"You have shown Yourself to me, O Christ, face to face.
I meet You in Your sacraments."

--Saint Ambrose

The Entrance

At the beginning of Mass the priest and servers genuflect to Jesus, truly present in the tabernacle, then the priest kisses and incenses the altar on which "the sacrifice of the cross is made present under sacramental signs" (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 296). He reverences the crucifix depicting Christ's sacrifice with incense, as well as (during Eastertide) the Paschal candle, the liturgical sign of the Risen Lord.

See below for a short video clip.

The Liturgy of the Word

The Liturgy of the Word is made up of the readings from Sacred Scripture together with the chants occurring between them; the homily, Profession of Faith, and Prayer of the Faithful develop and conclude this part of the Mass. Here we see the chanting of the Prayer of the Faithful.

The Offertory

After the offerings which will become Christ's Body and Blood have been brought to the altar by members of the faithful the priest prepares them for the Sacrifice. Once again the altar, cross, and Paschal Candle are incensed, to "signify the Church's offering and prayer rising like incense in the sight of God" (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 75). Next, the priest, because of his sacred ministry, and the people, by reason of their baptismal dignity (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 75), are incensed.

The Eucharistic Prayer

During the Great Eucharistic Prayer "the Sacrifice is carried out which Christ himself instituted at the Last Supper" (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 79). By means of the words and actions of Christ, the bread and wine on the altar become truly Christ's Body and Blood. Consequently, they are elevated for the adoration of the people; the priest genuflects in profound adoration.

Clip of a Mass at St Patrick's