Questions / The Mass and the Eucharist

Why is it called Mass?

Church teaching

Answered on video by Dr. Brant Pitre

Video: The Mass Explained: Roman Catholic Worship in the Bible and Tradition | Dr. Brant Pitre, Catholic Productions, published Oct 26, 2023. Checked 10 October 2026. Loads from YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) only when you press play. Watch on YouTube

In short: From the Latin for sending. It ends with you being sent out to live it on Monday. CCC 1332

The answer, in writing

Church teaching

It’s called Holy Mass (Missa) because the liturgy ends with the sending forth (missio) of the faithful, so they can do God’s will in daily life. CCC 1332

Our words

“Go forth” is not “you’re dismissed.” It’s “you’re sent.”

Watch another on this

Play video: Is Missing Sunday Mass a Mortal Sin?, Catholic Answers, from Catholic Answers Live, 2 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

Is missing Mass a sin?

Play video: Is the Mass a Sacrifice? | Dr. Brant Pitre, Dr. Brant Pitre, from Catholic Productions, 9 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

Is the Mass a sacrifice?

Play video: How can we offer sacrifices at Mass?, Catholic Answers, from Catholic Answers Live, 3 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

How can I offer my own life at Mass?

Next step: Your first Mass, step by step

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Sources on this page

How we know · 1 Catechism paragraph

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1332 (official text on vatican.va).

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