THE STRUCTURE OF THE MASS, ITS ELEMENTS, AND ITS PARTS

People of God called together with priest acting in the person of Christ celebrate the
memorial of the Lord - the Eucharistic Sacrifice. Christ is present in the every liturgical
assembly gathered in his name, celebrant priest, Word and Eucharist (GIRM 27). There are
mainly two parts, such as the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. They are
interconnected as one single-worship (GIRM 28).

For the active participation, there are reciprocal dialogues between priest and faithful (GIRM
34). Music and singing facilitate the prayer and celebration of the Eucharist (GIRM 40).
Movements and postures have their own meaning. A common posture expresses sign of the
u8nity of the members and fosters the intensions and spiritual attitude of the participants.
There are postures of standing, sitting, kneeling and processions. Moreover there are places
of sacred silence mentioned which have its spiritual value (GIRM 40-45).

Individual Parts of Mass

1. The Introductory Rite: It includes entrance, greeting, act of penitence, kyrie, Gloria and
collect. The purposes are to establish communion, to listen properly to the Word of God and
to celebrate the Eucharist worthily. In certain celebrations introductory rite is omitted, e.g.
Presentation of the Lord and Palm Sunday.

A. Entrance: The purposes are to open the celebration, to foster the unity of those who have
been gathered, to introduce their thoughts to the mystery of the mystery of the Liturgical
season and festivity and to indicate the entrance to the Heavenly Jerusalem. The order of the
entrance procession will follows as, smoking turible, crucifix, two lighted candles, ministers
(if present), The Book of the Gospel, concelebrants (if present) and chief celebrant.

B. Greeting of the altar: When the procession reaches to the sanctuary, they pay reverence
to the altar with a profound bow (if the Blessed Sacrament is placed in the middle of the
sanctuary they will genuflect). Then priests and deacon kiss the altar, priest incenses the cross
and altar. Priest stands at the chair, makes the sign of the cross and gives a brief introduction.
Abuse: Priests make this as a ‘mini sermon’.

C. The act of penitence: A brief pause of silence is observed and there follows a formula of
general confession but is not the Sacrament of Reconciliation. On Sundays especially
during the Easter season blessing and sprinkling of water can inserted.
Abuse: Priests add certain penitential hymns instead of penitential rite. In addition,
even some omit this part.

D. The kyrie eleison: Unless it is included as a part of the act of penitence always said.
Abuse: certain priests omit kyrie eleison.

E. Gloria: This text cannot be replaced by any other texts or hymns. It is sung on Sundays
outside the season of Advent and Lent, solemnities and feasts even during Advent and Lent.

F. The collect: we all observe a brief silence to be conscious of God’s presence and to
formulate their petitions mentally. Abuse: some priests formulate their own prayers. Thus
no any other presidential prayers can be changed (GIRM 32).

2. The Liturgy of the Word: It contains readings from Sacred Scripture, chants in between,
homily, profession of faith and prayer of the faithful. God speaks through the Word and
speaks of the mystery of redemption and salvation. Sacred silence promotes meditation.
Readings are proclaimed from ambo. They are ministerial but not presidential. Readings are
read by a lector (if there is no congregation priest may say) and gospel is read by deacon if
not priest or celebrant.

A. Responsorial Psalm: This cannot be replaced by songs or hymns. Congregation sits and
listens. Abuse: people replace Psalm with meditational hymns or songs.

B. Alleluia: It is sung by all. Alleluia can be omitted if not it is sung.

C. Gospel: When it is proclaimed deacon or priest joints hands together for greeting (GIRM
175).

D. Homily: It is strongly recommended homilies to proclaim on Sundays, holy days ad if the

congregation is present. Even they can have on weekdays of Advent, Lent, Easter and other
festive days. It can be given by the Bishop, priest or deacon not by a lay or a brother or a nun.
Abuse: Some priest allows these people to give homilies in the Mass.

E. The profession of faith: this can be sung or recite on Sundays and Solemnities.

F. Prayer of the faithful: There are series of intentions: 1. For the needs of the Church, 2.
For the public authorities and salvation of the world, 3. For those who burdened by any other
difficulty, 4. For the local community. There can be other intentions for special occasions.
They should be sober, composed freely but prudently, succinct and prayer of the entire
community. Priest directs this prayer from the chair. Abuse: some priests say the prayer in
ambo.

3. The Liturgy of the Eucharist: It contains the preparation of the gifts, prayer over the gifts
the Eucharistic prayer, the Lord’s Prayer, the rite of peace the fraction, communion and
prayer after communion.

