★ Saint of the Day
📖 Daily Mass Readings
21 Catholic schools across the diocese serving Pre-K through 12th grade. Listed alphabetically by city.
Bakersfield
Garces Memorial High School
High School — Grades 9–12
📍 2800 Lomon Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93305
📞 (661) 327-2718
Atwater
Clovis
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School
Elementary — Pre-K through 8th
📍 Clovis, CA
Fresno
San Joaquin Memorial High School
High School — Grades 9–12
📍 1406 N. Fresno St., Fresno, CA 93703
📞 (559) 237-4SS1
Holy Cross Junior High
Junior High — Grades 7–8
📍 1406 N. Fresno St., Fresno, CA 93703
📞 (559) 388-5207
St. Anthony of Padua School
Elementary — Pre-K through 6th
📍 5680 N. Maroa Ave., Fresno, CA 93704
📞 (559) 435-0700
Hanford
Lemoore
Los Banos
Madera
Merced
Porterville
Reedley
Tulare
Visalia
For the full updated school directory visit dioceseoffresno.org/our-schools →
All cemeteries are owned and operated by the Diocese of Fresno as Fresno Catholic Cemeteries. Office: (559) 488-7449
Bakersfield
Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery
Diocesan Cemetery — Est. Active
📍 13607 Vega Meadows Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93313
55 acres — South of Vega Meadow Rd. & East of Renfro Rd.
Fresno
St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery
Diocesan Cemetery — Est. 1967
📍 264 N. Blythe Ave., Fresno, CA 93706
📞 (559) 550-3067
Office Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (closed 12–1 PM)
Gates: 7:00 AM–7:00 PM (Daylight Saving) / 7:00 AM–6:00 PM (Standard)
Gates: 7:00 AM–7:00 PM (Daylight Saving) / 7:00 AM–6:00 PM (Standard)
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
Diocesan Cemetery — Est. 1922
📍 2105 W. Belmont Ave., Fresno, CA 93728
Gates: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM daily
St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery
Diocesan Cemetery — Est. 1885
📍 Fresno, CA (within Mt. View Cemetery)
📞 (559) 233-3327 (Mt. View Cemetery)
Gates controlled by Mt. View Cemetery — call for visiting hours
✝ To search for a loved one buried in a Diocese of Fresno cemetery visit
dioceseoffresno.org — Search for a Loved One →
Days Catholics are required to attend Mass in addition to every Sunday. Reflects Diocese of Fresno & US practice. Always confirm with your parish.
Jan 1
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
✅ Required
May 17
Ascension of the Lord
Transferred to Sunday in Diocese of Fresno
✅ Required (Sunday Mass fulfills)
Aug 15
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Falls on Saturday in 2026
🔴 Obligation dispensed — Mass encouraged
Nov 1
All Saints Day
Falls on Sunday in 2026
✅ Required (Sunday Mass fulfills)
Dec 8
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
✅ Required
Dec 25
Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Christmas)
✅ Required
Key dates in the Church’s liturgical year — Year C of the three-year cycle.
Jan 1
Mary, Mother of God
Holy Day of Obligation
Jan 11
Baptism of the Lord
Christmas Season ends
Feb 18
Ash Wednesday
Lent begins — Fasting & abstinence
Mar 29
Palm Sunday
Holy Week begins
Apr 2
Holy Thursday
Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Apr 3
Good Friday
Fasting & abstinence required
Apr 5
Easter Sunday
Easter Season begins
May 17
Ascension Sunday
Holy Day of Obligation
May 24
Pentecost Sunday
Easter Season ends
May 31
Trinity Sunday
Ordinary Time resumes
Jun 7
Corpus Christi
Body & Blood of Christ
Aug 15
Assumption of Mary
Obligation dispensed (Saturday)
Nov 1
All Saints Day
Holy Day (Sunday)
Nov 2
All Souls Day
Day of Prayer for the Dead
Nov 29
First Sunday of Advent
Advent begins — New Liturgical Year
Dec 8
Immaculate Conception
Holy Day of Obligation
Dec 25
Christmas — Nativity of the Lord
Holy Day of Obligation
"Go and sin no more." — John 8:11 ✝ God's mercy is without limit. This guide is for anyone returning to Confession or preparing for the first time.
