Body Language
This posture is a sign of respect, like standing for a judge in a courtroom
Standing
This "main event" of the first half of Mass tells stories from the life of Jesus.
The Gospel
This word comes from the Greek for "thanksgiving".
Eucharist
This is where the Mass actually begins—even before you walk in the door.
The Heart
We do this to show humility and adoration, essentially making ourselves small because God is so big.
Kneeling
This Greek word means "public work" and shows that Mass is something the whole community does together.
Liturgy
This central object in the church represents both a table for a meal and the cross of sacrifice.
Altar
Dipping your fingers in this and making the sign of the cross reminds you of your baptism.
Holy Water
This is the posture of a student who is ready to receive and learn.
Sitting
This common response literally means "I believe" or "so be it".
Amen
This is the most important moment of the Mass when the bread and wine change into Jesus.
Consecration
The priest adds a single drop of this to the wine to represent our humanity.
Water
This specific gesture of dropping one knee to the floor shows respect for Jesus' true presence in the tabernacle.
Genuflecting
This talk, given by a priest or deacon, "unpacks" the Bible readings for our daily lives.
Homily
This term means that the substance of the bread and wine changes, even though they still look and taste the same.
Transubstantiation
In a famous analogy, the Mass is described as this kind of celebration, with Jesus as the groom.
Wedding feast
Before the Gospel, people make a small sign of the cross on these three body parts.
Forehead, lips, and heart
This song of praise uses the same words the angels sang on the first Christmas.
Gloria
This Greek word means to make a past event present again right now.
Anamnesis
The word "Mass" comes from a Latin phrase that means "go, you are sent" on a mission.
Missa