a Catholic Church
Corpus Christi Church
Clifton Nottingham
| Around and About a Catholic Church |
A Tour of Corpus Christi Church Clifton Nottingham |
|
The Mass
"The Mass" is a popular name for the Eucharistic sacrifice and banquet, the memorial of the death and Resurrection of the Lord, in which the sacrifice of the Lord is perpetuated over the centuries, the summit and source of all Christian worship and life.
Much has been written about the Mass. Below we give details about the structure of the Mass. But there is far more to the meaning of the Mass than that. Pope John Paul II gave an address on the Mass to farmers who went to Rome for the Jubilee Year to mark the new millennium. The late Cardinal Basil Hume wrote some Spiritual Reflections including one on the Mass and also included a passage on the subject in his book "To be a Pilgrim". Our former Parish Priest, Monsignor J Phelan has written some thoughts and reflections on the Mass. Each of these can be seen and read by clicking on the appropriate button below.| Pope John Paul II Address to Farmers |
Cardinal Hume Reflections |
Monsignor Phelan Thoughts and Relections |
The Mass consists of two main parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. In addition there are introductory rites (greeting, penitential rite, the Glory to God hymn on certain occasions, opening prayer) and concluding rites (final greeting, blessing, dismissal).
Liturgy of the Word
 |
The Liturgy of the Word features the proclamation of the Word of God from the Lectern. On Sundays and other feasts there are three readings, usually including a first reading from the Old Testament, a second reading from the New Testament, and the third reading from one of the Gospels. On other days there are two readings; the final one is always from one of the Gospels. Between the readings is a responsorial psalm and an acclamation is sung or spoken before the reading of the Gospel. |
Between the readings is a responsorial psalm and an acclamation is sung or spoken before the reading of the Gospel.
After the Scripture readings there may be a homily on the scriptural or liturgical theme of the Mass with an application to one's Christian life. The Creed is recited next on Sundays and other feasts. General intercessions or prayers of the faithful (often referred to as Bidding Prayers may follow.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
The Liturgy of the Eucharist focuses on the central act of sacrifice in the consecration and on the Eucharistic banquet in Holy Communion.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the presentation of the gifts of bread and wine and prayers of offering by the priest.
Then follows the Eucharistic Prayer or Canon, the central portion of which is the act of consecration by which bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ and the sacrifice of Christ on the cross is perpetuated over the centuries. The prayers of the Canon recall the great mysteries of the Christian faith and include prayers for the Church, for the living and the dead, and remembrance of the saints and martyrs. The Eucharistic Prayer closes with a doxology (a hymn or prayer of glory and praise to God). |
 |
The Communion rite begins with a communal praying of the Lord's Prayer, a prayer of deliverance, a prayer for peace and the exchange of a sign of peace, the Lamb of God prayer, and the receiving of Holy Communion by the priest and people. Thus the sacrifice-banquet of the Mass is completed.
A Communion song, period of silence, and prayer after Communion complete the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
| Return to Sanctuary | Return to Tour Plan | Return to Web Homepage |