Welcome to Catholic Mass Scavenger Hunt!

Follow along each week as we look for or listen for items taking place during Mass.  See if you can identify them and learn what they mean.

September 24th, 2023 – How does the priest prepare himself for Communion at Mass?

Priest prepares himself for Communion

September 17th, 2023 – When and why do we sit, stand and kneel at Mass?

Sit, stand and kneel

September 3rd, 2023 – Why do we extend the sign of peace at Mass?

The Sign of Peace

August 20th, 2023 – When is this prayer prayed and what is its focus:  “Deliver us, Lord, from every evil”?

Deliver Us From Every Evil

August 13th, 2023 – At St. John Neumann church, where can we find a Redemptorist Cross and what does it represent?

The Redemptorist Cross

August 6th, 2023 – What is the full role of the cantor?

The Cantor

July 30th, 2023 – Why do we say “It is right and just”?

It is right and just

July 23rd, 2023 – What is the Kyrie Eleison prayer and why do we sing (or say) it?

The Kyrie Eleison

July 16th, 2023 – What is the Liturgy of the Eucharist at Mass?

Liturgy of the Eucharist

July 9th, 2021 – What is the formal role of the Lector?

The Lector

July 2, 2023 – What is the Final Blessing for and why is it so important?

The Final Blessing

June 25th, 2023 – Why is the Dismissal at Mass so important?

The Dismissal

June 18th, 2023 – When do we pray the Universal Prayer and what is its purpose?   

The Universal Prayer

June 11th, 2023 – What ingredients are in a Communion host and why?  

The Communion Host

June 4th, 2023 – How is sacramental wine different from other wines?  

Sacramental Wine

May 28th, 2023 – What is the Sanctuary in a Catholic church and where is it?

The Sanctuary

May 21st, 2023 – Why and how do we fold our hands in prayer?

Our Hands In Prayer

May 14th, 2023 – When and why do we genuflect?

The Genuflection

May 7th, 2023 – When and why do we make a small cross on our forehead, lips and heart during Mass?

On my mind, my lips, my heart.

April 23rd, 2023 – When do we hear “Behold the Lamb of God…” and where does it come from?

Behold the Lamb

April 30, 2022 – Before receiving Communion we pray, “Lord, I am not worthy…” where does this come from; why do we pray it?

Lord, I Am Not Worthy

April 23rd, 2023 – When do we hear “Behold the Lamb of God…” and where does it come from?

Behold the Lamb

April 16th, 2023 – What are the Monstrance and Luna; when are they used?

The Monstrance & Luna

April 9th, 2023 – 

What is the Paschal Candle; When is it lit and where is it found in church?

The Paschal Candle

HOLY WEEK SPECIAL:  April 2nd, 2023

What is the Kyrie Eleison prayer and why do we sing (or say) it?

The Kyrie Eleison / Click Here

 

What is an Aspergillum and when is it used?

An Aspergillum / Click Here

March 26, 2023 – What is the ‘Angelic Hymn’ that we sing (or say) at Mass?

The Angelic Hymn

Mar. 19th, 2023 –  Why is there an opening procession and why should we witness it?

The Procession

Mar. 12th, 2023 – Where can we find the Sacred Heart of Jesus in our church throughout the year?

Sacred Heart of Jesus

Mar. 5th, 2023 – At every Mass, cloths are on the altar, why?

Altar Cloths

Feb. 26th, 2023 –  What is available to you every time you enter and exit church?

The Holy Water Fonts

Feb. 19th, 2023 – What is a deacon and what does he do?

The Deacon

Feb. 12th, 2023 – What are the Four Parts of Mass and what happens in each?

The Four Parts of Mass

Feb. 5th, 2023 – When in Mass do we sing or say the Agnus Dei, Lamb of God, and what is its significance? 

The Agnus Dei

Jan. 29th, 2023 – What is the Sanctus; when and why does it occur in Mass?  

The Sanctus

Jan. 22nd, 2023 – What is a paten and what is it used for? 

What is a paten and what is it used for? 

Jan 15th, 2023 – What does the Altar signify and what is its purpose? 

What does the Altar signify and what is its purpose?

Jan. 8th, 2023 – Why do churches have a crucifix and not a cross?

Why do churches have a crucifix and not a cross?

Jan. 1st, 2023 – Why do priests drop a piece of host into the chalice?

Priest Drops Piece of Host into the Chalice / Click Here

Dec. 25th, 2022 – How do the Deacon’s vestments differ from the priest’s?

Deacon vs Priest Vestments / Click Here

Dec. 18th, 2022 – What are the various elements of priests’ vestments?

