Before You Arrive
What to Wear
Dress modestly and respectfully. Business casual is always appropriate. Avoid shorts, tank tops, and casual beachwear.
When to Arrive
Arrive 5-10 minutes early. This gives you time to find a seat and prepare your heart through quiet prayer.
Holy Communion
Catholics should be properly disposed to receive Communion, including sacramental Confession beforehand if conscious of grave sin, subject to the Church's narrow exception. Other Christians ordinarily do not receive; specific exceptions are governed by Church law. If you are unsure, speak with the priest before Mass. Anyone not receiving can remain in place and pray.
Following Along
Most parishes have missalettes or worship aids in the pews. Don't worry if you get lost — just follow along as best you can.
The Order of Mass
This overview follows the Roman Rite as commonly celebrated in the United States. Some responses below are excerpts; use your parish's worship aid for the full text and follow local directions for posture. See the USCCB Order of Mass and its Communion guidelines.
Introductory Rites
Entrance Procession
The priest and ministers process to the altar while the entrance hymn is sung.
Stand and sing along if you know the hymn.
Sign of the Cross & Greeting
The Mass begins with the Sign of the Cross. The priest greets the assembly.
"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." Then: "And with your spirit."
Penitential Act
We acknowledge our sins and ask for God's mercy.
"I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned..."
Kyrie (Lord, Have Mercy)
A prayer for mercy, sometimes sung in Greek.
"Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy."
Gloria
A hymn of praise, used on Sundays outside Advent and Lent, on solemnities and feasts, and at certain other solemn celebrations.
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will..."
Collect (Opening Prayer)
The priest prays on behalf of the assembly.
"Amen."
Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Usually from the Old Testament (Acts during Easter season).
Sit and listen. After: "Thanks be to God."
Responsorial Psalm
A psalm sung or recited in response to the first reading.
Repeat the response after the cantor.
Second Reading
A New Testament reading, included on Sundays and solemnities.
After: "Thanks be to God."
Gospel Acclamation
An Alleluia verse (or other acclamation during Lent) before the Gospel.
Stand and join the Gospel acclamation. During Lent, a different acclamation replaces Alleluia.
Gospel
A reading from one of the four Gospels, proclaimed by the priest or deacon.
Before: "Glory to you, O Lord." After: "Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ."
Homily
The priest or deacon explains the readings and applies them to daily life.
Sit and listen attentively.
Profession of Faith (Creed)
We profess our faith using the Nicene Creed or Apostles' Creed.
Stand. "I believe in one God, the Father almighty..."
Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful)
Prayers are offered for the Church, world leaders, those in need, and the local community.
"Lord, hear our prayer." (or similar response)
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Preparation of the Gifts
Bread and wine are brought to the altar. The collection is taken.
Sit. You may contribute to the collection.
Prayer over the Offerings
The priest prays over the gifts.
Stand for the invitation to pray and join the response in the parish worship aid. Answer Amen after the Prayer over the Offerings.
Preface & Sanctus
A prayer of thanksgiving leading to the Holy, Holy, Holy.
Stand. "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory..."
Eucharistic Prayer
The central prayer of the Mass, including the consecration of bread and wine.
Kneel. Listen in reverent silence. After "The mystery of faith": "We proclaim your Death, O Lord..."
The Lord's Prayer
We pray together the prayer Jesus taught us.
Stand. "Our Father, who art in heaven..."
Sign of Peace
We offer one another a sign of Christ's peace.
"Peace be with you." Exchange a handshake or nod with those nearby.
Lamb of God (Agnus Dei)
A prayer as the priest breaks the consecrated bread.
"Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us..."
Holy Communion
The faithful receive the Body and Blood of Christ.
If you are receiving Communion, join the procession and answer Amen before receiving. If you are not receiving, remain in prayer.
Prayer After Communion
A concluding prayer of thanksgiving.
Stand. "Amen."
Concluding Rites
Blessing
The priest blesses the assembly.
"Amen."
Dismissal
We are sent forth to live the Gospel.
"Thanks be to God." When the dismissal includes the double Alleluia, repeat it after the response.
Postures & Gestures
Kneeling
During the Eucharistic Prayer (after the Holy, Holy) and when receiving Communion (optional).
Standing
For the Gospel, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and during the entrance and closing processions.
Sitting
For the readings (except the Gospel), the homily, and the preparation of the gifts.
Ready to Experience the Mass?
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