Introduction to Holy Mass

Course Description

The course Introduction to the Holy Mass is designed to give all those involved in the preparation of the Liturgy, formation for a better understanding of the different parts of the Eucharistic celebration. In light of Sacrosanctum Concilium’s desire to restore the celebration of the Mass to the vigour it enjoyed in Patristic times the course intends to explain the liturgico-historical roots of the different rites of the Mass for a better understanding of the celebration of the Eucharist according to the post-conciliar Missale Romanum. Moreover, such knowledge will enable the participants to put into practice the much desired active participation of the faithful in the celebration of the Mass.  By the end of this course the student will:  

• have a basic liturgical and theological understanding of the celebration of the Mass according to the Missale Romanum 1975. 
• know the language in which liturgical worship is explicated.  
• know the historical roots of the different parts of the Mass. 
• learn most matters concerning the different rites which compose the celebration of the Mass.   
• acquire a deeper understanding and appreciation of the different roles, members of the assembly hold.  
• grasp the spiritual meaning that these roles entail

If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 50%  discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi

Intended For

• Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion,
• Lectors, Animators,
• Choir members,
• members of the Parish Liturgical Commission
• and those interested in understanding better the celebration of the Eucharist.

Curriculum

Part 1: The Introductory Rites  

• The Introit
• Greeting of the Altar and of the Assembly  
• The Act of Penance
• The Kyrie Eleison
• The Gloria
• The Collect 

Part 2: The Liturgy of the Word   

• The Readings and the Responsorial Psalm
• The Acclamation and the Gospel
• The Homily
• The Profession of Faith
• The Prayer of the Faithful. 

Part 3: The Liturgy of the Eucharist  

• The Offertory
• The Preface
• The Eucharistic Prayer I
• The Eucharistic Prayer II
• The Eucharistic Prayer III
• The Eucharistic Prayer IV
• The Eucharistic Prayer V
• The Eucharistic Prayer of Reconciliation I and II 

Part 4: The Communion Rite

• The Lord’s Prayer
• The Rite of Peace
• The Fraction
• Communion
• The Concluding Rites

Calendar

The course is delivered in short, recorded sessions which are each about 15 minutes long. The student will be provided with a username and a password so s/he can watch these sessions at his/her own computer or other technological device. The total number of minutes amount to 6-7hrs including the assessment.

Usernames and passwords will be sent to students within a week of payment confirmation.

Assessment & Certification

Assessment: Multiple choice test after each online session. The pass mark is 60%. 

Certificate: Certificate of completion will be awarded to those who complete all the sessions and pass all the assessments.

An electronic certificate will be sent via email, within a week of successfully completing the course.

Awarding and Teaching Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Entry Requirement

Every application will be considered on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of qualifications, and we always try to judge applications on the basis of academic potential. We do consider a very wide range of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications, as well as work and other appropriate experiences and skills.