The first part of the Mass is built around receiving the Word of God. After the priest and his
attendants process to the altar, the priest and congregation participate in the Penitential Rite, which is our acknowledgment that every one of us is a sinner and has sinned to some degree during the week.
The Gloria, a prayer or hymn of adoration of God, is followed by a prayer that addresses all three persons of the Holy Trinity, and that usually sets the tone for the rest of the prayers and Scripture readings at Mass. Every day has its own unique prayers and readings chosen by the Church, not the individual parish.
A qualified Lector then proclaims the designated passages of the day. Following these readings, the congregation, which has been sitting, stands while the priest or deacon proclaims the Holy
Gospel, which contains the very words and deeds of Christ and requires our respect.
The assembled faithful then sit and listen to the homily, which explains and offers a reflection on the Word of God. The priest or deacon
connects the Scripture readings to the daily lives of the people, the teachings of the Church, or the particular celebration at hand.
