The Mass, step by step

The Mass, step by step

Sunday Mass, one moment at a time: what happens, what to do and say, and why.

Start at the beginningSee every moment

Why we go to Mass

At the Last Supper, the night before he died, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to his friends, saying: “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19). So the first Christians did it straight away. They met to “break bread” together, above all on Sunday, the day Jesus rose (Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7). The Church has kept doing it ever since, all over the world. Every Mass is us doing what Jesus asked (CCC 1341–1343).

For parents: Why the Mass?

The shape of a story

Every Sunday Mass follows the same shape, and it’s the shape of a story: two friends walking to Emmaus on the first Easter Sunday meet Jesus on the road, hear him explain the Scriptures, and recognise him when he breaks bread (Luke 24:13–35). The Church says the Mass has “the same movement” (CCC 1347).

Say the black, do the red

In the priest’s book, the Missal, what to do is printed in red and what to say in black. That’s why the instructions are called rubrics, from rubrica, Latin for red earth (Catholic Encyclopedia). Every moment in this guide does the same.

Do Kneel. Look at the Host when it’s raised.

Say “My Lord and my God!”

Every moment of the Mass

  1. Before Mass

    Arriving

    1. 1Coming in

  2. Part 1

    We gather

    Introductory Rites

    At Emmaus: Jesus joins two sad friends on the road (Luke 24:15).

    1. 2The entrance
    2. 3Sign of the Cross and greeting
    3. 4“Lord, have mercy”
    4. 5Glory to God
    5. 6The opening prayer

  3. Part 2

    We listen

    Liturgy of the Word

    At Emmaus: Jesus explains the Scriptures, and afterwards they say: “Were not our hearts burning?” (Luke 24:27, Luke 24:32).

    1. 7The readings and the psalm
    2. 8Alleluia and the Gospel
    3. 9The homily
    4. 10The Creed
    5. 11The Prayer of the Faithful

  4. Part 3

    We offer and receive

    Liturgy of the Eucharist

    At Emmaus: At table “he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them” (Luke 24:30).

    1. 12The gifts are brought up
    2. 13“Lift up your hearts” and Holy, Holy, Holy
    3. 14The Consecration
    4. 15Mystery of Faith and the Great Amen
    5. 16The Our Father
    6. 17The sign of peace
    7. 18Lamb of God
    8. 19Holy Communion
    9. 20Quiet thanks

  5. Part 4

    We are sent

    Concluding Rites

    At Emmaus: The two friends set out at once and hurry back to Jerusalem to tell the others (Luke 24:33–35).

    1. 21Blessing and sending out
Words to knowAll 21 words from the guide, from assembly to transubstantiation. The Mass quiz14 questions, one at a time. How many can you answer? For parentsThe theology behind each moment, the sources, and how to use the guide with your child.