The basic structure of the Mass has four parts: two main parts and two framing rites:
Introductory RitesLITURGY of the WORD (Biblical Readings, Homily, Creed, Intercessions)
LITURGY of the EUCHARIST (Preparation, Eucharistic Prayer; Communion Rite)
Concluding Rite
The Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist are the two main parts of the Mass.
The Catholic Mass is generally divided into two large segments known as the Mass of the Catechumens and the Mass of the Faithful.
The Mass of the Faithful consists of an introductory rite, a penitential rite, the recitation of the Kyrie, occasionally the recitation of the Gloria, and then the collect/prayer of the day.
The Liturgy of the Word is carried out during this part of the mass, it directly follows the Opening Prayer of the day. There are two readings and a psalm on Sundays and major feasts, and one reading and a psalm on week days. The gospel follows, directly preceded by the recitation of the alleluia (proper for the day).
After the gospel the Priest delivers the homily, and the congregation recites the Creed (on Sundays and major feasts)
At this point the Mass of the faithful begins. It consists of the offertory rites, offertory procession where the gifts are presented to the priest. Then begins the Canon, the Eucharistic prayer, beginning with a proper preface, followed by the recitation of the Sanctus (holy, holy holy...). In this midst of this the priest begins the institution narrative (The night before he was given up to death he took bread...) This is the point where Transubstantiation occurs.
The Eucharistic prayer ends with the doxology (through him, with him, in him...) and the great Amen. After this the Communion Rite begins. Here is recited the Lord's Prayer ("Our Father"), the fraction of the host, and the reception of holy communion. And finally after all that has been done the priest dismisses the people. "The mass is ended, Go in Peace. "
* Introductory Rites
- Liturgy of the Word
- Liturgy of the Eucharist
- The Concluding Rites
Here is an outline of the Mass:
• Introductory Rites
. • Entrance (All stand)
. • Greeting
. • Act of Penitence
. • Kyrie Eleison (Greek for "Lord have mercy")
. • Gloria
. • Opening Prayer
• Liturgy of the Word
. • First Reading - usually from the Old Testament (All sit)
. • Responsorial Psalm
. • Second Reading - usually from a New Testament Epistle
. • Gospel Reading (All stand)
. • Homily (All sit for the sermon)
. • Profession of Faith (the Nicene Creed) (All stand)
. • Prayer of the Faithful (prayers of petition)
• Liturgy of the Eucharist
. • The Preparation of the Gifts - the bread and wine are brought forward and placed on the altar, our monetary offerings are also collected at this time (All sit)
. • The Prayer over the Offerings (All stand)
. • The Eucharistic Prayer - during this prayer the bread and wine change into the Body and Blood of Christ (Catholics kneel, visitors may kneel or sit)
. • The Lord's Prayer (All stand)
. • The Rite of Peace (We offer each other a sign of peace)
. • The Breaking of the Bread
. • Communion - non-Catholics are requested out of respect not to receive Communion, they may approach the altar with their arms crossed over their chest to receive a blessing (Stand or kneel according to local custom)
• The Concluding Rites
. • Announcements (All sit)
. • Blessing (All stand)
. • Dismissal
. • Procession