Some fundamentals of Catholicism include:
• The Trinity: The belief in the oneness of God and the Trinity
• The incarnation of Jesus: The belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God
• The crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension: The belief in the meaning of these events in the life of Jesus
• The Holy Spirit: The belief in the person and work of the Holy Spirit
• The Nicene Creed: The core beliefs of the Catholic faith are found in the Nicene Creed
• The mystery of God: The belief in the mystery of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
• The mystery of Christ: The belief in the mystery of Christ as the incarnate Word, who was born of the Virgin Mary
Some precepts of the Catholic Church include:
• Attending Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation
• Confessing serious sins at least once a year
• Receiving Holy Communion frequently
• Fasting and abstaining on appointed days and times
• Contributing to the support of the Church
• Observing the laws of the Church concerning marriage
• Giving religious training to one’s children
• Joining the missionary spirit and work of the Church

Our faith depends on a vital and personal relationship with the living and true God. This relationship is rooted in prayer.
What Is Prayer?
In prayer we raise our hearts and minds to God. We are able to speak and listen to God because through the Holy Spirit, God teaches us how to pray. Prayer is a gift from God. We can pray because God seeks us out first and calls us to meet him. Prayer arises from our heart, beyond the grasp of reason. Only the Spirit of God can understand the human heart and know it fully. Prayer is the habit of being with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Christian prayer is communion with Christ that branches out to all the members of his Body, the Church.
The Five Basic Forms of Christian Prayer
The Holy Spirit, who teaches us to pray, leads us to pray in a number of ways. This conversation with God can take the form of blessing, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, or praise.
Blessing
To bless someone is to acknowledge the goodness of that person. The prayer of blessing or adoration is our response to God’s goodness because of all the gifts he has given us. In the prayer of blessing, God’s gifts and our acceptance of them come together. Because God blesses the human heart, the human heart can in return bless him, who is the source of every blessing.
Petition
Petition is much more than asking God for things we want or need. By prayers of petition we express our relationship with God as our Creator. We depend on him, and we ask him for something for ourselves. Sometimes we sin and turn away from God. The first step in the prayer of petition is turning back toward him and asking for forgiveness. We can then ask God for what we need, confident that he knows what we need before we ask.
Intercession
In prayers of intercession, we ask something on behalf of another. As a prayer form intercession is a prayer of petition that leads us to pray as Jesus did. Throughout his life on earth, Jesus interceded with the father on behalf of all people. To pray this way means that our hearts are turned outward, focused on the needs around us.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is characteristic of Christian prayer, especially in the Eucharist. The word Eucharist means “thanksgiving.” Through his death and Resurrection, Christ has reconciled us to God. His sacrifice is made present in every Eucharist. Every joy we experience, as well as our every need, can become an offering of thanksgiving in the Eucharist. In celebrating the Eucharist, the Church reveals itself as and becomes more fully a people of thanksgiving.
Adoration
Adoration is the form of prayer that recognizes that God is God and gives him glory. It goes beyond thanking God for what he has done for us. Adoration gives him glory simply because he is and embraces the other forms of prayer and carries them to God, who is the source of all that is.
Ways to Pray
Prayer can be vocal or mental, informal or formal, individual or communal, prepared or spontaneous, said or sung. Liturgy is the public worship of the Church. It includes the Mass, the sacraments, and the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) through which the whole day is sanctified. Jesus, our model for prayer, was known to pray all night and before major events in his life. He taught us to pray with perseverance and trust in our good Father.
We Get Ready to Pray
We live in a busy, noisy, and fast-paced world. Because of this, we have difficulty concentrating. In order to meditate or reflect, we need to prepare ourselves. We can get ready for meditation by resting our bodies in a comfortable position, sitting with our backs straight and both feet on the floor. We can close our eyes, fold our hands in front of us, take a deep breath, and then slowly let it out. We can establish a rhythm by slowly counting to three while breathing in and slowly counting to three while breathing out. Concentrating on our breathing helps us quiet our thoughts.
We Avoid Distractions
If we become distracted by thinking about something, such as the day at work or an upcoming event, just refocus and go back to thinking about our breathing. We might also use a lighted candle or a sacred image to keep us focused. After a little practice, we will be able to avoid distractions, pray with our imagination, and spend time with God or Jesus in our hearts.
We Meditate and Contemplate
One way to pray is to meditate. To meditate is to think about God. We try to keep our attention and focus on God. In meditation we may use Scripture, prayer books, or icons to help us concentrate and spark our imagination. Another way to pray is to contemplate. This means that we rest quietly in God’s presence.
We Pray with Scripture: Lectio Divina
God speaks to us personally through Sacred Scripture. This means that we don’t read the Bible, we pray the Bible. A Catholic form of prayer that originated in the monasteries of early Christianity is Lectio Divina (sacred reading). These are its four steps:
• Lectio (reading) – We slowly and prayerfully read a brief passage of scripture several times.
• Meditatio (reflecting) – We reflect upon the passage, a word, phrase, or a verse that captures our attention.
• Oratio (expressing) – We respond to God’s word in our own words, expressing joy, contrition, praise, thanks, or love.
• Contemplatio (resting) – We rest silently in God’s presence.

Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

The sign of the cross is an ancient prayer that originated in early Christianity. The movements of the sign of the cross have specific meanings:
• Forehead to breast: Christ came down from heaven to earth
• Left to right shoulder: Christ descended into hell and then ascended to heaven

Our Father
Our Father,
Who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Fatima Prayer #1
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Your Mercy.

