Order of The Mass
Order of The Mass
``Where the Bishop is, there let the multitude of believers be;
even as where Jesus is, there is the Catholic Church'' Ignatius of Antioch, 1st c. A.D
Note: to watch a video of the traditional Mass, see this page
Just so you'll know how to budget your time, the Mass outlined below is a High Mass -- the sort of Mass that is usually
offered each Sunday. If it is sung with a Deacon or Sub-deacon, it is also called a "Solemn Mass"; if it is sung without
the help of a Deacon and Sub-deacon, it is also called a "Sung Mass" or "Missa Cantata." A High Mass typically lasts for
1.5 to 2 hours.
A Low Mass is not sung, but is recited, and can seem very, very plain to the senses in comparison to the normative
Sunday Mass. It is usually heard during the week (the "daily Masses"), but sometimes one will see Low Masses on
Sundays. A Low Mass typically lasts around 45 min. to 1 hr.
Now you arrive at the church and enter the church building. First, look in the Narthex for parish bulletins, Missal
booklets, and papers which will have today's hymns and Propers. Some churches might not offer any or all of these
things, or may offer them inside the church itself. Some churches may provide headcoverings for women who don't have
their own (some priests might not offer the Eucharist to women whose heads are left bare).
Now you enter the nave area of the church and bless yourself with Holy Water, signing yourself with it as you recall your
Baptism. You find a pew and genuflect by it, facing the Tabernacle in the Sanctuary, before you take your seat. The choir
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begins to sing. The procession enters, with the thurifer (the boy bearing the incense) first, followed by the cross-bearer
(the boy carrying the Crucifix), two candle-bearers, and the priest...
Below is what happens next -- the Order of the Mass. Know, however, that you don't have to feel as though you must
memorize all the details of when to stand and kneel, etc; just follow what others do around you. Maybe the first few
times you go to a traditional Mass, you can sit towards the back so you'll have people in front of you whom you can
imitate. No one's going to point and stare if you accidentally sit instead of kneel; they probably wouldn't even notice.
Trust me, it all reads more complicated than it is in practice, and after a while, it will become second nature! And
whatever you do, pray along with the words in the Missal; pray the Mass with all your heart!
Another note: in some parishes and chapels, the parishioners might join with the choir or servers and read or chant the
responses; in others, the choir or servers will handle that by themselves. Just follow the lead of others around you, and
if, in the former case, you are not comfortable with reading or chanting in Latin, that is fine! Please don't feel compelled
to vocally join in -- but, as always, do pray the words mentally.
Key:
P Priest will say these words. If neither a P nor an S appears before the text, the words are spoken
by the priest.
S Server or choir will speak/sing these words. In most traditional Masses, the server or choir speaks
for the parishioners. Some priests prefer that the people say these words, too (thereby making the
Mass a "dialogue Mass"). Follow your priest's instructions and just watch the people arond you.
words in red instructions concerning your gestures and postures. Note that in addition to the gestures and
postures in red, one is to bow the head ANY TIME (inside or outside of Mass) the Name "Jesus" is
mentioned (and men remove their hats when doing so outside of Mass). This would include during
the Epistle and Gospel readings, and during the homily if the priest were to mention His Name.
+ the priest makes the Sign of the Cross (he will make the Sign 52 times)
Grey boxes notes on what the priest is doing or general information about the part of the Mass in question
when you see the word "Proper," this means that the text for this part of the Mass changes from
Mass to Mass. When following along, find the page of your Missal (or the handout some churches
have) for the text to this Mass's Propers
As the priest enters and walks down the aisle toward the Altar, bow your head or make a profound bow toward him.
The Aspérges
Aspérges Me (during the year) or Vidi Aquam (during Paschaltide)
The priest, wearing a cope, blesses the Altar, himself, the servers, and the people with Holy Water. We beg God's mercy (or,
during Paschaltide, we praise His mercy) and asks Him to send our church's Guardian Angel to protect us.
