What happens during Mass of the Catechumens versus the Mass of the Faithful?

Answer 1

The Mass of the Catechumens is the former name for the Liturgy of the Word and it is the first part of the Mass. It was called the Mass of the Catechumens because, originally, after this first part was over the Catechumens (those studying and preparing for reception into the Church) were dismissed and only the 'faithful' remained for the second part which is now called the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

The Mass of the Catechumens/Liturgy of the Word is focused on the Word of God. In this part there are readings from the Scriptures, with the place of honour being given to the proclamation of the Gospel. Usually on Sundays the first reading is from the Old Testament which is followed by a Psalm then a reading from the New Testament and finally the Gospel. After the Gospel the priest will preach a homily, a reflection on the readings and how they are pertinent to our age and our circumstances. The Liturgy of the Word is concluded by the Profession of Faith (the Nicene Creed or the Apostles' Creed) and the Prayer of the Faithful which are short intercessions for the needs of the Church and the people present.

The Mass of the Faithful/Liturgy of the Eucharist is when, in imitation of Christ's words and actions at the Last Supper, bread and wine are brought to the Altar for consecration. The Catholic Church believes that at the moment of Consecration the bread and wine really and truly become the Body and Blood of Christ, not simply a symbol. After the Consecration is completed, the congregation say together the Lord's Prayer and then many will usually come forward to the Altar and receive Holy Communion. There is a final short prayer and blessing and the Mass is concluded.

Actually the Mass of the Catechumens consists of the Introduction and the Liturgy of the Word. The Mass of the Faithful consists of the Liturgy of the Eucharist and the Conclusion. They are still there, but less of a distinction is made.

The actual name of the Mass is the Eucharistic Liturgy and only a Roman Eucharistic Liturgy is actually a Mass, properly.

Four parts of the Eucharistic Liturgy:

Introduction

Liturgy of the Word

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Conclusion (which contains the dismissal from which the word Mass is derived)