The Mass is the source and summit of our Christian life. Every hour of our week flows from and leads back to this encounter with Christ.
See our Mass times in the grid below. You can find our weekly bulletins, Mass intentions and other parish news here.
Welcome to Mass
The Mass is the central act of Catholic worship, where we gather as a community to encounter Jesus Christ. As St. Carlo Acutis, the young saint canonized in 2025, called it: the Mass is our “highway to heaven.”
At Mass, two transformations occur. First, bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Second, we ourselves are meant to be transformed, so that like St. Paul, we can say: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:19-20).
This guide is designed to help you feel comfortable participating in the Mass, whether you are new to the Catholic faith or looking to deepen your understanding.
If you are not Catholic and would like to learn more about the Church, consider attending one of our Catholic Foundations sessions.
Ancient Roots
What happens at Mass today connects directly to the earliest Christians. St. Justin Martyr described Christian worship in the year 155 AD to the Roman Emperor, and his description is remarkably similar to what we do today:
On the day we call the day of the sun, all who dwell in the city or country gather in the same place.The memoirs of the apostles and the writings of the prophets are read, as much as time permits.
St. Justin Martyr
When the reader has finished, he who presides over those gathered admonishes and challenges them to imitate these beautiful things.
Then we all rise together and offer prayers for ourselves . . .and for all others, wherever they may be, so that we may be found righteous by our life and actions, and faithful to the commandments, so as to obtain eternal salvation.
When the prayers are concluded we exchange the kiss.
Then someone brings bread and a cup of water and wine mixed together to him who presides over the brethren.
This ancient pattern continues today: we gather, we hear Scripture, we receive teaching, we pray together, and we celebrate the Eucharist. The words “Kyrie eleison” (Lord, have mercy), “Amen,” “Alleluia,” and “Hosanna” have been part of Christian worship for nearly 2,000 years.
Before You Arrive
Preparing Your Heart
- Consider reading the Sunday readings beforehand (available online, in our bulletin, or in Catholic apps)
- Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early to settle your mind and heart
- Dress in a way that shows respect, though there is no strict dress code
- If receiving Communion, observe a one-hour fast from food and drink (water is permitted)
- Turn off or silence your phone
Entering the Church
Holy Water Font: As you enter, you will see a holy water font. If you are baptized, you may dip your fingers in the water and make the Sign of the Cross, recalling your baptism.
The Sign of the Cross: Touch your forehead, then your chest, then your left shoulder, then your right shoulder while saying: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” We use our right hand for this gesture.
The Tabernacle: Look for a red lamp burning near the altar area. This indicates the tabernacle, where the Eucharist is reserved. Catholics believe Jesus Christ is truly present there, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.
Genuflection: Before entering your pew, it is customary to genuflect (touch your right knee to the ground) toward the tabernacle as a sign of reverence to Christ’s presence. If you cannot genuflect, a bow is appropriate.
In Your Pew: Kneel briefly for personal prayer before Mass begins. This is a time to quiet your heart and prepare to encounter the Lord.
The Structure of the Mass
The Mass has four main parts. Think of it as four 15-minute quarters:
- Introductory Rites (preparing our hearts)
- Liturgy of the Word (hearing God speak)
- Liturgy of the Eucharist (the sacrifice and sacred meal)
- Concluding Rites (being sent forth on mission)
Understanding Postures
Catholic worship involves the whole body. We have three primary postures:
Standing: Our primary posture for prayer. In the early Church, before pews existed, everyone stood for the entire liturgy. Standing expresses readiness and reverence.
Sitting: A posture for listening and meditation, used during the readings and homily.
Kneeling: A posture of adoration and humility, used during the most sacred moments of the Mass. If you cannot kneel due to physical limitations, sitting in a prayerful posture is appropriate.
Part 1: The Introductory Rites
When the bell rings, we stand. The priest processes in, reverences the altar, and we begin.
The Greeting
The priest makes the Sign of the Cross and greets the assembly using words from Scripture:
Priest: “The Lord be with you.”
Response: “And with your spirit.”
The Penitential Act
We acknowledge our sins and need for God’s mercy. This is not about guilt but about standing humbly in the presence of the all-holy God, trusting in His mercy.
“I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.”
(We strike our breast three times at “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.”)
Kyrie Eleison
This ancient Greek prayer has been part of Christian worship for nearly 2,000 years:
“Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.”
(Or in Greek: “Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.”)
The Gloria
On Sundays (except during Advent and Lent), we sing or recite this joyful hymn of praise to God, drawn from Scripture:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will…”
The Collect (Opening Prayer)
The priest says, “Let us pray,” followed by a moment of silence. During this silence, bring your personal intentions to mind. The priest then prays the Collect, “collecting” all our prayers into one. We respond: “Amen.”
