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The Mass is the center of Christian life and the most sacred moment in which we participate in the renewal of Christ’s Sacrifice. However, many times, the faithful, whether out of ignorance or habit, commit certain mistakes in their participation in the Eucharist. Some may seem like minor details, but every gesture, word, and attitude during the Mass has profound meaning and a liturgical purpose.
Below is a detailed list of the most common mistakes and their corrections, helping to live the Mass with greater reverence and fidelity to the Church’s Tradition.
1. Mistakes in Readings and Announcements
- Reading the introductory monition too early. It should be read after the priest’s initial greeting, not before he enters the presbytery or during the entrance procession.
- Saying “It is the Word of God” instead of simply “The Word of God” at the conclusion of the readings.
- Announcing “First Reading” or “Second Reading” before proclaiming it. Instead, one should directly say from whom the reading is taken (e.g., “A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans”).
- Saying “Responsorial Psalm” before reciting the psalm. The psalm should begin directly.
- Failing to make the proper reverence to the altar before ascending to the ambo or, even worse, making the reverence to the priest instead of the altar.
2. Mistakes in Posture and Bodily Participation
- Remaining seated during the Prayer over the Offerings. This is a key moment of the Mass and should be heard while standing, as a sign of prayer and readiness.
- Holding hands or raising hands while praying the Our Father. These practices are not explicitly forbidden but do not correspond to a proper liturgical expression.
- Failing to kneel during the consecration. The appropriate posture is genuflection unless health issues or lack of space prevent it.
- Reciting along with the priest the final doxology of the Eucharistic Prayer (“Through Him, with Him, and in Him”). The faithful should only respond with the “Amen,” which is a solemn and committed assent.
3. Mistakes in the Prayer of the Faithful
- Reading the Prayer of the Faithful from the Ambo. While not a grave mistake, the ambo is reserved for the Word of God. If another suitable place is available, it should be used.
4. Mistakes in the Use of Incense
- Making three swings with the censer instead of two. Liturgical norms indicate that swings should always be in pairs.
5. Mistakes in Receiving Holy Communion
- Not receiving Holy Communion on the tongue.
- Taking the Host directly from the priest’s hands instead of receiving it in the palm. If receiving in the hand, the left palm should be extended to receive it, and the Host should be taken with the right hand and placed into the mouth.
- Failing to make a gesture of reverence before receiving Communion. A deep bow or genuflection is recommended before receiving the Body of Christ.
- Not consuming the Host immediately. The Host must be consumed at the very moment it is received, not while walking back to the pew.
6. Mistakes in the Offertory Procession
- Bringing inappropriate objects to the altar. Ideally, the offerings should be items for the liturgy or for the poor, such as food or flowers. While some parishes have extended the custom of presenting other objects, it is important to avoid excess and remember that the first things to be brought to the altar should always be the Bread and Wine.
Conclusion
These mistakes, though they may seem minor, impact the solemnity and respect due to the Holy Mass. The Church provides liturgical norms not as arbitrary rules but as guidance to live the Eucharist with the proper love and reverence. Correctly participating in the Mass is a way to manifest our faith and honor Christ present at the altar.
May we, with humble hearts, correct these mistakes and live each Mass with full awareness of the mystery we celebrate. As St. John Paul II said, “The Eucharist is the greatest gift the Church has received from her Lord,” and as such, it deserves our utmost devotion and care.
