Explaining Mass to Children

Dear young friends,

Have you ever wondered what happens during a Catholic Mass and why we do certain things? The Mass is a special time when we gather to worship God together. Let’s explore the order of the Mass and learn how to participate fully, including how to do the various blessings!

What is the Mass?

The Mass is a sacred celebration where we:

• Praise and thank God
• Listen to His Word
• Receive Jesus in the Eucharist
• Pray for ourselves and others

It’s like a big family gathering with God at the center!

The Order of the Mass

The Mass has four main parts:

1. Introductory Rites
2. Liturgy of the Word
3. Liturgy of the Eucharist
4. Concluding Rites

Let’s dive into each part and see what happens.

Introductory Rites

Entrance Procession

• What’s Happening? The priest and other ministers walk to the altar while everyone sings.
• Your Participation: Stand up and join in the singing!

Greeting

• Priest Says: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
• Everyone Responds: “Amen.”

Making the Sign of the Cross:

• Step 1: Touch your forehead and say, “In the name of the Father,”
• Step 2: Touch your chest and say, “and of the Son,”
• Step 3: Touch your left shoulder, then right shoulder, and say, “and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Penitential Act

• Purpose: We say sorry for our sins.
• Common Form: The “I Confess” prayer or “Lord, have mercy.”

Your Participation:

• Pray Along: If you know the words, join in.
• Reflect Quietly: Think about ways you can do better.

Gloria

• What Is It? A joyful song praising God.
• Your Participation: Sing or listen with a joyful heart.

Opening Prayer (Collect)

• Priest Prays: A special prayer for the day.
• Everyone Responds: “Amen.”

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading

• From the Old Testament
• Your Participation: Listen carefully to God’s message.

Responsorial Psalm

• Call and Response: The cantor sings a verse, and we respond.
• Your Participation: Repeat the response when it’s your turn.

Second Reading

• From the New Testament Letters
• Your Participation: Continue to listen attentively.

Gospel Acclamation

• We Stand and Sing: “Alleluia!” (Except during Lent)
• Your Participation: Stand up and sing joyfully.

Gospel Reading

• Priest Says: “The Lord be with you.”
• Everyone Responds: “And with your spirit.”

Before the Gospel Reading:

• Make Small Crosses:
  • Forehead: Use your thumb to trace a small cross, saying in your heart, “God, open my mind to your word.”
  • Lips: Trace a cross over your lips, thinking, “Help me speak your truth.”
  • Heart: Trace a cross over your heart, praying, “Fill my heart with your love.”

Homily

• Priest Explains: He helps us understand the readings.
• Your Participation: Listen and think about how it applies to your life.

Profession of Faith (Creed)

• We Stand and Recite: The Nicene Creed or Apostles’ Creed.
• Your Participation: Say the words if you know them, or listen carefully.

Prayers of the Faithful

• We Pray For: The Church, the world, those in need, and our community.
• Your Participation: Respond after each petition, usually saying, “Lord, hear our prayer.”

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Preparation of the Altar and Gifts

• What’s Happening? Bread and wine are brought to the altar.
• Your Participation: You may join in singing and offer your own prayers to God.

Prayer Over the Offerings

• Priest Prays: He asks God to accept our gifts.
• Everyone Responds: “Amen.”

Eucharistic Prayer

This is the most important part of the Mass!

• Holy, Holy, Holy (Sanctus):
  • We Sing: “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts…”
  • Your Participation: Sing along joyfully.
• Kneeling:
  • Why? We kneel in reverence as the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus.
  • Your Participation: Kneel quietly and respectfully.
• Consecration:
  • Priest Says: The words Jesus spoke at the Last Supper.
  • Bell Rings: To signify the sacred moment.
  • Your Participation: Pray silently, saying, “My Lord and my God.”

