A Beginner’s Guide

Your First Mass at St. Ann’s

St. Ann’s offers the Holy Mass in two forms: in English, and as the Traditional Latin Mass. Both are the same Holy Sacrifice, offered with reverence and beauty.

Choose the Mass you plan to attend, and we’ll walk you through it.

Mass in English · Ordinary Form

Familiar words, timeless beauty

The Mass most Catholics know today, prayed in English and offered at St. Ann’s with chant, incense and sacred music. It is the same Holy Sacrifice, and easy to follow.

Before you come

Five things to know

A little orientation goes a long way.

  • 1
    Arrive a few minutes earlyTen minutes gives you time to find a seat, settle in, and pray quietly before Mass begins.
  • 2
    Use the books in the pewYou’ll find hymnals and missalettes in the pews with the readings, the responses and the music, so you can follow every part of the Mass.
  • 3
    Listen for a little LatinA few parts, like the Kyrie or the Lamb of God, may be sung in Latin, as the Church encourages. The words and translation are in your booklet. Everything else is in English.
  • 4
    Expect sacred music and incenseChant, traditional hymns and incense at solemn moments. All of it is meant to lift our hearts to God.
  • 5
    Follow those around youNot sure when to stand, sit, or kneel? Just do what the people near you are doing. No one will mind.
When to come

English Masses at St. Ann’s

Any of these is a good place to start. Most newcomers come to the Sunday 10 AM Mass.

The weekend

Saturday 5 PM · Sunday 10 AM
Fulfils your Sunday obligation
  • Saturday 5:00 PM, the Vigil Mass for Sunday
  • Sunday 10:00 AM, with sacred music

Weekdays

Tuesday to Friday
A quieter Mass
  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 8:00 AM
  • Friday at 7:00 PM

Times can change for feasts and holidays. See the full schedule →

Step by step

What happens at Mass

Tap each part to see what is happening at the altar and how to pray along.

1Entrance and greetingThe Mass begins

The procession enters with music and often incense. The priest kisses the altar, then greets everyone with the Sign of the Cross.

You: stand, make the Sign of the Cross, and answer the greeting. The responses are in your missalette.
2Penitential Act and Kyrie“Lord, have mercy”

Together we call to mind our sins and ask God’s mercy. The Kyrie may be sung in Greek: Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison.

You: pray along, or simply listen to the chant.
3Gloria and opening prayerA hymn of praise (not in Advent or Lent)

The hymn of the angels at Bethlehem: “Glory to God in the highest.” On some Sundays it is sung in Latin, Gloria in excelsis Deo. Then the priest prays the opening prayer of the day.

You: stand and sing or pray along. Answer “Amen” at the end of the prayer.
4The readingsOld Testament, Psalm and Epistle

On Sundays there is usually a reading from the Old Testament, a psalm, and a reading from the letters of the Apostles. All of them are printed in the missalette.

You: sit and listen. After each reading, answer “Thanks be to God.”
5Gospel and homilyChrist speaks to us

We stand to greet the Gospel with the Alleluia (in Lent, another acclamation). The Gospel is read, sometimes with candles and incense. Then the priest preaches the homily.

You: stand for the Gospel. Make a small cross on your forehead, lips and heart when it is announced. Sit for the homily.
6Creed and Prayers of the Faithful“I believe”

On Sundays we profess our faith together in the Creed. Then we pray for the Church, the world, and those in need.

You: stand. During the Creed, everyone bows at the words about the Incarnation, “and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.”
7OffertoryPreparing the altar

The bread and wine are brought to the altar while the choir sings. The altar, the priest and the people may be incensed. The collection is taken up.

You: sit. Stand when the priest says “Pray, brethren…”
8The Eucharistic PrayerThe Consecration

After the Sanctus (“Holy, Holy, Holy”), often sung in Latin, the priest prays the great prayer of the Mass. At the Consecration, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. Bells ring as the priest raises the Host and the chalice.

