1 Anonymous female student Dr. Greenberg World Religions Spring, 2013 Reflection: A Catholic Mass On Thursday, February 21, I attended the 12:10 mass at St. Mary’s Chapel, located behind the altar of the Sacred Heart Chapel, at Loyola Marymount University, and presided over by the Rev. John Galvan. After the service, Sister Joanna Carroll was kind enough to answer any questions I might have. I arrived shortly before the service began, and had ample time to observe my surroundings. The congregation was meeting in what seemed to be the ambulatory of the chapel; the ceiling was vaulted, and ribbed. There were few chairs, as the service was small. The circular walls were white and bare, save for a statue of Mary looking down and to the side, in the direction of the cross, located in the center of the space, behind the altar. This crucifix showed Christ, and was created from muted shades of brown and gold, which made it stand out from the purple cloth hung behind it. Two candles, lit, stood on either side of the altar, upon which was situated a white table covering. Off to the side there was a pulpit, where a bible sat. In towering stained glass overlooking the congregation were biblical figures, including Francis Xavier, Ignatius of Loyola, Mary, St. Joseph, and Jesus—described as the “King of Kings.” The space itself was at the same time intimate and intimidating. The high ceilings and bare walls drew one’s attention skyward, towards the watching eyes of the imposing figures in the stained glass. One came to the inevitable conclusion that one was small and easily seen in the eyes of the Lord. The intimate nature of the space came from the relatively small number of congregants and the relatively small area of the chapel; while, then, one was aware of God’s presence on high, one never came to the conclusion that one was simply a number at a service, but could feasibly commune with God through his emissary, the priest. As the time to begin the service neared, I took my seat at the back of the chapel and observed others entering. Once in the space, many would head to the back of the room; there rested a small table, upon which there lay two bowls, one containing wafers and another, empty. Those entering would take up a wafer and place it in the empty bowl before taking their seats. The mood was contemplative, somber, and quiet, as each person seemed to be in his or her own world of prayer and thought. Shortly thereafter Rev. John Galvan emerged from the side of the chapel and, dressed in purple robes (in emulation, it would seem, of Jesus), he went to the altar and kissed it reverently. Then the greeting was said: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” To which the congregation responded: “And with your spirit.” I noticed from the beginning that this call and response played an important part in the Catholic mass, and it continued throughout the service. Only once did t.