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Questions and Answers about the Mass for Children, Liturgies

1. Why do we bless ourselves with holy water when we enter the church?

We bless ourselves with holy water to remind us of our Baptism, when we were welcomed into God’s family.

2. Why do we genuflect before entering our pew at Church?

The word genuflect means to bend one’s knee. This was a custom when coming before a king or ruler. It expresses with our body an inner attitude of adoration. We recognize that Jesus is present in his body in the tabernacle. Jesus is the king and ruler of our hearts.

3. When was the Mass, as we know it today, written?

The Roman Missal was written in 1570, after the Council of Trent. The Mass was known as the Tridentine Mass. It remained unchanged for 400 years until revised in 1970. This was prompted by the Second Vatican Council. Many traditions from the early Christian church were reintroduced at that time. Mass is now said in our own languages rather than the common Latin language. We read most of the bible readings over a three year cycle. The most important change, however, was that Mass became more of a communal celebration as opposed to one of private, personal prayer. We are all encouraged to participate fully in the Mass today.

4. Why do some churches ring bells prior to Mass?

The ringing of bells signifies gathering.

5. Why do we process from the back of the church to the front at the beginning of the Mass?

As we walk up the aisle of the church we are symbolically moving closer to God. (Children should be reminded that we are in God’s presence at all times). We are encouraged to leave our thoughts and activities of our everyday lives outside as we move our bodies and spirits closer to God. We are moving to a sacred spot to meet God in each other, in the Word and in the Eucharist. It reminds us of Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

6. Why do we sing an opening hymn?

We sing an opening hymn because we all have a need to belong to a community and God is calling us together to do so. Singing together in unison is one way of expressing belonging and unity. We are joyful as we begin our experience of welcome and love in the Eucharistic Celebration.

7. Why do we make the sign of the cross?

We make the sign of the cross for several reasons, including the following: - It symbolizes the Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit ( all worship is done in the name of the Trinity). In the Eastern rite the thumb, index and middle fingers are held together when making the Sign of the Cross to further emphasize the concept of Trinity.

- It symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice for us on the cross.

- It symbolizes Trinity, Incarnation, Redemption.

- We point to the forehead to recognize the supreme intellect of the Father as creator, the heart to signify the love of the Son who died for us, and the shoulders to signify the strength of the Spirit (shoulders are strong, used to carry a yoke).

8. Why does the priest greet us at the beginning of Mass?

Just as we welcome visitors to our homes the priest welcomes us to our Heavenly Father’s home. This welcome also helps us remember the words in Matthew 18:20. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. The greeting reminds us of Jesus’ presence in a special way at Mass. During the welcome, the priest may briefly tell us something about the symbolism in the readings, or information on the liturgical period of the church being celebrated at this Mass; i.e., Advent, the wreath, special banners or decorations, responding to the call to be ready in the readings. By these comments, the priest sets the mood and the framework for the Mass of the day.

9. What is the importance of the Penitential Rite?

In Matthew 5:23-24, Christ tells us, So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. God wants us to recognize our sinfulness in His eyes and any barriers we have with others and resolve these differences before we come to pray to Him. We are reminded again that real test of love for God is how we treat the people right in front of us — our family members and fellow believers. During the Penitential Rite, we are given an opportunity to publicly remember that we have weaknesses and to be reminded of Christ’s powerful love to forgive us. Singing the Penitential Rite gives us another opportunity to create a mood of community. The word mercy relates not only to pardon but also God’s many blessings.

10. Why does the priest sometimes sprinkle holy water on the people?

The priest sprinkles holy water to remind us of our Baptismal cleansing from sin and gratitude for the gift of water which is mentioned so often in scripture; i.e., Noah’s ark, the parting of the Red Sea, John baptizes Jesus and the people. It also signifies being born of water and the Spirit ( John 3:5) This can be used as a replacement for the Penitential Rite and the Lord Have Mercy.

11. What is the importance of the Gloria?

The Gloria is an ancient hymn of praise and thanksgiving that is recited or sung on Sundays, except during Lent and Advent. It shows that we recognize God and believe in the Trinity. This prayer begins by speaking of the Trinity as one, then separately as Father, Son and Holy Spirit and then returns to the theme of oneness. This reminds us that although we are individuals, we are one in the Church.

