The Sunday Eucharist is a celebration composed of five parts, each essential to the prayer of the Mass. The Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, Communion and the Concluding Rites. The Introductory Rites serve as an introduction and preparation for the Liturgy of the Word and the Eucharist. These rites also form the gathered community into an assembly of praise and worship. The rites consist of an opening song, often called the gathering hymn, the sign of the cross, greeting, penitential or sprinkling rite, the singing of the Glory to God and the opening prayer. Before the community can worship it gathers. Each Christian comes to the celebration for various reasons – we are called by God to offer praise and worship to the Father, through Christ in the unity of the Holy Spirit. This call is exercised in the presence of the community assembled by God.
Each member of the assembly plays an important role and their presence is valued. An important ministry during this part of the liturgy is the Ministry of Hospitality, the greeters at the door of the church who offer hospitality to those who arrive for the liturgy. Extending hospitality is not limited solely to these ministers since each member of the assembly is called to offer hospitality and a warm welcome to others. At the beginning of each liturgy we gather to form and manifest the local church community. Gathering is a sign of being called by God. Each of us is different and this diversity itself is a sign of the universality of God’s call.