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Introductory Rites
Ritus Initiales
The Mass begins with the Introductory Rites — prayers and actions that prepare the faithful to hear the Word of God and celebrate the Eucharist worthily.
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The Holy Sacrifice
The Holy Mass & Confession
The Mass is the source and summit of the Christian life. Here is the full Order of Mass — the sacred liturgy of the Catholic Church — with Latin and explanation.
The Order of Mass
Ordinary Form (Novus Ordo) — Roman Rite
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Liturgy of the Word
Liturgia Verbi
In the Liturgy of the Word, God speaks to His people through Sacred Scripture. The readings, psalm, Gospel, homily, and prayers form a dialogue between God and His Church.
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3
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Liturgia Eucharistica
The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the heart of the Mass. Here, through the power of the Holy Spirit and the words of Christ, bread and wine truly become His Body and Blood.
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Concluding Rites
Ritus Conclusionis
The Concluding Rites bring the Mass to a close with blessing and dismissal, sending the faithful out to live what they have celebrated.
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Guide to Confession
The Sacrament of Reconciliation — Step by Step
1
Examination of Conscience
Before going to Confession, spend time in quiet prayer reflecting on your sins since your last Confession. Use the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, or a Catholic examination of conscience guide.
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Act of Contrition
Stir up genuine sorrow in your heart for your sins — not just fear of punishment, but sorrow for having offended God who loves you.
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Enter the Confessional
You may choose face-to-face with the priest or behind the screen — both are valid. Make the Sign of the Cross.
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Greet the Priest
The priest may greet you with a Scripture reading or a brief blessing. You respond. He is acting in the person of Christ at this moment.
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Confess Your Sins
Begin: 'Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [time] since my last Confession. These are my sins...' Confess all mortal sins by kind and number. Venial sins can also be confessed.
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Receive Counsel & Penance
The priest may offer brief counsel or encouragement. He assigns a penance — usually prayers or an act of service — to help make reparation.
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Act of Contrition
Pray the Act of Contrition aloud: 'O my God, I am heartily sorry...'
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Absolution
The priest extends his hand and says: 'I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.' This is the moment of forgiveness. Respond: 'Amen.'
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Complete Your Penance
After leaving, complete the penance assigned by the priest. Go in the peace of Christ — your sins are forgiven.
Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee,
and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of heaven
and the pains of hell; but most of all because they offend Thee,
my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins,
to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.