The Mass part by part with its biblical basis, Liturgical Year A/B/C, ministers, equipment, and rites.
What is the Eucharist?
The sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ: the source and summit of the Christian life.
The Eucharist in the Bible
From Melchizedek's bread and manna to the Last Supper and the first Christians.
The Mass at a glance
Five parts, from the entrance to the dismissal, each rooted in Scripture.
1. Introductory Rites
Entrance, greeting, penitential act, Gloria and Collect: becoming one assembly.
2. Liturgy of the Word
Readings, psalm, Gospel, homily, Creed and prayers of the faithful: God speaks to his people.
3. Liturgy of the Eucharist (main focus)
Preparation of the gifts, Eucharistic Prayer, consecration and the great Amen.
4. Communion Rites (main focus)
Our Father, peace, the breaking of the bread, 'Behold the Lamb' and receiving Communion.
5. Concluding Rites
Announcements, blessing and dismissal: 'Go in peace' means 'you are sent'.
Liturgical Year and Cycles A, B, C
Why the Sunday readings change: the three-year Sunday cycle and the two-year weekday cycle.
Who serves at Mass
The priest, deacon and lay ministers: each has his or her own task, and no one more.
Furnishings, vessels and vestments
What is on and around the altar, and what each thing is for.
Postures and gestures
When to stand, sit, kneel, bow and make the Sign of the Cross.
Do and don't
Practical guidance for the faithful, ministers and priests, with its reasons.
Adoration and Eucharistic devotion
Christ remains with us in the tabernacle: adoration, Corpus Christi, Eucharistic miracles and Blessed Carlo Acutis.
Common questions
Short answers about Mass, Communion and the real presence.
Gallery: photos, videos and files
Images, videos and documents about the Eucharist and the Mass shared by the editors. Credit the source.