The Mass: Introductory Rites – Part I

The Mass and the Eucharist are forever bound together. Thus it’s entirely appropriate that we try to come to a better understanding and appreciation of the Mass during this bulletin series. We will do this in small parts, returning to this topic from time to time.

The Mass is divided up into four main sections: the Introductory Rites, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Word, and the Concluding Rites. Today, let’s take a look at the first half of the Introductory Rites.

The very first thing we notice is that the Mass starts with a procession. The altar servers, lector(s), deacon(s), and priest (and bishop if there is one present) walk down the center aisle to the altar. Why? Any kind of a liturgical or devotional procession is a representation of us, the People of God, as we journey together towards Jesus. In the entrance procession, the ministers represent all of us. We all turn our focus on the altar, the place where the Sacrifice of the Mass will take place. The ministers, in fact, bow to the altar, and then the priest and deacons kiss it as well.

The priest then greets the assembly and we all make the Sign of the Cross. This is public worship, done together as the Body of Christ, in union with the Trinity. While individual worship away from church is important for developing our relationship with God, liturgy reminds us that we are meant to be in communion with each other, and with God.

We then perform the Penitential Act, reciting “Lord/Christ have mercy”. In order to worthily receive Jesus, we recognize that we are sinners. We ask his mercy upon us that no matter what we might have done since the last time we encountered him, that our hearts, souls and minds now be directed toward him, and that he in turn may fill us with his grace.

“The Church [...] earnestly desires that Christ’s faithful, when present at [Mass], should not be there as strangers or silent spectators; on the contrary, through a good understanding of the rites and prayers they should take part in the sacred action conscious of what they are doing, with devotion and full collaboration.” - Sacrosanctum Concilium, No. 48.

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Contact me at eucharist@stmli.org.