Catholics say the word “Amen” (or “Ah-men”) a lot. We say it at the end of prayers, often after we make the sign of the cross, and when we receive communion. In the mass, there is one ‘Amen’ that we call the Great Amen. This is usually sung together by the congregation at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer.

The priest elevates the host and the chalice and says or sings, “Through Him, and with Him, and in Him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, forever and ever.” And the congregation responds with the Great Amen.

Amen is one of just two Hebrew words that we still use in the Mass. (The other being ‘Alleluia.’) The word has a number of different meanings. Jesus often said, “Amen, amen, I say to you…” In this case, it means “truly.” When we receive the Body of Christ, we say “Amen” to mean “I believe.” And in the Great Amen, it takes on the added meaning of “Yes!”

The ancient Jews used “Amen” when they sure an oath. It was not used flippantly or taken lightly. And so it should be for Catholics, as in the Great Amen, we give it all its nuanced meanings.

“Yes! Truly, I believe!”