Fatima Prayer #2
O God whose only begotten Son by His Life, Death and Resurrection has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, Grant we beseech Thee while meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord Amen.

Morning Offering
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, for the salvation of souls, the reparation of sins, the reunion of all Christians, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month. Amen.

Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within Thy Wounds hide me. Suffer me not to be separated from Thee. From the malignant enemy, defend me. In the hour of my death, call me, And bid me to come to Thee. That with Thy saints, I may praise Thee, Forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer of Surrender
Lord Jesus Christ, take all my freedom, my understanding, and my will. All that I have and cherish you have given to me. I surrender it all to be guided by your will. Your love and your grace are wealth enough for me. Give me these, Lord Jesus, and I ask for nothing more. Amen.

Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartfully sorry for having offended thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishment, but most of all because it offends thee my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of thy grace, to sin no more, and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.

Hail Holy Queen
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve: to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
that we may be made worthy
of the promises of Christ. Amen.

The Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God,
the Father Almighty,
Creator of Heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into Hell,
on the third day He arose again from the dead.
He ascended into Heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of
God the Father Almighty;
from thence He shall come to judge
the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Saint Michael Prayer
Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against
the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help,
or sought thy intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence,
I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of virgins my Mother;
to thee do I come, before thee I stand,
sinful and sorrowful,
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

The Angelus
The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
And she conceived by the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
Be it done unto me according to thy word. Hail Mary, full of grace…
And the Word was made Flesh.
And dwelt among us. Hail Mary, full of grace… Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God,
that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, thy son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by his passion and cross be brought to the glory of his resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Guardian Angel Prayer
Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

Grace Before Meals
Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive, from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Grace After Meals
We give thee thanks for all thy benefits, O Almighty God, who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

The steps to praying the Rosary are:

1. Make the Sign of the Cross and pray the “Apostles’ Creed”
2. Pray the “Our Father”
3. Pray three “Hail Marys” for Faith, Hope, and Charity
4. Pray the “Glory Be”
5. Announce the First Mystery and then pray the “Our Father”
6. Pray ten “Hail Marys” while meditating on the Mystery
7. Pray the “Glory Be” (Optional: Pray the “O My Jesus” prayer requested by Mary at Fatima)
8. Announce the Next Mystery; then pray the “Our Father” and repeat these steps (6 through 8) as you continue through the remaining Mysteries.
9. Pray the closing prayers: the “Hail Holy Queen” and “Final Prayer”
10. Make the “Sign of the Cross”

Pope Saint John Paul II suggested the recitation of the Rosary as follows: the JOYFUL mysteries Monday and Saturday, the LUMINOUS on Thursday, the SORROWFUL on Tuesday and Friday, and the GLORIOUS on Wednesday and Sunday (with this exception; Sundays of Advent and Christmas – the JOYFUL; Sundays of Lent – the SORROWFUL).
Prayers of the Rosary
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty creator of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Oh My Jesus
O my Jesus, forgive us of our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Hail Holy Queen
Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our Life, our Sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then most gracious advocate, Thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us, the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us O Holy Mother of God, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
Final Prayer
Let us pray. O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech Thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Joyful Mysteries
• The Annunciation
• The Visitation
• The Nativity
• The Presentation in the Temple
• The Finding in the Temple
Sorrowful Mysteries
• The Agony in the Garden
• The Scourging at the Pillar
• The Crowning with Thorns
• The Carrying of the Cross
• The Crucifixion
Glorious Mysteries
• The Resurrection
• The Ascension
• The Coming of the Holy Spirit
• The Assumption of the BVM
• The Coronation of the BVM
Luminous Mysteries
• The Baptism of Jesus
• The Wedding of Cana
• The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God and the call to conversion
• The Transfiguration
• The Institution of the Eucharist

Catholicism is monotheistic: it acknowledges that God is one, eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing and omnipresent. God existed prior to His work of creation (that is, everything which is not God, and which depends directly on him for existence) and yet is still present intimately in His creation. Faith in God’s existence is the most fundamental Catholic belief, and in the First Vatican Council the Church has taught that, while by the natural light of human reason God can be known in his works as origin and end of all created things, God has also chosen to reveal himself and his will supernaturally in the ways indicated in the Letter to the Hebrews 1:1–2.

Catholicism is also Trinitarian: it believes that, while God is one in nature, essence, and being, this one God exists in three divine persons, each possessing one divine essence, whose only distinctions are in their relations to one another: the Father’s relationship to the Son, the Son’s relationship to the Father, and the relations of both to the Holy Spirit, constitute the one God as a Trinity.

A Catholic is baptized in the name (singular) of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit — not three gods, but one God subsisting in three Persons. While sharing in the one divine essence, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct, not simply three “masks” or manifestations of one Person. The faith of the Church and of the individual Christian is based on a relationship with these three Persons of the one God.

The Catholic Church believes that God has revealed himself to humanity as Father to his only-begotten Son, who is in an eternal relationship with the Father: “No one knows the Son except the Father, just as no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.”
Catholics believe that God the Son, the Divine Logos, the second of the three Persons of God, became incarnate as Jesus Christ, a human being, born of the Virgin Mary. He remained truly divine and was at the same time truly human. In what he said, and by how he lived, he taught us how to live, and revealed God as Love, the giver of unmerited favors or Graces.