Praise is recognizing, appreciating and expressing God’s greatness. In the Gloria we are saying thank you for every part of God’s divine nature ( holy, most high, lamb of God, Lord, king). We are expanding our understanding of who He is. We should begin all our prayer by worshipping God and recognizing His love for us.

Even Jesus, in the Our Father, starts His prayer with praise. We who are beginning the greatest prayer of all, the Eucharist should do so also.

12. Why does the priest say an Opening Prayer?

This prayer used to be known as the Collect because it collected together all our silent petitions for the Mass. The priest starts with Let us pray and pauses so that we can reflect on our needs for this Mass. We also should be remembering that we are standing in the presence of the Creator. It is important to note that the prayer always ends with the importance of the Trinity.

13. Why does the priest stand with outstretched arms?

This is called lifting your arms in orans or a praying position. It symbolizes that we are pleading to God and that we want our prayer to rise to heaven.

14. Why do we say Amen at the end of prayers?

The word Amen means, so be it; I agree; I concur; let it be done. It means that we agree with what has been said and that we approve and confirm each prayer.

Liturgy of the Word

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15. Why in some churches do they stand with lighted candles on each side of the albo (lectern) during the readings?

The lighted candles signify the light of Christ and that we remember His presence in the world by listening to and living by His Word.

16. Why do they recite the readings from the albo (lectern) and not the main altar?

There are actually two altars at Mass — the Table of the Word, for listening and the Banquet Table of the Lord, for giving.

In the introductory rites we speak to God; in the Liturgy of the Word, God speaks to us. When we move to the Table of the Lord, we give to God our gifts of water, wine, bread, alms and prayers. He gives us His body and blood in Communion.

17. Why do we sit down during the first reading, second reading and the psalm but stand during the Gospel?

We sit during the first reading, the psalm and the second reading to show that we are ready to listen with an open heart and with respect. We receive God’s word with our ears and eyes by listening to and looking at the reader or lector.

18. How are the readings chosen for Mass?

The First Reading is usually (although not always) from the Old Testament. The writers tell us what God did for his people before Jesus came. The Second Reading is usually from the New Testament or the Letters written by the disciples. These letters encourage the disciples to continue to live as followers of Jesus. The Gospel is taken from the New Testament written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and is about the life of Christ as they witnessed it. We listen to the way Jesus lived and the wonderful things He did for us. The readings have a common message or theme that connects them.

In Year A, the Gospels are chiefly from the writings of Matthew. In Year B, the Gospels are primarily from the writings of Mark. In Year C, we generally use the Gospels of Luke. If you look at the weekday readings, you will find that over three years we hear most of the Bible.

19. Why do we say, The Word of the Lord at the end of the first and second readings? Why do we respond with, Thanks be to God?

This statement confirms that we really do believe that God inspired the words that we have just heard and that we believe those words. We are so thankful to be able to hear these words that we reply with gratitude, Thanks be to God.

20. What is a Psalm?

The Psalm is meant to be a response to listening to the First Reading. God speaks to us and then we speak to God. There are 150 Psalms in the Bible, the vast majority written by King David. Most of them are songs. That is why it is better to sing them, or at least sing the response. In some churches, instruments play softly while the Psalm is read. By singing a Psalm we are able to use God’s Word to respond to God’s Word.

Most of the Psalms are written with a great deal of emotion. For example, the Psalms can be joyful, sad, full of praise, thankful, comforting or express trust in God. They put into words our deepest longing, hurts, thoughts and prayers. They push us to be people loving and living for God. The Psalms are designed to help us build a closer relationship with God

21. What are the apostolic letters from which most of the Second Readings are taken?

After Jesus died, many new communities of Christians were formed. Paul’s letters to the Corinthians and Thessalonians are to communities in Greece. His letters to the Romans are to a community in Italy.

The Ephesians lived in Turkey. The Hebrews were Jewish people experiencing persecution, and who needed reassurance. Because these communities were so spread out, letters were written by the disciples to encourage these new communities in their faith. The letters taught about faith and the laws of faith. For example, sometimes the disciples wrote about how the people fit into God’s plan, how they could live like Christ, the importance of unity, clarifications about teachings, the importance of giving to the poor, the value of serving others and the importance of prayer and worship.

