The Mass

About the Eucharist

For Catholics, the Eucharist is the source and summit of the whole Christian life. It is the vital centre of all that the Church is and does, because at its heart is the real presence of the crucified, risen and glorified Lord, continuing and making available his saving work among us.

In celebrating the Eucharist we are showing our communion with the church and each other in the love of Our Lord. It is the public face of our faith in which we come together as God’s people to witness the priest, ‘in persona Christi’, transforming the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. This is called transubstantiation and can only be performed by validly ordained priests who invoke the Holy Spirit during consecration by speaking the words spoken by Jesus at the Last Supper: “This is my body which will be given up for you …. This is the cup of my blood…”.

Guidelines for receiving Holy Communion

For Catholics

The climax of participating in the Mass is receiving Holy Communion, in obedience to Christ’s command. “Take this…and eat it. This is my Body, which will be given up for you… “. In order to be properly disposed to receive Holy Communion communicants should not be conscious of grave sin, should have fasted for one hour (or 15 minutes if sick) and seek to live in peace and charity with their neighbours. Those conscious of grave sin must first be reconciled to God and the Church through the sacrament of Penance. A frequent reception of this often neglected Sacrament is recommended to all.

For Other Christians

Other Christians are welcome to attend Mass and other Catholic Services and join in the prayers. It is however a consequence of the sad divisions in Christianity that we cannot share Holy Communion with you. Catholics believe that the Eucharist is an action of the celebrating community expressing its oneness in faith, life and worship with the Catholic Church throughout the world. Reception of Holy Communion by Christians not fully united with us would imply a oneness which does not yet exist, and for which we all of us must pray.

Those who are not able to receive Holy Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with Jesus, the Lord, and with one another. If you like, you can still go up to the priest along with everyone else, but when you approach the priest, place your arms in a cross touching each opposite shoulder. The priest will then give you a blessing.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Exposition of The Blessed Sacrament is intended to acknowledge Christ’s marvellous presence in the sacrament. Exposition invites us to the spiritual union with Him that culminates in sacramental communion. Thus it fosters well the worship which is due to Christ in spirit and truth. Devotion to the Eucharist has its origin in the sacrifice of the Mass, where bread and wine are truly changed into the Body and Blood of Christ. Such devotion should lead the faithful back to the Mass with renewed, invigorated and increased spirituality. The faithful thank God for the gifts given to man through Jesus Christ and are thus drawn further into the life and love of the Body of Christ which is the Church. From this, they can also draw help and inspiration as they continue to strive to follow Christ more closely in their daily lives.

In our Parish, Exposition takes place once per week, 30 minutes before a weekday Mass. 

Liturgy of the Word

Parish members assist in the Liturgy of the Word at Mass by reading the appointed scriptures and by leading the Parish in offering the Prayers of the Faithful.

Children’s Liturgy

The children occasionally have their own Liturgy of the Word during Sunday Mass led by our Catechists.

Hymns

For he who sings praise, does not only praise, but also praises joyfully; he who sings praise, not only sings but also loves Him whom he is singing about/to/for.

“Qui enim cantat laudem, non solum laudat, sed etiam hilariter laudat; qui cantat laudem, non solum cantat, sed et amat eum quem cantat”.

 (attributed to St. Augustine)

Do you love to sing God’s praises? So do we. Hymns and the Ordinary of the Mass (main parts) are usually sung each Sunday.

The Rosary

The Rosary is the story of the New Testament. Through the beads, we follow the life of Jesus and Mary. We follow Jesus from the moment the Holy Spirit came down on Mary, through His childhood, His cruel death on the cross, the joy of Easter when He rose from the dead to the day He ascended to Heaven in glory. We follow Mary from the day the Archangel Gabriel came to ask her to become the Mother of Christ, to the day she was crowned Queen of Heaven.

“ … At the same time our heart can embrace in the decades of the Rosary all the events that make up the lives of individuals, families, nations, the Church, and all mankind. Our personal concerns and those of our neighbour, especially those who are closest to us, who are dearest to us. Thus the simple prayer of the Rosary marks the rhythm of human life.”