You: kneel. Look at the Host and the chalice as they are raised, and adore Our Lord silently. Many pray, “My Lord and my God.”
9Our Father and Lamb of GodPreparing for Communion

We pray the Lord’s Prayer together. Then the Agnus Dei, “Lamb of God”, is sung, often in Latin.

You: stand for the Our Father, then kneel after the Lamb of God.
10Holy CommunionReceiving Our Lord

Catholics who are prepared come forward to receive Holy Communion. See the note below for what to do.

You: if you are not receiving, stay in the pew and pray. Afterwards, everyone spends a few moments in silent thanksgiving.
11Blessing and dismissalThe Mass ends

The priest gives the final blessing and sends us out: “Go forth, the Mass is ended.” A closing hymn is sung as the procession leaves.

You: stand, make the Sign of the Cross, and answer “Thanks be to God.” Many stay to sing the hymn and pray a little afterward.
Holy Communion

Receiving Holy Communion

If you are receiving

  1. Catholics who are prepared (in a state of grace and having fasted for one hour) come forward in line.
  2. When the priest says “The Body of Christ”, answer “Amen” and receive the Host reverently.
  3. Return to your pew and give thanks.

If you are not receiving

You are very welcome to stay in your pew and pray. Many Catholics also stay in the pew from time to time.

You might pray a spiritual communion: “My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.”

See it for yourself

A glimpse of the Mass at St. Ann’s

Watch the Mass in English at St. Ann’s, so you know what to expect when you walk in.

Good questions

Things people often ask

Is this the same Mass as the Traditional Latin Mass?

Yes. Both are the one Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The Mass in English follows the Roman Missal of St. Paul VI (current edition 2002, the Novus Ordo). The Traditional Latin Mass follows the Missal of 1962. They differ in language, prayers and ceremonies, but it is the same Lord we worship.

I haven’t been to Mass in years. Is that okay?

You are welcome, and we are glad you are coming back. Begin by striving to grow in prayer: read Sacred Scripture and pray the Rosary each day. Come to Mass to pray and to seek Christ. Before receiving Holy Communion, make a good Confession.

Can I bring my children?

Yes. We want children here. The Mass is where the faith is handed on to them, and St. Ann’s has many young families, so the sound of little ones is a normal part of our Sunday. Sit wherever you like. If a child needs a moment, the vestibule at the back is close by, and you are welcome to step out and come back in.

I’m not Catholic. Can I come?

Yes, you are welcome at every Mass. Holy Communion is received only by Catholics in a state of grace, because it is the sign of our full unity in the faith. Others are invited to remain in the pew and pray. If you are drawn to the Eucharist, the Pastor would be glad to talk with you about becoming Catholic.

Why is some of it in Latin?

Latin is the Church’s own language, and the Second Vatican Council asked that the faithful be able to sing some parts of the Mass in Latin. Using a little of it connects us with Catholics through the centuries and around the world.

We’d love to see you

Come to Mass this weekend. Say hello to Fr. Oehring on the front steps afterward.

Plan Your VisitSee Mass Times

Curious about the Traditional Latin Mass too? Read the Traditional Latin Mass guide →

Traditional Latin Mass

Your first Traditional Latin Mass

You don’t need to know Latin, and you don’t need to have everything figured out. This is the same Holy Mass, offered in the ancient form the Church has prayed for centuries. Come as you are. It’s perfectly fine to simply watch, listen, and pray.

Before you come

Five things to know

A little orientation goes a long way.

