Understanding the Holy Mass with Deacon Peter McCulloch

The LNS Parish extends its heartfelt gratitude to Deacon Peter McCulloch for the four Tuesday evenings he spent with us, guiding parishioners through an inspiring and in-depth reflection on The Roman Catholic Mass – the Holy Eucharist.

Deacon Peter reminded us that the Mass is not only the central act of Catholic worship but also the source and summit of our faith. He explained that the Mass consists of four main parts:

1. The Introductory Rites

2. The Liturgy of the Word

3. The Liturgy of the Eucharist

4. The Concluding Rites

1. The Introductory Rites

In his first session, Deacon Peter explained that the purpose of the Introductory Rites is to gather the faithful, prepare us to listen to God’s Word, and ready our hearts to receive Him in the Holy Eucharist.The Introductory Rites include: the Entrance Procession, Greeting, Penitential Rite, Gloria, and Collect.

2. The Liturgy of the Word

In his second session, Deacon Peter reflected on the Liturgy of the Word, which includes the First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, Second Reading, Gospel, Creed, and Prayer of the Faithful.He reminded us that the Scripture readings at Mass are a sacred dialogue between God and His people. Listening to the Word is not just about hearing—it is about opening our hearts, for in every reading, God speaks to us as members of His family.

The lector plays a vital role in this moment of encounter, proclaiming the living and active Word of God with reverence and clarity so that it may truly touch hearts.When the priest or deacon proclaims, “A reading from the Holy Gospel according to…”, he signs the Gospel Book with the Cross, and we, the faithful, trace a small cross on our forehead, lips, and heart, praying silently:

“May God’s Word be in my mind, on my lips, and in my heart.”

This gesture expresses our desire that the Gospel may shape our thoughts, words, and actions as we share Christ’s love with others.

3. The Liturgy of the Eucharist

In his third session, Deacon Peter reflected on the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the heart of the celebration, which includes the Presentation of the Gifts, the Eucharistic Prayer, and the Communion Rite.During the Presentation of the Gifts, the altar is prepared and the bread and wine are brought forward—symbols of the offering of ourselves, first made at Baptism when we became “new Christs.”

Within the Eucharistic Prayer lies the Epiclesis, meaning “Invocation” or “Calling Down.” Here, the priest calls upon the Father to send the Holy Spirit to sanctify the gifts, transforming them into the Body and Blood of Christ:

“You are indeed Holy, O Lord, the fount of all holiness.Make holy, therefore, these gifts, we pray, by sending down your Spirit upon them like the dewfall,so that they may become for us the Body + and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

4. The Concluding Rites

In his final session, Deacon Peter reflected on the Concluding Rites, which include the Final Blessing, the Dismissal, and the Recessional.Just as we began the Mass in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, so we end it with the blessing of the Trinity.

To leave before receiving the final blessing suggests that we go forth on our own terms; to stay and receive it is to go forth as ambassadors of Christ. Each form of dismissal begins with the word “Go”—a reminder that having received the grace of the Eucharist, we are now sent out to live and share the Gospel in our daily lives.

Indeed, the celebration of the Eucharist is called the Holy Mass (Missa) precisely because we are “sent forth” (Ite, missa est) to fulfill God’s will in the world.These few final moments of the Concluding Rites set the tone for our mission in the coming week, until we return again to the table of the Lord.

Thank You Deacon Peter !