Step 1
Prayers at the Foot of the Altar
The liturgy begins with humble preparation. Priest and faithful ask for mercy and readiness before ascending to the altar.
Step 2
Introit and Kyrie
The Introit opens the day's mystery in chant, followed by the Kyrie—an ancient plea for the Lord's mercy.
Step 3
Gloria and Collect
On feast days the Gloria gives praise to God, then the Collect gathers the prayers of the Church into one petition.
Step 4
Epistle and Gospel
The Word is proclaimed through the Epistle and Gospel, leading the congregation deeper into Christ's teaching.
Step 5
Offertory
Bread and wine are offered with prayers of dedication as the faithful unite their own lives to the sacrifice.
Step 6
Canon of the Mass
In profound silence and reverence, the Canon makes present the sacrifice of Christ through the words of consecration.
Step 7
Communion and Thanksgiving
The faithful receive Holy Communion and remain in thanksgiving, asking that grace bear fruit in daily life.
Step 8
Dismissal and Last Gospel
The liturgy concludes with blessing and mission, then the Last Gospel recalls the mystery of the Incarnation.