Stand. Make a profound bow and cross yourself as the priest passes
by and blesses the people of your pew with holy water.
Aspérges me. Dómine, hyssópo, et mundábor: lavábis me, et Thou shalt sprinkle me, O Lord, with hyssop, and I shall be
super nivem dealbábor. cleansed; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall become whiter
than snow.
P.Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. P.Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Here, at the mention of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost together, the priest will pause in his blessing of the people.
S.Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula S.As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world
sæculórum. Amen. without end. Amen.
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Aspérges me. Dómine, hyssópo, et mundábor: lavábis me, et Thou shalt sprinkle me, O Lord, with hyssop, and I shall be
super nivem dealbábor. cleansed; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall become whiter
than snow.
Vidi aquam egrediéntem de templo, a látere dextro, allelúia: I saw water flowing from the right side of the temple, alleluia;
et omnes ad quos pervénit aqua ista salvi facti sunt et dicent: and all they to whom that water came were saved, and they
allelúia, allelúia. shall say, alleluia, alleluia.
Confitémini Dómino, quóniam bonus: quóniam in sæculum Praise the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth
misericórdia ejus. forever. [Psalm 117].
P.Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. P.Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
S.Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula S.As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world
sæculórum. Amen. without end. Amen.
Vidi aquam egrediéntem de templo, a látere dextro, allelúia: I saw water flowing from the right side of the temple, alleluia;
et omnes ad quos pervénit aqua ista salvi facti sunt et dicent: and all they to whom that water came were saved, and they
allelúia, allelúia. shall say, alleluia, alleluia.
After either the Aspérges or the Vidi Aquam, the priest returns to the foot of the Altar
Osténde nobis, Dómine, misericórdiam tuam. Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy.
S.Et clamor meus ad te véniat. S.And let my cry come unto Thee.
Exáudi nos, Dómine sancte, Pater omnípotens, ætérne Deus, Hear us, O holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, and
et míttere dignéris sanctum Angelum tuum de cælis, qui vouchsafe to send Thy holy Angel from heaven, to guard,
custódiat, fóveat, prótegat, vísitet, atque deféndat omnes cherish, protect, visit and defend all that are assembled in
habitántes in hoc habitáculo. Per Christum Dóminum this place: Through Christ our Lord.
nostrum.
S. Amen S. Amen
The Mass is in two main parts: The Mass of the Catechumens and the Mass of the Faithful. The Mass of the Catechumens is
that first part of the Mass which centers around penance and the Word and is meant to instruct. In the early Church, the
uninitiated and unbaptized were allowed to attend only that part of the Mass and had to leave before the Mass of the Faithful,
which centers around the Sacrifice, began.
Sit while the priest vests for Mass, replacing his cope with a chasuble
Stand
The priest genuflects at the foot of the Altar and recites the "Júdica Me," a part of Psalm 42 written by an Israelite priest 800
years before our Lord was born and which speaks of his yearning to worship on the holy hill of Jerusalem. The Júdica Me is
omitted from Passion Sunday to Holy Saturday inclusive and in Masses for the Dead.
Then he will say the Confiteor, confessing and begging God's forgiveness for his sins. The server, speaking for the people --
the unordained royal priesthood -- then says the Confiteor on our behalf as we mentally accuse ourselves of our sins and ask
the Saints to pray for us. The priest then absolves us (this does not obviate private Confession).
Kneel
In nómine Patris, et Fílii, + et Spíritus Sancti. Amen. In the Name of the Father, + and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen.
Introíbo ad altáre Dei. S.Ad Deum qui lætíficat juventútem I will go in unto the Altar of God. S.To God, Who giveth joy to
meam. my youth.
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Júdica me, Deus, et discérne causam meam de gente non Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation
sancta: ab hómine iníquo, et dolóso érue me. that is not holy: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man.
