Parts of the Mass
The Mass is split into two primary parts. This first main part includes the readings, Psalm, and Homily.
What is the Liturgy of the Word?
Derived from a Greek word meaning "thanksgiving," this word is another primary name for the Lord's Supper.
What is the Eucharist?
We adopt this physical posture during the Gospel reading and Concluding Blessing to show respect, alertness, and readiness.
What is Standing?
The word derived from the Greek phrase Liturgia, which literally translates to "work of the..."
What is "...the people"?
The last meal Jesus shared with His disciples before His death, where He instituted the Eucharist.
What is the Last Supper?
This second main part of the Mass includes the Offertory, Eucharistic Prayer, and reception of Communion.
What is the Liturgy of the Eucharist?
The total number of Sacraments in the Catholic Church.
What is Seven?
We adopt this physical posture during the Eucharistic Prayer to express humility, reverence, and adoration before God.
What is Kneeling?
When the priest says, "The Lord be with you," the congregation responds with this phrase.
What is "And with your spirit"?
The Jewish holy day feast Jesus and His apostles were celebrating during the Last Supper.
What is Passover?
The speech given by the priest or deacon after the Gospel reading to explain God's word and apply it to daily life.
What is the Homily?
Catholic Central points out that at every Mass, heaven and earth unite, connecting us with the entire "Communion of" these people.
Who are the Saints (or Saints and angels)?
The sacred golden or silver cup used by the priest to hold the wine that becomes Christ's Precious Blood.
What is the Chalice?
Spoken at the end of prayers and after receiving Communion, this Hebrew word means "I believe" or "So be it."
What is Amen?
In John 6, Jesus describes Himself with this title, saying, "I am the _____ of Life."
What is the Bread?
The moment during the Eucharistic Prayer when the priest calling upon the Holy Spirit changes the bread and wine into Christ's Body and Blood.
What is the Consecration?
The Catholic belief that Jesus is truly, physically present in the bread and wine—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.
What is the Real Presence?
The locked, decorated box where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved after Mass.
What is the Tabernacle?
Right before receiving Holy Communion, we pray: "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and..."
What is "...my soul shall be healed"?
In the Old Testament, God provided this miraculous bread-like food from heaven to feed the Israelites wandering in the desert.
What is Manna?
Before the Liturgy of the Word begins, the Mass opens with these rites (including the Entrance Procession, Sign of the Cross, and Gloria).
What are the Introductory Rites?
The theological term for the change of the whole substance of bread into the Body of Christ and wine into His Blood, while keeping the physical appearance of bread and wine.
What is Transubstantiation?
The vessel (often sunburst-shaped) used to display the host during Eucharistic Adoration so all can see and pray.
What is a Monstrance?
The prayer prayed aloud together during Mass that sums up the core Catholic beliefs formulated at early Church Councils.
What is the Nicene Creed (or Apostles' Creed)?
When Jesus told His followers in John 6 that they must eat His flesh and drink His blood, many left because they thought it was just a metaphor, though Jesus meant it literally.
What is the Bread of Life Discourse?