The Mystery of Faith

• Priest Says: “The mystery of faith.”
• Everyone Responds: One of the acclamations, like “We proclaim your Death, O Lord…”

Great Amen

• Priest Concludes: The Eucharistic Prayer.
• Everyone Responds: “Amen.” (Often sung)

The Lord’s Prayer

• We Stand and Pray Together:
  • “Our Father, who art in heaven…”

Holding Hands (Optional):

• In Some Churches: People hold hands as a sign of unity.
• Your Participation: Hold hands with your family or fold your hands in prayer.

Sign of Peace

• Priest Says: “Peace be with you.”
• Everyone Responds: “And with your spirit.”

Sharing Peace:

• Turn to Those Around You:
  • Say: “Peace be with you.”
  • Gesture: Shake hands, wave, or give a friendly smile.

Lamb of God

• We Sing or Say: “Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world…”
• Your Participation: Join in prayerfully.

Holy Communion

• Approaching the Altar:
  • If You Receive Communion: Walk reverently in line.
  • If Not Yet Received First Communion: Cross your arms over your chest for a blessing.

How to Receive Communion:

1. Bow Slightly: As a sign of reverence.
2. Priest Says: “The Body of Christ.”
3. You Respond: “Amen.”
4. Receiving in the Hand:
   • Hold Out Hands: One hand over the other, palms up.
   • Place Host in Mouth: Step to the side and consume the host immediately.
5. Receiving on the Tongue (If Preferred):
   • Tilt Head Back Slightly and Stick Out Tongue Gently.

Prayer After Communion

• Priest Prays: A concluding prayer.
• Everyone Responds: “Amen.”

Concluding Rites

Final Blessing

• Priest Says: “The Lord be with you.”
• Everyone Responds: “And with your spirit.”

Receiving the Blessing:

• Make the Sign of the Cross as the priest blesses everyone.

Dismissal

• Priest Says: One of the dismissal formulas, like “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.”
• Everyone Responds: “Thanks be to God.”

Recessional Hymn

• We Sing: A closing song as the priest and ministers leave.
• Your Participation: Sing along joyfully!

Participating Fully in the Mass

Gestures and Postures

• Standing: Sign of respect and readiness.
• Sitting: For listening and reflection.
• Kneeling: Sign of adoration.
• Bowing: Sign of reverence.

Using Holy Water

• When You Enter and Leave the Church:
  • Dip Fingers into Holy Water Font.
  • Make the Sign of the Cross: As a reminder of your baptism.

Genuflecting

• Before Entering the Pew:
  • Face the Tabernacle: Where the Eucharist is kept.
  • Kneel on Right Knee: Touch your right knee to the floor.
  • Make the Sign of the Cross (Optional).

Singing and Responding

• Join In: Whenever there’s singing or responses.
• Use the Missal: If available, to follow along with prayers and songs.

Understanding the Blessings

Blessing Yourself with the Sign of the Cross

• When?
  • At the Beginning and End of Mass
  • When Receiving a Blessing
  • When Passing by a Church or Crucifix (Optional)
• How?
  • Forehead: “In the name of the Father,”
  • Chest: “and of the Son,”
  • Left Shoulder to Right Shoulder: “and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Receiving a Blessing Instead of Communion

• Cross Arms Over Chest:
  • Approach the Priest or Minister:
  • They Will Bless You: Usually by placing a hand on your head or saying a short blessing.
  • Respond: “Amen.”

Why Do We Do These Things?

• To Show Respect: Our actions reflect our love and reverence for God.
• To Participate Fully: The Mass is a communal celebration—we all have a part!
• To Grow in Faith: Understanding the Mass helps us grow closer to God.

Tips for a Meaningful Mass Experience

Before Mass

• Arrive Early: To settle in and pray quietly.
• Dress Respectfully: Wear clothes that are neat and appropriate.

During Mass

• Listen Carefully: To the readings and homily.
• Pray Silently: Talk to God in your heart.
• Join In: Sing, respond, and participate in the gestures.

After Mass

• Give Thanks: Say a prayer of gratitude.
• Live the Message: Think about how you can apply what you’ve learned.

Remember

The Mass is a beautiful celebration where we come together as God’s family. By understanding each part and participating with your whole heart, you’re not only showing love for God but also growing in your faith.