📅 Confession times for each parish in the Diocese of Fresno can be found under the ✝ Parishes tab — tap any parish to view their current Reconciliation schedule.
“Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”— John 20:23
The Sacrament of Reconciliation — also called Confession or Penance — is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. In it, a baptized person who has sinned confesses their sins to a priest, who acts in the person of Christ, and receives absolution — the forgiveness of sins.
This is not simply telling your sins to a man. Through the power given to the Church by Jesus Christ, your sins are truly and completely forgiven. The slate is wiped clean. You leave the confessional in a state of grace.
Why go to Confession?
To receive God’s forgiveness and restore your relationship with Him
To receive the grace to avoid sin in the future
To experience the peace that only God’s mercy can bring
To be able to receive Holy Communion worthily
Catholics are required to go to Confession at least once a year — but the Church recommends going regularly, even monthly, as a spiritual practice. There is no sin too great for God’s mercy.
Going to Confession can feel intimidating — especially if it has been a while. Here is a simple step by step guide. The priest is there to help you, not judge you.
1
Prepare Your Heart
Find a quiet moment to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you remember your sins. Use the Examination of Conscience on the next tab. Be honest with yourself — God already knows everything and loves you anyway.
2
Go to the Church
Arrive during Confession hours — check the Parishes tab for times at your local parish. You may go to any Catholic priest in the state of grace. You do not have to go to your own parish.
3
Enter the Confessional
You may confess face to face or behind a screen — both are valid. Kneel or sit. When the priest greets you, make the Sign of the Cross and say how long it has been since your last Confession.
4
What to Say
Begin with: “Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been [length of time] since my last Confession. These are my sins…” Then tell the priest your sins simply and honestly. You do not need to explain every detail — just the nature and number of serious sins.
5
Listen to the Priest
The priest may offer guidance or encouragement. He will then give you a penance — usually some prayers to say. Listen carefully and remember what it is.
6
Say the Act of Contrition
The priest will ask you to express sorrow for your sins. You can use the traditional Act of Contrition — see the last tab — or simply say in your own words that you are truly sorry and intend to avoid sin.
7
Receive Absolution
The priest will extend his hand and pronounce the words of absolution. At this moment your sins are truly and completely forgiven. Make the Sign of the Cross as he finishes.
8
Do Your Penance & Go in Peace
After leaving the confessional say the prayers or perform the act the priest assigned as your penance. Then spend a moment in thanksgiving — you have just received one of God’s greatest gifts.
If it has been many years since your last Confession simply tell the priest — “Father it has been many years since my last Confession and I am not sure how to begin.” He will guide you gently through the rest.
An examination of conscience helps you reflect on your life before going to Confession. Read through these questions prayerfully and honestly. You do not need to confess every imperfection — focus on serious sins and patterns you wish to change.
First Commandment — You shall have no other gods before Me
- Have I neglected my relationship with God — skipping Mass, prayer, or the sacraments without good reason?
- Have I placed money, work, pleasure, or other people above God in my life?
- Have I been involved in superstition, horoscopes, or the occult?
- Have I doubted or rejected the faith?
Second Commandment — You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain
- Have I used God’s name carelessly, as a curse, or in anger?
- Have I made promises in God’s name and failed to keep them?
- Have I spoken disrespectfully about sacred things?
Third Commandment — Keep holy the Lord’s Day
- Have I missed Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation without a serious reason?
- Have I been distracted or irreverent during Mass?
- Have I done unnecessary work on Sunday that could have waited?
Fourth Commandment — Honor your father and mother
- Have I been disrespectful or disobedient to my parents?
