massajärjestys

Massajärjestys, literally the order of the Mass, refers to the prescribed sequence and accompanying texts used in the celebration of the Christian Mass in churches that use the Mass as their central act of worship. The term is used in Finnish (and related languages) to describe how a Mass is planned and performed, and it may be called differently in other traditions (for example mässordning in Swedish contexts). The Mass order is defined to ensure a coherent liturgy across feasts, seasons and rites.

In most Western liturgies, the Mass order is divided into four broad parts: Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, and Concluding Rites. The Introductory Rites welcome the assembly and set the tone; the Liturgy of the Word proclaims Scripture and provides a homily or reflection; the Liturgy of the Eucharist centers on the thanksgiving and consecration; and the Concluding Rites send the faithful forth. Within the Liturgy of the Eucharist, texts are categorized as the Mass Ordinary—texts that are constant from celebration to celebration—and the Mass Proper, which changes with the feast or liturgical season. The Missal or equivalent liturgical book provides rubrics and options that guide the precise sequence.

Variations occur between rites (for example Roman, Byzantine) and between denominations (Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican), as well as by country or local adaptation. In Lutheran and some Anglican usages, a comparable structure is maintained under different terminology and rubrics. Massajärjestys thus serves to ensure theological coherence, liturgical participation, and musical planning within the worshipping community.