The three in one God is a great mystery. We are creations and therefore have a limited ability to understand God. Many people and some religions falsely think that God is the highest creature among us – the supreme being in the universe. God is the creator and everything we observe are his creations. He is not up there in the cosmos somewhere but exists outside of our limited space and time. When we try to describe God, our limited words are inadequate.
Biblical authors can only hint at a description of God: “I AM who I AM” (Exodus 3:14) and “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1).

The Church is the People of God; the Body of Christ. Christ himself is the head of the Church. The four marks, or signs, of the Church that distinguish it as the Church of Jesus are that it is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. Christ governs, guides, and sanctifies the Church through the pope (the Holy Father) and his fellow bishops, who are successors of Peter and the apostles.

The pope, the bishop of Rome, resides in Vatican City. The Roman Curia refers to the administrative arm of the Church. The pope and curia are called the Holy See. Some bishops are named Cardinals by the pope and together are referred to as the College of Cardinals. They advise the pope, lead dioceses or archdioceses, serve in the Curia, and participate in papal elections.

The word diocese refers to the members of the Church in a particular area who are gathered under the leadership of a bishop. The word archdiocese is given to a diocese of significant size or historical importance. Bishops of archdioceses are called archbishops. Each diocese has a church called a cathedral, which contains the seat of the bishop. The chancery is the administrative body of a diocese. Dioceses are composed of local faith communities called parishes, ordinarily administered by a priest, who is called a pastor.

Popes occasionally issue letters to the universal church (pertaining to faith and morality) called encyclicals. Ecumenical councils are gatherings of all the Church’s bishops. The last one was the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). Occasionally the pope calls a synod, a meeting of some bishops concerning a specific topic. The laws of the Church are contained in the Code of Canon Law.

The vast majority of the Church is composed of the laity which includes married people, single people, and men and women religious. Religious are priests, monks, nuns, sisters, and brothers who are consecrated to God and who take vows, usually of poverty, chastity and obedience, and live in community.

God speaks to us in many ways. One way God speaks to us is through the Bible. The Bible is the most important book in Christian life because it is God’s message, or Revelation. The Bible is the story of God’s promise to care for us, especially through his Son, Jesus. The Bible is not just one book; it is a collection of many books. The writings in the Bible were inspired by the Holy Spirit and written by different authors using different styles.

The Bible is made up of two parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament contains 46 books that tell stories about the Jewish people and their faith in God before Jesus was born. The New Testament contains 27 books that tell the story of Jesus’ life, death, and Resurrection, and the experience of the early Christians. For Christians, the most important books of the New Testament are the four Gospels-Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

How the Bible Came to Be
The Bible developed in oral cultures. It was not until about the sixth century BC that the Old Testament began to take shape in written form. In the middle of the third century BC these writings, made up of 39 books, were translated from Hebrew into Greek. In time, 7 other books (Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, and First and Second Maccabees) were written in Greek and added to the Old Testament. By the end of the first century AD, Jewish leaders decided to recognize only the 39 Old Testament books written in Hebrew while Christians embraced all 46 books.

Meanwhile, the New Testament began to take shape in the first century AD. In about the year 50, Paul began writing his letters to various Christian communities. Meanwhile, Christians were orally proclaiming the Gospels. The first Gospel to be written was the Gospel of Mark, in the second half of the 60s. In the 80s, the authors of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, using Mark’s Gospel as a starting point, wrote their own Gospels for their specific Christian communities. Because of their similarities, we call these three the Synoptic Gospels. The Gospel of John was written in the mid-to-late 90s. It is very different in tone and theology. The last book of the New Testament to be written was Second Peter, shortly after the year 100. In the first few centuries after Christ’s Resurrection, the bishops of the Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, collected the 73 books of the Bible into the form that we recognize today. This list, or canon, was refined at the Synod of Carthage in AD 397.

At the time of the Reformation in the sixteenth century, Protestants rejected the 7 Old Testament books that were not originally written in Hebrew while, at the Council the Trent, the Catholic Church reaffirmed their inclusion. To this day, Protestant Bibles (for example, the King James Version) have 66 books while Catholic Bibles (for example, the New American Bible) have 73.

How Do Catholics Understand the Bible?
Catholics believe in the inerrancy of the Bible, which means that it conveys spiritual truth with no error. At the same time, the Bible is not always intended to be accurate when relating facts. For example, the creation stories in Genesis are not intended to teach scientific facts about the beginnings of the universe. They are, however, true stories, teaching us the absolute essential truth about God’s relationship with all of creation. While the Bible does indeed contain much historical data, our goal is to read Scripture prayerfully, seeking the truth that God is revealing about himself so that we might enter more deeply into relationship with him.

The following formulas present some of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church:

The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments guide us in making choices that help us live as God wants us to live. The first three commandments tell us how to love God; the other seven tell us how to love our neighbor.

1. I am the Lord your God: you shall not have strange gods before me.
2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
3. Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.
4. Honor your father and your mother.
5. You shall not kill.
6. You shall not commit adultery.
7. You shall not steal.
8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.