- Have I neglected my responsibilities to my family?
- As a parent, have I failed to raise my children in the faith?
- Have I shown disrespect for legitimate authority?
Fifth Commandment — You shall not kill
- Have I physically harmed another person?
- Have I harbored hatred, anger, or the desire for revenge toward anyone?
- Have I caused serious harm through reckless behavior?
- Have I harmed myself through substance abuse, recklessness, or self-destructive behavior?
- Have I had or encouraged an abortion?
Sixth & Ninth Commandments — Purity & Chastity
- Have I been impure in thought, word, or action?
- Have I viewed pornography or indecent material?
- Have I been unfaithful to my spouse in act or in thought?
- Have I engaged in sexual activity outside of marriage?
- Have I dressed or behaved immodestly?
Seventh & Tenth Commandments — Honesty & Generosity
- Have I stolen, cheated, or taken what is not mine?
- Have I been dishonest in business, taxes, or contracts?
- Have I been greedy or failed to share with those in need?
- Have I damaged someone else’s property?
- Have I been envious of what others have?
Eighth Commandment — You shall not bear false witness
- Have I lied — even small lies?
- Have I gossiped or spoken badly about others?
- Have I damaged someone’s reputation unfairly?
- Have I failed to speak the truth when I should have?
After your examination spend a moment speaking to God from your heart. Tell Him you are sorry and ask for the grace to do better. Then go to Confession with confidence in His mercy.
The Act of Contrition is a prayer expressing sorrow for sin and the intention to avoid sin in the future. The priest will ask you to say it during Confession. Memorize it or simply read it from here.
Traditional Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.
Modern Act of Contrition
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with Your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In His name, my God, have mercy. Amen.
Acto de Contrición — Spanish
Dios mío, con todo mi corazón me arrepiento de todo el mal que he hecho y de todo lo bueno que he dejado de hacer. Al pecar, te he ofendido a Ti, que eres el supremo bien y digno de ser amado sobre todas las cosas. Propongo firmemente, con la ayuda de Tu gracia, hacer penitencia, no volver a pecar y evitar las ocasiones de pecado. Señor, por los méritos de la pasión de nuestro Salvador Jesucristo, ten misericordia de mí. Amén.
Remember — if you forget the words during Confession simply tell the priest. You can also express sorrow in your own words. What matters is that your contrition comes from the heart. ✝
“The Rosary is the most excellent form of prayer and the most efficacious means of attaining eternal life.” — Pope Gregory XVI
“Give me an army saying the Rosary and I will conquer the world.”— Blessed Pope Pius IX
The Rosary is one of the most beloved Catholic devotions in the world. It is a meditative prayer in which we contemplate the life of Jesus Christ through the eyes of His Blessed Mother Mary. Far from being mere repetition, the Rosary is a school of prayer that draws us deeper into the mysteries of our salvation.
Reasons to Pray the Rosary
Our Lady herself has asked us to pray it — appearing at Fatima, Lourdes, and Guadalupe with this request
It meditates on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ — the heart of our faith
It is a powerful weapon against temptation, anxiety, and spiritual attack
It draws families together in prayer and has been called the family prayer par excellence
Saints and popes throughout history have credited the Rosary with miraculous conversions and victories
It can be prayed anywhere — driving, walking, waiting — making it the most accessible form of deep prayer
“The Rosary is a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight and to keep oneself from sin. If you desire peace in your hearts, in your homes, and in your country, assemble each evening to recite the Rosary.”— Blessed Pope Pius IX
Our Lady of Guadalupe — patroness of the Americas and deeply beloved in the San Joaquin Valley — is intimately connected to the Rosary. Her apparition to St. Juan Diego in 1531 came during the age of the Rosary's spread through the New World. Praying the Rosary is a beautiful way to honor her.
The Rosary consists of five decades — each decade is one mystery of Christ's life meditated upon while praying ten Hail Marys. Here is how to pray it from beginning to end.
