Mass Part Two: The Liturgy
of the Eucharist
Every Catholic Mass consists of two main parts: the Liturgy
of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. After the homily,
the Creed and the Prayers of the Faithful, the Liturgy of
Usually a hymn is sung during the Preparation of the Altar and
the Gifts. This is also the point where the collection is taken and
the faithful offer their own gifts to the Lord. This is followed by
the Presentation of Bread and Wine. This is when members of the
congregation bring the hosts and the wine, and sometimes the gifts
from the collection, up to present to the priest.
Once the gifts are blessed on the altar, the Eucharistic Prayer
begins with the Preface. It starts with the priest saying, “The Lord
be with you.” After the Preface, the congregation sings or says the
“Holy, Holy, Holy.” Then comes the consecration, followed by the
Communion Rite, which includes The Lord’s Prayer, the Sign of
Peace, the “Lamb of God,” and reception of Communion.
of reflection, the congregation stands and the priest says the
Closing Prayer, offers a final blessing and the priest or deacon
dismisses the assembly. After the final hymn, it’s now time to go
out into the world and share the graces which we have received at
the Mass.
For further study:
CCC 1345-1419
33
the Eucharist begins.
After Communion the vessels are cleansed and, after a brief moment
Notes