What is a Mass in church?

Answer 1

Catholic AnswerThe Mass is the Catholic word that is used for the Eucharist. I have always heard that it comes from the old dismissal in Latin, "It missa est", which literally means, "go, you are sent" or something to that effect. Anyway, the Mass is the re-presentation of Christ's sacrifice on Calvary. In other words, when you are at Mass, you are literally at the very same sacrifice when Our Blessed Lord died on Calvary over two thousand years ago. Through the Mass, the spiritual benefits of that sacrifice are made present for you in the here and now. However, I have never heard the phrase "Church Mass" used, and most all Masses take place in Church.

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from The Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition, English translation 1994

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In the New Testament, the memorial takes on a new meaning. When the Church celebrates the Eucharist, she commemorates Christ's Passover, and it is made present: the sacrifice Christ offered once for all on the cross remains every present. (Cf. Heb7:25-27) As often as the sacrifice of the Cross by which 'Christ our Pasch has been sacrifice' is celebrated on the altar, the work of our redemption is carried out. (Lumen Gentium 3; cf. 1 Cor 5:7)

Answer

The Church has the role of helping us recognize and give thanks for the many ways in which God reveals his glory. In the Church, the Holy Spirit prepares us to know Jesus Christ, to share his communion, and to transform us in Christ's saving work. Mass is a time to gather to give thanks and praise to God, to listen to the Word of the Lord through sacred Scripture, and to be nourished by Jesus Christ's body and blood in holy Communion. For Catholics, Sunday (or Saturday evening) Mass is not just another obligation but rather a celebration of faith that takes place at the table of the Lord.

Answer 2

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Catholic AnswerMass is another word for the Most Holy Eucharist. The Eucharist is the re-presentation of Our Blessed Lord's sacrifice of Himself upon the cross for our salvation. In other words, when you are at Mass you are actually present at the once and only sacrifice of the Cross two thousand years ago. It is the exact same sacrifice, it is, the in the words of the Catechism, the source and summit of the Church's life. It is an offering, a sacrifice, entirely done by the Son as an act of propitiation to the Father for the sins of each and every human being who has ever lived. It is the means of our salvation, without which we have no life in us.

Answer 3

It is the central act of worship in the Roman Catholic Church where the 'Eucharist' is blessed and given to the parishioners.