S.Quia tu es, Deus, fortitúdo mea: quare me repulísti, et S.For Thou, O God, art my strength: why hast Thou cast me
quare tristis incédo, dum afflígit me inimícus? off? and why do I go sorrowful whilst the enemy afflictech
me?
P.Emítte lucem tuam, et veritátem tuam: ipsa me deduxérunt, P.Send forth Thy light and Thy truth: they have led me and
et aduxérunt in montem sanctum tuum, et in tabernácula tua. brought me unto Thy holy hill, and into Thy tabernacles.
S.Et introíbo ad altáre Dei: ad Deum qui lætíficat juventútem S.And I will go in unto the Altar of God: unto God, Who giveth
meam. joy to my youth.
P.Confitébor tibi in cíthara, Deus, Deus meus: quare tristis es, P.I will praise Thee upon the harp, O God, my God: why art
ánima mea, et quare contúrbas me? thou sad, O my soul? and why dost thou disquiet me?
S.Spera in Deo, quóniam adhuc confitébor illi: salutáre vultus S.Hope thou in God, for I will yet praise Him: Who is the
mei, et Deus meus. salvation of my countenance, and my God.
P.Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. P.Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
S.Sicut erat in princípio et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula S.As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world
sæculórum. Amen. without end. Amen.
S.Ad Deum qui lætíficat juventútem meam. S.Unto God, Who giveth joy to my youth.
Adjutórium nostrum + in nómine Dómini. Our help + is in the Name of the Lord.
S.Qui fecit cælum et terram. S.Who hath made heaven and earth.
The priest enters the Throne Room of God. He humbles himself and makes a public confession, bowing down to say the
Confiteor for his own sins:
Confíteor Deo omnipoténti, beátæ Maríæ semper Vírgini, I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to
beáto Michaéli Archángelo, beáto Joanni Baptístæ, sanctis blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist,
Apóstolis Petro et Paulo, ómnibus Sanctis, et vobis, fratres: to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to
quia peccávi nimis cogitatióne, verbo et ópere: He strikes his you, brethren, that I have sinned exceedingly, in thought,
breast three times mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa. word and deed: He strikes his breast three times through my
Ideo precor beátam Maríam semper Vírginem, beátum fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.
Michaélem Archángelum, beátum Joánnem Baptístam, Therefore I beseech blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed
sanctos Apóstolos Petrum et Paulum, omnes Sanctos, et vos, Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy
fratres, oráre pro me ad Dóminum Deum nostrum. Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Saints, and you, brethren, to
pray to the Lord our God for me.
S.Misereátur tui omnípotens Deus, et dimíssis peccátis tuis, S.May Almighty God have mercy upon you, forgive you your
perdúcat te ad vitam ætérnam. sins, and bring you to life everlasting. .
P.Amen. P.Amen
We enter the Throne Room of God and, standing before Him, accuse ourselves of our sins. The server says the Confiteor on
our behalf:
Confíteor Deo omnipoténti, beátæ Maríæ semper Vírgini, I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to
beáto Michaéli Archángelo, beáto Joanni Baptístæ, sanctis blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist,
Apóstolis Petro et Paulo, ómnibus Sanctis, et tibi, Pater: quia to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to
peccávi nimis cogitatióne, verbo et ópere: mea culpa [strike you Father, that I have sinned exceedingly, in thought, word
breast] , mea culpa [strike breast] , mea máxima culpa and deed: through my fault [strike breast], through my fault
[strike breast]. Ideo precor beátam Maríam semper [strike breast], through my most grievous fault [strike
Vírginem, beátum Michaélem Archángelum, beátum breast]. Therefore I beseech blessed Mary ever Virgin,
Joánnem Baptístam, sanctos Apóstolos Petrum et Paulum, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the
omnes Sanctos, et te, Pater, oráre pro me ad Dóminum holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Saints, and Thee Father,
Deum nostrum. to pray to the Lord our God for me.
