Gather and become attentive
The introductory rites gather the congregation for worship. Depending on the day, you will hear or join in an entrance chant, greeting, penitential act, Gloria and the opening prayer called the Collect. Not every element appears in exactly the same form at every Mass.
A practical beginning is to arrive with enough time to settle. Open the worship aid if one is provided, and bring the people and concerns on your heart into prayer.
Listen to the Word
The Liturgy of the Word includes readings from Scripture, the responsorial Psalm and the Gospel. The homily follows. On Sundays and solemnities, the profession of faith is ordinarily included, followed by the Universal Prayer.
Listen for one phrase to carry into the week. You do not need to understand every historical reference at once. Note a question afterward and explore it with a trustworthy Bible resource or your parish.
Attend to the Eucharistic celebration
The Liturgy of the Eucharist includes preparation of the altar and gifts, the Eucharistic Prayer and the Communion rite. The Church’s faith in the Eucharist is central to this part of the Mass.
If you are learning about Catholicism or returning after a long absence, ask a priest about preparation for Holy Communion. You are welcome to attend Mass while discerning your next steps and can remain in your place in prayer during Communion.
Carry the prayer into the week
The concluding rites include the blessing and dismissal. After Mass, pause to remember one thing you heard. Consider a concrete response: an apology, an offer of help or time for someone you have overlooked.
This guide is an orientation, not a complete explanation of the liturgy. Your parish can help you find a missal, introductory course or small group for further learning.
One small step
At your next Mass, pay particular attention to one Scripture reading and revisit it afterward.
Our family of sites
Continue with Life of the Saints
More ways to pray, learn and share the faith on our companion site.
- Today’s Mass readings — Continue your prayer with the Scripture passages for today.
Sources & further reading
Church sources for the teaching summarized in this guide.
USCCB: Order of Mass ↗ (opens in a new tab)