What Happens at Mass for Kids? (Explained with a LEGO Build)
In this Juice Box episode, kids learn what happens at Mass step by step through a LEGO build, so families can understand the parts of Mass, what the church items are for, and what the biggest “main moment” really is. Mass is a special time when Catholics gather with a priest to worship God, pray together, listen to God’s Word, and celebrate the Eucharist.
What Happens at Mass for Kids?
Mass is a special time when Catholics gather to worship God, pray together, and listen to God’s Word. It can feel like “a lot,” but the good news is: Mass has a clear pattern you can learn.
This episode uses a LEGO build to explain mass for kids. There are four main “moments” you can recognize: the Introductory Rites, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Concluding Rites. (For kids, these help you follow along, like a map.)
Along the way, kids learn what key church items are and why they matter, like the altar and the tabernacle (where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved).
For kids, this makes Mass feel less confusing and more meaningful: you’re not just “sitting still”, you’re joining Jesus, learning His story, and receiving His greatest gift. And when the Eucharist is celebrated, it is the sacrificial memorial of the Cross and the sacred banquet where Catholics receive communion with the Lord’s Body and Blood.
Key Takeaways
- Mass has a clear rhythm: Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, and Concluding Rites, so it’s not random; it has a pattern you can learn.
- We begin with prayers and mercy, because we’re showing who we belong to and getting our hearts ready.
- In the Liturgy of the Word, we listen to Scripture and a homily, then we respond as a believing Church.
- In the Liturgy of the Eucharist, bread and wine are brought forward, and the Eucharist is celebrated. This is when Catholics believe the Eucharistic sacrifice is offered, a sacrificial memorial of the Cross, and a sacred banquet of communion.
- The main moment of Mass is not “just a ritual”, it’s the Eucharist, where the Lord gives Himself to bring us into deep union with Christ through communion.
- The Mass ends with sending forth (mission): we receive a final blessing and are sent to live out God’s will in everyday life.
- The moral is simple: Mass is God’s gift to us. When we learn what’s happening, we can pray with our whole heart instead of just watching the clock.
Episode Summary
Dilly kicks off a hands-on lesson: if Mass feels confusing, let’s build it. Using LEGO, kids get a clear map of what happens at Mass and what all the important “church stuff” is actually for.
The episode walks through the first part, the Introductory Rites: we begin with the Sign of the Cross and prayers, and we ask God for mercy so we can come to Him with open hearts. Then it moves into the Liturgy of the Word: kids learn about readings from the Bible, the Gospel, and the homily, plus where those readings are proclaimed (the ambo).
Next comes the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the part where something truly amazing happens. Bread and wine are brought forward, and the Eucharist is celebrated. Catholics believe that this Eucharistic celebration is the sacrificial memorial in which the sacrifice of the Cross is perpetuated, and it is also the sacred banquet of communion where we receive the Lord’s Body and Blood.
Then the episode explains Holy Communion and introduces important items like the altar and the tabernacle. The tabernacle is where the Most Holy Eucharist is reserved, and it is treated with great reverence.
Finally, the Concluding Rites wrap it up: we receive a final blessing and get sent out to live what we just celebrated. Mass concludes with the sending forth of the faithful, so we can fulfill God’s will in daily life.
Episode Highlights
Transcript
[00:00:01 --> 00:00:02] My name is Dilly,
[00:00:02 --> 00:00:05] and today we're building some of the most important things
[00:00:05 --> 00:00:08] that have to do with the Mass out of Lego.
[00:00:08 --> 00:00:10] I'll tell you what all these things are
[00:00:10 --> 00:00:12] and what they're used for.
[00:00:12 --> 00:00:14] There's a lot that happens during mass,
[00:00:14 --> 00:00:15] and it can get confusing.
[00:00:15 --> 00:00:18] Let's build and learn about it together.
[00:00:18 --> 00:00:19] Let's go!
[00:00:19 --> 00:00:22] Juice Box. (child laughing)
[00:00:22 --> 00:00:24] Today we're building a Lego
[00:00:24 --> 00:00:26] to help us understand the Catholic Mass.
[00:00:26 --> 00:00:30] Mass is a special ceremony led by a priest
[00:00:30 --> 00:00:32] where Catholics come together to worship God
[00:00:32 --> 00:00:34] and celebrate our faith.
[00:00:34 --> 00:00:37] The mass has four important parts.
[00:00:37 --> 00:00:38] Let's talk about all of them.
[00:00:38 --> 00:00:42] The first part is called the introductory rites.
[00:00:42 --> 00:00:44] We start with the sign of the cross.
[00:00:44 --> 00:00:47] This professes our faith in the Trinity.
[00:00:47 --> 00:00:50] We remember our sins and ask God for his mercy
[00:00:50 --> 00:00:52] in the penitential act.
[00:00:52 --> 00:00:56] Then we sing Gloria and ask God to hear our prayers.
[00:00:56 --> 00:00:58] A lot happens in this first part.
