These are some of the fundamental parts and order of the Catholic Mass, each with its own significance and role in the liturgical celebration. They collectively guide the worship, prayer, and proclamation of faith in the Catholic tradition.
1. Kyrie Eleison
This is the first part of the Mass, where the congregation asks for God’s mercy. It is usually recited three times: “Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison” (Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy). The Kyrie Eleison, which is part of the Catholic Mass, holds deep significance. “Kyrie Eleison” translates to “Lord, have mercy.”
This portion of the Mass serves as a plea for God’s mercy and forgiveness. It acknowledges human imperfection and the need for divine compassion and forgiveness. By repeating “Kyrie Eleison,” the congregation expresses their humility and reliance on God’s grace. It is a moment of contrition and a reminder of the central theme of God’s mercy and love in Christian worship
2. Gloria in Excelsis Deo
The “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” is a significant part of the Catholic Mass. “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” translates to “Glory to God in the highest.” This hymn of praise is a joyful and exultant declaration of God’s glory and majesty. It is an expression of adoration and thanksgiving to God for His greatness, love, and the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. The “Gloria” is typically recited or sung immediately after the Kyrie in the Mass.
It emphasizes the awe-inspiring nature of God and acknowledges His role as the source of peace, mercy, and salvation. This part of the Mass serves to unite the congregation in worship and to glorify God collectively, recognizing His central role in the Christian faith. It is a hymn of praise that reflects the sense of awe and wonder in the presence of the divine during the Catholic liturgy.
3. Credo
The “Credo,” which is Latin for “I believe,” is a pivotal part of the Catholic Mass. In the Mass, it is the Nicene Creed or the Apostles’ Creed, both of which are statements of faith and belief in core Christian teachings. When the congregation recites or sings the “Credo,” they are professing their faith in the foundational doctrines of Christianity.
The Nicene Creed, for example, begins with the words “Credo in unum Deum” (I believe in one God) and goes on to articulate belief in the Holy Trinity, the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, the salvation of humanity, the role of the Church, and the hope of eternal life. Similarly, the Apostles’ Creed contains statements of belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the dead, and the communion of saints, among other things.
Reciting the “Credo” during Mass is a way for Catholics to publicly declare and reaffirm their faith and to join together in a shared confession of what they believe as Christians. It serves as a unifying and affirming moment of worship, emphasizing the core theological tenets of the Christian faith.
Nicene Creed: I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
4. Sanctus
This is the holy and sanctifying prayer, often referred to as the “Holy, Holy, Holy.” It begins with “Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus” (Holy, Holy, Holy). The “Sanctus” is a significant part of the Catholic Mass. “Sanctus” translates to “Holy.” It is a hymn of praise that begins with the words “Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus” (Holy, Holy, Holy) and continues with “Dominus Deus Sabaoth” (Lord God of Hosts).
The “Sanctus” is recited or sung during the Eucharistic Prayer, specifically during the Preface. It marks a sacred and transcendent moment in the Mass when the congregation and the presiding priest acknowledge the holiness of God. It echoes the praise of the angels in heaven, as described in the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:3) and the book of Revelation (Revelation 4:8). It signifies the sanctification and consecration of the bread and wine, transforming them into the body and blood of Christ.
The “Sanctus” serves as a reminder of the divine presence in the Eucharist and a call for the congregation to approach this part of the Mass with reverence and awe. It is a powerful expression of worship and adoration, emphasizing the holiness and majesty of God, and it plays a central role in the celebration of the Catholic liturgy.
5. Agnus Dei
The “Agnus Dei” is a significant and deeply meaningful part of the Catholic Mass. In English, “Agnus Dei” translates to “Lamb of God.” This prayer is recited or sung during the Communion Rite of the Mass, specifically before the distribution of the Holy Eucharist.
The “Agnus Dei” is a solemn invocation in which the congregation acknowledges Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. It draws from the biblical imagery of Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb, as described in the New Testament. By reciting the “Agnus Dei,” Catholics express their need for God’s mercy and the forgiveness of sins through Christ’s sacrificial offering.
The prayer begins with “Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis” (Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us), and it is repeated three times, with the final invocation being “Dona nobis pacem” (Grant us peace).