Pope St. John Paul II.

In our Parish, we pray the Rosary together once per week, 30 minutes before the Mass (usually on Monday). 

Care of the Sanctuary and Church

A parishioner looks after the altar linens; a team looks after the floral decorations and church cleanliness. We are always looking for volunteers to help with any aspect of running the church, so don’t be afraid to make yourself known.

Teas and Coffees

Parishioners and visitors alike are invited to enjoy tea, coffee and biscuits in the Parish Room after Sunday Mass.

This is your opportunity to catch up with news from other parishioners. If you are a visitor, enquire of the locals what to see and do during your stay. We are always happy to help make your stay enjoyable.

Unable to attend Mass

If you or a loved one is unable to attend Mass due to injury or illness and wish to receive the Blessed Sacrament, please contact Father to check what arrangements may be possible. Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist are trained and commissioned to assist the priest at Mass.

In exceptional circumstances, for example, when the priest is not available, these Ministers may take Holy Communion to our sick, housebound and hospitalised parishioners.

List of Common Terms You May Like To Know

Category	Term	Meaning
Sacred Objects	Tabernacle	The ornate structure in a church where the Eucharist (consecrated hosts) is reserved.
	Chalice	A sacred cup used during Mass to hold the wine that becomes the Blood of Christ.
	Ciborium	A covered vessel used to store or distribute consecrated hosts during Communion.
Prayers and Praises	Amen	A Hebrew word meaning “truly” or “so be it,” signifying agreement with a prayer.
	Kyrie, eleison	Greek for “Lord, have mercy,” a prayer for forgiveness often used in liturgy.
	Hosanna	A cry of praise meaning “Save us, we pray!” often used during Palm Sunday and in the Mass.
	Alleluia/Hallelujah	A Hebrew word meaning “Praise the Lord,” expressing joy and thanksgiving.
	Sanctify/Sanctus/Saint	To make holy (sanctify), a hymn of praise in the Mass (Sanctus), or someone recognised as holy and canonised by the Church (Saint).
Liturgical Seasons	Advent	The season of preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth.
	Lent	A penitential 40-day season leading to Easter, commemorating Jesus’ fasting in the desert.
	Pentecost	Celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, marking the Church’s birthday.
	Epiphany	The feast celebrating Christ’s revelation to the Gentiles, often associated with the Magi’s visit.
	Paschal	Refers to Easter and Christ’s sacrifice as the “Paschal Lamb,” connected to the Jewish Passover.
Scripture	Testament	A covenant or agreement; the Old Testament and New Testament represent God’s covenant before and after Christ.
	Gospel	The “Good News” of Jesus Christ, recorded in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Mass and Liturgy	Liturgy	Liturgy refers to the structured worship that happens when Christians meet together at church. Liturgy gives a structure and pattern to worship on a weekly and annual basis. Liturgy can form the basis of the weekly church service where a certain order is followed.
	Homily	A sermon or teaching given by the priest or deacon, reflecting on the readings during Mass.
	Consecration	The moment in the Mass when the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ through the priest’s words.
	Sanctus	Part of the Mass, the hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” sung before the Eucharistic Prayer.
Holy Actions	Ablution	The ceremonial washing of hands or sacred vessels, symbolising purification.
	Sanctify	To make holy, often referring to God’s action in transforming and blessing individuals or things.
	Sacrament	Sacred rituals (e.g., Baptism, Eucharist) instituted by Christ to impart grace.
	Transubstantiation	The transformation of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ during the Eucharist.
	Novena	A nine-day prayer, often for a special intention, inspired by the Apostles’ prayer before Pentecost.
Key Events	Passion	Refers to the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, commemorated during Holy Week.
Recognition of Holiness	Beatification	A step in the process of declaring someone a saint, allowing them to be venerated in a limited way.
Sacred Terms	Hallowed	Holy or sacred, as in “Hallowed be thy name” in the Lord’s Prayer.