The Structure of the Mass and Its Message

The Mass incorporates the core message of Christianity throughout its structure, ensuring that parishioners repeatedly hear and confess essential elements of the faith. At the beginning of the Mass, the priest invokes the grace of Jesus Christ, introducing the concept of grace right from the start. During the penitential act, congregants openly acknowledge their sins, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's need for God's mercy. This acknowledgment is further expressed as the congregation recites prayers that directly articulate the message of sin, grace, and the redemptive role of Jesus.