1
Make the Sign of the Cross Tap to see how →
Hold your Rosary and begin by making the Sign of the Cross on the crucifix. This is how every Rosary begins and ends.
2
Pray the Apostles’ Creed Tap to view prayer →
Still holding the crucifix, pray the Apostles' Creed. This professes your faith and sets the intention for the entire Rosary.
3
Pray the Our Father Tap to view prayer →
Move to the first large bead and pray one Our Father.
4
Pray 3 Hail Marys for Faith, Hope & Love Tap to view prayer →
On each of the three small beads pray one Hail Mary — the first for Faith, the second for Hope, the third for Love. Then pray the Glory Be.
5
Announce the Mystery & Pray the Our Father Tap to view prayer →
Say the name of today’s mystery aloud. Spend a brief moment thinking about it. Then on the large bead pray one Our Father before beginning the ten Hail Marys.
6
Pray 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be & Fatima Prayer Tap to view all three →
On each of the ten small beads pray one Hail Mary while thinking about the mystery. After the tenth bead pray the Glory Be and then the Fatima Prayer. This completes one decade.
7
Repeat Steps 5 & 6 for All Five Mysteries Tap for Our Father →
For each new mystery: announce it, pray one Our Father on the large bead, then ten Hail Marys on the small beads, then the Glory Be and Fatima Prayer. Repeat until all five decades are complete.
8
Pray the Hail Holy Queen Tap to view prayer →
After all five decades are complete pray the Hail Holy Queen to finish.
9
End with the Sign of the Cross Tap to see how →
Conclude by making the Sign of the Cross on the crucifix — the same way you began. Your Rosary is complete. 🌹
Do not worry if your mind wanders during the Hail Marys — gently bring it back to the mystery. The Saints assure us that even a Rosary prayed imperfectly is pleasing to Our Lady. What matters is that you show up and pray. 🌹
The Rosary has four sets of mysteries — each set meditates on a different aspect of Christ’s life. The traditional schedule assigns a set to each day of the week.
🌸 Joyful Mysteries
Monday & Saturday
1
The Annunciation
The Angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive the Son of God. She says yes.
2
The Visitation
Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist. John leaps in the womb.
3
The Nativity
Jesus is born in Bethlehem in a manger. The angels sing and the shepherds come to adore Him.
4
The Presentation
Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the Temple. Simeon prophesies His mission.
5
The Finding in the Temple
The twelve-year-old Jesus is found in the Temple after three days, teaching the doctors of the law.
✝ Sorrowful Mysteries
Tuesday & Friday
1
The Agony in the Garden
Jesus prays in Gethsemane, sweating blood, as He accepts the cup of suffering for our sins.
2
The Scourging at the Pillar
Jesus is bound and beaten mercilessly by the Roman soldiers.
3
The Crowning with Thorns
The soldiers mock Jesus as King, pressing a crown of thorns into His head.
4
The Carrying of the Cross
Jesus carries His cross through the streets of Jerusalem to Calvary, falling three times.
5
The Crucifixion
Jesus is nailed to the cross and dies for the sins of all humanity. Mary stands at the foot of the cross.
🌟 Glorious Mysteries
Wednesday & Sunday
1
The Resurrection
On the third day Jesus rises from the dead, conquering sin and death forever. Alleluia!
2
The Ascension
Jesus ascends into Heaven forty days after the Resurrection, promising to send the Holy Spirit.
3
The Descent of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit descends on Mary and the Apostles at Pentecost. The Church is born.
4
The Assumption of Mary
At the end of her earthly life Mary is assumed body and soul into Heaven.
5
The Coronation of Mary
Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth by her Son Jesus Christ.
☀ Luminous Mysteries
Thursday
1
The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus is baptized in the Jordan by John. The Father’s voice is heard and the Spirit descends as a dove.
2
The Wedding at Cana
At Mary’s intercession Jesus performs His first miracle — turning water into wine.
