The Catholic Mass
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I have chosen to attend the Catholic Mass and observe their practices and behavior during the “celebration.” Catholics believe that the Holy Mass is the “perfect form of prayer and worship” (Pope Paul VI) for it commemorates the life of Christ. It is also believed that Jesus Christ, who appeared before St Mechtilde revealed: “He who is in the habit of devoutly hearing holy Mass shall in death be consoled by the presence of the angels and saints, his advocates, who shall bravely defend him from all the snares of infernal spirits.” (ourladyswarriors.org, par.14)
The Location
Catholic Masses may be held inside huge Cathedrals, in Basilicas, or in small ones called Chapels. Though they differ in sizes, designs and structure, common to these buildings is its setup. Notably, there is the altar, with an image of the Crucified Christ and statues of Mary. There are also statues of different saints and angels. Furthermore, the altar has a large table where the priest stands before. There is also a podium for the readings and chairs for the readers and the priests. Meanwhile, the people (also called the congregation) who attend the mass sit in pews. These pews are arranged facing the altar. Pews have kneelers attached, so the people can kneel during some parts of the mass.
The Participants
I have noticed that the people wore decent clothes when attending the Mass. Most came as a family. There are also a few who came in alone like I did. Meantime, looking at the altar, the priest wore a dress cassock, with a green vestment. The color of the vest has meanings and priests wear a certain color for certain occasions. Having spoken to a Catholic acquaintance, she said that red is worn during holidays such as Pentecost Sunday or feast of Christ the King; green during Sundays of Ordinary Time; white during holidays such as weddings and baptisms; and, purple during the Lenten season. There is also the color rose which is worn only on “Gaudete” and “Laetare” Sunday (third and fourth Sunday in Advent).
The Sacred Materials and the Rituals
All Catholic churches/chapels have a huge cross. According to Tracey Roland, this “symbolizes the cross on which Christ died”. (par. 2) In addition, the altar of the Catholic Church has various images and statues that include the crucified Christ, a “constant reminder to us of Christ’s sacrifice”. (Roland, par. 5)
Aside from the icons, there are several items being used by the priest during the mass. Notably, there is the Bible and apart from this there is another book where the priest reads prayers and the people responds accordingly.
The Holy Mass is said to be divided in two parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Liturgy of the Word consists of the First Reading, the Psalm Reading, and the Second Reading. These readings are done by lay people using the Holy Bible. During these readings, all the people are asked to be seated. In the psalm reading, there were four to five psalm verses read, where the people responded in chorus for each verse read. Next came the Gospel reading. The people are asked to stand up and all sings “Hallelujah” with the choir. The people are standing up while the priest reads the Gospel for the day from the Bible. He utters the following: “A reading from the Gospel according to St Luke.” And the congregation responds “Glory to You. O Lord” While the people utters this line, they gesture small crosses against their foreheads, their lips, and their chests. According to Krishna Khemraj this meant: “on the forehead: “May your Word be in my thoughts…” Second, on the lips: “and on my lips…” Third, on the breast: “and in my heart.” The assembly hears the Gospel standing up then sits after the verses are read. The people then listen to the priest’s sermon, which basically tells the meaning of the Gospel reading and how the people can apply it in their daily lives.
During the second part of the mass or the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the priest washes his hands with water from the sacred vessel just before holding the host and chalice. This is a re-enactment of Pontius Pilate’s deed during the time Jesus was to be crucified. The hand washing symbolizes that Pilate was innocent on the decision to have Jesus crucified. Then the priest consecrates the host or the bread and wine. The priest utters the following while raising the white round host: “Take this, all of you, and eat it; this is my Body which will be given up for you. Then the wine in chalice: “Take this, all of you, and drink from it; this is the cup of my Blood, the Blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for all men so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in memory of me.” Apparently, in this part of the Mass, the priest prays over the bread and wine, blesses it to become Jesus’ body and blood. These are believed by Catholics as Jesus’ own words during the last supper with his disciples, the last meal he had before he died on the cross.
While the host and the wine were being lifted by the priest, there was a chime being sounded. The people were kneeling and looking towards the host and the wine as they were being raised, and bowed down as the priest lowers them. Then there was a pause, a silence where most people appear to be in deep prayer.
Another notable portion of the Mass is when the priests says “I give you peace, My peace I give you. Look not on our sins but on the faith of your church, and grant us peace and unity in our days. In your mercy, keep us free from our sins, and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our savior Jesus Christ.” The people responds: “For the kingdom, the power and glory are yours now and forever.” Then they pray the Our Father, which Catholics believe to be taught by Jesus Christ himself. After which the priest enjoins everyone to offer a sign of peace. The assembly then greets and says “Peace be with you”, often with nods and smiles, to the people around them.
After this they sing the “Lamb of God” as follows: “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us (said twice). Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.” The “Lamb of God” according to Catholics, represents Jesus Christ, who, like a lamb became a sacrifice, for the salvation of the world.
Then the people partake of the host by lining up towards the priest or the lay ministers who give the hosts. The givers say “The body of Christ” and the receiver responds “Amen.” They receive it either directly through the mouth given by the priest, or by hand, where the person him/herself puts the host inside his/her mouth. After receiving they return to their pews and kneel down to pray. As the people receive communion, the choir sings softly.
Conclusion
The Catholic resource person I have talked to has been of Asian origin. She was baptized as a Catholic and was raised as a Catholic by her family. She had Catholic education from pre-school to high school. She told me she is happy with the faith and though her upbringing and family background was a huge factor in her being a Catholic, she was in no way coerced by anyone to stay in the religion, she just freely chose to.
Catholicism has been the one of, if not, the oldest religion to date. The Holy Mass says a lot about the Catholic tradition. From what I have personally witnessed, one hour of the Holy Mass demonstrates the richness of these traditions and their devotion towards the “Word of God.” The attendance and participation of the people show how they value and nurture their faith. Some evidently are frequent mass goers, since they have memorized by heart, the prayers being uttered during the mass.
Meantime, though Catholics are criticized by other religions as idolatrous, I have observed that the statues present in the Churches are not actually being praised and worshipped. They are there as physical reminders to whom they are praying to and to whom they have devotion for.
Works Cited
Khemraj, K. Questions. 2008. Geocities.com. Retrieved 20 Nov 2008 from
;http://72.14.235.132/search?q=cache:NFBLkuwyigIJ:www.geocities.com/kjkhemraj/Website/QuestionsWeek002.pdf+%22glory+to+you+o+lord%22+crosses+lips+chest+meaning;hl=en;ct=clnk;cd=1;.
Our Lady Warriors. The Greatest Prayer: The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (no date). Ourladywarriors.org. Retrieved 20 Nov 2008 from
;http://www.ourladyswarriors.org/liturgy/girm1975.htm;.
Rowland, T. Description :A List of Catholic Symbols and a short description of their meanings. 2002. KWL.com. Retrieved 20 Nov 2008 from ;http://www.kwl.com.au/httpdocs/Articals/Catholic%20Symbols.htm;.
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