A. The preparation of the gifts: Missal, corporal, purificator and chalice are placed on the
altar. Till then only the Book of the Gospel was on the altar. Offerings were accepted and
placed in a suitable place not on the altar. Priest incenses the gifts, cross and the altar, then,
priest and assembly by any other minister. Abuse: some priests keep glass of water and
envelopes on the altar.

B. The Eucharistic Prayer: It is the prayer of thanksgiving and sanctification. Chief

elements are

1. Thanksgiving – Dialogue and Preface

2. Acclamation - Sanctus
3. Epiclesis – Invocation of the Holy Spirit
4. Institutional narratives and consecration – exact words and deeds of Jesus and Last
Supper event
5. Anamnesis – remembering the event and memorial acclamation (Mysteriyum fidei)
6. Offering – the assembly gathered offer themselves with the spotless victim
7. Intercessions – church of militant, church of triumphant and church of suffering
8. Final doxology – glorification to God through Great Amen

Abuse: some priests add their own intercessions in between the prayer, priest must say
this prayer alone (RS 51) but some invite the congregation to say the doxology.

C. The Lord’s Prayer: Praise and petitions to God the Father. Abuse: Some invites to hold
hands around the altar when they pray.
Rite of peace: The Church asks for peace and unity for herself. According to the customs of
the people sign of peace differ and must share those who near. Abuse: Priest cannot leave
the Sanctuary and go to the congregation to extent peace. But this happens sometimes.

D. The Fraction: This comes from the apostolic time onwards. Proper reverence is given and
a piece of the host put into the chalice. Agnus dei is sung as a rule, or it is recited.

E. Communion and prayer after communion: priest slightly raises bread over the paten or
above the chalice. After communion there is a brief silence and follows the prayer.

4. The Concluding Rite: It contains a brief announcement, greeting, blessing, dismissal and
recessional procession. Priest kisses the altar, then priest and other ministers make a
profound bow to the altar (if Blessed Sacrament is placed in the middle of the Sanctuary all
genuflect) and depart. Abuse: many say announcement before prayer after communion
and they make this as another homily.
 CHAPTER III

DUTIES AND MINISTRIES IN THE MASS

The Eucharist is the action of Christ and of the Church. There are duties and ministries of
those who are in the Holy Orders and in particular ministries.

 Bishop: The Bishop or either in person or through priests directs every legitimate
celebration of the Eucharist. When the Bishop is presented, he celebrates in
association with priests to signify more vividly the mystery of the Church, which is
the sacrament of unity. If not he presides over the celebration but is presented, he
presides over the Liturgy of the Word wearing the pectoral cross, stole, cope over an
alb. He also gives blessings at the end of the mass. He has the presidential function.
 Priest: Priest receives sacred power of the orders in the person of Christ. He must
serve God and people of God with dignity and humility. He pronounces the Divine
Word and the Bread of the eternal life. He conveys the living presence of Christ. He
also has the presidential function.
 Deacon: In virtue of the Sacred Ordination, he receives power from the Church. His
peculiar parts in the mass are, proclaiming the gospel, preaching the Word,
announcing the intentions of the universal prayer, preparing the altar and serving in
the Eucharistic Sacrifice.

People of God share the royal priesthood of Christ and offer their sacrifice to God. They
avoid singularity or division and should share ministries with everyone. Sometimes some
individuals do not share the ministries with others. Responses, gestures and postures express
one body of the celebration.

 Acolyte: An acolyte serves at the altar to assist the priest and deacon. Acolyte
prepares the altar and sacred vessels and if necessary distributes the Eucharist.
 Lector: A lector proclaims the readings from Sacred Scripture but not the Gospel. He
can announce the intensions of universal prayer. Moreover, in the absence of the
psalmist, acolyte and other ministers (altar servers) lector can perform their ministries.
 Psalmist: She/he sings the psalms or other biblical canticles. They may have art of
singing and faculty in public speaking and elocution.
 Choir: Choir has its own liturgical function and to foster active participation of the
faithful rather than disturbing.
  Sacristan: She/he arranges the liturgical books, vestments and other things necessary
for mass.
 Commentator: In special masses (Ordination, Chrism mass, etc.) the commentator
gives brief explanations and instructions from a suitable place not at the ambo.
However, in some parishes it is done at the ambo.
 Those who take up collections: They also have a special duty to perform in masses
where a large number of faithful is gathered.
 Ushers: They have a special duty to welcome the faithful, to seat them to marshal
them n processions.
 Master of ceremonies: A competent minister must be appointed especially in
cathedrals and large churches. They do appropriate arrangements for liturgical
services.

