Mass (liturgy) facts for kids
Mass is a special religious service where Christians celebrate the Eucharist. This is a very important part of their faith. During the Eucharist, people remember Jesus Christ's last meal with his friends and his sacrifice.
Mass is celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church, Old Catholic Churches, and in some parts of the Anglican and Lutheran churches. In some countries like Scandinavia and the Baltic countries, Lutherans also call their Eucharistic service "the Mass."
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What is Mass?
The word "Mass" comes from the Latin phrase "Ite, missa est", which means "Go, it is the dismissal." This phrase is said at the end of the service. It means that people are allowed to leave because the Mass is finished. It also means they are sent out on a mission to share the Christian message with others.
Mass in the Catholic Church
Mass is the most important religious ceremony and way of worship in the Catholic Church. The Eucharist is seen as the most important part of Christian life. This is when people receive the body and blood of Christ, usually as bread and wine.
A Sunday Mass usually lasts about an hour. On other days, it might be about 30 minutes. The length can change depending on how many people receive Communion.
Catholics are expected to go to Mass every Sunday and on certain other holy days. Even if Mass is offered on other days, attending on Sunday is still important.
A Catholic Mass has four main parts. These parts are the same all over the world, but they are said in different languages. The four parts are the Introductory Rites, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Concluding Rites.
Introductory Rites
At the start of Mass, the priest enters, and everyone makes the sign of the cross. The priest then greets the people. Next, everyone confesses their sins together and asks God for mercy. After this, they sing a hymn called the Gloria. The priest then says a special prayer called the collect.
Liturgy of the Word
In this part of Mass, different sections of the Bible are read aloud. There is a first reading, which can be from the Old or New Testament. Then a psalm is sung or recited. After that, there is a second reading from the New Testament, followed by a reading from the Gospel.
The priest then gives a short talk, called a sermon or homily, about the readings. After the homily, the Apostles' Creed is said. Finally, people offer prayers for others, known as intercessory prayers.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
This is a very special part of the Mass. During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, bread and wine are brought to the altar. The priest then says special prayers to make them holy. This is when Catholics believe the bread and wine truly become the body and blood of Jesus Christ (transubstantiation). Even though they still look, smell, and taste like bread and wine, they are believed to be Christ's real presence.
After this, everyone says the Lord's Prayer. Next, people share a sign of peace with each other. This is usually a nod or a handshake while saying "peace" or "peace be with you." It shows that everyone is united as one family in Christ.
The process of receiving the holy bread and wine is called Communion. Only baptized Catholics are allowed to receive Communion. After Communion, there is a prayer to thank God.
Concluding Rites
At the end of Mass, there might be announcements about important events happening in the local church parish.
Finally, the priest gives a blessing to everyone. He then dismisses the people, sending them out to live their faith.
Related pages
Images for kids
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A priest offering the Mass at St Mary's Basilica, Bangalore
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The elevation of the host began in the 14th century to show people the consecrated host.
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A priest administers Communion during Mass in a Dutch field on the front line in October 1944.
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Out of Mass (1893), oil on canvas by Joan Ferrer Miró
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Bishop William White celebrating Holy Communion in choir dress (19th century A.D.)
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A Lutheran priest elevates the chalice in the celebration of the Holy Mass.
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A Methodist minister consecrating the Eucharist elements during the Service of the Word and Table
