Parts of the Mass

Description Posture Gestures & Movements
Introductory Rites
Entrance Song & Procession We sing as the priest and ministers process toward the altar. Stand
Sign of the Cross The priest says, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," and we respond, "Amen." Stand We make the Sign of the Cross gesture.
Greeting The priest welcomes us in Jesus’ name and we respond, “And with your spirit." Stand
Blessing with Sprinkling of Water The priest sprinkles the congregation with water as a reminder of our baptism. Stand We make the Sign of the Cross after we are sprinkled.
Penitential Rite The priest invites us to call to mind our failings and ask for forgiveness. We join him in saying, “I confess to almighty God...” (Confiteor) or respond with, "Lord, have mercy....” Stand We strike our breast at the line "through my fault" in the Confiteor.
Gloria We join the priest and/or choir in singing "Glory to God in the highest..." (Gloria) to praise God. Stand
Opening Prayer The priest begins with, "Let us pray," inviting us to pray silently for a moment, then continues. Stand
Liturgy of the Word
First Reading A lector proclaims a reading from the Old Testment (or Acts of the Apostles during Easter Season). Sit
Responsorial Psalm A cantor sings the Psalm and we sing the refrain together. Sit
Second Reading A lector proclaims a reading from the New Testament letters. Sit
Gospel Acclamation The priest or choir leads us in singing the Alleluia (or a different acclamation during Lent). Stand
Gospel Reading

The priest proclaims a reading about Jesus from one of the four Gospels.

Stand
Homily The priest shares a reflection on the readings. Sit
Profession of Faith We join the priest in reciting either the Nicene Creed or Apostles' Creed : "I believe...." Stand We bow during the words, "by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.”
General Intercessions The priest or a lector recites prayers of petitions, and we respond "Lord, hear our prayer." Stand
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Preparation of the Gifts The bread, wine, and collection of monetary gifts are gathered and brought to the altar while we sing the offertory song. Sit
Introductory Dialogue

Priest: "Pray, brethren (brothers and sisters)...."

 Stand
Acclamation We sing or say "Holy, holy, holy, Lord...." Stand
Eucharistic Prayer The priest, acting in the person of Christ, makes this prayer to God on our behalf. Kneel
The Lord’s Prayer We pray the Our Father together with the priest. Stand
Sign of Peace The priest offers us the Sign of Peace and invites us to share it with those around us. Stand We make a gesture to exchange the sign of peace.
Breaking of the Bread / Lamb of God While the priests breaks the host and prepares the chalice we say or sing, "Lamb of God....” Stand
Communion Procession We process to the altar to receive from the priest or Eucharistic ministers, while singing the Communion song. Walk We bow before the Eucharist.
Receiving Communion We receive the Body and/or Blood of Christ from a minister. Stand We extend our hands to receive.
After Receiving Communion We return to our seats and continue singing to Communion song. Kneel or Sit
Prayer after Communion The priest prays that we may live our lives strengthened by the Eucharist we just received. Stand
Concluding Rite
Announcements Someone may share some announcements about upcoming parish events. Sit
Dismissal The priest offers a final prayer and sends us forth to follow Jesus and do God's work in the world. Stand We make the Sign of the Cross.
Closing Song & Procession We sing a final song and process out with the priest and other ministers. Walk