Holy Mass
The Holy Mass is the central liturgical service in the Roman Catholic Church where the
Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion, is celebrated. During Mass, Catholics gather to
listen to readings from the Bible, participate in prayers, and receive the consecrated bread and
wine, which are believed to become the body and blood of Christ. The Mass is considered a re-
presentation of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and is a vital expression of faith and
worship for Catholics. T-hrough this sacred ritual, believers seek to strengthen their spiritual
connection with God and the community of the faithful.
Two Parts of The Holy Mass
The Liturgy of the Word
- The Liturgy of the Word is the first main part of the Holy Mass in the Roman
Catholic Church, focusing on readings from the Scriptures and reflections on their
meaning. It includes several components: the First Reading (usually from the Old
Testament), a Responsorial Psalm, the Second Reading (from the New Testament
Letters), the Gospel Acclamation, the Gospel reading, and the Homily. This segment
concludes with the recitation of the Nicene Creed and the Prayers of the Faithful,
where the congregation prays for various needs. The Liturgy of the Word aims to
prepare the faithful to understand and reflect on God's Word before partaking in the
Liturgy of the Eucharist.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist
- The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the second main part of the Holy Mass in the Roman
Catholic Church, focusing on the consecration and sharing of the bread and wine.
This part begins with the preparation of the altar and gifts, followed by the
Eucharistic Prayer, during which the priest consecrates the bread and wine,
transforming them into the body and blood of Christ. The congregation then
participates in the Lord's Prayer, the Sign of Peace, and the reception of Holy
Communion. The Liturgy of the Eucharist culminates in the Prayer after Communion
and final blessings, uniting the faithful in spiritual nourishment and community.
Apostle’s Creed
- The Apostles' Creed is a foundational statement of Christian faith that summarizes
core beliefs traditionally attributed to the teachings of the Apostles. It affirms the
belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ as His only Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Creed
outlines key aspects of Jesus' life, including His conception, crucifixion, resurrection,
and ascension, as well as the belief in the holy catholic Church, the communion of
saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Widely recited in Christian liturgies, it serves as a concise expression of essential
Christian doctrines.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus
Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the
Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He
descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into
heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He
will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy
catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of
the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
Nicene’s Creed
- The Nicene Creed is a comprehensive declaration of Christian faith that originated
from the First Council of Nicaea in AD 325 and was later expanded at the First
Council of Constantinople in AD 381. It affirms the belief in one God, the Father
Almighty, in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, who became incarnate, was crucified,
and rose again, and in the Holy Spirit. The Creed also emphasizes the oneness and
universality of the Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the
resurrection of the dead, and the promise of eternal life. Recited in many Christian
liturgies, it serves as a key unifying statement of faith across different denominations.
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things
visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of
God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God
from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all
things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and
by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he
was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again
on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is
seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living
and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord,
the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and
the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in
one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of
sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to
come. Amen.