3
The Proclamation of the Kingdom
Jesus preaches repentance and calls all to conversion, healing the sick and forgiving sinners.
4
The Transfiguration
Jesus is transfigured on Mount Tabor — His face shines like the sun, His clothes white as light.
5
The Institution of the Eucharist
At the Last Supper Jesus gives us His Body and Blood — the greatest gift of His love.
These are all the prayers prayed during the Holy Rosary. Memorize them gradually — even one at a time. Our Lady is patient with beginners.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
The Our Father
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
The Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
The Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Fatima Prayer
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy. Amen.
Hail Holy Queen — Salve Regina
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
After the Hail Holy Queen it is traditional to add: “O God, whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life; grant, we beseech Thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.” 🌹
“The Mass is the most perfect form of prayer.” — Pope Paul VI
📅 Mass times for each parish in the Fresno Diocese can be found under the ✝ Parishes tab — tap any parish to view their current schedule.
“Do this in memory of me.”— Luke 22:19
The Holy Mass is the source and summit of the Christian life. It is not simply a prayer service or a community gathering — it is the re-presentation of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary, made truly present on the altar. Every Mass is Calvary. Every Mass is Easter morning.
At the Mass, heaven and earth meet. The angels and saints worship alongside us. Time collapses and we are truly present at the Last Supper, at the Cross, and at the Resurrection — all at once.
Why Catholics Attend Mass
Jesus commanded it — “Do this in memory of me.” The Mass fulfills His command at the Last Supper
To receive Jesus Christ Himself in Holy Communion — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity
To worship God in the most perfect way possible — through the sacrifice of His own Son
To be nourished spiritually and strengthened to live as faithful Catholics throughout the week
To hear the Word of God proclaimed and broken open in the homily
To unite our prayers with the whole Church — the living, the dead, and the saints in Heaven
✝ The Real Presence of Christ
Catholics believe that at the words of consecration during Mass, the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. This is not symbolic — it is real. This teaching, called Transubstantiation, has been the constant faith of the Church since the Last Supper. When you receive Holy Communion, you receive Jesus Himself.
The Sunday Obligation
Catholics are required to attend Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation. Missing Mass without a serious reason (illness, caring for a sick person, no transportation) is a grave sin.
A Saturday evening Mass (Vigil Mass) fulfills the Sunday obligation. Check your parish’s schedule under the Parishes tab.
If you have been away from Mass for a while — welcome back. The Church never stops being your home. Consider going to Confession before receiving Communion again. See the Confession tab for guidance. ✝
The Mass has the same structure every time it is celebrated anywhere in the world. It is divided into two main parts — the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist — bookended by the Introductory and Concluding Rites.
Tap any part to see the prayers said at that moment. Follow along at your next Mass.
Liturgy of the Word
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Introductory & Concluding Rites
✝ Introductory Rites
1
Entrance & Greeting Tap to see →
The priest processes to the altar. After kissing the altar he goes to his chair and greets the congregation. The people respond.
2
Penitential Act — Confiteor Tap to see →
We acknowledge our sinfulness and ask God’s mercy before approaching His altar. This prepares our hearts for the sacred mysteries.
3
Kyrie — Lord Have Mercy Tap to see →
A brief ancient prayer calling on God’s mercy. One of the oldest prayers in the Mass — originally sung in Greek.
4
Gloria — Glory to God Tap to see →
A hymn of praise sung or recited on Sundays and feast days (not during Advent or Lent). Based on the song of the angels at the birth of Christ.
5
Collect — Opening Prayer
The priest says “Let us pray” and after a moment of silence prays the Collect — a prayer that changes each Sunday and feast day. The people respond “Amen.”
📖 Liturgy of the Word
6
First Reading
Usually from the Old Testament. A lector reads from the ambo (lectern). After the reading the lector says “The word of the Lord.” The people respond “Thanks be to God.”
