Today in the Catholic Mass Series, we continue with our study of vestments for the Mass. We start with the “altar vestments”, or the altar linens – what is their symbolism, practical reason, and how should we care for them? Then we look at the power and meaning of liturgical colors; from green to gold, each has a significance for both the liturgical calendar and theology. Father also dispels common misconceptions about silver and gold vestments before giving practical advice on how to purchase vestments, and how to care for them so they last for generations.

Today in the Catholic Mass Series, we continue our discussion of the Mass’s visual and ceremonial aspects with a review of the history, symbolism, and function of priestly and episcopal vestments. Why does the priest put on special clothing to celebrate the Mass? Is it purely aesthetic and ceremonial, or is there a theological significance? And when did all this start? Did the Apostles and early Church Fathers wear the same things that you see your local priest wear on Sundays? What was the historic and symbolic development of the cassock, the chasuble, and more?

Today in the Catholic Mass Series, we continue with the artistic trend and focus on the church itself by examining the architecture. Some argue that these are just buildings like any other – but we’ll see how the design of a church shapes the worship, the experience of the faithful, and even reflects theological principles. At the same time, it is a human achievement, reflecting the values of each age. So what’s the history of church buildings? Where did they start? Is one type better than the other? And are all modern churches, well, Modernist?

We continue the section of the podcast series where we go step by step through the Mass to examine the various sections of the Liturgy. In this week’s episode, we discuss the Canon, the Communion, and the Conclusion of the Mass. What is the meaning of the symbolism of the liturgical actions? What are the prayers of the Canon expressing? What is the meaning of the priest’s reception of the Eucharist and the purpose of the prayers after Holy Communion is distributed?

Today we continue the section of the podcast series where we will go step by step through the Mass to look at the various sections of the Liturgy. In this week’s episode, we discover the richness of the Offertory prayers and rubrics. What are the various prayers said and what are they for? And which of the prayers perfectly encapsulates the entire reason for the Mass? We also examine the symbolism of various actions, such as placing a few drops of water with the wine, the hiding of the paten, and even details such as where the priest is supposed to look during prayers.

Now we turn to the Lessons, that is, the portion of the Mass that centers on the Epistle and Gospel. This also includes important elements such as the Alleluia or Tract and the Sermon. Moreover, we also examine the role of deacons and subdeacons during this part of the Mass.

In this week’s episode, we focus on the section from the Introit up to the Collect. These prayers and the symbolism of the liturgical gestures have a deep history, which is apparent when we open our hand Missals to see phrases like “The Mass of the Catechumens” and “Stational Churches.” What do these terms mean? And what is signified during this beginning portion of the Mass?