Even though there are different, ministries shared by the people of God some priests do not
distribute works to others.

There are presidential functions and ministerial functions in the Eucharistic celebration.
Hence, if there are no any other ministers present the priest may perform all the functions.
 CHAPTER IV

THE DIFFERENT FORMS OF CELEBRATING MASS

Mass with the People

Mass should be celebrated with the participation of the faithful especially on Sundays and
holydays of obligations.

Things to be prepared:

 The Altar: The altar is covered with at least one white cloth. Candlestick with lighted
candles or oil lambs orderly: 2 (for weekdays), 4 (for feasts), 6 (for Sundays and
holydays of obligations) and 7 (if Diocesan Bishop celebrates), Crucifix, Book of the
Gospels (if it is carried in the entrance).
 Entrance: candles, crucifix, thurible and incense boat
 Near priest‟s chair: missal and a hymnal (if appropriate)
 Ambo: lectionary
 Credence table: chalice, corporal, purificator, pall, paten, ciboria (if needed), bread for
presiding priest cruets with water and wine, holy water, communion plate, whatever
needed for the washing of hands. Chalice can be covered with a veil which can be the
day‟s colour or white. This is a praise-worthy practice.
 Sacristy: Sacred vestments, alb, stole, chasubles, dalmatic (if necessary), cincture and
amice.

a. Mass with a Deacon

A deacon should wear sacred vestments. He always walks and sits at priest‟s side because
priest is resembled by chalice and deacon is resembled by book of the Gospels.

Some specific functions:

 A deacon proclaims the Gospel and delivers homily under the direction of the priest.
 He can assist in receiving gifts.
 In offering, he pours wine and a little water into the chalice saying quietly the prayer.
 In doxology deacon stands next to the priest and holds the chalice and elevates while
the priest elevates the paten with the host.

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 In the sign of peace, deacon invites to extent the sign of peace.

 After the final blessing, he dismisses the people.

b. Functions of Acolyte

An acolyte will carry the cross. He prepares the altar. If necessary he receives people‟s gifts
with the priest. And also if necessary he may distribute communion. He can purify and wipe
the sacred vessels.

c. Functions of a Reader

In the absence of a deacon the reader can carry the book of the Gospel. He reads the scripture
from the ambo.

Concelebrated Mass

It resembles the unity of the priesthood. There are some suggested masses for con-
celebration: Chrism mass, evening mass of the Lord‟s Supper, mass during councils,
gatherings of bishops and synods, conventual mass, principal mass in the churches and
oratories, masses at any kind of gathering of priests. There is no individual mass on Holy
Thursday and Easter vigil. Diocesan bishop can discipline the con-celebration, there is no
con-celebration at wedding mass but for funeral there can be con-celebration. A priest can
concelebrate or celebrate mass more than once on the same day: Chrism mass and then
evening mass on the Holy Thursday, Easter vigil and mass during the day, Christmas and
mass during the day (3 masses), all soul‟s day (3 masses – different times). Priests cannot
concelebrate once the mass has already begun.

After the prayer over the offerings concelebrants approach the altar and stand around it.
Normally, epiclesis and institutive narrative will be pronounced by all the concelebrants with
the presiding celebrant. Anamnesis, oblation and intercession are pronounced by one of the
concelebrants. There are two ways of receiving communion; first, concelebrants can come to
the altar, hold the communion in their right hand with the left hand placed underneath and
they return to their places when „behold the lamb of God‟ said. Second, the body of Christ is
passed from the paten one to another and they will hold it where they stand. In the same way
the chalice also can be consumed.
 3

Mass at which only one Minister Participates

The minister responses the faithful‟s part. There are no greetings, instructions and final
blessings. Instead of hymns there are antiphons to be used.

