The first part of the service is designated the Word of God. It usually  includes the entrance rite, the lessons and gradual psalm, the gospel,  the sermon, the Nicene Creed, the prayers of the people, the confession  of sin and absolution, and the peace. The second portion of the service  is designated the Holy Communion. It includes the offertory, the  consecration of the bread and wine in the Great Thanksgiving, the  communion of the people, and the concluding prayers of thanksgiving and  dismissal. A blessing may be given prior to the dismissal.