The Mass Responses

Mass Prayers

What the people say, and why

For anyone who has stood in a pew unsure what comes next.

Nothing makes a newcomer feel more out of place at Mass than not knowing when to answer or what to say. The responses are short, they repeat every week, and knowing them turns a spectator into a participant. Here they are in order.

The Introductory Rites

  • Priest: The Lord be with you. — People: And with your spirit.
  • Penitential Act: I confess to almighty God… (the Confiteor), or Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
  • On Sundays and feasts: the Gloria.
  • After the opening prayer: Amen.

The Liturgy of the Word

  • After the first and second readings: The word of the Lord. — Thanks be to God.
  • Before the Gospel: The Lord be with you. — And with your spirit. A reading from the holy Gospel according to N. — Glory to you, O Lord. (Trace a small cross on forehead, lips and heart.)
  • After the Gospel: The Gospel of the Lord. — Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Then the homily, the Creed, and the Prayer of the Faithful — usually Lord, hear our prayer.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist

  • Pray, brethren… — May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands, for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his holy Church.
  • Lift up your hearts. — We lift them up to the Lord.
  • Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. — It is right and just.
  • The Holy, Holy, Holy (Sanctus).
  • The Memorial Acclamation, then the Great Amen.
  • The Our Father, the sign of peace, and the Lamb of God.
  • Behold the Lamb of God… — Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
  • At Communion: The Body of Christ. — Amen.

The Concluding Rites

  • The Lord be with you. — And with your spirit.
  • The blessing — Amen.
  • Go forth, the Mass is ended. — Thanks be to God.

If You Are New

Nobody is watching you. Follow the person next to you, sit and stand when they do, and say what you can. If you are not receiving Communion you may stay in your seat, or come forward with your arms crossed over your chest for a blessing. Nobody will mind either way.