The Great Commandment
Jesus summarized the Ten Commandments in his Great Commandment: “You shall love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (adapted from Mark 12:30-31)

The New Commandment
Before his death on the cross, Jesus gave his disciples a new commandment: “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” (John 13:34)

The Golden Rule
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught, “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12)

The Beatitudes
The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-10) teach us the attitudes we need to live a happy Christian life.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Virtues
Virtues are like habits. They need to be practiced. The three most important virtues are called theological virtues because they come from God and lead to God. The Cardinal virtues are human virtues, required by education and good actions. Cardinal comes from Cardo CARDO, the Latin word for hinge, meaning that on which of the things depend. Other virtues depend on the cardinal virtues. Theological virtues are faith hope charity. Cardinal virtues are prudence justice, fortitude, temperance.

Precepts of the Church
The Precepts of the Church describe the minimum effort we must make in prayer and in living a moral life. All Catholics are called to move beyond the minimum by growing in love of God and love of neighbor. The Precepts are as follows:

1. To keep holy the day of the Lord’s Resurrection. To worship God by participating in Mass every Sunday and every Holy Day of Obligation. To avoid those activities (such as needless work) that would hinder worship, joy, or relaxation.
2. To confess one’s sins once a year so as to prepare to receive the Eucharist and to continue a life of conversion.
3. To lead a sacramental life. To receive Holy Communion at least once during the Easter season.
4. To do penance, including abstaining from meat and fasting from food on the appointed days .
5. To strengthen and support the Church-assist with the material needs of the Church according to one’s ability.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to do what God asks by giving us these gifts:
wisdom, knowledge, understanding, piety, council, fortitude, fear of the Lord.

Fruits of the Holy Spirit
The fruits of the Holy Spirit are signs of the Holy Spirit action in our lives: love, kindness, faithfulness, joy, goodness, modesty, peace, generosity, self-control, patience, generosity, chastity,.

Corporal Works of Mercy
The corporal works of mercy are the kind acts by which we help our neighbors with their material and physical needs:

• Feed the hungry.
• Shelter the homeless.
• Clothe the naked.
• Visit the sick and the imprisoned.
• Give alms to the poor.
• Bury the dead

Spiritual Works of Mercy
The Spiritual Works of Mercy by which we help our neighbors with their emotional and spiritual needs:

• Instruct the ignorant.
• Advise the sinner.
• Console the doubtful.
• Comfort the sorrowful.
• Forgive all injuries.
• Bear wrongs with patience.

The Four Last Things
There are four things that we face at the end of life: death, judgment, heaven, hell.
The death of the individual is followed by a particular (personal) judgment by Christ. The result is either heaven, eternal life with God (perhaps after a time in purgatory, which is a state of purification), or hell (everlasting separation from God). At the end of the world there will be a last judgment, when all people will be raised and judged.

The liturgical year celebrates the sacred mysteries of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. It includes the feast of the Ascension, when Jesus returned to heaven with the promise that he would come again, and Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles.

The Liturgical Seasons

ADVENT IS THE FIRST SEASON. It is a time of waiting for the birth of the Messiah. There are four Sundays in Advent. You’ll notice at Mass that the colors used for vestments and altar cloths during Advent are violet or dark violet, with pink on the Third Sunday of Advent to symbolize hope. The readings and the music during Advent reflect this spirit of anticipation and longing for the coming of the Lord.
CHRISTMAS EVE MARKS THE BEGINNING OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON IN THE CHURCH, which lasts until the feast of the Baptism of the Lord in January. White or gold are the colors used for vestments and altar cloths. The readings, the music and the decorations in the church project joy and a sense of celebration. Christmas, of course, is always December 25.
ORDINARY TIME FOLLOWS THE CHRISTMAS SEASON. It begins on the Monday after the feast of the Baptism of the Lord and ends when Lent begins. A second period of Ordinary Time follows Pentecost and continues until the beginning of Advent. The color green, a symbol of hope, is used for vestments and altar cloths during Ordinary Time. Throughout Ordinary Time, the story of Jesus’ life and ministry continues to unfold.
LENT IS AN IMPORTANT SEASON IN THE LITURGICAL YEAR. It is a 40-day period of fasting, abstinence and repentance that begins on Ash Wednesday. No meat is eaten on Fridays during Lent. The season of Lent culminates with the liturgies of Holy Week, which recall the passion and death of Jesus. Purple is used for vestments and altar cloths during Lent. The Gloria is omitted during Lent and the word “alleluia” is not said or sung. To find Ash Wednesday, you start with the date of Easter Sunday, go back six weeks (that gives you the first Sunday of Lent), and then back up four more days: Ash Wednesday is the Wednesday before the first Sunday of Lent.
EASTER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CELEBRATION IN THE LITURGICAL YEAR. The Easter season begins with the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus and continues for the next 50 days, until the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. The color of the Easter season is white, representing Christ’s victory over death. The music is filled with joyful alleluias. Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after (never on) the first full moon after the vernal equinox (the first day of spring).

Holy Days of Obligation

Catholic holy days of obligation are the days on which we’re expected to go to Mass. This list includes every single Sunday, along with a few additional days. Some feasts, such as Easter and the Feast of Epiphany, are always celebrated on a Sunday, so they are always obligatory.

