When we gather for Mass – we begin with what is called The Gathering Rites. This is the beginning of Mass and it is the time when we prepare to hear the word of God and to celebrate the Eucharist.

At every Catholic Mass, anywhere in the world, the following 8 things will happen at the beginning of Mass.  This is called the Gathering

1. Entrance Song and Procession
2. Sign of the Cross
3. Greeting
4. Lord, Have Mercy
5. Gloria
6. Opening Prayer

Storytelling or The Liturgy of the Word
Next, it is time for storytelling. This is when we listen to the stories that God wants us to hear. This is called Liturgy of the Word.

1. First Reading – Usually from The Old Testament, except during Easter season.
2. Responsorial Psalm – this is a sung prayer
3. Second Reading – From The New Testament, usually from one of the Epistles (or letters). 
4. Gospel reading – From one of the four Gospels
5. Homily -the priest explains the message of the Gospel reading
6. Profession of Faith or the Creed.  This is what we believe
7. Prayers of the Faithful - or universal prayers.  The prayers from Sacred Heart directly to God.

Meal Sharing or The Liturgy of the Eucharist

The word “Eucharist” means “thanks giving”.  When we go to Mass we offer up our praise and thanks to God.

• What is something you will thank God for next time you go to Mass?

At every Catholic Sunday Mass, anywhere in the world, the following things will happen during the liturgy of the Eucharist:

1. Preparation of the offerings – our gifts of bread and wine
2. Eucharistic prayer
3. Lord’s Prayer
4. Sign of peace
5. Lamb of God
6. Communion
7. Prayer after Communion

The Sending or Concluding Rites

Have you ever been sent to do a special job?  Being sent means you are trusted.  You represent someone else.  You are responsible.  Someone is counting on you.  Without you, the job will not get done.
 
At the end of Mass, we are sent to carry the message of God’s love to others.  We are sent to help carry out the work of Jesus in the world.  The word Mass comes from a word that means “to be sent on a mission.”
 

The the end of Mass, called the Sending Rites, we are sent out from Mass to carry Jesus’ message about God to everyone. It is a very important part of the Mass because throughout the Eucharist we are helped to learn more about God and to respond to the message of Jesus, to celebrate and give thanks.

At the end of Mass, the priest will give us a blessing and we are ‘sent out’ to carry this message to others.