What Is the Catholic Mass and What Happens During It?

The Mass is the central act of worship in the Catholic Church. It re-presents the Last Supper and the sacrifice of Jesus, and it is where Catholics believe the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. A typical Mass has two main parts — the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist — and usually lasts about an hour. Anyone may attend, including non-Catholics and first-time visitors; only Catholics in a state of grace are invited to receive Communion.

Why Catholics Go to Mass

Catholics believe that at the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Eucharist and told his followers to "do this in memory of me." The Mass makes that command present again. It is not a re-enactment or a symbol only — the Church teaches that the same sacrifice of Calvary is made present in an unbloody way.

Two practical points follow from this:

• Sunday Mass is an obligation. Catholics are required to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation. Missing it without a serious reason is considered a grave matter.
• Daily Mass is optional but encouraged. Weekday Masses are shorter, usually with less music and a shorter homily, and many people attend before work or school.

At Holy Trinity Parish in El Dorado Hills, for example, weekday Mass is offered Monday through Saturday at 8:15 a.m., with a Saturday Vigil at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday Masses at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 5:00 p.m. That spread of times is typical of a parish schedule and shows how the Sunday obligation is met in practice.

The Two Main Parts of the Mass

Liturgy of the Word

This is the teaching portion. It follows a set pattern:

1. First Reading — usually from the Old Testament.
2. Responsorial Psalm — the congregation responds to a sung or recited psalm.
3. Second Reading — from the New Testament letters (on Sundays and feast days).
4. Gospel Acclamation — the congregation stands to greet the Gospel.
5. Gospel — a reading from Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.
6. Homily — the priest or deacon applies the readings to daily life.
7. Profession of Faith — the Nicene or Apostles' Creed.
8. Prayers of the Faithful — petitions for the Church, the world, and local needs.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

This is the sacrificial portion:

1. Preparation of the Gifts — bread and wine are brought to the altar.
2. Eucharistic Prayer — the priest prays the central prayer of the Mass, including the words of consecration.
3. The Lord's Prayer — the "Our Father."
4. Sign of Peace — a brief exchange of peace with those nearby.
5. Lamb of God — a prayer said while the host is broken.
6. Communion — Catholics in a state of grace receive the host (and sometimes the chalice).
7. Concluding Rites — a blessing and dismissal.

Weekday vs. Sunday Mass

How to Prepare Before Mass

• Observe the Eucharistic fast. Catholics abstain from food and drink (except water and medicine) for one hour before receiving Communion.
• Go to Confession if needed. Confession is available at Holy Trinity on Saturdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. or by appointment at 530-677-3234. Confession restores a person to a state of grace before receiving Communion.
• Arrive a few minutes early and quiet your mind. Many parishes also offer Adoration — at Holy Trinity, Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with Evening Prayer and Benediction between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

If You Are New or Not Catholic

You are welcome to attend and participate in everything except receiving Communion. Here is how to follow along:

• Take a worship aid or missal. Most parishes provide a booklet or projection with the responses.
• Stand, sit, and kneel with everyone else. The postures are part of the prayer.
• Stay seated during Communion. You may remain in your pew, or you may come forward with your arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing from the priest. This is a common and accepted practice.
• Ask questions afterward. Parish offices can explain the order of the Mass or point you to an RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program if you are considering becoming Catholic.

Common Points of Confusion

• "Do I have to be Catholic to attend?" No. The Mass is open to all.
• "Can I receive Communion if I'm not Catholic?" No. Communion is reserved for Catholics who are in a state of grace and have kept the fast.
• "How do I request a Mass intention?" Many parishes, including Holy Trinity, provide a Mass Intention Request Form. Intentions are often offered for a deceased person, a sick family member, or a special intention.
• "What if I arrive late?" Enter quietly and join at whatever part is underway. Missing the beginning does not invalidate your participation.

For specific times, confession schedules, or Mass intentions at a particular parish, check that parish's website or call the office. At Holy Trinity Parish, the office is open Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed daily for lunch from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., and closed Wednesdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.