Elements of priests’ vestments / Click Here

Dec. 11th, 2022 – How did liturgical vestments get started and which one is the Chausable?

The Chausable / Click Here

Dec. 4th, 2022 – What is an Aspergillum and when is it used?

An Aspergillum / Click Here

Nov. 27th, 2022 – Why is the Lord’s prayer in Mass; when do we say it and why at that time?  Is it present in all forms of Mass? 

The Lord’s Prayer / Click Here

Nov. 20th, 2022 – What is the corporal; when and why is it used?

The Corporal / Click Here

What is an ambo; when and why is it used?

The Ambo / Click Here

Nov. 6th – When do we say the Responsorial Psalm and what is it’s purpose?

The Responsorial Psalm / Click Here

Oct. 30th – What is the Presider’s Chair, what does it represent?  

The Presider’s Chair / Click Here

 

Oct. 23rd – What is a ciborium and when is it used?  

The Ciborium / Click Here

 

Oct. 16th – What is the Great Amen and when is it said?  

The Great Amen / Click Here

Oct. 9th – At Mass, what book are the readings and Gospel read from? 

The Lectionary / Cllck Here

Oct. 2nd- What is the credence table used for and where is it? 

The Credence Table / Click Here

Sept. 25th – When do we confess venial sins at Mass?

The Penitential Act / Click Here

Sept. 18th – What is the credence table used for and where is it?

The Credence Table / Click Here

Sept. 11th, 2022What is the Collect prayer and when is it prayed?

The Collect Prayer / Click Here

Sept. 4th, 2022 – What is the name of the book that is on the Altar during Mass.  Why is it there?

The book that is on the Altar / Click Here

August 28, 2022 – When do we say “the Mystery of Faith”; Why do we say it?

“The Mystery of Faith” / Click Here

August 21st, 2022 – When and why does the priest or deacon sign himself with the cross at Mass?

Priest/Deacon Signing Himself At Mass / Click Here

August 14th, 2022 – Are there candles at or near the altar during Mass; why? 

Candles at the Altar / Click Here

August 7th, 2022 – When do we hear the prayer that begins “Holy, Holy”?  What does it mean? 

Holy, Holy, Holy / CLICK HERE

July 31, 2022 – What are cruets used for  and when are they used in Mass? 

CLICK HERE/Cruets at Mass 

July 10th, 2022 – What is the chalice, when is it used and why?  

CLICK HERE/Chalice

July 3rd, 2022 – What are the Four Parts of Mass and what happens in each?

CLICK HERE / The Four Parts of Mass

June 26, 2022 – What colors can the priest and deacon’s vestments be? Why these colors? What color do you see today & why?

CLICK HERE/Vestment Colors

June 19th, 2022 – Where do we see the hand of God during Mass at St. John Neumann Church?

CLICK HERE/The Hand of God

June 19th, 2022 – Where do we see a representation of the Holy Trinity at our St. John Neumann church?

CLICK HERE / The Holy Trinity at SJN church

June 5th, 2022 –  Where is the Tabernacle & what is it for?

CLICK HERE/Tabernacle 

May 29th, 2022 – When is water used during Mass?  Do you know why? 

CLICK HERE/Water at Mass 

May 22, 2022 – When are bells rung during Mass? Why are they rung?  

CLICK HERE/Bells at Mass 

May 15, 2022 – When do we see bread during Mass and when does it become the Real Presence of Jesus?  

CLICK HERE/Bread at Mass  

May 1, 2022 – Where is the red candle in the St. John Neumann church sanctuary?  (What is it and what does it signify?) 

CLICK HERE/The Sanctuary Lamp  

May 8, 2022 – What colors can the priest and deacon’s vestments be? Why these colors? What color do you see today & why?

CLICK HERE/Vestment Colors

April 17th & 24th, 2022 – What is the Paschal Candle; When is it lit and where is it found in church?

The Paschal Candle

What is an Aspergillum and when is it used?

An Aspergillum / Click Here

April 10th, 2022 – When do we see bread at Mass and when does it become the Real Presence of Jesus?

Bread Becomes The Real Presence

April 3rd, 2022 – When should we bow at Mass?

Bowing at Mass

March 27th, 2022 – Where is the red candle in the St. John Neumann church sanctuary?  (What is it and what does it signify?)  

The Sanctuary Lamp  

March 20th, 2022 – What prayers does the  priest pray quietly before & after the Gospel?

Quiet prayer before & after the Gospel

March 13th, 2022 – What are the elements of the Eucharistic Prayer?

The Eucharistic Prayer

March 6th, 2022 – What prayer does the priest say quietly after Communion?

The Priest’s Prayer After Communion

February 27th, 2022 – What is the difference between the priest’s ‘presidential’ and personal prayers at Mass?

