Christians have been drilled on the different parts of the mass this 27th day of November 2023 during a session of “Know Your Faith” which took place at St. Charles Lwanga Parish in Molyko, with His Lordship Michael Bibi, Bishop of Buea. The prelate in this session highlighted the four parts of the mass which are the introductory rites, the liturgy of the word, the liturgy of the Eucharist and the concluding rites. Amongst these sections of the mass, the Bishop noted that the liturgy of the word and the liturgy of the Eucharist are the two major components of the mass while the introductory and concluding rites are accompanying elements.
Christians drilled on parts of the mass
Exploring the details of the introductory rites, the chief catechist told Christians that it is incumbent for faithful to assemble in church before the beginning of the mass . The introductory rite he highlighted, begins with the singing of the antiphon which is the entrance song, followed by the reverencing of the altar by the officiating minister, the sign of the cross initiated by the priest who goes ahead to great the Christians according to laid down liturgical norms. This is followed by the penitential act which gives an opportunity for the congregation to ask God for forgiveness of sins and this act is followed by the singing of the Gloria and lastly the Collect; a prayer which concludes the introductory rites of the mass.
BIshop Michael Bibi
Teaching on the liturgy of the word which is one of the major parts of the mass, Bishop Bibi talked of the two tables which must be respected during the celebration of mass. These are the table of the word where the readings are being read, and the table of the Eucharist where the Eucharist is celebrated. The liturgy of the word he noted, takes place on the pulpit and the readings are usually taken from the New Testament and the Old Testament while the Gospel represents an accomplishment of these readings. After The readings he emphasized, comes the homily which is followed by the creed, and then the prayers of the faithful that concludes the liturgy of the word. It is worth noting that the readings are the main components of the liturgy of the word while the others are accompanying elements.
cross section of Christians in attendance
The prelate went further and made clarifications based on ministerial and presidential functions. He noted that taking the readings during mass is a ministerial function which is carried out by lectors only, while the reading of the gospel is a presidential function to be carried out by the priests only. Nevertheless in situations where these persons are not present, the church allows for anyone to do so as the need may be.
The Christians after listening to these teachings originated from the general instructions of the Roman Missal, dispersed with in-depth knowledge of the introductory rites and the liturgy of the word. The last two parts of the mass shall be looked at during the next session of “Know your Faith” with the Chief Shepherd, Michael Bibi.
