Catholic Bros
Explore the Faith

Understand the Catholic Mass

Ever wonder why Catholics stand, kneel, make the Sign of the Cross, listen to Scripture, offer gifts, and receive the Eucharist? Explore the Mass one step at a time and discover the meaning behind what Catholics believe and do.

Begin Exploring

About 5 minutes • Explore at your own pace

6 PARTS · 24 LEARNING PATHS · SCRIPTURE + CATECHISM

Explore the Mass

Where would you like to begin?

Start at the beginning or jump to any part of the Mass.

01

Before Mass

Preparing our hearts

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02

Introductory Rites

Gathering as the Body of Christ

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03

Liturgy of the Word

Hearing God through Scripture

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04

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Entering the Eucharistic Sacrifice

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05

Communion Rite

Preparing for and receiving Christ

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06

Concluding Rites

Sent forth to live the Gospel

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01 · BEFORE MASS

What would you like to understand?

Choose a question to explore this part of the Mass.

What is happening?

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Why do Catholics do this?

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Where is this in Scripture?

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What does the Church teach?

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← Back to Mass

01 · BEFORE MASS

What is Happening?

Before Mass is a time to prepare ourselves for the sacred celebration that is about to begin.

Explore in Scripture

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“Be still, and know that I am God.”

Psalm 46:10 (RSV)

What the Church Teaches

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The Church teaches that the faithful should prepare themselves prayerfully for the celebration of the Mass.

See Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1385–1389

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