Introduction to the Teaching Mass

Enter God’s House in Quiet Thanksgiving. Place your finger in the Holy Water Font and make the Sign of the Cross. This reminds us of the cleansing affects of the waters of our baptism which took away our sins. This gesture also recommits us to the promises made at that time. Genuflect to the Tabernacle before you enter your row to sit down, acknowledging Christ’s substantial and continuous presence. Quiet yourself in prayer, getting on your knees if possible. Then “Ask, and you will receive” (John 16:24). Read over the scripture for the day, praying, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9). This is why silence is so important before Mass, so that we can hear the Lord speaking like “a tiny whispering sound” (1 Kings 19:12). Say some prayers to yourself: your favorites, those in prayer books, those found in our missal, or the one printed on the back of this handout. Prayer Before Mass Almighty and ever-living God, I approach the sacrament of Your only-begotten Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. I come sick to the doctor of life, unclean to the fountain of mercy, blind to the radiance of eternal light, and poor and needy to the Lord of heaven and earth. Lord, in your great generosity, heal my sickness, wash away my defilement, enlighten my blindness, enrich my poverty, and clothe my nakedness. May I receive the bread of angels, the King of kings and Lord of lords, with humble reverence, with purity and faith, the repentance and love, and the determined purpose that will help to bring me to salvation. May I receive the sacrament of the Lord’s Body and Blood, and its reality and power. Kind God, may I receive the Body of your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, born from the womb of the Virgin Mary, and so be received into His mystical body and numbered among His members. Loving Father, as on my earthly pilgrimage I now receive Your beloved Son under the veil of a sacrament, may I one day see Him face to face in glory, who lives and reigns with You for ever. Amen. By St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Continue to Signs & Symbols (Week 1)