The Mass is where Catholics celebrate the real presence of Jesus through the Eucharist. It has two main parts - the Liturgy of the Word, where scripture is read and God speaks to us, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, where bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus through which we are united to him and each other. The Mass began at the Last Supper when Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples and commanded them to continue celebrating it in memory of him, which Christians have done every Sunday since.

1. The Mass

2. What is the Mass? The Mass is where in a special way God loves us and shares his life with us At every Mass Jesus shares the same love for us he did on Calvary At Mass we are brought into the very presence and mystery of God

3. What is the Mass ? We say sorry to God and each other for our sins We hear God speaking to us Jesus becomes truly present The Mass is the most amazing thing to happen in our life

5. Discussion point: What are the connections between the Cross and the Host?

6. Why do people go to Mass? The Church tells us to… for our benefit Jesus said “Do this in memory of me” To be with others and God Special celebrations To pray

7. Other Names for the Mass The Eucharist (this word means ‘ thank you ’) The Lord’s Supper The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

8. How did the Mass start? Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with his Apostles He took bread, blessed it, broke it and shared it saying: “ This is my body which will be given up for you”. He then took the wine, blessed it, shared it and said, “ This is the chalice of my blood which will be poured out for you”.

9. How did the Mass start? After Jesus died and rose from the dead the first Christians gathered every Sunday to remember Jesus and do what He told them. Ever since, Christians have done the same. This is a fresco on the wall of the catacombs of St Priscilla dating from around the year 175 showing Christians celebrating Mass. Christians had to do this in secret in the early days for fear of being murdered.

11. What are the 2 main parts of the mass? In the Liturgy of the Eucharist Jesus, as God and human, becomes fully present to us under the appearance of bread and wine. When we receive holy communion we also become part of the Body of Christ and are caught up in the mystery of God’s love for the Church.

14. Prayerful silence The time after receiving holy communion is especially precious. It is a time for silent prayer. St. Alphonsus once wrote that “ there is no prayer more dear to God than that which is made after communion .”

15. Living the mass Going to Mass helps us to find peace. It helps us to love one another. It helps us spread the Good News to others.