The Mass, or celebration of the Eucharist, is the principal liturgical action in the Roman Catholic Church. It is the central action and aspect of our lives of faith and the primary way Catholics worship God as a community. The word “Mass” comes from the Latin word, missa meaning “mission” or “sending” because the liturgy is to send forth the faithful to bring forth the Good News of Jesus and to be His sacramental presence in the world. It can also be referred to as “Liturgy” which means “work of the people.” It is also a time to give God thanks and praise, as the word “Eucharist” means “thanksgiving.”
The Catholic Mass makes use of a number of different items of particular significance. Some of these things, such as the monstrance and the thurible, are recognizable by sight for many Catholics, even if their names remain unfamiliar so pictured here are objects whose names are described in both Italian and English, that are used in Catholic worship. Photos taken at Our Lady of Grace. Information compiled by Deacon Anthony. To download a pdf manual of Sacred Liturgical Items, click here: Sacred Objects.
