Lesson 3

The Mass Is the Memorial of Christ’s Passion and Death on the Cross

At every Mass, the events of our salvation are made present to us on the altar in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, and we are invited take part in this memorial of our salvation.

Catechism Connections

Lesson Topics
Eucharist Parts of Mass
Essential Lessons

Day 1 & 2 & 3

Lesson Vocabulary

  • Memorial
    :
    A way of remembering and celebrating the past. The word “remember” means “to make present again.” In the Eucharist, Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross is made present to us again.
  • Mass
    :
    The liturgical celebration and memorial of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross and Resurrection from the dead. At every Mass, the priest changes the bread and wine into Christ’s Body and Blood in the Eucharist. The Mass is divided into two sections: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. (1190, 1408, 1412)
  • Liturgy
    :
    The “public work” of the Church. It is the participation of the People of God in “the work of God,” which is our salvation from sin. The liturgy is our public worship as Christians.
  • Liturgy of the Word
    :
    The first part of the Mass in which we receive the written Word of God. In this part of the Mass, the Scriptures are proclaimed and the priest teaches us in his homily. We also join together in prayer for others and profess our faith.
  • Liturgy of the Eucharist
    :
    The second part of the Mass in which we receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. In this part of the Mass, the priest prays the words of consecration and changes the bread and wine in the Body and Blood of Christ. We also come to the altar of the Lord and receive Holy Communion. (1408)
  • In Persona Christi Capitis
    :
    Latin for “in the Person of Christ the Head.” This phrase refers to the priest, through whom Jesus works to change the bread and wine into His Body and Blood.
  • Liturgical Cycle
    :
    A calendar that charts the various seasons, remembrances, feasts, and celebrations in the life of the Church over the course of a year. The liturgical year begins with Advent and includes the seasons of Christmas, Lent, Holy Week or Triduum, Easter, and the two larger periods of Ordinary Time.
  • Advent
    :
    The season that begins the liturgical year. It is a time when we prepare ourselves for the Incarnation and the birth of Jesus, our King, on Christmas day. We also prepare for His Second Coming at the end of time. This season is represented by the color violet, or purple, which represents penance and humility.
  • Christmas
    :
    A liturgical season to spend time celebrating the joy of the Incarnation and the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. This season is represented by the color white, which represents light, purity, and joy, or gold, which represents joy.
  • Lent
    :
    a season when we try to live the way God wants us to by praying and acting loving to other people.
  • Easter
    :
    The liturgical season following Lent in which we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. All of Jesus’ suffering was redeemed by the glory of His Resurrection. We are reminded that we will eventually gain the reward of eternal salvation despite the difficulties of our own crosses. Easter is more than just a day; it is an entire season. Like the Christmas season, the Easter season is a time of joy and celebration, and so it is represented by the color white or gold.
  • Ordinary Time
    :
    The two largest liturgical seasons which reflect the simple truth that most of our daily lives are just “ordinary,” while every so often, the extraordinary happens. This season helps to teach Christians how to follow Jesus in everyday ordinary life. Ordinary Time is represented by the color green, which represents life and hope.
  • Pentecost
    :
    Pentecost is the day when Jesus sent the Holy Spirit 50 days after Easter
  • Triduum
    :
    The shortest liturgical season. It is the three days between Lent and Easter in which we reflect in a particular way upon Christ’s suffering and death. It is represented by the color red, which represents fire, love, Jesus’ Passion, and the blood of the martyrs.

    • Plan

    Lesson 3 PowerPoint
    pptx

    Teach

    Adoration of the Lamb (1425-1429) detail
    jpg
    Adoration of the Lamb (1425-1429)
    jpg

    Extend

    Lesson 3 Absent Student Handout
    pptx
    Lesson 3 Parent Newsletter
    pdf
    Lesson 3 Spanish Parent Newsletter
    pdf

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