Solemnity of Mary: January 1
Ascension of Jesus: Celebrated on the sixth Thursday after Easter Sunday
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: August 15
Solemnity of All Saints: November 1
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: December 8
Christmas: December 25

Green – the natural color of life, points to the hope of life eternal. It is used in Ordinary Time.
Red – connotes both fire and blood. It is used on the feasts of martyrs, on Masses of the Holy Spirit, on the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, on Palm Sunday, and on similar feasts.
Rose – symbolize joy in the midst of a penitential season (rose being between violet and white). It may be worn only on two days in the year: Gaudete Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent) and Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent).
Violet – symbolize melancholy and somberness. It is used in penitential seasons (Advent and Lent), and may be used in Masses for the dead.
White – symbolize light, purity, innocence, joy, and glory. It is used on certain feast days and during Christmas and Easter Season. It may also be used in Masses for the dead.

Saints of the Roman Calendar
Including Feasts Proper to the English-Speaking World

January
1 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
2 St. Basil and St. Gregory Nazianzen
4 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
5 St. John Neumann
6 Blessed Andre Bessette
7 St. Raymond of Penyafort
13 St. Hilary
17 St. Anthony
20 St. Fabian and St. Sebastian
21 St. Agnes
22 St. Vincent
24 St. Francis de Sales
25 Conversion of St. Paul
26 St. Timothy and St. Titus
27 St. Angela Merici
28 St. Thomas Aquinas
31 St. John Bosco

February

2. Presentation of the Lord
   3 St. Blase
   3 St. Ansgar
   5 St. Agatha
   6 St. Paul Miki and Companions
   8 St. Jerome Emiliani
   10 St. Scholastica
   11 Our Lady of Lourdes
   14 St. Cyril and St. Methodius
   17 Seven Founders of the Servite Order
   21 St. Peter Damian
   22 Chair of St. Peter
   23 St. Polycarp

March
3 Blessed Katharine Drexel
4 St. Casimir
7 St. Perpetua and St. Felicity
8 St. John of God
9 St. Frances of Rome
17 St. Patrick
18 St. Cyril of Jerusalem
19 St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
23 St. Turibius of Mongrovejo

25. Annunciation of the Lord

April
2 St. Francis of Paola
4 St. Isidore
5 St. Vincent Ferrer
7 St. John Baptist de la Salle
11 St. Stanislaus
13 St. Martin I
21 St. Anselm
23 St. George
24 St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen
25 St. Mark
28 St. Peter Chanel
29 St. Catherine of Siena
30 St. Pius V

May
1 St. Joseph the Worker
2 St. Athanasius
3 St. Philip and St. James
12 St. Nereus and St. Achilleus
12 St. Pancras
14 St. Matthias
15 St. Isidore
18 St. John I
20 St. Bernardine of Siena
25 St. Bede the Venerable.
25 St. Gregory VII
25 St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi
26 St. Philip Neri
27 St. Augustine of Canterbury
31 Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Immaculate Heart of Mary (Saturday after the Feast of the Sacred Heart)

June
1 St. Justin
2 St. Marcellinus and St. Peter
3 St. Charles Lwanga and Companions
5 St. Boniface
6 St. Norbert
9 St. Ephrem
11 St. Barnabas
13 St. Anthony of Padua
19 St. Romuald
21 St. Aloysius Gonzaga
22 St. Paulinus of Nola
22 St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More
24 Birth of St. John the Baptist
27 St. Cyril of Alexandria
28 St. Irenaeus
29 St. Peter and St. Paul
30 First Martyrs of the Church of Rome

July
1 Blessed Junipero Serra
3 St. Thomas
4 St. Elizabeth of Portugal
5 St. Anthony Zaccaria
6 St. Maria Goretti
11 St. Benedict
13 St. Henry
14 Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha
14 St. Camillus de Lellis
15 St. Bonaventure
16 Our Lady of Mount Carmel
21 St. Lawrence of Brindisi
22 St. Mary Magdalene
23 St. Bridget
25 St. James
26 St. Joachim and St. Ann
29 St. Martha
30 St. Peter Chrysologus
31 St. Ignatius of Loyola

August
1 St. Alphonsus Liguori
2 St. Eusebius of Vercelli
4 St. John Vianney
5 Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major
7 St. Sixtus II and Companions
7 St. Cajetan
8 St. Dominic
10 St. Lawrence
11 St. Clare
13 St. Pontian and St. Hippolytus
14 St. Maximilian Kolbe
15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
16 St. Stephen of Hungary
19 St. John Eudes
20 St. Bernard
21 St. Pius X
22 Queenship of Mary
23 St. Rose of Lima
24 St. Bartholomew
25 St. Louis
25 St. Joseph Calasanz
27 St. Monica
28 St. Augustine
29 Beheading of St. John the Baptist

September
3 St. Gregory the Great
8 Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary
9 St. Peter Claver
13 St. John Chrysostom
15 Our Lady of Sorrows
16 St. Cornelius and St. Cyprian
17 St. Robert Bellarmine
19 St. Januarius
20 St. Andrew Kim Taegon, St. Paul Chong Hasang and Companions
21 St. Matthew
26 St. Cosmas and St. Damian
27 St. Vincent de Paul
28 St. Wenceslaus
28 St. Lawrence Ruiz and Companions
29 St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael
30 St. Jerome

October
1 St. Theresa of the Child Jesus
2 Guardian Angels
4 St. Francis of Assisi
6 St. Bruno
6 Blessed Marie Rose Durocher
7 Our Lady of the Rosary
9 St. Denis and Companions
9 St. John Leonardi
14 St. Callistus
15 St. Teresa of Avila
16 St. Hedwig
16 St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
17 St. Ignatius of Antioch
18 St. Luke
19 St. Isaac Jogues, St. John de Brebeuf and Companions
19 St. Paul of the Cross
23 St. John of Capistrano
24 St. Anthony Mary Claret
28 St. Simon and St. Jude

