What happens at Mass?

Considering my blog is named for what happens at Mass (Get it? Because of all the standing and kneeling?), I figured it was high time for a post about what happens at Mass, since some of my audience may have never been to Mass before.

First of all, I know it seems daunting to people who haven’t been before. I made the mistake of taking some friends awhile back without explaining what would happen first, and they were just really confused and overwhelmed. So definitely read this before you go so you know what to expect and can appreciate it instead of worrying that you’re going to say the wrong thing.

Also remember that the translation was changed recently, and many Cradle Catholics rely on pamphlets to tell them what to say. So don’t fret about looking silly holding the paper and reading straight from it (I still need it sometimes).

I’d also like to note that I’m not going to explain WHY everything’s done, only the WHAT. I confess that I’m not knowledgeable enough to make a reliable post about it, but fear not, for I am working on it. In the meantime, I recommend you check out the works of Dr. Scott Hahn if you’re interested in learning some of the WHY.

The Mass

So, you walk into the church. You will most likely be greeted by some parishioners, and if they notice you’re new they’ll probably make sure you have what you need to participate.

Then you get to go in and sit down. However, as you enter the area with the pews, you’ll see some bowls filled with water. That water is Holy Water, and Catholics bless themselves with it by dipping a finger in and making the Sign of the Cross with it. It’s to remind them of their Baptism. If you feel comfortable following suit, you are welcome to if you are baptized in a Christian church.

It’s traditional to genuflect or bow before you enter your pew. This is a sign of respect and honor before our King. Once you enter your pew, you’re welcome to sit or kneel for some prayer; this is to get your mind focused on the Mass that’s about to happen and the God that you are honoring. Personally I like to get there about 20 minutes early so that I have plenty of time to pray (I tend to ramble a bit with my prayer) and so I can sit in the front pew (It’s my favorite seat – you can see everything so easily!).

Finally, Mass starts! The cantor (the person leading the singing) greets the congregation and invites them to stand and join in the opening song. Please sing along; it’s a lot of fun! As you’re singing the priest, servers and possibly deacon will process in. The deacon will be carrying a large book that contains the readings for each Mass. The procession will line up at the altar and bow, then the priest and deacon will go to the altar and pay their respects by kissing it. The servers will come up and take their seats as the priest and deacon do so, and the song should end right around then.

The priest will open up the Mass by having everyone make the Sign of the Cross. At this point you’ll be in good shape as long as you follow the pamphlet. As for when to stand up and sit down, just follow along with everyone else. You can check out this link if you want to see the exact texts of the Mass.

However, I do want to talk about communion myself, because this is SUPER SUPER important (SUPER is repeated for emphasis.).

In the Catholic Church, communion is called the Holy Eucharist, or just Eucharist. Catholics believe that when the priest says the prayers of consecration, the process of transubstantiation occurs. The bread and wine retain its natural form, but it BECOMES Jesus. It takes a lot of faith to believe this, but I believe it to you. That bread and wine is Jesus, His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.

Now, as you can imagine, when you’re dealing with the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, you need to be incredibly respectful, and there are specific ways of doing that. Because of this importance, only people who are in full communion with the Catholic Church can receive the Eucharist. HOWEVER, non-Catholics are more than welcome to come forward for a blessing. Just cross your arms as you come up, and the priest/deacon/Eucharistic minister will bless you so that you can receive the grace of Jesus, too (You won’t be the only person that does that, I promise.).

When Mass ends, the servers, priest and deacon will process back out (to song, of course), and the congregation is free to leave when the song ends. I always pray before I go, just a little thanks for the beautiful service and a prayer that I’ll apply what I’ve learned to my life that week.

The priest and deacon normally wait outside to greet everyone as they leave. You’re welcome to chat with them and ask any questions you may have. They love answering questions. Trust me, I ask them all the time.

In conclusion

Mass isn’t scary, and it’s actually a lot of fun and a great spiritual experience. Feel free to ask me any questions if you’re going to a Mass and want more info than I’ve provided here.

God bless!

Jill