Paul writes most of these letters. Paul also writes to his friends Titus, Philemon and Timothy. Peter, John, and James also composed some of the letters found in the New Testament. These make up most of the Second Readings that are used on Sundays, during weekday Masses, on solemn feast days and special occasions.

22. Why do we say Alleluia before and after the Gospel?

This is meant to be a shout of joy and praise. Alleluia means Praise to Yahweh! We are excited because we are about to hear about Christ’s life and presence in the words by Matthew, Mark, Luke or John.

23. What signs do we use to show that the Gospel is special?

Respect for the Gospel is demonstrated by:

i. sometimes incensing the Gospels prior to reading them;

ii having the priest or deacon read it,

iv. sometimes having candles on either side of the albo ( Light of Christ);

v. signing the forehead, lips and heart to symbolize our desire to understand the words of the Gospel with our minds, speak them with our lips and believe them with our hearts;

vi. standing to signify awe, respect, jubilation, victory of Christ for us;

vii. the priest kissing the book in respect and honour while he says May the words of the Gospel wipe away our sins; and

vii. the people responding, Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ as a sign that we believe that Jesus Christ is really present in the Gospel words.

24. Why do we have a homily at Mass?

The homilies are usually based on the readings of the day. The priest speaks to us about the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and tells us how we can live according to God’s word. We hope that the Holy Spirit will speak to us through the priest so that we can better understand God’s message. It is an opportunity to learn more about our faith.

25. Why are there two professions of faith?

The Apostles’ Creed, although not written by the apostles originated in the early Christian Church. The Nicene Creed was composed in 325 A.D. at the Council of Nicea, when it was thought necessary to write down the important truths of our faith. A third form is the question and format used at Easter. Not all truths are stated (for example the Eucharist) but they are implied in the words, holy, Catholic and apostolic church. Just as we stand to sing O Canada, we stand in respect to recite the mysteries and truths of our faith.

26. Why do we call the intercessions The Prayers of the Faithful or the General Intercessions?

Because we are a universal church, these prayers are meant to represent the needs of the whole world including those at home and abroad. If we believe in God’s Word, which we have just heard, then we are faithful to that Word. The faithful now present their needs to God.

In the revised Mass of Vatican II (1970), we are asked to pray for the needs of the church, civil authorities, those burdened with troubles, the world and our own communities. We usually pray for the sick in this last category.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

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27. What does the word Eucharist mean?

The word Eucharist means thanksgiving. We are thankful for what Jesus did on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Eucharist is a three part mystery including the following:

1) the sacrifice of Christ;

2) the sacrament of Holy Communion as a banquet meal;

3) the presence of Christ reserved in the tabernacle and in communion.

28. Why do we present gifts to the priest?

We present bread and wine because they are needed for the Eucharistic ritual. We present financial donations to support our church and for the poor. Through these gifts we offer ourselves and all that we have to God. The priest will offer our gifts to Christ. Jesus’ body and blood are then offered to the Father (the gift of God to God). God responds to our gift by giving us His Son in Communion.

In the early days of the church the people would bring gifts of wine and bread. They would also bring other gifts of money or food to be distributed later to those in need. It is inappropriate to bring up other gifts or symbols during the Presentation of Gifts. This might be better done during the Introduction or the Homily, if the celebrant is comfortable with this.

29. What are some signs that we are starting the Liturgy of the Eucharist?

In some churches the candles are moved to the main altar. If not already in place, the book, or sacramentary, is brought to the table . The chalice and altar cloths are brought to the altar. The table is now set. The corporal is a cloth that will be placed under all the vessels on the altar. It is folded into nine squares ( three sets of three to symbolize Trinity). The Latin word Corpus means body. Another cloth, the purifier will be used to purify or clean the sacred vessels.

30. Why do they have a different book on the altar? Why don’t they use the book on the albo?

The book on the albo is called the Lectionary and contains only the First Readings, Psalms, Second Readings, and Gospels. The book on the Table of the Lord or main altar is called the Sacramentary. These prayers pertain to the remainder of the Mass. It includes the Penitential Rites, the Gloria, Opening Prayer, the Creed, the Prayer over the Gifts, the Preface, the Eucharistic Prayer, the Prayer after Communion and Solemn Blessings. The special directions for the priest or rubrics are written in red. This instructs the priest when to genuflect, make the sign of the cross, go the chair or altar etc.

