Elements of the Catholic Mass - Introduction

Posted by Kat Isbell

The Elements of the Catholic Mass video series is designed to help the faithful better appreciate the beauty of the Mass. They’re ideal for personal faith formation or group discussion. Featuring experts from the Liturgical Institute, the program consists of beautifully produced short videos of 2-5 minutes. Each post contains ... Read More »

Episode 1 - The Meaning of Liturgy

Posted by Kat Isbell

In our series premier, we find out the definition of the word "liturgy." While it technically means the work of the people, there are two more aspects that help us understand why we even have the Mass in the first place. Study Guide

To view the start of the series, ... Read More »

Episode 2 - Intelligent Worship

Posted by Kat Isbell

The Second Vatican Council, in the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, called for “active participation” on the part of the Faithful. It also called for a participation that would be full and conscious. In this episode we learn the importance of worshiping intelligently. Study Guide

To view the start of ... Read More »

Episode 3 - The Role of the Parishioner

Posted by Kat Isbell

We Christians are here on earth as exiles. Many of us grow up in middle class Christianity. The danger with that is that we have everything we want and as a consequence we don’t really long for heaven. In this episode we learn what the role of the parishioner ... Read More »

Episode 4 - The Church Building

Posted by Kat Isbell

In this episode, we dive into the meaning of the church building. The Catholic Church is a sacramental Church which means deeper realities are expressed in perceptible signs. The church building is not a neutral place; it is not simply a skin for liturgical action. It is a place ... Read More »

Episode 5 - Processions

Posted by Kat Isbell

A procession is an assembly on the move. It symbolizes, in every instance, our pilgrimage through this world to our true homeland; we are citizens of heaven. There is a difference between “gathering” and “assembly.” A gathering can be any group. An assembly, on the other hand, is a ... Read More »

Episode 6 - Signs and Symbols

Posted by Kat Isbell

The Catholic Mass is full of signs and symbols. Where do these signs come from? Where do they get their meaning? The Church teaches that the meaning comes from four categories: creation, human culture, the Old Testament and they are fully revealed in the mission of Christ narrated for ... Read More »

Episode 7 - Sacramental Signs

Posted by Kat Isbell

The Catholic Church teaches that a sacrament is an outward sign, instituted by Christ, to give grace. Or as the Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it: The sacraments are efficacious sign of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to ... Read More »

Episode 8 - The Purpose of the Mass

Posted by Kat Isbell

In everything we do in life, it is essential to understand the goal or purpose, if we want to participate in a fruitful manner. In the Catholic Mass, the goal of our worship is quite clearly directed at the praise of God and the sanctification of the world. In ... Read More »

Episode 9 - Active Participation

Posted by Kat Isbell

The Church weaves the notion of active participation, together with full and conscious into her understanding. We should be engaged fully, conscious of what we are doing, aware of the liturgy’s beauty and richness. This participation is first and foremost interior. Like Christ, we offer ourselves from our hearts, ... Read More »