Introduction
The Holy Mass is the heart of Catholic worship. It is where we encounter Jesus Christ—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—under the appearance of bread and wine.
To fully participate in this sacred mystery, every Catholic should be familiar with the Catholic Mass prayers in order. These prayers are not just ritual—they are our response to God’s invitation to love, repent, and worship.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through all the main Mass parts, including:
- What the priest says
- What the people respond
- When to stand, sit, and kneel
Let us now walk together through the order of Mass prayers.
Catholic Mass Prayers in Order
I. Introductory Rites
- Sign of the Cross
Priest: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen. - Greeting
Priest: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit. - Penitential Act (Confiteor)
People:
I confess to almighty God… (continues through “pray for me to the Lord our God.”) - Kyrie (Lord, Have Mercy)
Priest/Deacon: Lord, have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy. (repeat for Christ, Lord) - Gloria (On Sundays and solemnities)
Glory to God in the highest… (concludes with “in the glory of God the Father. Amen.”) - Collect (Opening Prayer)
Priest prays, ends with:
…one God, forever and ever.
People: Amen.
II. Liturgy of the Word
- First Reading (Old Testament)
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God. - Responsorial Psalm
People repeat the Psalm response after each verse. - Second Reading (New Testament)
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God. - Gospel Acclamation
People: Alleluia, Alleluia. (Or “Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ” during Lent) - Gospel Reading
Priest/Deacon: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest/Deacon: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to N.
People: Glory to you, O Lord.
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. - Homily
- Profession of Faith (Nicene Creed) (On Sundays and solemnities)
I believe in one God, the Father almighty… (continues through “life of the world to come. Amen.”) - Prayers of the Faithful
Reader: We pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
III. Liturgy of the Eucharist
- Preparation of the Gifts
(Priest prepares the altar; people may sit.) - Prayer Over the Offerings
People: May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of His name… - Preface Dialogue
Priest: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right and just. - Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy)
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts… - Eucharistic Prayer (including consecration)
Priest says the prayer; people kneel. - Mystery of Faith
Priest: The mystery of faith.
People (choose one):- We proclaim Your Death, O Lord…
- When we eat this Bread…
- Save us, Savior of the world…
- Doxology and Great Amen
Priest: Through Him, with Him, in Him…
People: Amen.
IV. Communion Rite
- The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father)
Our Father, who art in heaven… - Sign of Peace
Priest: The peace of the Lord be with you always.
People: And with your spirit. - Lamb of God (Agnus Dei)
Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world… - Communion
Priest: Behold the Lamb of God…
People: Lord, I am not worthy… - Receiving the Eucharist
(People receive standing or kneeling, as appropriate.) - Prayer After Communion
Priest prays, concludes with:
People: Amen.
V. Concluding Rites
- Final Blessing
Priest: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: May Almighty God bless you… - Dismissal
Deacon/Priest: Go in peace.
People: Thanks be to God.
Prayer Prompt Faith Activity
- Follow along with a missal or Mass booklet to internalize the prayers.
- Invite someone new to Mass and help them understand each part.
- Pray the Mass responses slowly and with meaning, especially the Creed and “Lord, I am not worthy…”