[00:00:58 --> 00:01:01] This little table is the credence table.
[00:01:01 --> 00:01:03] It has a lot of the things that the priest needs
[00:01:03 --> 00:01:06] for the Eucharistic celebration, like the bread and wine,
[00:01:06 --> 00:01:09] a bowl of water and a towel to wash his hands,
[00:01:09 --> 00:01:12] or cruets that hold important liquids.
[00:01:13 --> 00:01:14] The second part of the mass
[00:01:14 --> 00:01:17] is called the liturgy of the word.
[00:01:17 --> 00:01:20] During this part, we listen to stories and teachings
[00:01:20 --> 00:01:21] from the Bible.
[00:01:21 --> 00:01:23] This is the ambo.
[00:01:23 --> 00:01:26] It is the stand used for readings and homilies.
[00:01:27 --> 00:01:31] The priest or lector will first read from the Old Testament
[00:01:31 --> 00:01:35] which tells us about the time before Jesus was born.
[00:01:35 --> 00:01:37] Then we respond to God's word
[00:01:37 --> 00:01:40] by singing special hymns called Psalms.
[00:01:40 --> 00:01:43] The second reading is from the New Testament,
[00:01:43 --> 00:01:46] and then the third reading, which is called the Gospel
[00:01:46 --> 00:01:48] is also from the New Testament.
[00:01:48 --> 00:01:51] These readings tell us about Jesus and his teachings.
[00:01:51 --> 00:01:54] After the readings, the priest gives a homily
[00:01:54 --> 00:01:57] or a short talk to help us understand the readings better.
[00:01:57 --> 00:02:01] This is the presider's chair also called the sedilia.
[00:02:01 --> 00:02:05] It's the special chair that the priest sits in during mass.
[00:02:05 --> 00:02:07] It's usually bigger and more comfortable
[00:02:07 --> 00:02:09] than the other chairs, so that the priest can focus
[00:02:09 --> 00:02:12] on the important prayers of the mass.
[00:02:12 --> 00:02:15] It also lets everyone know that the priest is a leader.
[00:02:15 --> 00:02:17] The altar will have candles around it
[00:02:17 --> 00:02:19] to represent that Jesus is there
[00:02:19 --> 00:02:22] who is the light of the world.
[00:02:22 --> 00:02:25] After the homily, we proclaim our faith through the Creed.
[00:02:27 --> 00:02:29] Next comes the third part of the mass
[00:02:29 --> 00:02:31] called the liturgy of the Eucharist.
[00:02:31 --> 00:02:35] This is when something really special happens.
[00:02:35 --> 00:02:39] The gifts of bread and wine are brought up to the altar.
[00:02:39 --> 00:02:43] It is usually a big sturdy table made of wood or stone.
[00:02:43 --> 00:02:45] It is located at the front of the church,
[00:02:45 --> 00:02:48] and it is where all the important things during mass happen,
[00:02:48 --> 00:02:50] like holy communion.
[00:02:50 --> 00:02:53] The priest then takes the bread and the wine
[00:02:53 --> 00:02:55] and through special prayers and gestures,
[00:02:55 --> 00:02:58] they become the body and blood of Jesus.
[00:02:58 --> 00:03:01] This is called the consecration of the Eucharist.
[00:03:01 --> 00:03:05] Did you know that inside many altar stones there is a relic?
[00:03:05 --> 00:03:08] A relic is an object that is part of a saint
[00:03:08 --> 00:03:12] like a bone or hair or maybe a piece of their clothing.
[00:03:12 --> 00:03:14] Having a relic in the altar reminds us
[00:03:14 --> 00:03:17] of the holy people who have lived
[00:03:17 --> 00:03:19] and dedicated their lives to God.
[00:03:19 --> 00:03:21] We believe that Jesus is really present
[00:03:21 --> 00:03:24] in a special way in the bread and the wine,
[00:03:24 --> 00:03:27] so it's like we're having a special meal with Jesus himself.
[00:03:28 --> 00:03:31] This is the most important part of the mass,
[00:03:31 --> 00:03:33] and the whole reason that we go,
[00:03:33 --> 00:03:38] to witness this amazing miracle and gift that Jesus gave us.
[00:03:38 --> 00:03:41] After the consecration, we receive holy communion.
[00:03:41 --> 00:03:43] That's where we stand in line
[00:03:43 --> 00:03:45] and get to eat the consecrated bread
[00:03:45 --> 00:03:48] and sometimes wine if you're able to.
[00:03:48 --> 00:03:51] It is a way for us to be spiritually united with Jesus
[00:03:51 --> 00:03:54] and all the other Catholics of the world
[00:03:54 --> 00:03:56] and to remember God's love for us.
[00:03:56 --> 00:03:58] Before we receive communion,
[00:03:58 --> 00:04:00] we say the "Our Father" all together.
[00:04:00 --> 00:04:03] You probably know that one, and the priest blesses us.
[00:04:04 --> 00:04:06] This is the tabernacle.
