Catholic Church Prayer

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On Wednesday, March 7, 2018, I attended a Catholic mass on Wheeling Jesuit's campus. When I first walked into the chapel, there were a few people already sitting in the seats set out in a half circle fashion, surrounding the stage in the middle of the chapel. In the middle of the room, there was a wooden podium, a wooden altar, and candles. The altar is a symbol of Christ at the heart of the assembly; therefore, it is the center of attention. Along with the candles, there was an altar cloth draped over the altar. The altar cloth and the stole worn by the priest were a deep purple color, representing royalty and penitence. Usually, the purple is used during Advent and Lent. The priest was also wearing a white robe called either a vestment or an Alb underneath of the stole. Furthermore, there was a representation of Jesus' crucifixion hanging on the wall, behind the altar. The lights in the room were dim, and religious music was playing quietly from a small radio sitting on a chair. …show more content…

During this prayer, the person says, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." They finish the prayer by saying, "Amen." While saying this prayer, the person touches their brow first, then their heart, and lastly their shoulders from left to right. The movement traces the shape of a cross. Once the mass started, the priest walked in in a specific manner and then lit the candles. After lighting the candles, people within the chapel seemed to do a short reflection in silence. After this, everyone in the chapel made the Sign of the Cross, and the priest stated a greeting where the congregation answered in unison. The greeting is a simple opener talking about the peace of Jesus and the love of God. After the greeting, the Penitential Act is given where the priest and congregation ask for the Lord to have mercy on

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