31. Why does the priest say, Blessed be God forever?

When we say this we are praising God for all of creation. We are praising Him for the human talents that allow individual grains of wheat to be made into the bread and the individual grapes that are crushed to form wine.

32. Why does the priest mix water with the wine?

This tradition dates back to the early years of the church. First the water tempers the wine. It symbolizes the union of the divine (God like) and human elements of Jesus; it symbolizes the union of Jesus with the church; it symbolizes our union with Christ through Baptism.

33. Why does the priest sometimes use incense?

When used, this symbolizes that our gifts and prayers will rise into the sight of God. It also recognizes with respect and dignity, the presence of Christ in each of the baptized at the Mass.

34. Why does the priest bow and wash his hands?

The priest bows as a sign that we are humble and sorry for any sins we have committed (humble and contrite hearts). For both the Jews and early Christians, washing one’s hands was a sign of inner purity. The original purpose of this gesture, therefore, was as a symbol of the inner purity required before beginning the Sacred Mystery. Today, it is accompanied by Psalm 51:2 which is said quietly by the priest as he expresses his need for inward purification.

35. What is the importance of the prayer over the gifts?

This prayer marks the completion of the preparation of the gifts and allows us to look forward to the Eucharistic prayer.

36. What is the Preface?

The Preface is the first part of the Eucharistic Prayer. It focuses our attention on a particular aspect of salvation history. The Preface is filled with praise and thanksgiving, which will permeate the whole Eucharistic Prayer. Firstly, this is the people’s reply to the Preface. Secondly, the three Holies signify Trinity. This prayer is from Isaiah 6: 1-4. Isaiah had a vision of God on His throne with the seraphim angels crying this out to God. Holiness means perfect, pure, set apart from all sin.

38. Why do we kneel after the Holy, Holy, Holy?

We need to remember how holy and perfect God is as we kneel for the Eucharistic Prayer. We recognize the power and might of God as we kneel in His presence. We adore Him and are repentant in His company. The priest on the other hand, lifts his arms in orans or a praying position. It symbolizes that we are pleading to God and that we want our prayer to rise to heaven.

39. Why does the priest place his hands over the chalice and make the sign of the cross during the Eucharistic Prayer?

The priest makes the sign of the cross because he is calling on the Holy Spirit as he prays to the Father to make the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus. All three members of the Trinity are involved.

40. Why is the Eucharistic Prayer so long?

The Eucharistic Prayer tells the story of our faith. It is broken into several smaller prayers. For example, the first part praises God and thanks Him for all his blessings. We call on the Holy Spirit in another prayer to change the bread and wine into Jesus’ Body and Blood. In another prayer we pray for those who have died. We want all the saints and angels to join us in our sacrifice. We pray for the Church to spread across the world. Most importantly though, are the prayers that helps us remember the Last Supper and that Jesus died for us, rose from the dead and will meet us there one day also.

41. Why do the servers ring the bells in some churches?

The bells may be rung to signify the beginning of the consecration (the act which will change the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ), since it is the most important part of the Mass and deserves our focused attention. It also may be rung at the moment when the bread becomes the Body of Christ and when the wine is transformed into the Blood of Christ.

42. Why do we say the memorial acclamation; i.e., Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again?

This is our reply or response to the Eucharistic Prayer. We are saying that we believe in the mysteries of faith that we are remembering. We believe that Christ came into this world, that He died, that He rose from the dead and that we will see him again when He comes to judge the living and the dead.

37. What is the importance of the Holy, Holy, Holy?

43. Why does the priest say the doxology (Through Him, with Him , in Him…) so loudly?

The word doxology means giving praise and glory. It is a chance for us to give thanks for the wonderful mystery of faith we have just witnessed and to be alerted that the Eucharistic Prayer has come to an end.

Communion Rite

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44. Why is the Our Father broken into two parts?

