LISA’S CATECHISM CORNER
The Holy Mass begins with the gathering of the faithful and the entrance of the priest and altar servers and others who serve in the sanctuary. After the greeting comes the Penitential Rite, which concludes with the Kyrie. On Sundays outside of Advent and Lent and feast days, the Gloria is then sung or recited.
The prayer of the day introduces one or two readings from the Old and New Testament, followed by the responsorial psalm. Before the Gospel is read, there is an Alleluia, or acclamation. After the proclamation of the Gospel, the priest or deacon gives a homily. Then, only on Sundays and feast days, the congregation professes its common faith in the Creed, followed by the intercessions (the prayers of the people).
The second part of the Mass begins with the preparation of the gifts, which concludes with the Offertory prayer. The high point of the Eucharistic celebration is the Eucharistic Prayer, which is introduced by the Preface and the Sanctus (Holy, Holy). Now the gifts of bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. The Eucharistic Prayer concludes, finally, in the Doxology, which makes the transition to the Lord’s prayer.
Then comes the prayer for peace, the Agnus Dei, the breaking of the bread, and the distribution of holy communion to the faithful, which, in Hawaii is often done under both the Body and Blood of Christ. The Holy Mass ends with meditation, thanksgiving, a concluding prayer, announcements (your favorite part, right?) and a blessing by the priest.
Lisa Gomes is the director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry