At the end of the Roman lturgy, the Priest offers a blessing to the parishioners.  After the blessing, the deacon dismisses the people. In fact, the dismissal gives the liturgy its name. The word "Mass" comes from the Latin word, missa. In the Latin Rite, the people are  dismissed with the words Ite, missa est (literally meaning "Go, she — meaning you, the Church — has been sent"). The word Missa is related to the word Latin word missio, the root of the English word "mission." The liturgy does not simply come to an end. Those assembled are sent forth to bring the fruits of the Eucharist to the world.

     The Mass is also referred to as "the Eucharist," a Greek word (εὐχαριστία) which means “to give thanks.” Although it is common to refer to the entire Mass as “the Eucharist,” the Mass actually contains two parts: the first is called the Liturgy of the Word (Mass of Catechumens) and the second is called the Liturgy of the Eucharist. (Mass of the Faithful).

     What’s important to know now is that the central part of the entire Mass–where the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus–happens during the second half, the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The first half is still important, though. In fact, it wouldn’t be the Mass without the Liturgy of the Word. The Catechism of the Catholic Church uses a lot of other words to define the Mass, including “The Holy and Divine Liturgy,” “Holy Communion,” “Holy Sacrifice,” and “Breaking of Bread” (CCC 1328-1332). Each of these different names emphasizes a different aspect of the Mass.

     While the Divine Liturgy (Mass) is "the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed" and "the font from which all her power flows," it is not possible for us to fill up all of our day with participation in the liturgy. The Second Vatican Council pointed out that the spiritual life "is not limited solely to participation in the liturgy. . . . according to the teaching of the apostle, [the Christian] must pray without ceasing." 

     Popular devotional practices play a crucial role in helping to foster this ceaseless prayer. The faithful have always used a variety of practices as a means of permeating everyday life with prayer to God. Properly used, popular devotional practices do not replace the liturgical life of the Church; rather, they extend it into daily life.  Examples include pilgrimages, prayer (i.e., novenas, processions and celebrations in honor of Mary and the other saints), the rosary, the Angelus, the Stations of the Cross, the veneration of relics, and the use of sacramentals.

• Questions About Popular Devotions

• Traditional Devotions and Spirituality

• Thinking and Living Sacramentally

• A Little History