This article is the sequel to "Why Do Catholics Bounce On One Knee?" It is not a sequel in the sense that it should be read second, but in that if you want more information after reading "Why Do Catholics Bounce On One Knee?" you can read this article. All the information found in "Why Do Catholics Bounce On One Knee?" is also found in this article; therefore, there is no need read "Why Do Catholics Bounce On One Knee?" if you read this article first.
The audience of this article is anyone that is about to attend a Roman Catholic Mass. This includes people that have attended Mass all of their lives, and those that are about to attend a Roman Catholic Mass for the first time. The Mass is filled with very meaningful rituals, and knowing what these rituals are can make the Mass more powerful to the individual, as well as less confusing. Many times, people that are familiar with the Mass perform various rituals without knowing the "what" or "why" of these rituals. Those completely unfamiliar with the Catholic Mass can find it confusing and uncomfortable, and may never attend again because they feel out of place. This is a shame since the Mass is so rich in meaning and can be a powerful source of encouragement in our pilgrimage on earth.
The Mass this article will explain is the Mass of the Roman Catholic Church. There are a number of Rites in the Catholic Church, which have different Masses. The different Masses share the same basic rituals, but each Mass would need its own explanation. The Roman Rite of the Catholic Church is the largest and the most common in the West (it is also called the Rite of the West), so this is most likely the Mass you will attend in the western world.
The idea of this article is to explain the Roman Mass in very simple terms, so the explanation will not give the compete history and theology of each ritual, but provide a starting point for understanding them. There are many other articles and books that will explain the Mass in varying degrees of depth that can be read once a basic understanding is had.
This article contains most of the words that the celebrant (the presiding priest) and ministers say, and all of the words that the congregation say.
Text in this font is what the celebrant or minister says.
Text in this font is what the congregation says.
Some of the celebrant's words are said inaudibly, but this article will present them to give a clearer understanding of what is being said and done.
THE ORDER OF MASS WITH A CONGREGATION
RITE OF BLESSING AND SPRINKLING HOLY WATER
ALLELUIA OR GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
PREPARATION OF THE ALTAR AND THE GIFTS
PRIVATE PREPARATION OF THE PRIEST
PERIOD OF SILENCE OR SONG OF PRAISE
From this article, you should have a basic understanding of the Catholic Mass, which will enrich your participation in the Mass, as well as let non-Catholics observe a Mass inconspicuously.
More information concerning instruction on the Mass can be found in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.
Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal
© 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.
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