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Catholicism - An Introduction: Mass

by Peter Stanford

The Catholic Church obliges its members to attend Mass on Sundays. They can go instead on the previous (i.e. Saturday) evening. Exceptions are made in cases of serious illness or heavy responsibility for child care, particularly of infants, but absence otherwise is regarded as a grave sin. Despite this, statistics for many hitherto staunchly Catholic countries in the developed world (for example, Ireland) in recent years have shown a fall in the numbers attending Mass every Sunday without fail.

Though the term ‘Mass’ to denote a standardized liturgy is believed to date back to the fifth century, Eucharistic celebrations were recorded as early as the second century by Saint Justin Martyr (100–65). The standard modern Mass is said in the language of the country (Latin was dropped from all but special Masses many years ago). It consists of Bible readings from the Old and New Testaments, and then from the gospels, a homily (or sermon) by the priest and intercessions – together known as the Liturgy of the Word – followed by the offering of gifts, the consecration of the bread and wine, the kiss of peace, and communion (the Liturgy of the Eucharist).

As a whole, the form of the Mass imitates Jesus at the Last Supper, walking around the table (the altar in the Mass) explaining the scriptures to his Apostles, then breaking bread with them. The priest stands in the place of Christ. In recent years the laity (the congregation) has been encouraged to participate, as readers and in assisting the priest in the distribution of the bread and wine, the body and blood of Christ.


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