation of the gifts and altar, the Eucharistic Prayer, and the consecration
- Communion Rite: Includes the Lord’s Prayer, the Rite of Peace, the Fraction Rite, and Communion
- Concluding Rites: Includes announcements, the blessing, and the dismissal