Priest’s Presidential vs Personal Prayers

February 20th, 2022 – What is Epiclesis and when does it happen in Mass?

The Epiclesis

February 13th, 2022 – What is ‘doxology’ and when does it occur in Mass?

Doxology

February 6th, 2022 – Why do we fast one hour before Communion?

Communion Fast

January 30th, 2022 – What are the 5 chants in Mass?

The Chants

January 23rd, 2022 – What’s the difference between a Eucharistic Minister and a Communion Minister?

Eucharistic Minister / Communion Minister

January 16th, 2022 – When and why is incense used in Mass?

Incense

January 9th, 2022 – Why do our prayers begin with “In the name of the Father…”?

In The Name of the Father…

January 2nd, 2022 – What are the roles of an altar server?

The altar server

December 26th, 2021 – How does the priest prepare himself for Communion at Mass?

Priest prepares himself for Communion

December 19th, 2021 – When and why do we sit, stand and kneel at Mass?

Sit, stand and kneel

December 12th, 2021 – Why is singing so important at Mass?

Why is singing so important at Mass?

December 5th, 2021 – Why do we extend the sign of peace at Mass?

The Sign of Peace

November 28th, 2021 – When is this prayer prayed and what is its focus:  “Deliver us, Lord, from every evil”?

Deliver Us From Every Evil

November 21st, 2021 – When and what prayer is said, on our behalf, for eternal life? 

The Breaking of the Bread Prayer

November 14th, 2021 – At St. John Neumann church, where can we find a Redemptorist Cross and what does it represent?

The Redemptorist Cross

November 7th, 2021 – What is the full role of the cantor?

The Cantor

October 31st, 2021 – Why do we say “It is right and just”?

It is right and just

October 24th, 2021 – What is the Kyrie Eleison prayer and why do we sing (or say) it?

The Kyrie Eleison

October 17th, 2021 – What is the Liturgy of the Eucharist at Mass?

Liturgy of the Eucharist

October 10th, 2021 – What is the formal role of the Lector?

The Lector

October 3rd, 2021 – What is the Final Blessinga for and why is it so important?

The Final Blessing

September 26th, 2021 – Why is the Dismissal at Mass so important?

The Dismissal

September 19th, 2021 – When do we pray the Universal Prayer and what is its purpose?   

The Universal Prayer

September 12th, 2021 – What ingredients are in a Communion host and why?  

The Communion Host

September 5th, 2021 – How is sacramental wine different from other wines?  

Sacramental Wine

August 29nd, 2021 – What is the Sanctuary in a Catholic church and where is it?

The Sanctuary

August 15th, 2021 – Why and how do we fold our hands in prayer?

Our Hands In Prayer

August 8th, 2021 – When and why do we genuflect?

The Genuflection

August 1st, 2021 – When and why do we make a small cross on our forehead, lips and heart during Mass?

On my mind, my lips, my heart.

July 25th, 2021 – Before receiving Communion we pray, “Lord, I am not worthy…” where does this come from; why do we pray it?

Lord I Am Not Worthy

July 18th, 2021 – When do we hear “Behold the Lamb of God…” and where does it come from?

Behold the Lamb

July 11th, 2021 – What are the Monstrance and Luna; when are they used?

The Monstrance & Luna

July 4th, 2021 – What is the ‘Angelic Hymn’ that we sing (or say) at Mass?

The Angelic Hymn

June 27th, 2021 –  Why is there an opening procession and why should we witness it?

The Procession

June 20th, 2021 – Where can we find the Sacred Heart of Jesus in our church throughout the year?

Sacred Heart of Jesus

June 13th, 2021 – At every Mass, cloths are on the altar, why?

Altar Cloths

June 6th, 2021 – 

What was empty, now is full again. What is it?

The Holy Water Fonts

May 30th, 2021 – 

Where do we see a representation of the Holy Trinity at our St. John Neumann church?

The Holy Trinity at SJN church

May 23rd, 2021 – 

Where do we see the ‘Descent of the Holy Spirit’ every day at St. John Neumann church?

The Holy Spirit at SJN Church

May 16th, 2021 – 

What is a deacon and what does he do?

The Deacon

May 9th, 2021 – 

What are the Four Parts of Mass and what happens in each?

The Four Parts of Mass

May 2nd, 2021 – 

What is the Paschal Candle; When is it lit and where is it found in church?

The Paschal Candle

Apr. 25th, 2021 – When in Mass do we sing or say the Agnus Dei, Lamb of God, and what is its significance? 

The Agnus Dei

Apr. 18th, 2021 – What is the Sanctus; when and why does it occur in Mass?  