Part 2: The Liturgy of the Word
This part of the Mass has its roots in the ancient Jewish synagogue service. We sit to listen attentively.
The Readings
First Reading: Usually from the Old Testament, chosen because it connects to the Gospel.
Reader: “The Word of the Lord.”
Response: “Thanks be to God.”
Responsorial Psalm: A sung response to the first reading, using the words of the Psalms.
Second Reading: From the New Testament letters, working through them systematically over a three-year cycle.
Reader: “The Word of the Lord.”
Response: “Thanks be to God.”
The Gospel
We stand for the Gospel out of special reverence for the words and deeds of Jesus. We sing “Alleluia” (a Hebrew word of joyful praise) before the Gospel is proclaimed.
Priest/Deacon: “The Lord be with you.”
Response: “And with your spirit.”
Priest/Deacon: “A reading from the holy Gospel according to [Matthew/Mark/Luke/John].”
Response: “Glory to you, O Lord.”
(We trace a small cross on our forehead, lips, and heart, praying that God’s word may be in our minds, on our lips, and in our hearts.)
Priest/Deacon: “The Gospel of the Lord.”
Response: “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.”
The Homily
We sit. The priest or deacon breaks open the Scriptures, helping us understand and apply God’s word. Come with an open heart, expecting God to speak to you.
The Creed
We stand and profess our faith together using the Nicene Creed, which dates from the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. This creed affirms what the Church has always believed.
The Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful)
We intercede for the Church, the world, those in need, and our local community.
Leader: “Let us pray to the Lord.”
Response: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Part 3: The Liturgy of the Eucharist
This is what Jesus gave us at the Last Supper when He said, “Do this in memory of me.” The focus now shifts from the ambo (lectern) to the altar.
Preparation of the Gifts
We sit. Representatives from the assembly bring forward bread and wine. These gifts represent our lives, our work, our joys and sorrows, everything we offer to God.
Priest: “Pray, brethren, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.”
Response: “May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands, for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his holy Church.”
The Preface and Sanctus
We stand for a dialogue of thanksgiving:
Priest: “The Lord be with you.”
Response: “And with your spirit.”
Priest: “Lift up your hearts.”
Response: “We lift them up to the Lord.”
Priest: “Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.”
Response: “It is right and just.”
After the Preface prayer, we sing or say the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy):
“Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.”
The Eucharistic Prayer
We kneel. This is the most sacred part of the Mass. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the words of Christ spoken by the priest, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The priest elevates the consecrated Host and Chalice. We worship Jesus, now truly present.
After the words of institution, we proclaim the Mystery of Faith:
“We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.”
(Or one of the other approved acclamations.)
The prayer concludes with the Great Amen, our resounding “Yes!” to all that has been prayed.
The Communion Rite
We stand and pray the Our Father together. Then comes the Sign of Peace, where we offer Christ’s peace to those around us, a moment to extend forgiveness and reconciliation.
We kneel as the priest breaks the Host and prepares for Communion:
Priest: “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.”
Response: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”
Receiving Communion
Catholics who are properly prepared (baptized, in a state of grace, and observing the one-hour fast) may receive Holy Communion.
If you are not receiving Communion: You may remain in your pew for prayer, or approach the priest with your arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing. Use this time for spiritual communion, inviting Jesus into your heart and expressing your desire to receive Him.
Part 4: The Concluding Rites
After Communion, the priest prays the Prayer after Communion. Then comes the final blessing and dismissal.
Priest: “The Lord be with you.”
Response: “And with your spirit.”
The priest gives the final blessing, and then the dismissal:
Priest/Deacon: “Go forth, the Mass is ended.”
Response: “Thanks be to God.”
Important: This “Go” is not just “Mass is over.” It is a commissioning! Like Jesus sending His disciples into the world, we are sent forth on mission. “Go forth” means go into your workplace, your school, your neighborhood, your home, and be Christ’s disciple, bringing His light and love to the world.
We respond “Thanks be to God” not because Mass is finally over, but because we have received a mission and the grace to fulfill it.
A Final Word
The Mass is meant to be the source and summit of our Christian life. Every hour of our week flows from and leads back to this encounter with Christ. As you grow in understanding the Mass, you will discover that it transforms not only the bread and wine but your entire life.
Don’t worry if it takes time to feel comfortable. This is a journey, not a destination. Come with an open heart, expecting God to speak to you. He will.
“Do this in memory of me.”
(Luke 22:19)