Mass (liturgy)

===Liturgy of the Word===
On Sundays and solemnities, three Scripture readings are given. On other days there are only two. If there are three readings, the first is from the [[Old Testament]] (a term wider than "[[Hebrew Scriptures]]", since it includes the [[Deuterocanonical Books]]), or the [[Acts of the Apostles]] during [[Eastertide]]. The first reading is followed by a psalm, recited or sung responsorially. The second reading is from the [[New Testament]] epistles, typically from one of the [[Pauline epistles]]. A Gospel acclamation is then sung as the Book of the Gospels is processed, sometimes with incense and candles, to the ambo; if not sung it may be omitted. The final reading and high point of the Liturgy of the Word is the proclamation of the [[Gospel]] by the deacon or priest. On all Sundays and [[Holy Days of Obligation]], and preferably at all Masses, a [[homily]] or [[Sermon (oration)|sermon]] that draws upon some aspect of the readings or the liturgy itself, is then given.<ref>GIRM, paragraph 66</ref> The homily is preferably moral and hortatory.<ref name="Catholic Definitions">{{cite web|title=Homily|url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07448a.htm|publisher=The Catholic Encyclopedia (1910)}}</ref> Finally, the [[Nicene Creed]] or, especially from Easter to [[Pentecost]], the [[Apostles' Creed]] is professed on Sundays and solemnities,<ref>GIRM, paragraph 68</ref> and the Universal Prayer or Prayer of the Faithful follows.<ref>GIRM, paragraph 69</ref> The designation "of the faithful" comes from when [[catechumens]] did not remain for this prayer or for what follows.