Ever since, Christians have regularly gathered together just as Jesus asked them. They have repeated the words and actions of Jesus on that first Holy Thursday evening as they share bread and wine. In time, this gathering became known as the Eucharist.
The Eucharist is called a memorial meal because:
¢ It recalls and makes present now the actions of Jesus at the Last Supper 2,000 years ago.
¢ It reminds Catholics that Jesus is still with them as they face new challenges today.
3. The structure of the Mass Since the 2nd century CE, the Mass has had four parts. We shall examine each in turn:
A. The Introductory rites These prepare you for worship. They include: 1. The Entrance Procession. 2. The Greeting. 3. The Penitential Rite (i.e. The Confession of Sins). 4. The Gloria (i.e. The Glory be to the Father…). 5. The Opening Prayer.
In the Penitential Rite, you ask God and your fellow Catholics for forgiveness. If you have committed a mortal sin (i.e. a very serious and harmful act) you may attend Mass but you may not receive Holy Communion. You must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation first.
B. The Liturgy of the Word
This includes: 1. The First Reading (Taken from the Old Testament). 2. The Responsorial Psalm 3. The Second Reading (Taken from the New Testament). 4. The Gospel Acclamation. 5. The Reading of the Gospel. 6. The Homily (i.e. the Sermon). 7. The Nicene Creed. 8. The Prayers of the Faithful.
God speaks to you when verses from the Bible are read aloud during the Mass. The priest’s homily should explain these readings and say how the message they contain can be applied to your life.
C. The Liturgy of the Eucharist
This includes: 1. The Presentation of the Gifts. 2. The Eucharistic Prayer 3. The Our Father. 4. The Rite of Peace. 5. Holy Communion.
