Instructions
This worksheet will help you explore the structure and main prayers of the Traditional Latin Mass (often called the TLM). Read the definitions carefully and complete the matching and ordering tasks.
- Read all instructions for each section before starting.
- Complete the vocabulary matching first.
- Sequence the parts of the Mass in the table.
- Answer the short-answer questions using complete sentences.
Section 1: Key Vocabulary Matching
Match the Latin term in Column A with its definition or meaning in Column B. Draw a line or write the corresponding letter.
| Column A (Latin Term) | Column B (Meaning) |
|---|---|
| 1. Introit | A. The official statement of belief (The Creed). |
| 2. Kyrie | B. The prayers offered by the Priest for the needs of the world. |
| 3. Credo | C. The first prayer or song sung as the Priest approaches the altar. |
| 4. Offertory | D. A Greek prayer meaning "Lord, have mercy." |
| 5. Consecration | E. The part of the Mass when the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. |
Section 2: Ordering the Sacred Liturgy
The Mass follows a strict order. Place the following major parts of the Mass in the correct sequence (1-6). Note: The full TLM is complex; this focuses on the major sections.
| Sequence Number | Major Part of the Mass | Description of Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Example) | Preparatory Prayers & Introit | The Priest and altar servers prepare at the foot of the altar; the entrance song is sung. |
| Liturgy of the Word | This includes the Epistle (reading from the letters/Acts) and the Gospel (reading from Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John). | |
| Offertory and Lavabo | Gifts of bread and wine are brought forward, and the Priest washes his hands. | |
| Communion | The faithful receive the consecrated host. | |
| Canon of the Mass (Eucharistic Prayer) | This is the long prayer that includes the Consecration. | |
| Post-Communion Prayers & Last Gospel | Closing prayers of thanksgiving and the reading of the final Gospel (usually John 1:1-14). |
(Use the blank spaces below to write the sequence numbers 2 through 6 next to the correct part above.)
Section 3: Understanding the Purpose
Answer the following questions in the space provided.
- The Traditional Latin Mass is divided into two main parts: the Mass of the Catechumens (Liturgy of the Word) and the Mass of the Faithful (Liturgy of the Eucharist). Which part is considered the most sacred and why?
- Why did the Church historically use Latin, even though people spoke different languages at home?
- Real-World Connection: If you traveled to a country where you did not know the language (like China or Peru) and attended the Latin Mass, how would knowing the structure and prayers (like the Kyrie or Credo) help you follow along?
Section 4: Challenge & Extension (Optional)
Advanced learners or those interested in history should try this research question.
The Proper vs. The Ordinary: The prayers of the Mass are often divided into two groups: the Ordinary and the Proper.
- The Ordinary: Parts of the Mass that stay exactly the same every single day (e.g., the Kyrie, the Gloria).
- The Proper: Parts of the Mass that change depending on the feast day or season (e.g., the Introit, the readings).
Challenge Question: Name one other part of the Mass that belongs to the Ordinary (it is sung or recited in the exact same words every day) and explain why it needs to stay the same.
Answer Key
Section 1: Key Vocabulary Matching
| Column A (Latin Term) | Column B (Meaning) |
|---|---|
| 1. Introit | C. The first prayer or song sung as the Priest approaches the altar. |
| 2. Kyrie | D. A Greek prayer meaning "Lord, have mercy." |
| 3. Credo | A. The official statement of belief (The Creed). |
| 4. Offertory | B. The prayers offered by the Priest for the needs of the world. |
| 5. Consecration | E. The part of the Mass when the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. |
Section 2: Ordering the Sacred Liturgy
| Sequence Number | Major Part of the Mass | Description of Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Example) | Preparatory Prayers & Introit | The Priest and altar servers prepare at the foot of the altar; the entrance song is sung. |
| 2 | Liturgy of the Word | This includes the Epistle (reading from the letters/Acts) and the Gospel (reading from Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John). |
| 3 | Offertory and Lavabo | Gifts of bread and wine are brought forward, and the Priest washes his hands. |
| 4 | Canon of the Mass (Eucharistic Prayer) | This is the long prayer that includes the Consecration. |
| 5 | Communion | The faithful receive the consecrated host. |
| 6 | Post-Communion Prayers & Last Gospel | Closing prayers of thanksgiving and the reading of the final Gospel (usually John 1:1-14). |
Section 3: Understanding the Purpose
-
The most sacred part is the Mass of the Faithful, specifically the Canon/Consecration, because this is the moment when, through the actions of the priest, the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Christ.
-
The Church used Latin because it was a universal language (used across the Roman Empire) and served as a stabilizing factor. This ensured that the prayers and doctrine remained exactly the same across the entire world for centuries, preserving the teaching without confusion.
-
Knowing the structure would help because the sequence of actions is identical everywhere. If I know the Kyrie is the second part, or that the Credo always follows the Gospel, I can follow along in my own prayer book or missal, even if I cannot understand the sermon.
Section 4: Challenge & Extension (Optional)
Possible Answers Include: The Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) or the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy). These prayers are part of the core worship and sacrifice, referencing Christ or the Trinity directly. They remain the same to ensure continuity and reverence in the central act of the Mass.