The priest joins hands and grants us absolution of our venial sins:
P.Misereátur vestri omnípotens Deus, et dimíssis peccátis P.May Almighty God have mercy upon you, forgive you your
vestris, perdúcat vos ad vitam ætérnam. sins and bring you to life everlasting.
S. Amen. S. Amen.
P.Indulgéntiam +, [cross yourself] absolutiónem, et P.May the Almighty and merciful God grant us pardon +,
remissiónem peccatórum nostrórum tríbuat nobis omnípotens [cross yourself] absolution, and remission of our sins.
et miséricors Dóminus.
S.Amen. S.Amen.
Deus, tu convérsus vivificábis nos. Thou wilt turn, O God, and bring us to life.
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S.Et plebs tua lætábitur in te. S.And Thy people shall rejoice in Thee.
P.Osténde nobis, Dómine, misericórdiam tuam. P.Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy.
S.Et clamor meus ad te véniat. S.And let my cry come unto Thee.
P.Orémus. S.Amen.
[Aufer a nobis, quæsumus, Dómine, iniquitátes nostras: ut ad [Take away from us our iniquities, we entreat Thee, O Lord,
Sancta sanctórum puris mereámur méntibus introíre. Per that with pure minds we may worthily enter into the Holy of
Christum Dóminum nostrum. Amen.] Holies. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.]
[Orámus te, Dómine, per mérita Sanctórum tuórum...] [We beseech Thee, O Lord, by the merits of Thy Saints,
whose relics are here...]
Here, he bows and kisses the Altar where a Saint's relics are enclosed.
[...quorum relíquiæ hic sunt, et ómnium Sanctórum: ut [...and of all the Saints, that Thou wilt deign to pardon me all
indulgére dignéris ómnia peccáta mea. Amen.] my sins. Amen.]
At a high Mass the priest will bless the Altar after blessing the incense with these words:
[Ab ilio + benedicáris, in cujus honóre cremáberis. Amen.] [Be blessed + by Him in whose honour thou art burnt. Amen.]
Introit (Proper)
The Introit, along with the Collects, Epistle, Gradual, Gospel, Offertory, Secrets, Communion Verse, and Postcommunions
change from Mass to Mass depending on the Sunday or the Feast Day being celebrated. These parts of the Mass that
change are called the "Proper Prayers" or simply the "Propers." These prayers will be contained in your Missal. Some
churches print them out and make them available either in the pews or in the Narthex when you enter the church.
"Introit" means "Entrance" and it marks the time when the priest enters the sanctuary to begin Mass. The priest will go to the
Epistle Side of the Altar (the right side), make the Sign of the Cross and chant the verse from the Psalms which constitutes
today's Introit.
Kyrie
The Kyrie is the only part of the Mass that is in Greek. It is a prayer of mercy repeated 9 times, 3 each in honor first of the
Father Monarch, then of the Son, and then of the Holy Ghost, a symbol within a symbol of the Most Holy Trinity. The priest
moves to the middle of the Altar, joins his hands and says alternately with the server (or else the choir will sing) the following:
Gloria
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The Gloria, also known as the "hymnus angelicus," is the Church's greatest hymn of praise, adoration, and thanksgiving
addressed to each Person of the Most Holy Trinity. It begins with the words the angels sang when Jesus was born [Luke 2]. It
is omitted during Advent, Septuagesima, Lent, and for Masses for the Dead.