  • 1
    Arrive a few minutes earlyTen minutes gives you time to find a seat, settle in, and pray quietly before Mass begins.
  • 2
    Pick up a red missalYou’ll find them in the entrance. They have the Latin and English side by side so you can follow along.
  • 3
    Expect silenceMuch of the Mass is prayed quietly. The silence isn’t a mistake, it’s an invitation to pray.
  • 4
    Dress respectfullyBusiness casual is a good guide: a collared shirt for men; a modest dress, skirt or slacks for women. Some women wear a head covering (a veil or mantilla), but it is never required. Not everyone in our neighbourhood has many clothes to choose from, so take this as a guide: we each do our best to honour the Lord.
  • 5
    Follow those around youNot sure when to kneel, sit, or stand? Just do what the people near you are doing. No one will mind.
Two ways to pray it

Low Mass and Sung Mass

Both are the same Mass. The difference is in how it is celebrated.

Low Mass

Sunday 8 AM · Weekdays
About 1 hour 10 min on SundayAbout 40 min on weekdays
  • Spoken, not sung. Quiet and contemplative.
  • The priest prays most of the Mass in a low voice. The altar server makes the responses.
  • Most of the time, the people kneel and pray silently.

Good for: a peaceful, prayerful start to the day.

Sung Mass (Missa Cantata)

Sunday 12 PM
About 1 hour 25 min
  • The priest sings parts of the Mass, and our schola (choir) sings Gregorian chant.
  • Incense is used, and there is more ceremony.
  • More sitting and standing, with the music carrying you along.

Good for: a first visit. The beauty of the music helps many people pray.

Following along

Using the red missal

The missal is a guide, not a test.

✠
Missal
  • Latin on one side, English on the other. Read the English to understand what is being prayed.
  • Most of the Mass is the same every week. These are the parts in your missal, and you’ll soon recognize them.
  • Some prayers and readings change each Sunday. Don’t worry if you can’t find them. The readings are proclaimed for you, and the homily is in English.
  • Listen for the bells. They mark the most sacred moments, especially the Consecration, and help you find your place again.
  • It’s fine to lose your place. Close the book, look toward the altar, and simply pray. Many longtime parishioners do just that.
  • Ask an usher. They’re happy to help you find the right page.
Step by step

What happens at Mass

Tap each part to see what is happening at the altar and how to pray along.

1Prayers at the foot of the altarThe Mass begins

The priest and server pray quietly at the foot of the altar, confessing their sins and asking God’s mercy before going up to the altar.

You: kneel and prepare your heart. At the Sung Mass, stand as the priest enters.
2Introit and Kyrie“Lord, have mercy”

The Introit is the opening verse for the day. Then comes the Kyrie, nine short cries for mercy: Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison.

You: pray along in your heart. At the Sung Mass, listen to the chant.
3GloriaA hymn of praise (not in Advent or Lent)

The ancient hymn of the angels at Bethlehem: Gloria in excelsis Deo, “Glory to God in the highest.”

You: at the Sung Mass, stand, then sit once the priest sits. At Low Mass, many simply remain kneeling.
4The readingsThe Epistle and the Gospel

After the opening prayer, the Epistle (usually from St. Paul) is read, followed by chants of praise. Then the Gospel is read from the other side of the altar.

You: sit for the Epistle (at Low Mass, many remain kneeling). Everyone stands for the Gospel.
5HomilyIn English

Father preaches in English on the readings and the feast of the day.

You: sit and listen.
6CredoThe Creed, “I believe”

Together we profess the Catholic faith. At the words “Et incarnatus est” (“and He became man”), everyone kneels or bows in honour of the Incarnation.

You: stand, and kneel briefly at Et incarnatus est with everyone else.
7OffertoryThe gifts are prepared

The priest offers the bread and wine to God with quiet prayers. At the Sung Mass, the altar and the people are incensed, and the schola sings.

You: sit (or kneel at Low Mass) and offer your own prayers, joys and sufferings with the gifts.
8Sanctus and the CanonThe heart of the Mass

After the Sanctus (“Holy, Holy, Holy”), the priest prays the Canon in silence. At the Consecration, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. The bells ring as the priest raises the Host and then the Chalice.

