Catholic Mass Cheat Sheet:

 

The Four Main Parts

This is a simple guide to help you follow along during Mass. Don't worry about getting everything right, just let the experience wash over you!

Part of the Mass	What Happens?	When to Stand, Sit, or Kneel
1. INTRODUCTORY RITES	We gather and prepare our hearts.
	Entrance Procession & Hymn: The priest enters.	STAND
	Greeting: The priest welcomes everyone.	STAND
	Penitential Act: We briefly confess our faults.	STAND
	Gloria/Collect (Opening Prayer): A prayer to start the Mass.	STAND
2. LITURGY OF THE WORD	We listen to God's Word from the Bible.
	First Reading (Often Old Testament)	SIT
	Responsorial Psalm (Sung or recited)	SIT
	Second Reading (Often New Testament Letters)	SIT
	Gospel Acclamation (Alleluia): We prepare to hear the Gospel.	STAND
	Gospel Reading: A reading from one of the four Gospels.	STAND
	Homily: The priest explains the readings.	SIT
	Profession of Faith (Creed): We state our core beliefs.	STAND
	Universal Prayer (Prayers of the Faithful): We pray for the world, the Church, and those in need.	STAND
3. LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST	We offer gifts and consecrate the bread and wine.
	Preparation of the Gifts: Bread and wine are brought to the altar.	SIT
	Eucharistic Prayer: The most important prayer, where the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ (Transubstantiation).	KNEEL (if able)
	The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father)	STAND
	Sign of Peace: We offer a sign of peace to those around us.	STAND
	Communion: Those who are Catholic and properly disposed receive the Eucharist. RCIA candidates generally approach with arms crossed over their chest to receive a blessing.	STAND/WALK
4. CONCLUDING RITES	We are sent out to serve God and the world.
	Blessing & Dismissal: The priest blesses the congregation and sends everyone forth.	STAND
	Recessional: The priest and ministers leave, often with a final hymn.	STAND