On any Sunday in many parts of the world bells ring out"--"the call to Mass for Catholics. Families prepare themselves: the little children get washed and brushed and fed"--"the older ones doing it for themselves and helping their siblings. A family breakfast can be eaten up to one hour before Holy Communion time.
Many Catholics still follow their accustomed way of fasting from one hour before the beginning of Holy Mass, others practice the devotion of abstinence from midnight onward. People who are elderly or ill are not obligated by this rule of the Church. The discipline of abstaining from food in this way disciplines the heart, mind, and soul. The focus of weekday life, work, and its demands shifts. The faithful are called to slow down, to be available exclusively to the Lord in His Word, His instruction by the priest, and in His Gift of Himself in Holy Communion"--"the Blessed Sacrament.
The Lord calls us according to the First Commandment given to Moses on the mountain:
Love the Lord your God with your whole heart, your whole soul and your whole mind"..."
Sunday is a day of obligation which full fills this decree of the Lord. He is our God and we are his people the sheep of His flock. Praise, Honor, and Thanksgiving is due to Him who made us and sustains us.
A good preparation for Mass begins at home by reading the Scripture selections and the psalm that will be prayed on Sunday. The texts are taken from the Old Testament and the New Testament of the Bible. They are chosen by the Church to flow with the liturgical cycles of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and the Ordinary Time of the year. In many churches missalettes can be found at the entrance for use during the celebration.
When entering the Church, Chapel, or room designated for the celebration a Holy Water Font or small dish filled with Holy Water is usually on your right. This water, a sacramental, has been blessed by a priest and contains within it the graces of cleansing the person from venial offenses against God. Dip the right hand into the Holy Water and bless yourself with the sign of the cross. Trace it from forehead to chest and from left to right side of the upper body. Say prayer such as: "Lord wash away my iniquity and cleanse me all of my sins" or "Lord, bless me and forgive my sins". Do not consider this an automatic gesture, do it devoutly, attentively. It is a great help to look at the Tabernacle while praying; in this way one speaks directly to the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
Find a pew, a chair, or a bench. Look for the Perpetual Light. The Tabernacle where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved is close by. Genuflect deeply the right knee touching the ground bowing your head. You are in the Presence of the Lord. Rise, take a place and kneeling, facing the altar talk to your Lord. Bring Him your gift of self and your thanks and your love for His Presence. You will receive courage from His Word and Eucharist to serve Him as you journey through the coming week all are part of your gift to Him. Chatting with Jesus is not so very difficult. He is always listening.
Be silent, allow the heart to open; this prepares the soul for the entrance hymn and procession.
Music. Prayer in melody and word. All people rise"--"Mass begins"--"First an acolyte with the crucifix followed by two acolytes holding candelabra with lighted candles are followed by the lector carrying the Lectionary. The celebrating priest or priests, vested in the liturgical colors of the season or special feast, process to the steps at the foot of the altar bow or genuflect before the altar, go up the steps and take their places"--"while the entrance hymn is sung.
The Church on earth worships together with the Saints and angels"--"all before the Lord who made and sustains us all. The ancient ritual, always living and new is celebrated according to the rite given by Holy Mother Church; as it was in the time of the first apostles chosen by Jesus, and continues now and and will be so unto the end of time and the beginning of Life Everlasting"..."
Some definitions:
Venial sin: This refers to the sins of omission or commission, things that we do or fail to do from carelessness or ignorance.
Tabernacle: A tabernacle is a boxlike container for the exclusive reservation of the Holy Eucharist. It is normally made of metal, stone or wood, lockable, and secured to its altar to prevent the consecrated elements within from being removed without authorization.
Genuflect: This means to touch the right knee to the floor or ground especially in worship.
Acolytes: young men and women altar servers.
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