November
1 All Saints
2 All Souls
3 St. Martin de Porres
4 St. Charles Borromeo
9 Dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica
10 St. Leo the Great
11 St. Martin of Tours
12 St. Josaphat
13 St. Frances Xavier Cabrini
15 St. Albert the Great
16 St. Margaret of Scotland
16 St. Gertrude
17 St. Elizabeth of Hungary
18 Dedication of the Churches of St. Peter and St. Paul
18 St. Rose Philippine Duchesne
21 Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
22 St. Cecilia
23 St. Clement
23 St. Columban
23 Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro
24 St. Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions
30 St. Andrew
Christ the King (Last Sunday of Ordinary Time)

December
3 St. Francis Xavier
4 St. John Damascene
6 St. Nicholas
7 St. Ambrose
8 Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary
11 St. Damasus
12 Our Lady of Guadalupe
12 St. Jane Frances de Chantal
13 St. Lucy
14 St. John of the Cross
21 St. Peter Canisius
23 St. John of Kanty
26 St. Stephen
27 St. John, Apostle and Evangelist
28 Holy Innocents
29 St. Thomas Becket
31 St. Sylvester I
Holy Family (Sunday within the Octave of Christmas)

The Sacraments of Christian initiation

Christian initiation is accomplished by means of those sacraments which establish the foundations of Christian life. Believers are born anew by Baptism and strengthened by Confirmation and nourished by the Eucharist.
Catholics are usually baptized as infants and then receive Eucharist and Confirmation between the ages of about 7 and 12. Adults who wish to become Catholic can, after a period of preparation, receive the three sacraments at the same time. If they have been previously baptized in another Christian denomination, they are not to be baptized again.

Baptism
This sacrament is called Baptism because of the central rite with which it is celebrated. To baptize means to “immerse” in water. The one who is baptized is immersed into the death of Christ and rises with him as a “new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This sacrament is also called the “bath of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5), and “enlightenment” because the baptized become “children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).

Confirmation
Confirmation confirms and strengthens baptismal grace. It is called Chrismation in the Eastern Churches because the essential rite of the sacrament is anointing with the holy oil of chrism.

Eucharist (Communion)

The Eucharist is the very sacrifice of the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus which he instituted at the Last Supper: While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” (Mark 14:22-24)
From the age of reason, about 7 years of age, baptized Catholics who have received suitable formation can receive Communion at Mass. This means consuming the Body of Christ (under the appearance of bread) and the Blood of Christ (under the appearance of wine). It is not uncommon for only the Body of Christ to be offered.

The Sacraments of Healing Christ, the physician of our soul and body, instituted these sacraments because the new life that he gives us in the sacraments of Christian initiation can be weakened and even lost because of sin. So, he wanted his Church to continue his work of healing and salvation by means of these two sacraments.

Reconciliation (Penance or Confession)
The sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession, Penance) is the means and the sign of Christ’s willingness to heal us. We need this healing when, through our own human weakness, we turn in on ourselves and away from him and our neighbor. This sacrament is the sign God has given us that through the words of his priest (“I absolve you from your sins”) whatever harm we have done to our relationship with our God is healed and we are restored to friendship with our heavenly Father.

Anointing of the Sick
This sacrament gives a special grace which unites the sick person more intimately to the passion of Christ for the person’s good and for the good of all the Church. It gives comfort, peace, courage, and the forgiveness of sins if the sick person is not able to make a confession. Sometimes, if it is God’s will, this sacrament even brings about the restoration of physical health. In any case this anointing prepares the sick person for the journey to the Father’s house.

The Sacraments at the service of Communion and Mission

Two sacraments, Holy Orders and Matrimony, confer a special grace for a particular mission in the Church to serve and build up the People of God. These sacraments contribute in a special way to the unity of the Church and to the salvation of others.

Holy Orders
This is the sacrament in which a person is ordained a bishop, priest or deacon when the bishop imposes his hands on the head of the ordained and pronounces the solemn prayer of consecration. With this prayer he asks God for the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the person being ordained and for the gifts of the Spirit proper to that ministry.

Matrimony
The sacrament of Matrimony establishes an exclusive and lifelong bond between the spouses. God himself seals the consent of the spouses. So, a marriage which is ratified and consummated between baptized persons can never be dissolved. This sacrament also gives the couple the grace necessary to grow in holiness in their married life and to accept responsibly the gift of children and provide for their education.

Examination of Conscience

A good Catholic examination of conscience can be a great help in making a new start in the life of faith. We use an examination of conscience to help call to mind our sins and failings during a period of quiet reflection before approaching the priest in Confession.

It’s important for a good Catholic examination of conscience to be thorough. This will help you learn about things that you may not be aware of. It’s also a chance to develop your conscience.

To make an examination:
• Set aside some quiet time for reflection.
• Start by praying to the Holy Spirit, asking for help in making a good examination to prepare for Confession.
• Read through the items on this list and honestly reflect on your behavior for each item.
• If necessary, take this list or some brief notes (keep them private!) to Confession to help you remember things.

A Catholic examination of conscience traditionally follows the outline of the Ten Commandments and the Precepts of the Catholic Church.

