How did the Catholic Mass originate?
The form of the Catholic Mass dates from the early church. Here’s a description of Christian worship from the First Apology of Justin Martyr (c. 150 AD). You will note its obvious similarity to the Mass. Sorry for the long post, but it’s well worth reading: CHAPTER LXV — ADMINISTRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS. But we, after we have thus washed him who has been convinced and has assented to our teaching, bring him to the place where those who are called brethren are assembled, in order that we may offer hearty prayers in common for ourselves and for the baptized [illuminated] person, and for all others in every place, that we may be counted worthy, now that we have learned the truth, by our works also to be found good citizens and keepers of the commandments, so that we may be saved with an everlasting salvation. Having ended the prayers, we salute one another with a kiss. There is then brought to the president of the brethren bread and a cup of wine mixed with water; and he taking them, giv
