The Penitential Act
After the greeting, the priest may offer a few words on the readings or recalling why we come to Mass.  Following that, he says, “Let us acknowledge our sins so as to prepare ourselves to celebrate these sacred mysteries.  This begins the Penitential Act.  This does not take the place of the Sacrament of Reconciliation for mortal sins.  Here, we are called to admit our sinfulness in humility, recognizing our need for God and his mercy.  We need the grace God offers us in the Mass.

Then comes the Gloria.  Just as we humble ourselves admitting our sinfulness, we give glory and thanks to God for all that He offers us.  We thank Jesus for being the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  We acknowledge God as the Holy One, the Most High.

(All previous articles in this series are available online at www.renewaloffaith.org/bulletinmass)