Hey Deacon!

Two weeks ago, I attended the funeral service of a very dear friend of our Forsyth parish and a friend to many throughout southwestern Missouri, Arliss Stillings.  Arliss wasn’t Catholic in the sense of professing our Catholic Creed, but he was a catholic child-of-God in the way he lived out the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Arliss’ funeral service was held at the First Baptist Church in Forsyth. It was a beautiful testimony of his love for Jesus, his wife Linda, his family and friends, and the many lives he touched.

The ecumenical experience caused me to reflect upon some of the subtle and not so subtle differences between the Catholic Mass and a Protestant worship service – a topic that is discussed early on in the O.C.I.A. inquiry sessions.  With this in mind, I offer the following refresher on some of the key differences.

The Heart of Worship: The Eucharist versus the Sermon

At the heart of the Catholic Mass is the Eucharist, which the Church teaches is the real presence of Christ -- His body, blood, soul, and divinity. The Mass is a sacrificial offering, the re-presentation of Christ’s one sacrifice on Calvary in an unbloody manner. Everything in the liturgy, readings, prayers, music, gestures, leads toward the consecration and reception of the Eucharist. Because of this, the Mass follows a universal, structured liturgy found in the Roman Missal. Whether in Missouri or Manila, the order of the Mass is essentially the same, emphasizing continuity with the early Church and the unity of Catholics worldwide.

Most Protestant services, by contrast, center on the proclamation of Scripture through preaching. While many Protestant communities celebrate Communion, it is usually understood symbolically or as a memorial rather than a sacrament that confers grace. The frequency varies widely: some celebrate weekly, others monthly or only on special occasions. The service structure also varies greatly. Lutherans and Anglicans retain a more structured form of worship. Many other Protestant denominations, especially evangelical or non-denominational churches, use a flexible format shaped by the pastor and local congregation.

Scripture plays a central role in both the Catholic Mass and Protestant service, but in different ways. Catholics follow a fixed lectionary that cycles through much of the Bible over three years, ensuring a broad exposure to Scripture within the context of the liturgy. Protestant pastors often choose readings based on sermon series or themes, allowing for topical or explanatory preaching. Personal Bible study is emphasized strongly in many Protestant communities.

Leadership also differs. A Catholic Mass must be celebrated by an ordained priest who stands in apostolic succession and acts in persona Christi during the Eucharistic Prayer. Protestant leadership structures vary widely: pastors, ministers, elders, or even lay leaders may preside over worship, depending on the denomination. Most Protestant traditions do not claim apostolic succession in the Catholic sense.

Music and worship style reflects theological differences. Catholic music is meant to support the liturgy rather than dominate it, with chant, hymns, and sacred music traditionally preferred. Many Protestant services place a strong emphasis on congregational singing, often using contemporary worship bands, praise music, and extended musical sets.

Finally, Communion practices differ. Catholics reserve the Eucharist for those in full communion with the Church and in a state of grace. Many Protestant communities practice open communion, inviting all baptized Christians or sometimes all attendees to participate.

Despite these differences, both traditions seek to honor Christ and nourish the faith of believers. Understanding these distinctions helps foster deeper respect and more fruitful dialogue between Christians of all backgrounds.