Five Steps for a Good Confession

After your confession, do the penance the priest assigns.

Examine your conscience.

Be sincerely sorry for your sins.

Confess your sins to a priest.

Resolve to amend your life.

Order of The Mass
The Introductory Rites

Entrance Song
[Stand]
Priest: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
Priest: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
All: And with your spirit.

[The priest may briefly introduce the faithful to the Mass of the day.]
Priest: Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

Penitential Act
Confiteor (optional)
All: I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, (strike breast 3 times) through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.
Priest: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
All: Amen.

The Kyrie
Priest: Lord, have mercy. All: Lord have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. All: Christ have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. All: Lord have mercy.
or
Kyrie eleison, Kyrie eleison.
Christe eleison, Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison. Kyrie eleison.
Priest: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
All: Amen.

The Gloria
All: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will.
We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you. We give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, only Begotten Son,
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
You take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; You take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. You are seated at the right hand of the Father: have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One, You alone are the Lord, You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, With the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The Collect
Priest: Let us pray [ . . . ]
All: Amen.

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading (Normally from the Old Testament) [Sit]
At the end of the reading, the reader acclaims:
Reader: The word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm
Second Reading (Usually a New Testament Epistle)
At the end of the reading, the reader acclaims:
Reader: The word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation [Stand]

All Sing: Alleluia!

Reader: The Lord be with you.
All: And with your Spirit.
Reader: A reading from the holy Gospel according to N.
All: Glory to you, O Lord.

Gospel Reading
At the end of the reading, the reader acclaims:
Reader: The Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. [Sit]
Homily or Sermon
Profession of Faith (The Creed)
[Stand]
All: I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
[bow] and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful)
Petitioner: Let us pray to the Lord.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer. [Sit]

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts
After the bread and wine are presented, the priest may pray out loud or silently:
Priest: Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you: fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life.
All: Blessed be God forever.
Priest: Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer you: fruit of the vine and work of human hands, it will become our spiritual drink.
All: Blessed be God forever.
[After the priest has washed his hands, he invites the people to join in prayer] [Stand]
Priest: Pray, brethren (brothers and sisters), that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.
All: May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands, for the praise and glory of his name, for our good, and the good of all his holy Church.
Prayer over the Offerings
[The priest sings or says this prayer. At the end, the people sing or say in response:]
All: Amen.
Eucharistic Prayer
Priest: The Lord be with you. All: And with your spirit.
Priest: Lift up your hearts. All: We lift them up to the Lord.
Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God. All: It is right and just.

Preface
Priest: It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation [ . . . ] And so, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the hymn of your glory, as without end we acclaim:
Sanctus
All: Holy, holy, holy Lord God of hosts, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
(Latin) Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth, Pleni sunt coeli et terra Gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis. Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis.
[Kneel]

Eucharistic Prayer I [Priest may use any of the 4 Eucharistic Prayers]

To you, therefore, most merciful Father, we make humble prayer and petition through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord: that you accept and bless ✠ these gifts, these offerings, these holy and unblemished sacrifices, which we offer you firstly for your holy catholic Church [ . . . ]
(Consecration)
On the day before he was to suffer, he took bread in his holy and venerable hands, and with his eyes raised to heaven to you, O God, his almighty Father, giving you thanks, he said the blessing, broke the bread and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take this, all of you and eat of it, for this is my body, which will be given up for you.
In a similar way, when supper was ended, he took this precious chalice in his holy and venerable hands, and once more giving you thanks, he said the blessing and gave the chalice to his disciples saying: Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my Blood, the Blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me.

Memorial Acclamation (Anamnesis)
Priest: The mystery of faith.
All: We proclaim your death, O Lord, and profess your resurrection until you come again. Or:
[When we eat this bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your death, O Lord, until you come again.] Or:
[Save us, Savior of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.]
Doxology and Great Amen
Priest: Therefore, O Lord, as we celebrate the memorial of the blessed Passion, the Resurrection from the dead, and the glorious Ascension into heaven of Christ, your Son, our Lord, we, your servants and your holy people, offer to your glorious majesty from the gifts that you have given us, this pure victim, this holy victim, this spotless victim, the holy Bread of eternal life and the Chalice of everlasting salvation [ . . . ] and all your Saint; admit us, we beseech you, into their company, not weighing our merits, but granting us your pardon, through Christ our Lord. Through whom you continue to make all these good things, O Lord; you sanctify them, fill them with life, bless them, and bestow them upon us.
Priest: Through him, and with him, and in him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, for ever and ever.
All: Amen! [Stand]
Communion Rite
The Lord’s Prayer
Priest: At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:
All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Priest: Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
All: For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.

Sign of Peace
Priest: Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles, Peace I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will. Who live and reign for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Priest: The Peace of the Lord be with you always.
All: And with your spirit.
Deacon or Priest: Let us offer each other a sign of peace.
[The people exchange an appropriate gesture of peace with those near them, according to local custom.]
[Priest performs the Breaking of the Bread]
All: Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant us peace.
(Latin) Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem. [Kneel]

Communion
Priest: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.
All: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
[Receive Communion]
Communion Minister: The Body (Blood) of Christ. Communicant: Amen.
[kneel until the Eucharist is placed in the tabernacle, then sit]
Prayer after Communion
Priest: Let us pray. [Stand]
[The priest sings or says the Prayer after Communion. At the end, the people proclaim their consent.]
All: Amen.