The Sanctus

Apr. 11th, 2021 – What is a paten and what is it used for? 

What is a paten and what is it used for? 

Apr. 4th, 2021 – What does the Altar signify and what is its purpose? 

What does the Altar signify and what is its purpose?

Mar. 28th, 2021 – Why do churches have a crucifix and not a cross?

Why do churches have a crucifix and not a cross?

Mar. 21st, 2021 – Why do priests drop a piece of host into the chalice?

Priest Drops Piece of Host into the Chalice / Click Here

Mar. 14th, 2021 – How do the Deacon’s vestments differ from the priest’s?

Deacon vs Priest Vestments / Click Here

Mar. 7th, 2021 – What are the various elements of priests’ vestments?

Elements of priests’ vestments / Click Here

Feb. 28th, 2021 – How did liturgical vestments get started and which one is the Chausable?

The Chausable / Click Here

Feb. 21st, 2021 – What is an Aspergillum and when is it used?

An Aspergillum / Click Here

Feb. 14th, 2021 – Why is the Lord’s prayer in Mass; when do we say it and why at that time?  Is it present in all forms of Mass? 

The Lord’s Prayer / Click Here

Feb. 7th, 2021 – What is the corporal; when and why is it used?

The Corporal / Click Here

Jan.  31st, 2021 – What is an ambo; when and why is it used?

The Ambo / Click Here

Jan. 24th, 2021 – When do we say the Responsorial Psalm and what is it’s purpose?

The Responsorial Psalm / Click Here

Jan. 17th, 2021 – What is the Presider’s Chair, what does it represent?

The Presider’s Chair / Click Here

Jan. 10th, 2021 – When do we say, “And with your spirit” and why?

And with your spirit / Click Here

Jan. 3rd, 2021 – What is a ciborium and when is it used?

The Ciborium / Click Here

Dec. 13th, 2020 – What is the Great Amen and when is it said?

The Great Amen / Click Here

Dec. 6th, 2020 – At Mass, what book are the readings and Gospel read from?

The Lectionary / Click Here

Nov. 29th, 2020 – What is the credence table used for and where is it?

The Credence Table / Click Here

Nov. 22nd, 2020 – When do we confess venial sins at Mass?

The Penitential Act / Click Here

Nov. 15th, 2020 – What is the Collect prayer and when is it prayed?

The Collect Prayer / Click Here

Nov. 8th, 2020 – What is the name of the book that is on the Altar during Mass.  Why is it there?

The book that is on the Altar / Click Here

Nov. 1st, 2020 – When do we say “the Mystery of Faith”; Why do we say it?

“The Mystery of Faith” / Click Here

Oct. 25th, 2020 – When and why does the priest or deacon sign himself with the cross at Mass?

Priest/Deacon Signing Himself At Mass / Click Here

Oct. 18th, 2020 – Are there candles at or near the altar during Mass; why? 

Candles at the Altar / Click Here

October 11th, 2020 – When do we hear the prayer that begins “Holy, Holy”?  What does it mean?  Holy, Holy, Holy / CLICK HERE

Oct. 4th, 2020 – What are cruets used for and when are they used in Mass?   CLICK HERE/Cruets at Mass 

Sept. 27th, 2020 – What colors can the priest and deacon’s vestments be? Why these colors? What color do you see today & why?  CLICK HERE/Vestment Colors

Sept. 20th, 2020 – What is a purificator and when is it used in Mass?  CLICK HERE/The Purificator

Sept 13th, 2020 – Where do we see the hand of God during Mass at St. John Neumann Church? CLICK HERE/The Hand of God

Sept 6th, 2020 –  Where do we see the initials “INRI” and what do they mean?  CLICK HERE/I N R I

Aug 30th, 2020 – What is the chalice, when is it used and why?  CLICK HERE/Chalice 

Aug 23rd, 2020 –  When are bells rung during Mass?  Why are they rung?  CLICK HERE/Bells  

Aug 16th, 2020 –  Where is the Tabernacle & what is it for?  CLICK HERE/Tabernacle 

Aug 9th, 2020 – When is water used during Mass?  Do you know why?  CLICK HERE/Water at Mass 

Aug 2nd, 2020 – When do we see bread during Mass and when does it become the Real Presence of Jesus?  CLICK HERE/Bread at Mass  

July 26th, 2020 – Where is the red candle in the St. John Neumann church sanctuary?  (What is it and what does it signify?)  CLICK HERE/The Sanctuary Lamp  

July 19th, 2020 – How many kisses in Mass and what is being kissed?  CLICK HERE/Kisses at Mass 

April 23rd, 2023 – When do we hear “Behold the Lamb of God…” and where does it come from?

Behold the Lamb