[00:04:06 --> 00:04:08] It is where the blessed sacrament is kept.
[00:04:08 --> 00:04:11] That's the bread and the wine used during the mass
[00:04:11 --> 00:04:14] that become the body and blood of Jesus.
[00:04:14 --> 00:04:17] The tabernacle is usually located in a prominent place
[00:04:17 --> 00:04:20] inside the church like on the main altar.
[00:04:20 --> 00:04:23] It is often decorated with candles
[00:04:23 --> 00:04:26] and made out of gold or silver and other beautiful things
[00:04:26 --> 00:04:30] to show respect and reverence for the presence of Jesus.
[00:04:30 --> 00:04:31] It looks like a small cabinet
[00:04:31 --> 00:04:34] with a door that can open and close.
[00:04:34 --> 00:04:36] Next to the tabernacle is a red candle
[00:04:36 --> 00:04:38] called the sanctuary candle.
[00:04:38 --> 00:04:41] When it is lit, that means that the blessed sacrament
[00:04:41 --> 00:04:42] is inside the tabernacle.
[00:04:42 --> 00:04:46] The last part of mass is called the concluding rights.
[00:04:46 --> 00:04:48] This is where everyone receives a final blessing,
[00:04:48 --> 00:04:50] and the priest dismisses us.
[00:04:50 --> 00:04:52] The priest will wear different colored vestments
[00:04:52 --> 00:04:56] during the mass, which are called chasubles.
[00:04:56 --> 00:04:58] The different colors have specific meanings
[00:04:58 --> 00:05:01] and tell us if it's an important church holiday.
[00:05:01 --> 00:05:04] Let's set up for mass with all the things that we built.
[00:05:05 --> 00:05:08] (upbeat music)
[00:05:10 --> 00:05:14] Wow, a lot happens during mass, but it's all so important,
[00:05:14 --> 00:05:16] and it's the way God wants us to worship him.
[00:05:18 --> 00:05:21] It might feel like it takes a really long time,
[00:05:21 --> 00:05:23] but we do it as a special gift for God.
[00:05:25 --> 00:05:27] (upbeat music)
[00:05:57 --> 00:06:00] Green is worn during ordinary time.
[00:06:00 --> 00:06:03] Red is worn on occasions like Good Friday and Pentecost
[00:06:03 --> 00:06:06] which represents the Holy Spirit
[00:06:06 --> 00:06:09] and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
[00:06:09 --> 00:06:12] Purple is worn during advent and Lent
[00:06:12 --> 00:06:15] which are times of reflection, repentance and preparation.
[00:06:15 --> 00:06:18] White is worn during Christmas and Easter
[00:06:18 --> 00:06:19] and other joyful feast days.
[00:06:20 --> 00:06:23] (upbeat music)
[00:06:47 --> 00:06:49] I learned so much about the mass today.
[00:06:49 --> 00:06:52] Next time you go to church, try to sit up close
[00:06:52 --> 00:06:55] and see if you could remember all the things we built today,
[00:06:55 --> 00:06:56] what they're called
[00:06:56 --> 00:06:58] and what we use them for during the mass.
[00:06:58 --> 00:07:00] I can't wait to see you next time, friends.
[00:07:00 --> 00:07:01] Bye.
[00:07:01 --> 00:07:05] Juice Box. (child laughing)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens at Mass for kids, step by step?
Mass follows a clear pattern that’s easy to learn. For kids, it helps to think of Mass in four main “moments”: the Introductory Rites, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Concluding Rites.
What is the most important part of Mass?
The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the most important part, especially the Eucharistic sacrifice. In it, Catholics believe the sacrifice of the Cross is made present as a sacrificial memorial, and we receive communion in the Lord’s Body and Blood.
What is Mass supposed to teach us?
Mass teaches kids how to worship God, listen to His Word, and receive Jesus in the Eucharist. It also teaches that Mass ends with being sent, so we go out to live God’s will in everyday life.
How does a LEGO Mass build help kids understand Mass?
A LEGO build helps kids remember what they can see and recognize. It turns church objects into something familiar, so kids can recognize them at church and understand what’s happening during Mass.
What are the altar and tabernacle?
- The altar is where the Eucharist is celebrated.
- The tabernacle is where the Most Holy Eucharist is reserved.
If your kids asked a big faith question this week, you’re not alone. Subscribe so you’ve always got a short, safe, Catholic video ready for car rides, bedtime, or Sunday prep.
Free Mass Worksheet for Kids
Help your child feel brave and ready for Confession with this fun, kid-friendly worksheet! It includes fill-in-the-blanks, a coloring activity, a simple prayer guide, a step-by-step guide to Confession, and even a fun maze to keep things light while they learn.
What's Inside:
Fill-in-the-blanks About Confession
Coloring Activity: What Is Confession
Prayer Guides
Step-by-Step Confession Guide
Fun Maze To Go Through
Perfect to use while watching the companion Juice Box video
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