“Year of the Eucharist” - Mass Parts (Part 1) - Fr. Steve Lape As you may know, every Mass has 4 basic sec- lowed by “Lord, have mercy,” after the 1st one, tions: the Introductory Rite, the Liturgy of the Word, “Christ, have mercy,” after the 2nd, and “Lord, have the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Concluding Rite. mercy” after the 3rd. This could be spoken or sung. In this article, we’ll review a few words which de- scribe certain Mass parts within the 1st section: The Confiteor (con-FEE-dee-or)—This Latin word means Introductory Rite. Some you may already know; some “I confess” or “I admit.” It is the prayer spoken aloud you may not. After the opening hymn, the sign of the by all gathered to acknowledge our sinfulness before cross & the greeting from the presiding priest or bish- God during the Mass. This prayer gets its name from op, the following occurs: the first word used in the Latin translation of the pray- er. In English, it begins, “I confess to almighty God Penitential Rite—During this action, the congregation and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly “does penance” or publically expresses its regret for sinned…” certain sins that each person privately calls to mind, then calls upon God to show mercy towards the people A brief prayer of absolution is said by the presider for their wrongs. Sins hurt the individual’s ability to after each of the 3 forms. He says: “May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring love God and other people, either in small or large st ways. Our individual sins hurt the whole Body of the us to everlasting life.” If the 1 form or the Confiteor Church, and, thus, need to be acknowledged in some is used, then the “Kyrie Eleison” form follows the pre- way publically for the sider’s prayer of absolution. The Penitential Rite is pain that such sins omitted at certain times have caused the whole of the year. For exam- Body. This rite of pen- ple, on Ash Wednes- ance is not meant to day, the distribution of take the place of cele- ashes after the homily brating the Sacrament replaces this rite. The of Reconciliation, es- blessing of water and pecially if one is aware sprinkling rite that is of more serious (called done at the beginning mortal) sin on their of Mass during the souls. However, there Easter season also re- is healing grace to be places this rite. received for less seri- Gloria – This refers to ous sins committed the Christian hymn (also known as venial which is known as the sins) when one cele- Hymn of the Angels. brates the Eucharist, As you may recall in receives Communion, and expresses genuine sorrow Luke 2:14, the angels announced Jesus’ birth to the for sins committed. This rite begins with an invitation shepherds, beginning with the words, “Glory to God by the presider to have all gathered call to mind their in the highest,” or, in Latin, “Gloria in excelsis Deo.” sins. After a short period of silence, one of 3 forms These words of praise & worship to God are sung or may be used. One form is a brief dialogue between the spoken on solemnities (special days of highest im- presider and the congregants, which goes as follows: portance on the Church’s calendar), feast days (not as Priest says, “Have mercy on us, O Lord”. The assem- high-ranking as solemnities, but still of special im- bly responds, “For we have sinned against you.” The portance), and most Sundays of the year, except dur- priest then says, “Show us, O Lord, your mercy.” The ing Advent and Lent. assembly then adds, “And grant us your salvation.” This form is the most infrequently used one. The other Collect (pronounced COLL-ect, not coll-ECT, as in, “I 2 forms are the Kyrie and the Confiteor. collect the money.”)—This is the opening prayer which the presider gives just before the Scripture read- Kyrie Eleison (pronounced KEE-ree-ay ay-LAY-ee- ings are proclaimed. This is the final part of the Intro- son)—This form is often referred to as “the Kyrie.” ductory Rite. The words “Kyrie Eleison” come from Greek words Next week, we’ll look at terms which describe meaning, “Lord, have mercy.” With this form, the pre- nd rd siding priest or assisting deacon gives 3 expressions parts from the 2 and 3 sections of the Mass—words which highlight some aspect of the merciful love and such as intercessions, epiclesis, embolism, doxology, presence of Jesus Christ in our lives, with each fol- sanctus, preface, and others.