Mass
This page gives a brief introduction of the celebration of Mass in St Mary’s Church, and answers the following questions:
What is the mass all about?
"The Mass (or Holy Communion) is the Sacrament in which, according to Christ’s command, we make continual remembrance of him, his passion, death, and resurrection, until his coming again, and in which we thankfully receive the benefits of his sacrifice. It is, therefore, also call the Eucharist, the Church’s sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; and also the Lord’s Supper, the meal of fellowship which unites us to Christ and to the whole Church."
(The Revised Catechism of the Church of England)
From the above we see that the Mass is the single most important thing the Church does. Everything is bound up with the Mass and is oriented towards it. In the Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself. Through the Mass is brought about the unity of the People of God by which the Church is kept in being. We also unite ourselves with the Church in heaven and anticipate eternal life.
As Christian, we are called to be disciples, to follow Jesus, and to proclaim the kingdom of God. But this would all be meaningless without Chris’s sacrifice on the Cross and his Resurrection. Jesus gave us the Eucharist so that we would always have access to the grace of his Sacrifice. This happens whenever we join in the celebration of the Mass, whether or not we receive Holy Communion.
How often should I go to mass?
As Christian, we should always try to be a Mass on a Sunday (whether we’re at home, or away on holiday) Sunday is the day of the Lord’s Resurrection, and the day when we all try to celebrate the Eucharist. It’s important to remember that we don’t just go to Mass for our own benefit, but that we are part of a family, and have a responsibility towards others as we all encourage each other in The Faith.
There are also other certain holy days which don’t fall on a Sunday (such as Ash Wednesday, and the Mass of the Last Support on Maundy Thursday) when we should also try and be at Mass. In addition to these days, we celebrate the Eucharist several days a week, and everyone is also welcome to attend these. Details of Mass times can be found in the weekly newsletter and Service Booklet.
Sometimes it may be impossible or very difficult to come to Mass. It may be that person is too ill to attend Mass, or a person is contagious and shouldn’t attend Mass. It may also be that you are travelling, and unable to get to Mass, especially if you are in a place where Mass is not available. It may also be that work or shift patterns prevent you from getting to Mass on a Sunday. If this is the case, then you might like to try and get one of the weekday Masses.
Who can receive Holy Communion?
The Church of England extend the freedom to receive Holy Communion to all baptised Christians of ‘good standing’ who would usually receive Holy Communion in their own churches. If you have not been baptised in your own church, or not in the habit of receiving Holy Communion, you are invited up to receive a blessing during Communion. If you do not receive Communion in any church then perhaps you might like to read the Confirmation page, and learn more about your faith.
What about those who cannot get to church?
Holy Communion can be taken to those who are unable to join in the celebration of Mass because of age or illness. Holy Communion is taken by the clergy, or a Lay Eucharistic Minister. If you or anyone you know would benefit from this, please contact Fr Adam.
If you are old enough and desire to receive Communion then speak with Fr Adam about Confirmation.
This page gives a brief introduction of the celebration of Mass in St Mary’s Church, and answers the following questions:
- What is Mass all about?
- How often should I go to Mass?
- Who can receive Communion?
- What about those who cannot get to church?
What is the mass all about?
"The Mass (or Holy Communion) is the Sacrament in which, according to Christ’s command, we make continual remembrance of him, his passion, death, and resurrection, until his coming again, and in which we thankfully receive the benefits of his sacrifice. It is, therefore, also call the Eucharist, the Church’s sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; and also the Lord’s Supper, the meal of fellowship which unites us to Christ and to the whole Church."
(The Revised Catechism of the Church of England)
From the above we see that the Mass is the single most important thing the Church does. Everything is bound up with the Mass and is oriented towards it. In the Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself. Through the Mass is brought about the unity of the People of God by which the Church is kept in being. We also unite ourselves with the Church in heaven and anticipate eternal life.
As Christian, we are called to be disciples, to follow Jesus, and to proclaim the kingdom of God. But this would all be meaningless without Chris’s sacrifice on the Cross and his Resurrection. Jesus gave us the Eucharist so that we would always have access to the grace of his Sacrifice. This happens whenever we join in the celebration of the Mass, whether or not we receive Holy Communion.
How often should I go to mass?
As Christian, we should always try to be a Mass on a Sunday (whether we’re at home, or away on holiday) Sunday is the day of the Lord’s Resurrection, and the day when we all try to celebrate the Eucharist. It’s important to remember that we don’t just go to Mass for our own benefit, but that we are part of a family, and have a responsibility towards others as we all encourage each other in The Faith.
There are also other certain holy days which don’t fall on a Sunday (such as Ash Wednesday, and the Mass of the Last Support on Maundy Thursday) when we should also try and be at Mass. In addition to these days, we celebrate the Eucharist several days a week, and everyone is also welcome to attend these. Details of Mass times can be found in the weekly newsletter and Service Booklet.
Sometimes it may be impossible or very difficult to come to Mass. It may be that person is too ill to attend Mass, or a person is contagious and shouldn’t attend Mass. It may also be that you are travelling, and unable to get to Mass, especially if you are in a place where Mass is not available. It may also be that work or shift patterns prevent you from getting to Mass on a Sunday. If this is the case, then you might like to try and get one of the weekday Masses.
Who can receive Holy Communion?
The Church of England extend the freedom to receive Holy Communion to all baptised Christians of ‘good standing’ who would usually receive Holy Communion in their own churches. If you have not been baptised in your own church, or not in the habit of receiving Holy Communion, you are invited up to receive a blessing during Communion. If you do not receive Communion in any church then perhaps you might like to read the Confirmation page, and learn more about your faith.
What about those who cannot get to church?
Holy Communion can be taken to those who are unable to join in the celebration of Mass because of age or illness. Holy Communion is taken by the clergy, or a Lay Eucharistic Minister. If you or anyone you know would benefit from this, please contact Fr Adam.
If you are old enough and desire to receive Communion then speak with Fr Adam about Confirmation.