7
Responsorial Psalm
A psalm is sung or recited. The cantor or lector sings the verse and the congregation responds with the refrain. A beautiful moment of meditation on God’s Word.
8
Second Reading
On Sundays a second reading from the New Testament letters is read. Followed again by “The word of the Lord / Thanks be to God.”
9
Gospel Acclamation — Alleluia Tap to see →
The congregation stands and sings the Alleluia to welcome the Gospel. During Lent the Alleluia is replaced with another acclamation.
10
The Gospel Tap to see responses →
The deacon or priest reads the Gospel. The people remain standing out of reverence. Before reading, the priest announces the Gospel and the people respond.
11
The Homily
The priest or deacon explains and applies the readings to our daily lives. The congregation is seated and listens. A period of silent reflection usually follows.
12
The Creed — Profession of Faith Tap to see →
On Sundays and solemnities the congregation stands and professes the Nicene Creed — a summary of all that Catholics believe.
13
Universal Prayer — Prayers of the Faithful
Petitions are offered for the Church, the world, those in need, and the local community. After each petition the people respond “Lord, hear our prayer.”
✝ Liturgy of the Eucharist
14
Preparation of the Gifts — The Offertory
Bread and wine are brought to the altar. A collection is often taken. The priest prepares the gifts with quiet prayers. This is a good moment to offer your own intentions to God.
15
The Preface & Dialogue Tap to see →
The Eucharistic Prayer begins with a dialogue between priest and people, leading into the Preface — a prayer of thanksgiving to God.
16
Sanctus — Holy Holy Holy Tap to see →
The congregation joins the angels in singing the Holy Holy Holy. One of the most ancient and beautiful prayers of the Mass.
17
The Eucharistic Prayer
The heart of the Mass. The priest prays over the bread and wine. The congregation kneels in adoration. This prayer culminates in the words of consecration.
18
The Consecration Tap to see →
The most sacred moment of the Mass. The priest speaks the words of Christ over the bread and wine and they become His Body and Blood. The bells are rung. Kneel and adore.
19
Mystery of Faith Tap to see →
After the consecration the priest invites the congregation to proclaim the mystery of faith. One of three acclamations is sung or said.
20
The Our Father Tap to see →
The congregation joins hands or extends hands and prays the Our Father together. One of the most powerful moments of unity in the Mass.
21
Sign of Peace Tap to see →
The priest offers the peace of Christ and the congregation exchanges a sign of peace — usually a handshake or nod — with those nearby.
22
Agnus Dei — Lamb of God Tap to see →
The priest breaks the consecrated host while the congregation sings or says the Lamb of God. This gesture recalls Christ whose body was broken for us.
23
Holy Communion Tap to see →
The priest holds up the host and says “Behold the Lamb of God…” The people respond and then come forward to receive. A period of silent thanksgiving follows.
✝ Concluding Rites
24
Prayer After Communion
The priest prays a closing prayer over the people. The congregation responds “Amen.” Announcements may follow.
25
Final Blessing & Dismissal Tap to see →
The priest blesses the congregation and sends them forth. The Mass is ended. Go in peace — to love and serve the Lord.
The Mass takes approximately 45–60 minutes. Every part has deep meaning. As you attend more often the prayers will become familiar and your experience of the Mass will deepen. ✝
The readings at Sunday Mass change every week following a three year cycle — Year A, Year B, and Year C. We are currently in Year C.
This Week’s Sunday Readings
Read the full Scripture texts for this Sunday’s Mass at the USCCB website — the official source for Catholic readings in the United States.
📖 View Sunday Readings →
Lecturas del Domingo en Español
Acceda a las lecturas del domingo en español en el sitio oficial de la USCCB.
📖 Ver Lecturas Dominicales →
Reading the Sunday readings before Mass helps you get more out of the homily and follow along more easily. Many Catholics read them on Saturday evening as a way to prepare their hearts. ✝
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