Mass why called

Mass is the central act of worship in the life of a Catholic. Going to Mass is about spending time with God, but also receiving his graces inner strength to live the Christian life. At the beginning, the priest processes in, accompanied by altar servers, usually boys and girls who help the priest by carrying things, giving him things.

Often the congregation all those who are there sing a hymn. Then the congregation are given a few moments to reflect upon the things they have done or not done which hurt other people, and are invited to repent, or say sorry to God. This is because not being sorry for sins when we have hurt other people or disobeyed God, can be a barrier to being given the graces God wants to give us. In the liturgy of the Word, everyone listens to readings from the Bible; first, a story from the Old Testament which is completed by what Jesus Christ did, e.

Then a psalm is prayed or sung on the same theme. As you can imagine, these numbers represent a lot of work. We need you.

It only takes a minute. Thank you! Donate now! And today we celebrate Prayer for this morning. In this prayer, the people join their voices to pray for the coming of God's kingdom and to ask God to provide for our needs, forgive our sins, and bring us to the joy of heaven.

The Rite of Peace follows. The celebrant prays that the peace of Christ will fill our hearts, our families, our Church, our communities, and our world. As a sign of hope, the people extend to those around them a sign of peace, typically by shaking hands. The action of breaking the bread recalls the actions of Jesus at the Last Supper, when he broke the bread before giving it to his disciples. One of the earliest names for the Eucharistic celebration is the breaking of the bread. Before receiving Communion, the celebrant and assembly acknowledge that we are unworthy to receive so great a gift.

The celebrant receives Communion first and then the people come forward. Those who receive Communion should be prepared to receive so great a gift.

They should fast except for medicines for one hour before receiving the Eucharist and should not be conscious of having committed serious sin. Because sharing at the Eucharistic Table is a sign of unity in the Body of Christ, only Catholics may receive Communion.

To invite all present to receive Communion implies a unity which does not exist. Those who do not receive Communion still participate in this rite by praying for unity with Christ and with each other. The people approach the altar and, bowing with reverence, receive Communion. People may receive the Body of Christ either on the tongue or in the hand.

The priest or other minister offers the Eucharist to each person saying, "The Body of Christ. The person receiving responds by saying, "Amen," a Hebrew word meaning, "So be it" Catechism of the Catholic Church , As the people receive Communion, the communion song is sung. The unity of voices echoes the unity the Eucharist brings. All may spend some time in silent prayer of thanksgiving as well.

The Communion Rite ends with the Prayer after Communion which asks that the benefits of the Eucharist will remain active in our daily lives. When it is necessary, announcements may be made. The celebrant then blesses the people assembled. Sometimes, the blessing is very simple. On special days, the blessing may be more extensive.

When Pope Benedict began his pontificate, he adopted the tradition of putting a fairly large crucifix in the centre of the altar when celebrating Mass. This annoyed a lot of people because it blocked their view of the Pope.

And this was the very point of doing it! Not to annoy people, but to remind them that the love of Jesus Christ on the cross is the centre of our Christian faith, and the centre of the Mass. We need to keep our focus constantly on him. It is also a sacrifice.