Understanding the liturgy


Rev. Charles Strebler has written a series of short articles to help deepen our understanding and appreciation of the Catholic Mass. These reflections explain the meaning behind the prayers, rituals, and symbols we experience each week at liturgy. We invite you to explore the full list below and take time to read through them as a way of growing in faith and entering more fully into the celebration of the Eucharist.


The Meaning of Liturgy

The Liturgy Documents

The Rules for Liturgy

The Nature of Ritual

The Encountering of Jesus's Presence in the Mass

The Mass and Full, Conscious, Active Participation

The Parts of the Mass

The Mass as Sacrifice

The Introductory Rites

The Sacred Space

The Entrance Chant

The Vestments

The Colors of the Liturgy

The Sign of the Cross and the Greeting

The Procession

The Penitential Rite

The Forms of the Penitential Rite

The Gloria

The Liturgy and Silence

The Seasons of the Church

The Collect

The Liturgy of the Word

The Lectionary

The Readings

The First Reading

The Psalm

The Second Reading

The Gospel Acclamation

The Gospel Procession

The Gospel

The Homily

The Creed

The Universal Prayer

The Liturgy of the Eucharist

The Offertory

The Preparation of the Altar

The Lavabo and Incensation

The Prayer Over the Offerings

The Preface

The Eucharistic Prayer(s)

The Nature of the Eucharistic Prayers

The Roman Canon in particular

The Our Father

The Sign of Peace

The Fraction Rite

The Communion Chant

The Communion Procession

The Ways to Receive Communion

The Purification

The Prayer After Communion

The End of Mass

The Final Blessing

The Closing Rites

The Dismissal

The Recession