The Lectionary is a collection of scripture readings assigned for use during Mass throughout the liturgical year. It is the book that the lector reads the 1st 2nd reading out of

The Roman Missal contains the prayers, antiphons, and instructions necessary for the celebration of the Mass. This is the book that the altar server hold for father and that it is the book the priest reads out of when at the altar for the eucharistic prayers.

Together, the Lectionary and the Roman Missal guide the rhythm of worship and prayer in the Catholic Church, uniting the faithful in a continuous cycle of scripture, tradition, and communal celebration. 

The ambo is a raised platform or lectern in a Catholic church from which the scriptures are proclaimed during Mass. It holds a place of prominence within the sanctuary, often located near the altar. The primary purpose of the ambo is to provide a dignified and reverent place for the Liturgy of the Word.

During Mass, a priest typically wears several distinct vestments that each have symbolic and liturgical significance.

Each of these pieces has a rich history and specific meaning within the context of the Mass. The colors and designs can vary widely, adding to the beauty and solemnity of the liturgical celebration.

Click here to learn more about each piece and the prayer he says.

According to the Code of Cannon Law, a person may receive the Eucharist only twice in one day (liturgical day). To receive it a second time the person must be actively participating in the Mass. The purpose of this law is to prevent the abuse of receiving communion multiple times out of superstition, misunderstanding, or misguided devotion.  The exception to this being, if someone is in grave danger of dying, they may and should receive the Eucharist again. (CIC 918).

The Mass offers us an opportunity to encounter God in a unique way.  During the most Holy Mass, we encounter the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. This is unique to us Catholics, and is not available anywhere else.  The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Catholic Faith.

At Mass, we have the opportunity to be in the Real Presence of Christ, to worship and adore Him, to actively remember and participate in His sacrifice, to join with community members in prayer and fellowship and to receive spiritual grace and renewal that only God can provide.

The smoke from the incense symbolizes our prayers, rising up to heaven. The visual imagery of the smoke and the smell remind us of the transcendence of the Mass which links heaven with earth and allows us to enter into the presence of God. When the deacon incenses the people during Mass, the congregation will stand and make a profound bow as a sign of reverence as they are being incensed, there is no need to make the sign of the cross.

In the General Instruction of the Roman Missal incense may be used during the entrance procession; at the procession and proclamation of the Gospel; and at the offertory, to incense the offerings, altar, priest, and the people. The priest may also incense the Crucifix and the Paschal Candle. During funeral Masses, the priest at the final commendation may incense the coffin or urn, both as a sign of honor to the body of the deceased which became the temple of the Holy Spirit at Baptism, and as a sign of the faithful’s prayers for the deceased rising to God.

The priest begins and ends Mass with a kiss on the altar. This practice dates back to the 4th century. It is done out of reverence for the altar of sacrifice and where the miracle of the Eucharist occurs. The kiss also signifies the union of the Spouse (Christ) and his Bride (the Church).

At the Church of St. Joseph we have an Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion, that is designated to walk around the back of the church, to give communion to those unable to walk forward.  If you see the Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion walking around, please wave or hold your hand up to notify them you would like communion brought to you.  You can also let the usher know before Mass begins or during Communion and the usher will assist the Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion to you.

Minister of Holy Communion to you.

What if you are missed by the Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion?  Please find Deacon Marty or Father Brandon after church, and they will be able to distribute communion to you.

When we enter the church, it is tradition to dip one’s fingers in holy water and make the sing of the Cross. This can be almost automatic, and we do it without even thinking about why we do it. Blessing oneself with holy water is done as a reminder of our Baptism. During our Baptism, a priest or deacon poured holy water over our head and baptized us “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Using holy water as we enter the church and making the sign of the Cross, reminds us that we need forgiveness of our sins, like how we were cleansed of our sins at our Baptism. It helps remind us that we belong to Christ. Although this act may become habitual, we should take the time and remember why we are blessing ourselves as we enter the church.

Bells are rung during Mass to signify that something important is happening.  This occurs during the consecration of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, as well as during the elevation of the Eucharist.  The bells call our attention back to the altar and to the sacred action taking place.  It’s a reminder of the importance of that very moment, the precise time when transubstantiation, or the conversion of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, occurs.

Genuflecting and bowing are done out of reverence. When we genuflect before we sit in our pew, we are genuflecting towards someone, not something. As Catholics we believe that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist, hence, we genuflect towards Him. If the tabernacle is located behind the altar (as in the case at St. Joseph church) then we genuflect towards Him before you sit in your pew. Again, this is show reverence towards Jesus, and to remind ourselves that He is Truly Present. If, however, the tabernacle is not behind the altar or Jesus is not present in the tabernacle (as in the tabernacle in the chapel), then you make a profound bow towards the altar. You can recognize the True Presence of our Lord in the tabernacle by noticing if there is a candle lit in the Sanctuary Lamp by the tabernacle. As Catholics we light a candle in the Sanctuary Lamp to signify the true Presence of our Lord in the tabernacle. 

Should you still sing?  Yes.  Do you have to sing?  No.

The Second Vatican Council calls for all present at Mass to fully and actively participate in the liturgy.  This includes through prayer and song.  Singing at Mass is a way for us to actively participate in the liturgy, worship God and connect with others present at Mass.. It is not required to sing at Mass, but music is an important part of the liturgy. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) says in the book “Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship,” When the Church prays or sings, Christ is present. Even if one doesn’t like their voice or are not in the singing mood, we are all still called to actively participate in the liturgy and we can do this by lifting our voices to God through song at Mass.