Concluding Rites

Announcements [Optional] [Sit]
Final Blessing
Priest: The Lord be with you. All: And with your spirit. [Stand]
Priest: Bow your heads and ask for God’s blessing.
[Blessing by the priest]
Dismissal
Priest or Deacon: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Closing Hymn

Bow of the head: made during Mass at the name of Jesus, of the three Divine Persons mentioned together (e.g., Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit”), of Mary, and of the saint in whose honor the Mass is celebrated.
Genuflection: made by bending the right knee to the ground. It is given to the Blessed Sacrament when entering or leaving the church or when passing in front of the tabernacle not during a liturgy.
Kneeling: signifies adoration of God and humility before him. It is the proper posture for the congregation during the Eucharistic Prayer, and after the Agnus Dei before the reception of Holy Communion.
Profound bow: A profound bow is made to the altar whenever one passes in front of it during Mass and during the Creed at the words that refer directly to the Incarnation: By the power of the Holy Spirit, he was born of the Virgin Mary and became man.”
Sitting: Sitting signifies attentiveness, especially to the readings from Sacred Scripture or during the preparation of the altar.
Standing: Standing shows a special level of respect and readiness, e.g., during the Gospel reading. It is also the normal posture when singing or when praying in common.

Aspergillum – A device used for sprinkling holy water, which absorbs water and discharges it at the motion of the user’s hand.
Aspersorium – The bucket used to carry holy water for sprinkling.
Book of Gospels – The book which contains the Gospel texts, from which the priests or deacon proclaims the Gospel of the day.

Chalice – A large cup used to hold the wine that becomes the blood of Christ
Chalice Pall – The fabric covered board” that covers the Priests chalice.
Chalice Veil – the external cover for the Priest Chalice, paten, pall, and purificator, in the color of the liturgical ceremony.
Ciborium – A bowl used for distribution of the Body of Christ

Corporal – is a square cloth placed on the altar beneath the chalice and paten. It is folded so as to catch any particles of the Host that may accidentally fall
Cruets – The vessels holding the water and wine.
Lavabo bowl – the bowl used for washing the priest’s hands.
Lectionary – The book that contains all the readings from the Scriptures for use in the celebration of the liturgy.
Missal – The book containing all the ceremonial instructions and prayers for the celebration of Mass, used at the altar.
Ordo – a liturgical aid on the sacristy counter containing details for specific celebrations of the liturgy.
Paschal candle – the light stands near the altar during the Easter Season and near the baptismal font during the rest of the year. It may also stand near the casket during the funeral rites.
Paten – The saucer-like dish that holds the main host to be consecrated by the Priest.

Purificator – The cloth used to absorb the Precious Blood and wipe the chalice between communicants.
Pyx – A small, closing golden vessel that is used to bring the Blessed Sacrament to those who cannot come to the church.
Sacramentary – The book used by the celebrant, containing some of the prayers for the liturgy of the Mass, used at the chair.
Sacrarium – A drain in the sacristy that flows directly into the earth, used for respectfully disposing of holy water, blessed ashes.
Sanctuary Lamp – A red glass holding a candle that burns near the tabernacle when the Blessed Sacrament is present there.

Amice (optional)

This is a rectangular piece of cloth with two long ribbons attached to the top corners. The priest puts it over his shoulders, tucking it in around the neck to hide his cassock and collar. It is worn
whenever the alb does not completely cover the ordinary clothing at the neck It is then tied around the waist. It symbolizes a helmet of salvation and a sign of resistance against temptation.

Alb

This long, white, vestment reaching to the ankles and is worn when celebrating Mass. Its name comes from the Latin ‘albus’ meaning ‘white.’ This garment symbolizes purity of heart. Worn by priest, deacon and in many places by the altar servers.

Cincture (optional)

This is a long cord used for fastening some albs at the waist. It is worn over the alb by those who wear an alb. It is a symbol of chastity. It is usually white in color.

Stole

A stole is a long cloth, often ornately decorated, of the same color and style as the chasuble. A stole traditionally stands for the power of the priesthood and symbolizes obedience. The priest wears it around the neck, letting it hang down the front. A deacon wears it over his right shoulder and fastened at his left side like a sash.

Chasuble

The chasuble is the sleeveless outer vestment, slipped over the head, hanging down from the shoulders and covering the stole and alb. It is the proper Mass vestment of the priest and its color varies according to the feast. It is worn as a mantle over his shoulders symbolizing the yoke of
Christ and signifies charity.

Altar – The sacred table on which the sacrifice of the Mass is offered to God;
Altar Sacristy – where the Sacred Vessels are prepared and cleaned.
Ambo – the stand used for proclamation of the scriptures.
Ambry – The cabinet in which the three holy oils are kept.
Celebrant’s Chair – The chair on which the priest sits during Mass.
Credence Table – The table on which objects are kept during the celebration of Mass.
Narthex – An entry space, foyer, or anteroom of a church between the door and the nave. The term is from the Greek for a “small case.”
Nave – The main body of the church where the congregation gathers.
Sanctuary – The elevated portion of the church where the clergy and other ministers perform their proper functions in the worship of God. The sanctuary symbolizes heaven.
Tabernacle – The golden container in which the Blessed Sacrament is reserved.
Vesting Sacristy – where the Priest and the Deacons robe for Mass.