The first part of the Our Father consists of the words spoken by Jesus as he taught His followers how to pray. Bible scholars have noted that the doxology (For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen) was added to early Christian texts. This ending was added in 1970. The Our Father is placed after the Eucharistic Prayer because it reminds us again of God, speaks of our daily bread that we will receive in communion and reminds us to seek forgiveness for our sins. This is important as we make the sign of peace and receive the precious Body and Blood of Christ.

45. Why do we give a sign of peace to those around us?

This is a symbol that our hearts are one and that we have reconciled with others as we prepare to become one in the Body of Christ.

46. Why is Jesus called the Lamb of God?

The Jewish people were accustomed to sacrificing lambs to make payment to God for their sins and to show their devotion to God. Jesus’ death was the perfect offering to God for our sins. He became the Lamb, the offering to God. In the story of the Passover, just prior to Moses’ escape from Egypt, the Hebrew people killed a lamb and placed its blood on the doorframes of each home. The lamb was a substitute for the oldest boy who would have died in that home, if the Egyptians had been able to fulfill their plans. From this point, the Hebrew people understood that to be saved from death, an innocent life would have to be sacrificed in their places. Jesus was that perfect Lamb, that perfect sacrifice. St. John the Baptist identified his cousin, Jesus, by saying, Behold the Lamb of God. Have mercy on us does mean forgiveness and compassion, but that we are also petitioning God for His blessing and gifts.

47. Why does the priest put a part of the consecrated host into the wine?

When Jesus rose from the dead, His body and blood were reunited. It is also a symbol of unity in Christ. In the early church the pope would send some of the broken bread to other church pastors so that it would be placed in their chalices. This signified that they really were one in Christ.

48. Why does the priest say, Happy are those who are called to His supper?

The priest is reminding us that we are all called to share in God’s eternal life but that we have the free will to accept or reject that invitation. We will join with God in the banquet in heaven if we accept His call.

49. Why do we say, O Lord I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I will be healed? (See Luke 7:6)

We say this because we want to receive Christ with humble hearts and with great faith. The words are taken from the story of the centurion who showed the greatest faith by believing that Jesus would heal his servant without seeing or touching him. We are challenged to believe that Jesus is coming into our souls and to accept His Gospel message.

50. Why do we process to Communion?

Walking up the aisle to Communion reminds us of our journey towards heaven. We are like the poor standing in a soup kitchen line, expectantly waiting to share a meal.

51. Is there any right way to receive Communion?

The church allows communion to be received on the tongue or in the hand. For the first 1000 years of the Church it was received standing and in the hand. St Cyril of Jerusalem (4th C) wrote an interesting description of this, as follows: When you approach, do not go stretching out your hands or having your fingers spread out, but make the left hand into a throne for the right which shall receive the King and then cup your open hand and take the Body of Christ, reciting the Amen. Then sanctify with all care your eyes by touching the Sacred Body, and receive it."

Mystagogic Catechesis

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The Mass of the Roman Rite, pp. 508-509

In Canada, most people receive Communion standing and in the hand. To receive we must believe it is the Body and Blood of Jesus and receive it with great respect. By saying Amen, we signify that we do believe. It is highly recommended to receive both the Body and the Blood of Christ, but there is no obligation to do so.

52. Why do we say the prayer after Communion?

In this prayer we ask that the Body and Blood of Christ which we have just received will have helpful effects on us and in our daily lives. This prayer also marks the end of the communion rite.

Concluding Rites:

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53. Why is the Blessing and Dismissal important?

The Blessing and Dismissal remind us of the sacred celebration in which we have just taken part, but also reminds us of the world into which we must go. pecial blessings are sometimes given which are in three parts, again symbolizing Trinity. We are told to Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. This command is the essence of the word Mass that means sent. We are sent into the world to live the words of the Gospel. We answer, Thanks be to God to express our gratefulness for being able to celebrate the Mass with others.

References:

Most of the above information is taken from the following books:

Champlin, Joseph M. The Mystery and Meaning of the Mass. Lexington, New York: The

Crossroad Publishing Company, 1999.

Another resource, although not as current is:

MacDonald, Rev. K.T. Come Celebrate the Mass. Toronto: Doubleday and Company, 1969.

——–. The Mystery of Faith: A Study of the Structural Elements of the Order of Mass.

Federation of the Diocesan Liturgical Commissions: Washington, D.C.. 1980.