THE MASS
The Mass is the central act of worship in the Catholic Church, where we encounter God through Scripture, prayer, and the Eucharist. Celebrated worldwide, the Catholic Mass unites over a billion people in faith and community. The Church, like Jesus, welcomes everyone – the young and old, the rich and poor, the wise and simple, the confident and the doubting – anyone who is searching for meaning and life.
The Catholic Mass is the highest prayer we can offer. It is rich in symbolism, scripture, ritual, and tradition. If you have never attended Mass, or have been away for a while, we are excited to have you join us and hope it will be a deeply moving experience. The Mass is an open invitation to pray, discover, reflect, and encounter God. Come as you are—you are welcome here.
What happens during Mass?
Liturgy of the Word:
We hear Scripture readings from the Old and New Testaments, the Psalms, and the Gospels, followed by a homily—a brief reflection on how these Scriptures relate to our lives.
Liturgy of the Eucharist:
The word “Eucharist” comes from the Greek eucharistia, meaning “thanksgiving.” It is a moment of deep gratitude for the gift God has given us in Jesus.
Catholics believe Christ is truly present in the Eucharist. In John 6, Jesus tells us, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh…Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life…for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me and I in them.” (John 6:51, 54-56).
Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper, taking bread and wine and offering it as his flesh and blood, and commanding his disciples to do this in remembrance of Him (cf, Luke 22: 19-21; Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:23-25; 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26). At Mass, bread and wine are offered to the priest at the altar, and Christ acts through the priest to change them into His body and blood. More than a symbolic reminder; the Mass re-presents the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross 2,000 years ago. In Holy Communion, the faithful receive the love of God in a truly transformative way, because we receive the very person of Jesus both physically and spiritually – his body, blood, soul and divinity. Because of this reality, the Eucharist is our source and summit of our faith, making the Mass essential to Catholics.
If you are not Catholic, you are welcome to join in prayer and make a spiritual communion with Jesus, expressing your desire for unity with Him. You may also choose to spend time in quiet prayer.
If you are a Catholic who has been away from the Church or aware of serious sins, you are invited to make a spiritual communion and encouraged to be reconciled with God and the Church through Confession before receiving the Eucharist. Confession is available before every Mass.
If you have questions about Mass, please contact:
Fr. Ralph McRae, Rector, or Fr. Lawrence Hyginus, Parochial Vicar, at 506-653-6820