Some General Norms for all Forms of Mass

1. Veneration of the altar and the book of the Gospels. It is done by means of a kiss.
2. Genuflection and bows:
I. By bending the right knee to the ground: to Most Blessed Sacrament, to
adoration of the Holy Cross on Good Friday, 3 times during the mass (after
elevation of the host, of the chalice and before communion)
II. A bow of the body: to the altar, during prayers (“cleanse my heart; with
humble Spirit”), in creed (“and by the Holy Spirit… and became man”), in
Roman Canon (“in humble we pray”), deacon when he asks blessings from
priest and at the words of consecration
III. A bow of the head: when three Divine Persons‟ are named (Glory be…),
names of Jesus, Bls. Virgin Mary and saints in whose honour Mass is being
celebrated.
3. Incensation: It is an expression of reverence and of prayer. It is optional in any form
of Mass. The occasions are: entrance procession, at the beginning of the Mass,
proclamation of the Gospel, during offering and at the elevation of the host and
chalice after the consecration. In some places they incense during doxology and it is
not accepted. Priest need to bless with a sign of a cross after putting incense but
sometimes priests never do it. Before and after an incensation a profound bow is made
to the person or objects expect the offerings for the sacrifice of the mass.
I. Three swings (3x3): Most Blessed Sacrament, a relic of the Holy Cross,
images of the Lord for public veneration, offerings for the sacrifice of mass (3
swings or by making sign of the cross over the offerings), the altar cross, the
book of the Gospels, the paschal candle, priest, people within the mass
II. Two swings (2x3): Relics and images of the saints exposed for public
veneration
III. Single swing: Around the altar (if altar is freestyle)
In some places these ways are not observed and not educated
 4

4. The Purification: Remaining particles of Holy Body and Blood of Christ is purified
reverently. If a host or any particle falls it is picked up reverently. If any of the Blood
spilled the place should be washed with water, this water should be then proud into
the sacrarium.
5. Communion under both kinds: Priests who are not able to celebrate or concelebrate,
deacon and other ministers, community members at the conventual mass
(seminarians, retreat and spiritual gatherings). Two ways of execution: first, drinking
from the chalice and second, done by intinction.
 CHAPTER V

THE ARRANGEMENT AND ORNAMENTATION OF CHURCHES FOR

THE CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST

Eucharistic celebration is offered in a church or else in another respectable place. All

churches should be sacred, blessed and dedicated. Churches should be consulted with the
diocesan commission for the Sacred Liturgy and sacred art.

Arrangements of the Sanctuary for the Sacred Synaxis

Sanctuary should be somewhat elevated large enough to allow Eucharist to be easily

celebrated and seen.

1. Altar and its ornamentation: Here the sacrifice of Cross is made under sacramental
signs. It is the centre of the Eucharistic sacrifice. It is fixed altar attached to the floor
signifies Jesus Christ, the living stone. It is dedicated and consecrated. It is made out
of natural stone. If there is any relics of saints may be retained under the altar. Proper
decorations must be made due to requirements of seasons. Decoration must be around
the altar not on the altar.
2. Ambo: It is not movable lectern.
3. The chair for the priest celebrant and other seats: The presidential chair signifies the
function of presiding over the gathering and directing prayer. The chair is blessed. It
is placed in a suitable place to face the people.

The Arrangements of the Church

1. Places for the faithful: It is arranged with appropriate care. It is not only to see but
also to hear with aid of modern technical means.
2. Places for choir and musical instruments: There should be an appropriate place in the
church in order that people may participate fully in the mass. Musical instruments
must be place in appropriate place. The organ also is blessed according to the rite
described in the Roman ritual.

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3. The place for the resurrection of the Most Holy Eucharist: Tabernacle is only one,
irremovable mode of solid and inviolable, not transparent, be locked and should be
blessed. It is placed in the sanctuary or in some chapel connected to church. There
should be a special lamp fuelled by oil or wax near the tabernacle.
4. Sacred images: These reminds of communion with saints
 CHAPTER VII

THE CHOICE OF THE MASS AND ITS PARTS

In arranging the celebration of mass priest should be attentive to the common spiritual good
of the people. The choice of mass must be in harmony with other parts of celebration.

The Choice of Mass

1. Priest must follows the calendar of the Church on solemnity

2. Sundays, weekdays during Advent, Christmas time, Lent, Easter, feasts, obligatory
memorials
 If there are participants priest must follow the calendar of the Church
 If there is only one minister priest may have his choice
3. Optional memorials
I. During weekdays of Advent 17-24 December, within the octave of Nativity of
the Lord, week days of lent priest must follow the calendar of the Church but
the collect may be taken from memorial but except on Ash Wednesday and
holy week. On weekdays of Easter time memorials may rightly be celebrate in
full.
II. During weekdays of advent before 17th December, weekdays of Christmas
time from 2nd January and weekdays of Easter time priest can have choice
either mass of the weekday or of memorial.
III. On weekdays of Ordinary Time masses may be taken either the weekday or of
memorial.

NB: There can be occasions for the masses for the dead

The Choice of Texts for the Mass

1. Readings
 Sundays and solemnities have three readings (from Prophet, Epistle and
Gospel) in Easer time instead of Old Testament reading will be taken from
Acts of the Apostles.

