OCIA Session 18: The Mass Walkthrough – Liturgy Explained Step by Step

Welcome back, friends! Today’s session might be the most practical one yet. We’re going to take a full walkthrough of the Mass. Why? Because the Mass is the very center of Catholic life. The Church calls it the “source and summit” of our faith. Every sacrament, every devotion, every ministry - everything flows from and points back to the Mass. And yet, let’s be honest - many people say Mass feels confusing, repetitive, or even boring. But here’s the secret: once you understand what’s happening, Mass comes alive. It’s not just a prayer service. It’s heaven meeting earth.

The Structure of the Mass

The Mass has two main parts:

Liturgy of the Word – God speaks to us through Scripture.
Liturgy of the Eucharist – We are united to Christ through His Body and Blood.

Surrounding these are the Introductory Rites (the opening) and the Concluding Rites (the sending forth). Let’s walk step by step.

Introductory Rites

Entrance Procession & Song – We begin together as a community, not as scattered individuals. The priest enters, representing Christ leading His people.
Sign of the Cross – A mini profession of faith in the Trinity.
Penitential Act – “I confess…” We acknowledge our sins and ask God’s mercy.
Gloria – On Sundays outside of Advent and Lent, we sing the hymn the angels sang at Christmas: “Glory to God in the highest!”
Collect (Opening Prayer) – The priest gathers our intentions into one prayer.

Humor Break

Ever noticed how Catholics sit, stand, kneel, repeat? We call it “Catholic aerobics.” Don’t worry - by the end of this journey, you’ll know when to do what without peeking at your neighbor.

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading – Usually from the Old Testament, showing God’s covenant.
Responsorial Psalm – Sung or recited, often echoing the first reading.
Second Reading – Usually from the letters of St. Paul or other apostles.
Gospel Acclamation – We stand to honor Christ present in the Gospel.
Gospel Reading – Words and deeds of Jesus Himself.
Homily – The priest or deacon breaks open the Word for us.
Creed – Profession of faith: “I believe in one God…”
Prayers of the Faithful – We pray for the Church, the world, the needy, and our parish.

This whole section is like a conversation - God speaks through Scripture, and we respond in prayer and faith.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

This is the heart of the Mass.

Preparation of the Gifts – Bread and wine are brought forward, symbolizing our lives.
Eucharistic Prayer – The central prayer of the Church:
- Preface and Holy, Holy, Holy.
- Consecration: The priest says, “This is my Body… This is my Blood.” Bread and wine become Christ Himself.
- Mystery of Faith: “We proclaim your death, O Lord…”
- Doxology: “Through Him, with Him, in Him…”
The Lord’s Prayer – We pray as Jesus taught us.
Sign of Peace – A gesture of reconciliation with those around us.
Lamb of God – We ask Jesus, the Lamb, for mercy and peace.
Communion – We receive Christ - body, blood, soul, and divinity.
Prayer After Communion – Gratitude for the gift we’ve received.

Humor Break #2

Some people say Mass is boring. But think about it: if you really believed the God of the universe was present on the altar, would you call that boring? It’s like saying, “My wedding day was boring because the vows sounded the same as other weddings.” The words matter because the reality is happening.

Concluding Rites

Blessing – The priest blesses us in the name of the Trinity.
Dismissal – “Go forth, the Mass is ended.” The Latin word “Missa” (Mass) comes from “sending.” We’re not dismissed because it’s over. We’re sent because our mission begins.

Interactive Reflection

Take two minutes. Think of one part of the Mass that confuses you or that you tend to “zone out” during. Write it down. Now think: how could I engage more deeply in that moment next Sunday?

Parish Connection

The Mass isn’t just a personal devotion. It’s the parish’s heartbeat. When you come to Mass, you’re uniting with your parish family and with the universal Church. Catholics around the world - from Rome to Nigeria to your neighborhood parish - are celebrating the same Eucharist.

Action Step

This week:

Go to Sunday Mass and pay attention to the structure. Notice the four main parts: Introductory, Word, Eucharist, Concluding.
After Mass, jot down one thing that stood out to you. A prayer, a word, a moment.
Stay a few minutes in silent thanksgiving after Communion. Let it sink in: God just gave Himself to you.

Closing

The Mass is not just “going to church.” It is heaven touching earth. It is God feeding His people with His Word and His very Body and Blood. It is the greatest prayer we can ever participate in. Next time, we move into Phase 3: Purification & Enlightenment - starting with Conversion & Discipleship. This is where OCIA gets very personal, as we prepare hearts for Easter.

Until then, remember: don’t just attend Mass. Live it.

next class:
OCIA Session 19: Conversion & Discipleship – Living Faith as a Lifelong Journey