The Mass and the Eucharist

Catholics gather every Sunday — and every day — for the Mass. The first half is built around Scripture: readings, a psalm, the Gospel, and a homily. The second half is built around the altar: bread and wine are offered, the priest prays the great prayer of thanksgiving, and we receive communion.

The shape of the Mass

The Mass has one movement with two great parts. In the Liturgy of the Word, the Church listens to Scripture and receives the Gospel. In the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the Church offers bread and wine, gives thanks, and receives Christ himself.

Liturgy of the Word

On Sundays we usually hear a reading from the Old Testament, a psalm, a reading from the New Testament, and then the Gospel. The priest or deacon preaches a homily, helping the readings speak into the life of the parish and the week ahead.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Bread and wine are brought to the altar. The priest prays the Eucharistic Prayer, the Church's great prayer of thanksgiving. By the power of the Holy Spirit, the gifts become the Body and Blood of Christ, and the faithful are invited to communion.

The word Eucharist comes from the Greek for thanksgiving. We believe that in the Eucharist, Jesus is really, truly present — not as a symbol, but himself: body, blood, soul, and divinity. This is why the Second Vatican Council called the Eucharist the source and summit of the Christian life. Everything we do flows from it and leads back to it.

Adoration — staying a while

Because Jesus remains present in the consecrated host, Catholics also pray before the Eucharist outside of Mass. This is called Eucharistic Adoration. The host is placed in a stand called a monstrance, and people simply come and sit, kneel, read, or rest in silence. There is nothing to perform. When you come to adore, you can have faith that before you is truly Jesus.

Adoration runs Monday to Thursday, 9 AM to 9 PM, at St. James in Vernon — drop in for five minutes or an hour. On the first Thursday of each month, Our Lady of the Valley hosts Fill the Valley, an evening of adoration with music, from 6 to 7 PM. St. Benedict's holds adoration on the first Friday of the month, 10 to 11 AM.

Who can receive communion?

Catholics who have made their First Communion and are not conscious of serious sin are invited to receive. If that's not you — yet, or right now — you are still welcome at Mass, every part of it. You may come forward at communion for a blessing by crossing your hands over your chest, or simply remain in your seat. No one will mind.