Doing it right?
What is the best way to give the sign of peace?
There is no “best way” to give the sign of peace, and the normative gesture can vary between Parishes but we should recognize that it is our opportunity to express the peace of Christ to those around us. Commonly the Sign of Peace is shared between spouses and children with a hug or kiss and with others a handshake, or a wave. The essential element is the sincere wish for peace, more than the gesture itself. The internal disposition of peace and forgiveness is what truly matters.
Why do you genuflect before entering the pew?
Genuflecting before entering the pew is a gesture of reverence and adoration towards the presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, reserved in the Tabernacle. Notably it is an outward recognition of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, it serves as an act of humility in submission to Christ, and it prepares us for worship as we ready ourselves for Mass or prayer.
What does the ringing of the bell at Mass represent?
The bells at Mass serve to draw our attention to, and underscore the mystery in the epiclesis (the invocation of the holy spirit to consecrate the gifts), and the consecration of the bread and wine. They also should elevate the sense of reverence and engage us with the liturgical celebration. They are not mandated by the GIRM, but are extremely common.
How are the readers (lectors) Chosen?
The readers are chosen at the discretion of the Parish priest, usually delegated through a liturgical coordinator. Usually the Parish has requirements of their own that assess the spiritual preparedness of the volunteer, and there is often some training provided. In some locations new lectors are formal commissioned during a Mass, but this is not a requirement.
How do you get all the prayers to memorize for Mass?
The best way to memorize all of the prayers at Mass is to attend and participate in Mass. The official resource is the Roman Missal which is the liturgical book that contains all of the text and responses for Mass. There are also Missalettes, online resources, and applications like iBreviary. Using worship aids during the Mass can help you follow along and more quickly feel comfortable with the responses.
Why do the laity bring the offering?
The laity bringing the offering to the altar is often referred to as the Presentation of the Gifts. It symbolizes the Participation of the laity in the sacrifice, and serves as a symbol of unity with the laity providing a visible sign of the gifts the community brings before God. It also serves as a representation of bringing ones own life, works, and sacrifices to the altar, (the fruits of the earth and the work of human hands) uniting them with Christ's ultimate sacrifice.
What is the smoke (incense) for at Mass, why does the priest use it to bless things at Mass, and what does he bless?
The use of incense at Mass comes from ancient practices rooted in both Jewish and Christian traditions. In the liturgy incense serves to symbolize prayers rising to God, the reverence of the congregation, and purification of the sacred space. During the Mass the priest uses incense to bless and sanctify certain things and people. Usually the Altar, the Book of the Gospels, the Priest and Congregation, and the Eucharistic Elements.
Why do Bishops say “Peace be with you,” vs Priests saying “The Lord be with you?”
The difference in the liturgical greetings used by bishops and priests during Mass reflects the distinct roles and responsibilities they have within the Church's hierarchy, as well as the historical and traditional context of these greetings. When a bishop greets the congregation with “Peace be with you,” it emphasizes his role as a successor to the Apostles, and their embodying Christ's peace and pastoral care within their dioceses. Priests traditionally use “The Lord be with you,” as it is a wish for the presence and assistance of the Lord to be with the congregation fostering a spirit of communal worship.
What is the proper posture during the “Our Father?”
The proper position of the faithful during the “Our Father” at Mass, according to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), is standing. The GIRM does not specifically prescribe a posture of the hands during the “Our Father.” The Church allows for cultural adaptations that are not opposed to the prescriptions in the GIRM. Holding hands, hands folded in prayer, or the orans posture (though the orans is traditionally reserved for the priest). Ultimately it is up to the Diocesan Bishop and Parish Priest to provide guidance if they have a preference.
Why do we strike our breast during the confiteor?
Striking our breast during the Confiteor serves as a gesture of humility and repentance. It is a physical manifestation of interior contrition and acknowledgment of sinfulness along with our desire for forgiveness. The gesture is rooted in scripture. Luke 18:13 the tax collector in Jesus's parable “stood at a distance and would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, God, Have mercy on me, a sinner.” By physically striking our chest we are reminded of the ongoing call to conversion and that we as a congregation are highlighting the collective nature of sin and the universal need for God's grace. We are seen as a community seeking God's mercy together.
Why does the priest kiss the Altar at the beginning of Mass?
The act of kissing the altar is rich in symbolism and holds a significant place in the beginning of the liturgy. During Mass the altar symbolizes Christ and by kissing the altar, the priest shows reverence for the focal point of the liturgical celebration. The altar is the place where the Eucharistic sacrifice is offered, the kiss signifies the priest's devotion and connection to the sacrifice of Christ made present during Mass. Historically altars contained relics of Saints, The priest's kiss also venerated the Saints who are spiritually present and interceding during the celebration of the Mass.
Why does someone have to have first Holy Communion before they can regularly receive it at Mass?
The Church teaches that one must reach the age of reason to fully appreciate the significance and sanctity of the Eucharist. Adequate preparation, usually through religious instruction, helps ensure that receivers understand the sacred nature of the sacrament (The Eucharist is really Jesus). Finally it serves as a public acknowledgment of a deeper initiation into the Catholic faith, to be celebrated with the parish community.
What points during Mass do we kneel, and why?
There are three points during the Mass where the faithful are asked to kneel. First it is after the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy), then during the consecration, and finally after the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God). These are the times where we are preparing for the consecration, the consecration is occurring, or we are preparing to receive the Eucharist. We are physically demonstrating our belief in the truth that the common bread and wine truly become Jesus who we receive in the Eucharist.
When the reading of the Gospel begins, everyone makes a small cross on their forehead, chin, and chest, why do we do it?
The action of crossing the forehead, lips, and chest is common but not liturgically mandated. It serves as a prayerful reflection before receiving the Gospel proclamation: marking the forehead to request that the Word of God may illuminate our minds, signing our lips we express a desire that God's Word might guide our speech, and placing the cross over our heart symbolizes our wish that the Gospel will fill our hearts with love and transform our lives.
What makes a Mass valid or invalid?
For a Mass to be valid in the Catholic Church certain essential elements must be present. These include the Proper Matter (Elements of unleavened wheat bread and Grape wine), Proper Form (The words of consecration spoken by the priest must be those prescribed by the Church), Proper Intention (The priest must have the intention to consecrate the bread and wine so that they become Jesus' Body and Blood), and a Proper Minister (Only a validly ordained priest or bishop can consecrate the Eucharist). If any of these essential elements are missing or incorrect, the Mass may be deemed invalid, meaning the bread and wine remain unchanged.
How are the readings at Mass chosen? Are they the Same every year? Do Priests have power or authority to change the readings of the Mass?
The readings for every Mass is found in the Lectionary, which is a comprehensive collection of Scripture readings organized for use throughout the Church's liturgical year. The structure reflects the Church's dedication to proclaiming the fullness of God's Word in its liturgical seasons, feast days, and solemnities. The Church uses a three year cycle for Sunday readings (Years A, B, and C) and a two year cycle for daily Mass readings. Priests do not have the authority to change the readings established in the Lectionary.