How to Attend Mass

Before Mass:
Many Catholics like to arrive at the church
a few minutes before the scheduled Mass
time in order to pray and prepare themselves
for Mass. Most churches have padded kneelers that
allow you to pray in the kneeling position. Before
entering the pew (long bench) it is respectful
to genuflect and make the sign of the cross. This
action involves touching the floor with one knee,
or both, and Catholics do this to recognize the
presence of Jesus Christ in the tabernacle.

Entrance Procession:
After praying, you may sit in the pew and wait for the
entrance procession. When the priest and processional
enter the church, everyone stands and sings the entrance
antiphon. The song books may be located in the pews, or
you may need to grab one before Mass, probably in the
gathering space outside of the chapel. Catholics view music
as a special form of prayer, one that unites the entire

congregation, and for this reason you should feel inclined to sing,
regardless of your musical ability.

Greeting:
After singing, remain standing, and the priest will greet everyone with, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." With these words, Catholics make the sign of the cross an respond with: "Amen."

The priest will wish that the grace of God be with you, and you should respond: "And also with you."

Then the priest may introduce the prevalent themes in the readings for the day and make mention of any special occasions being celebrated.

Penitential Rite:
This part of the Mass helps the congregation prepare for both the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist (these will be explained later). The priest invites all members of the congregation to be mindful of their sins, and to both ask for and recognize God's love and forgiveness. There may be a brief period of silence for private meditation (in which you remain standing), and then in unison the congregation says:

"I confess to almighty God, and to you my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and 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." The priest will ask that the Lord have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and lead us to everlasting life. To this the congregation responds "Amen."

Kyrie:
The Kyrie (kee-ree-ay) provides another opportunity for the congregation to ask for the Lord's mercy. It may be said in either English or Greek, and the English version goes like this:

Priest: "Lord, have mercy."
Response: "Lord, have mercy."
Priest: "Christ, have mercy."
Response: "Christ, have mercy."
Priest: "Lord, have mercy."
Response: "Christ, have mercy."

Gloria:
After having asked for the Lord's mercy, we recognize that He is all loving and forgiving. To do this, Catholics either recite or sing the Gloria, which goes like this:

"Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. You are seated at the right hand of the Father. Receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy one, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the Glory of God the Father. Amen."

Opening Prayer

The priest will recite a prayer unique to each Mass, after which the congregation replies: "Amen."

Liturgy of the Word:

At this point the congregation sits and prepares to listen to three readings from the bible. Usually the first reading is from the old testament, the second reading is a letter written by one of the apostles, and the third reading is the gospel reading from the new testament.

After the first reading the lector will conclude by saying, "The word of the Lord." In unison the congregation replies: "Thanks be to God."

Between the first and second reading is the Responsorial Psalm, in which the congregation sings in response to the first reading. It is common for the psalm to be found in the song book.

After the second reading the lector will conclude by saying, "The word of the Lord." In unison the congregation replies, "Thanks be to God."

Before the gospel reading the congregation stands and sings the Alleluia or Gospel Acclamation; the words are different depending on the Church season. Usually the cantor or choir will sing the Acclamation through once, and then you will be invited to join with them. Then the priest or deacon will introduce the Gospel by saying, "The Lord be with you." Respond with: "And also with you." The priest or deacon will then announce who wrote the particular passage. In response, the congregation says, "Glory to you, Lord!" Most Catholics will also make a small sign of the cross on their forehead, lips and heart to remind them to keep theirs minds, mouths and hearts open to God.

After the Gospel reading, the priest or deacon says, "The Gospel of the Lord," to which you respond, "Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ!"

The congregation sits after the Gospel to listen to the priest or deacon give a homily. Usually he will talk about important themes within the readings, or the significance of the particular day within the Church (feast days, special occasions, etc...).

After the homily the congregation rises for the Profession of Faith. This provides an opportunity to both declare and refresh yourself on the doctrine of the Church. Catholics recite the Nicene Creed in unison. It goes like this:

"We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
     maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
     eternally begotten of the Father,
     God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,
     begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father.
     Through him all things were made.
     For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven:
     by the power of the Holy Spirit
     he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
     For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
     he suffered, died, and was buried.
     On the third day he rose again in the fulfillment of the Scriptures;
     he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
     He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
     and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
     who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
     With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified.
     He has spoken through the Prophets.
     We believe in on holy catholic and apostolic Church.
     We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
     We look for the resurrection of the dead,
     and the life of the world to come. Amen."

During the lines "...by the power of the Holy Spirit, he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man..." Catholics make a bow at the waist in order to recognize the profundity and sacredness of this mystery central to the Catholic Church.

Remain standing after the Profession of Faith for the General Intercessions. At most Masses, Catholics respond to each intercession with "Lord, hear our prayer," but this may differ depending on Church seasons.

After the General Intercessions, you may take a seat. The congregation usually sings a song at this point while both a collection basket for donations to the Church is passed and the bread and wine are brought to the altar. This concludes the Liturgy of the Word and makes way for central liturgy of the Mass - The Liturgy of the Eucharist.