Perhaps it’s been a long time since you’ve attended a Mass, or maybe it will be your first time. Whether or not you are familiar with the responses or what is happening at the Mass, it’s OK. You are always welcome at Mass. What’s most important is that you’ve come to be with God. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to another parishioner and let them know you are new to the church. After Mass, you can also meet the pastor or priest celebrant.
What is Mass?
For more videos explaining each part of the Mass, visit Elements of the Catholic Mass on Youtube.
The Mass is the most important prayer of the Catholic Church. Together as a community we worship God, hear His Word, and we receive Him in the Holy Eucharist.
At the Mass, we experience the moment of the Last Supper Jesus had with His Apostles when we hear these words:
Take this, all of you, and eat of it: for this is my body which will be given up for you.
and then
Take this, all of you, and drink from it: for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. do this in memory of me.
Throughout His time on earth, Jesus emphasized the importance of receiving Him in the Eucharist. He said to His disciples:
I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world. (John 6:51)
The Eucharist is the greatest gift God has given to the Church. We hope that you are able to come and experience this gift for yourself!