The planning team prepares a “Mass” program or a similar program for paraliturgy celebrations. The program follows the parts of the Mass in the normal sequence. The program outline below also includes some parts identified as “at the discretion of the planners” and others identified as “not implemented in the virtual paraliturgy.”
Theme: Planners and presider determine this.
Welcome and Introduction: one of the planners welcomes the community and introduces the theme
Gathering song: the music group leads the congregation in person or the zoom coordinator provides an audio file if a paraliturgy
Greeting and Opening Prayer: given by the presider.
Kyrie: a prayer for the mercy of God
Gloria: a prayer of glory to God in the highest; the music group leads the congregation if in person or, the Zoom coordinator provides an audio file if a paraliturgy
First Reading: by one of the planners
Responsorial Psalm: the music group leads the congregation in person; or, the Zoom coordinator provides an audio file if a paraliturgy
Second Reading: by one of the planners
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia –normally sung
Gospel: the presider or a planner may read it
Homily: the presider reflects on the scriptures with variations, such as a community dialogue
Creed: a profession of Faith led by one of the planners
Offertory Song: usually omitted in a paraliturgy
Presentation of the Gifts and Preparation of the Altar: the planners bring the offerings of bread and wine to the altar; this is not part of the virtual paraliturgy
Prayers of the Faithful: led by a planner followed by prayers from the community
Songs: Holy, holy, holy and Eucharistic Acclamation, and Great Amen led by music group.
Lord’s Prayer: may be sung or recited together by the congregation
Sign of Peace: the presider asks the congregation to share a sign of peace
Lamb of God: sung and led by the music group
Consecration: the presider prays for the transformation of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ; this is not part of the virtual paraliturgy
Communion: the congregation shares in the Body and Blood of Christ; this is not part of the virtual paraliturgy however, the presider may lead the community in a spiritual communion
Communion song: the music group leads the congregation if in person; or, the Zoom provides an audio file if a paraliturgy; this is not usually part of the virtual paraliturgy
Meditation: may be silent or a reading provided by the planners
Closing Prayer: by presider
Final Blessing (Dismissal): the presider prays that God will bless all as we go from the service
Closing song: the music group leads the congregation or, the Zoom coordinator provides an audio file if a paraliturgy
Announcements: open to members of the community