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Mass (Sacred Liturgy) | What You Need to Know
The Mass is an inexhaustible source of meaning and grace. Through the sacred liturgy of the Church, the action of the Mass carries on Christ's sacrifice for our salvation, incorporates us into Christ through communion, and instructs us through God's Word.
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Essential Perspective
- A Basic Definition of the Mass
- Archbishop Collins' Guide to the Mass
- Sacred Signs and Active Participation at Mass
Extra Reading
Many people are interested in learning more about liturgical norms, liturgical translations, Scriptural translations, and liturgical abuses (which have been widespread in the liturgical upheaval which followed the Second Vatican Council).
A good way to step into these waters is to examine the 2004 document issued by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments entitled Redemptionis Sacramentum (Sacrament of Redemption) (On certain matters to be observed or to be avoided regarding the Most Holy Eucharist).
A number of groups throughout the world promote their own vision of what the liturgy should be, but extreme caution is in order. For an organization devoted to the authentic renewal of the liturgy in obedience to the authority of the Holy See, we recommend Adoremus.
For a treatment of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist made present at the Mass, see the item in this series on Eucharist (Real Presence).
Finally, for a deeper treatment of the entire Eucharistic mystery as a whole, see the item in this series on the Eucharistic Mystery.