The “Agnus Dei” is a poignant moment in the Mass that underscores the central Christian belief in Christ’s redemptive sacrifice and the reconciliation of humanity with God through His atonement. It serves as a humbling and reverent plea for God’s mercy and peace, preparing the congregation to receive the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist.
6. Pater Noster
The “Pater Noster” is a significant part of the Catholic Mass, and in English, it is known as the “Our Father.” This prayer holds deep meaning and serves as a central moment of communion and worship within the Mass.
The “Pater Noster” is the Lord’s Prayer, a prayer taught by Jesus to His disciples as a model for how to pray.
It begins with the words “Our Father, who art in heaven” and continues with petitions for God’s will to be done, for daily bread, for the forgiveness of sins, and for deliverance from evil, among other things.
During the Mass, the “Pater Noster” is recited or sung by the congregation and the presiding priest. It serves several important purposes:
Communal Prayer: The recitation of the Lord’s Prayer unites the congregation in a shared expression of faith and dependence on God. It emphasizes the sense of community in worship.
Acknowledgment of God’s Fatherhood: Addressing God as “Our Father” reflects the intimate relationship between God and believers, highlighting God’s love and care for His children.
Petition for Daily Needs: The prayer includes petitions for daily sustenance, forgiveness, and protection from evil, addressing fundamental aspects of human existence and spiritual life.
Connection to Jesus: Since the “Pater Noster” was taught by Jesus Himself, its recitation during the Mass connects the worshipers to the teachings of Christ and His role as the ultimate source of salvation.
Overall, the “Pater Noster” is a moment of profound spiritual connection and reflection during the Mass, reminding Catholics of their relationship with God as their Heavenly Father and reinforcing the core principles of Christian faith and discipleship.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
Amen.
7. Mysterium Fidei
“Mysterium Fidei” is a Latin term that translates to “Mystery of Faith” in English. It is a phrase used within the context of the Catholic Mass, specifically during the consecration of the Eucharist.
The “Mysterium Fidei” marks a crucial moment in the Mass when the priest, holding the consecrated bread and wine (the Body and Blood of Christ), proclaims the mystery of faith. This proclamation is typically made immediately after the consecration, when the elements have been transformed into the real presence of Christ.
The “Mysterium Fidei” serves several significant purposes:
Faith Affirmation: It emphasizes the belief in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. The congregation responds to the priest’s proclamation by saying, “We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.” This response reaffirms the central mystery of faith in the Catholic Church.
Mystery and Awe: The phrase “Mystery of Faith” underscores the profound and divine nature of the Eucharist. It is a moment of awe and wonder as Catholics believe they are encountering the living Christ in the consecrated elements.
Connection to Christ’s Sacrifice: The proclamation recalls the death and resurrection of Jesus, making the connection between the Last Supper and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
Overall, “Mysterium Fidei” is a solemn and reverent declaration of the core belief in the Eucharist as the real presence of Christ and a reminder of the central role of faith in the Catholic Mass. It is a moment that underscores the mystery, significance, and depth of Catholic sacramental theology.
8. Ite, Missa Est
“Ite, Missa Est” is a Latin phrase used at the conclusion of the Catholic Mass. In English, it is often translated as “Go, the Mass is ended” or “Go, you are sent forth.” This phrase carries a significant meaning in the context of the Mass.
“Ite, Missa Est” serves as a dismissal and sending forth of the congregation. Its meaning can be summarized as follows:
Dismissal: It signals the end of the Mass, indicating that the formal worship service has concluded. The congregation is encouraged to depart peacefully and carry the spirit of the Mass with them into their daily lives.
Mission: The word “Missa” is related to the word “mission” and suggests that the Mass is not just a ritual to be observed but a mission to be lived. It reminds the faithful that they are sent forth into the world to live out their faith, spread the message of Christ, and carry the love and grace they have received during the Mass into their communities.
Commission: The phrase implies that the congregation is commissioned to go out and be ambassadors of the Christian faith, living according to the teachings of Christ and sharing His love and message with others.
In essence, “Ite, Missa Est” serves as a reminder that the Mass is not an isolated event but part of a larger mission for the faithful to live out their faith in the world. It encourages them to carry the spirit of worship and the message of Christ with them as they go about their daily lives.
These are some of the key parts and order of the Catholic Mass, each with its own Latin title and significance in the liturgy.