You: kneel. Look up at the Host and Chalice and adore Our Lord. Many quietly pray, “My Lord and my God.”
9Pater Noster and Agnus DeiThe Our Father and “Lamb of God”

The priest prays the Our Father, then the Agnus Dei, “Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.”

You: kneel and prepare to receive Our Lord, or to make a spiritual communion.
10Holy CommunionAt the altar rail

The priest shows the Host and says “Ecce Agnus Dei”, “Behold the Lamb of God.” Three times we pray “Domine, non sum dignus”, “Lord, I am not worthy.” Communion is then given at the altar rail. See the section below.

You: if receiving, come forward to the rail. If not, stay in the pew and pray.
11Blessing and Last GospelThe Mass ends

The priest says “Ite, missa est” (“Go, the Mass is ended”) and gives the blessing. Then he reads the Last Gospel, the opening of St. John’s Gospel. At “Et Verbum caro factum est” (“And the Word was made flesh”), everyone genuflects.

You: kneel for the blessing, stand for the Last Gospel, and genuflect with everyone at those words. Many stay a few moments afterward to give thanks.
Holy Communion

Receiving at the altar rail

If you are receiving

  1. Catholics who are prepared (in a state of grace and having fasted for one hour) come forward and kneel at the rail.
  2. Receive on the tongue. The priest says a short prayer in Latin as he gives you the Host.
  3. You don’t need to say “Amen”. The priest says it for you as part of his prayer.
  4. Return to your pew and give thanks.

If you are not receiving

You are very welcome to stay in your pew and pray. Many Catholics also stay in the pew from time to time.

You might pray a spiritual communion: “My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.”

See it for yourself

A glimpse of the Mass at St. Ann’s

Watch the Mass at St. Ann’s, so you know what to expect when you walk in.

Helpful words

A short glossary

You’ll see these in your missal.

Missal
The book with the prayers of the Mass, in Latin and English.
Schola
The choir that sings the Gregorian chant.
Introit
The opening verse of the Mass, which changes each day.
Kyrie
“Lord, have mercy.” A prayer in Greek, the oldest language of the Mass.
Credo
“I believe.” The Creed, our profession of faith.
Sanctus
“Holy, Holy, Holy.” The hymn of the angels before the Consecration.
Canon
The great prayer of the Mass, prayed in silence, in which the Consecration takes place.
Agnus Dei
“Lamb of God.” Prayed just before Holy Communion.
Altar rail
The low rail in front of the sanctuary where we kneel to receive Communion.
Missa Cantata
“Sung Mass.” The 12 PM Sunday Mass with chant and incense.
Good questions

Things people often ask

Does the Traditional Latin Mass fulfil my Sunday obligation?

Yes. It is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, offered at St. Ann’s in full communion with the Catholic Church and the Diocese of Hamilton.

Do I need to understand Latin?

Not at all. The missal gives you the English, the homily is in English, and much of the Mass is prayed in silence. Over time, the Latin becomes familiar.

Can I bring my children?

Yes. We want children here. The Mass is where the faith is handed on to them, and St. Ann’s has many young families, so the sound of little ones is a normal part of our Sunday. Sit wherever you like. If a child needs a moment, the vestibule at the back is close by, and you are welcome to step out and come back in.

I’m not Catholic. Can I come?

Yes, you are welcome at every Mass. Holy Communion is received only by Catholics in a state of grace, because it is the sign of our full unity in the faith. Others are invited to remain in the pew and pray. If you are drawn to the Eucharist, the Pastor would be glad to talk with you about becoming Catholic.

Which Traditional Latin Mass should I try first?

Many people find the 12 PM Sung Mass the easiest place to start, because the music carries you along. If you prefer quiet, the 8 AM Low Mass is a beautiful, peaceful hour of prayer.

We’d love to see you

Come to a Traditional Latin Mass this Sunday. Say hello to Fr. Oehring on the front steps afterward.

Plan Your VisitSee Mass Times

Coming to a Mass in English instead? Read the English Mass guide →