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 Feasts have two readings. If the feast is raised for solemnity the 3rd reading
will be taken from the common.
 Memorials have two readings. Unless the proper readings are given the
readings are taken from the weekday.
 During the masses for special groups readings may be chosen which suit to the
particular celebration provided they are taken from the lectionary.
 In special occasions, sacraments and sacramental selected texts can be taken
from lectionary as the choice of the priest. Scripture readings also given in
rituals.
 Some readings have shorter and longer forms. Either of them may be selected
by priest for the pastoral reason.
 If there are optional readings priest may use if they are mentioned
2. Orations
 In memorials of saints proper collect is said, if it is lacked may be taken from
common. If other presidential prayers mentioned they are said or else they are
taken from the common or weekday.
 In weekdays in ordinary time the orations are taken from previous Sunday in
ordinary time or from the prayers for various needs provided in the missal.
3. The Eucharistic Prayer
 Eucharistic prayer I: It can always be used. Communicantes are given to suit
for proper celebrations.
 Eucharistic prayer II: It is used mostly in weekdays. Proper preface can be
used unless it is mentioned for proper seasons. It may be used for mass for
deceased person.
 Eucharistic prayer III: It is used mostly for Sundays and solemnities and may
be used for mass for the dead.
 Eucharistic prayer IV: It has invariable preface and may be used when a mass
has no preface of its own. This can be used also on Sundays of Ordinary time.
 CHAPTER VIII

MASSES AND PRAYERS FOR VARIOUS NEEDS AND OCCASIONS

AND MASSES FOR THE DEAD

Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions

When the changes in readings and orations are intended can be changed.

1. Ritual Masses: they are sacraments and sacramental. They are prohibited on Sundays
of Advent, lent, Easter, Solemnities, days within the octave of Easter, all soul’s day,
Ash Wednesday and Holy Week.
2. Masses for various needs and occasions: Competent authority will choose days and
time for mass. No mass for various needs is offered on the above mentioned.
3. Votive Masses: Masses celebrated for a special purpose, intentions or occasion.
 Masses are offered on the mysteries of the Lord and in honour of Mary and
other saints.
 Priest may celebrate on weekdays in ordinary time.
 In principle priest cannot celebrate votive mass cannot be celebrated on
obligatory memorials, weekdays of Advent, Christmas time 2nd January,
Easter Time after octave of Easter, but if real necessity occurs the mass can be
celebrated.
 On Saturdays the commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary can be
celebrated.

Masses for the Dead

 Funeral mass
 It takes first place except the days on solemnities and Holy days of obligation,
Paschal Tridum, Sundays of Advent, Lent and Easter.
 Homily in funeral mass is not eulogy.
 Priest cannot preach merits of the dead person.

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 Faithful of the deceased people should participate in the Eucharist and receive
communion. Sometimes faithful comes only for burial.
 If the body is present and if the burial rite takes place priest may omit the
concluding rites.
 Mass for the Dead:
 On receiving the news of the dead, for final burial, first anniversary may
celebrate even on the octave of Christmas, obligatory memorials, weekdays
other than Ash Wednesday and Holy week.
 Other masses for dead may be celebrated in Ordinary Time and optional
memorials.
 CHAPTER IX

ADAPTATIONS WITHIN THE COMPETENCE OF BISHOPS AND

BISHOPS’ CONFERENCES

Diocesan bishop will moderate the discipline of con-celebration, function of serving the
priest at the altar, distribution of Holy Communion under both species construction and
ordering of churches.

Bishops’ conference may appeal the Apostolic See in these matters:

 Gestures and postures of the faithful

 Gestures of veneration toward the altar and the Book of the Gospels
 Presidential prayers: they are approved by the Holy See
 Readings from Sacred Scripture to be used in special circumstances
 Gesture of sign of peace
 Manner of receiving Holy Communion
 Materials for altar, furniture, sacred vessels, colour of the liturgical vestments. For
example, solemnity of our Lady of Lanka we use blue colour vestments.

The translation of the biblical texts that are used for celebration of mass belongs to the
conference. While translating they take care of the capacity of understanding of the faithful.
Words need to express biblical and Christian meaning.

Responses and acclamations, either recitation or chant are promulgated by the conference.

Hymns and musical melodies are judged by the conference.

Liturgical calendar is designed by the conference and each diocese and certain religious
communities may have their own calendar in line with the general liturgical calendar of the
Church.

When there are certain changes or adaptions with regarding the celebration of liturgy the
Bishops’ conference must appeal to the Holy See.