SPRINGVALE — A “teaching Mass” to offer explanations about what is happening during the different sections of a Catholic Mass will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 13 at Notre Dame Church, 10 Payne St. in Springvale.

The teaching Mass will be an actual Mass, celebrated by The Rev. Jack Dickinson, judicial vicar for the Diocese of Portland and parochial vicar of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish (Holy Family Church, Sanford; Notre Dame Church, Springvale) and St. Matthew Parish in Limerick.

“At the beginning of each part of the Mass, I will provide short explanations of the meaning behind the words and actions in which we participate,” Dickinson said. “I hope this will allow various Catholics to grow in their love for the Mass.”

Offering the teaching Mass stems from a recently concluded adult faith formation series at the parish based on “The Mass,” a video series hosted by Bishop Robert E. Barron.

“During the course of the series, Bishop Barron emphasizes the key idea that the Mass is the most privileged encounter we can have with God on Earth,” Dickinson said. “I decided to hold a ‘teaching Mass’ to expose more people to this great encounter with God at the Mass.”

The Mass aims to help participants not just “go through the motions” each Sunday.

“Every aspect of the Mass from the sign of the cross to the readings and homily to the Eucharist, even the collection, participate in their own way in this encounter with God,” Dickinson said.

All are welcome attend.

“The evening will help us to see how God is working at the Mass and how we are called to respond,” Dickinson said.

For more information about the teaching Mass, call St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish at 324-2420.