During the Mass we are united with heaven, where we get to worship with all the choirs of heaven, both saints and angels. Through the union with heaven we are also united to all other Masses being celebrated throughout the world. The Mass has four main parts:

Introductory Rite

“The rites that precede the Liturgy of the Word, namely the Entrance, the Greeting, the Penitential Act, The Kyrie, the Gloria in excelsis (Glory to God in the highest) and Collect, have the character of a beginning, an introduction, and a preparation. Their purpose is to ensure that the faithful, who come together as one, establish communion and dispose themselves properly to listen to the Word of God and to celebrate the Eucharist worthily.” (GIRM* 46)

Liturgy of the Word

“When the Sacred Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself speaks to his people, and Christ, present in his word, proclaims the Gospel. Therefore the readings from the Word of God are to be listened to reverently by everyone, for they are an element of the greatest importance in the Liturgy.” (GIRM 29)

Liturgy of the Eucharist

“At the Last Supper Christ instituted the Paschal Sacrifice and banquet, by which the Sacrifice of the Cross is continuously made present in the Church whenever the Priest, representing Christ the Lord, carries out what the Lord himself did and handed over to his disciples to be done in his memory.” (GIRM 72)

“Since the celebration of the Eucharist is the Paschal Banquet, it is desirable that in accordance with the Lord’s command his Body and Blood should be received as spiritual food by those of the faithful who are properly disposed.” (GIRM 80)

Closing Rite

“To bring to completion the prayer of the People of God, and also to conclude the whole Communion Rite, the Priest pronounces the Prayer after Communion, in which he prays for the fruits of the [Sacrament] just celebrated.” (GIRM 89)

*The GIRM is the General Instruction for the Roman Missal