Liturgy of the Word

The First Reading is typically taken from the Old Testament and is chosen to relate thematically to the Gospel of the day. During the Easter season, it is taken from the Acts of the Apostles. The reading is proclaimed by a lector from the ambo (lectern). It concludes with 'The Word of the Lord,' to which the people respond 'Thanks be to God.' This reading connects us to the long history of salvation, showing how God prepared His people for the coming of Christ.

The Responsorial Psalm is taken from the Book of Psalms and is selected to reflect the themes of the First Reading. It serves as the congregation's prayerful meditation on God's Word. The cantor or psalmist sings the verses, and the assembly responds with an antiphon (a repeated refrain). The psalms are the prayer book of Jesus Himself — He prayed them throughout His life, even on the Cross. By praying the psalms at Mass, we join our voices with Christ's own prayer.

The Second Reading is taken from the New Testament epistles (letters of Saint Paul, Saint Peter, Saint James, Saint John, or the Letter to the Hebrews) or from the Book of Revelation. Unlike the First Reading, the Second Reading follows a semi-continuous cycle through a particular epistle across several Sundays. These letters were written to early Christian communities and contain practical instruction on how to live the Christian life. They connect the ancient Church to our present-day faith.

The Gospel Acclamation is a joyful shout of 'Alleluia' (meaning 'Praise the Lord' in Hebrew), sung as the assembly stands in reverence for the Gospel. During Lent, a different acclamation replaces the Alleluia (such as 'Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory'). A verse from Scripture, usually related to the Gospel, is sung between the Alleluias. This acclamation expresses the joy and eagerness of the faithful to hear Christ speak to them through the Gospel.

The Gospel is the high point of the Liturgy of the Word. Only a deacon or priest may proclaim it, signifying its special dignity. The congregation stands as a sign of readiness to hear and follow Christ. The priest or deacon says 'The Lord be with you' and announces the Gospel. The people trace a small cross on their forehead, lips, and heart — praying that the Word may be in their mind, on their lips, and in their heart. If incense is used, the Book of the Gospels is incensed. After the reading: 'The Gospel of the Lord' — 'Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.'

The Homily is an integral part of the liturgy, not an interruption of it. The priest or deacon breaks open the Scripture readings and applies them to the lives of the faithful. It should illuminate the mysteries of the faith and guide the norms of Christian living. The homily is reserved to the ordained minister (priest or deacon) and should relate to the readings, the liturgical season, or the particular celebration. The faithful sit and listen in attentive silence.

The Profession of Faith (Creed) is the assembly's response to the Word of God. On Sundays and solemnities, the Nicene Creed is recited. Formulated at the Councils of Nicaea (325 AD) and Constantinople (381 AD), it summarizes the core truths of the Catholic faith. At the words 'and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man,' all bow — a gesture of reverence for the Incarnation. On certain occasions, the Apostles' Creed may be used instead.

The Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful) is the people's exercise of their baptismal priesthood, interceding for all of humanity. Intentions typically follow a prescribed order: for the needs of the Church, for public authorities and the salvation of the whole world, for those burdened by any kind of difficulty, and for the local community. The deacon, cantor, or lector announces each intention, and the people respond with a common prayer such as 'Lord, hear our prayer.' The priest concludes with a collect prayer.