The priest stands at the middle of the Altar, extends and then joins his hands, makes a slight bow, and says:
Glória in excélsis Deo, et in terra pax homínibus bonæ Glory be to God on high. And on earth peace to men of good
voluntátis. Laudámus te. Benedícimus te. Adorámus te. will. We praise Thee. We bless Thee We adore Thee. We
Glorificámus te. Grátias ágimus tibi propter magnam glóriam glorify Thee. We give Thee thanks for Thy great glory. Lord
tuam. Dómine Deus, Rex cæléstis, Deus Pater omnípotens. God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. Lord Jesus
Dómine Fili unigénite, Jesu Christe [Bow head]. Dómine Christ [Bow head], Only-begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of
Deus, Agnus Dei, Fílius Patris. Qui tollis peccáta mundi, God, Son of the Father. Thou Who takest away the sins of the
miserére nobis. Qui tollis peccáta mundi, súscipe world have mercy on us. Thou who takest away the sins of
deprecatiónem nostram. Qui sedes ad déxteram Patris, the world, receive our prayer. Thou Who sittest at the right
miserére nobis. Quóniam tu solus Sanctus. Tu solus hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For Thou alone art
Dóminus. Tu solus Altíssimus, Jesu Christe [Bow head]. holy. Thou alone, O Jesus Christ [Bow head], art most high.
Cum Sancto Spíritu, + in glória Dei Patris. Amen. With the Holy Ghost, + in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The priest kisses the Altar and, turning toward the people, says:
The Collect is the "collected prayers" of petition for all of the faithful at Mass. They are recited in honor of a Saint or Mystery of
the day or for specific Mass intentions. Sometimes more than one Collect is prayed (but never more than three). At the end of
this prayer, the server responds:
S.Amen S.Amen
Sit
The Epistle is a Bible reading, usually taken from one of the Pauline letters, but often from those from another Apostle or even
from the Old Testament. After the reading, the server responds:.
The Gradual consists of a short thanksgiving verse(s), usually from a Psalm, that relates to the Epistle reading. The Gradual
is so called because it used to be intoned by a cantor standing on the steps of the pulpit or altar.
The Gradual is followed by the joyous Alleluia acclamation. In times of penance, a "Tract" -- i.e., a Psalm or part of a Psalm --
replaces the Alleluia.
After the Gradual and Alleluia, the Missal is moved to the Gospel side (the left side) of the Altar to symbolize the passing of
Faith from the Jews to the Gentiles. The priest then returns to the middle of the Altar and bows with his hands joined. He then
says the Munda Cor Meum:
Munda cor meum ac lábia mea, omnípotens Deus, qui lábia Cleanse my heart and my lips, O Almighty God, Who didst
Isaíæ Prophétæ cálculo mundásti igníto: ita me tua grata cleanse the lips of the prophet Isaias with a burning coal;
miseratióne dignáre mundáre, ut sanctum Evangélium tuum through Thy gracious mercy so purify me that I may worthily
digne váleam nuntiáre. Per Christum Dóminum nostrum. proclaim Thy holy Gospel. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Amen.
Jube, Dómine, benedícere. Dóminus sit in corde meo, et in Grant, O Lord, Thy blessing. May the Lord be in my heart and
lábiis meis: ut digne et competénter annúntiem Evangélium on my lips that I may worthily and fittingly proclaim His
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suum. Amen Gospel. Amen
Stand
Now the priest prepares to read to us from one of the Books written by either St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, or St. John.
As the priest says the following words, he signs the Book and then, with his thumb, makes 3 small Crosses on his forehead,
lips, and breast to signify keeping the Gospel in his mind, on his lips, and in his heart. The people make these signs with him.
[Sign forehead, lips and breast] Sequéntia sancti Evangélii [Sign forehead, lips and breast] The continuation of the
secúndum N.+ Holy Gospel according to N.+
The Gospel is read with the people still standing. When the reading is over, the server says:
Unless it is a Mass for the Dead, the priest kisses the Book. Then he says:
Per evangélica dicta, deleántur nostra delícta. By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.
Sermon
Sit
Some priests will now read the Epistle and Gospel in English at this point; others won't. Then the priest will now give a
sermon, usually having something to do with the Gospel reading.
Credo
Stand
The Credo -- the Nicene Creed -- is our public and solemn declaration of Faith. It was drawn up at the Councils of Nicaea
(A.D. 325) and Constantinople (A.D. 381).
In honor of the Incarnation, the incredible expression of God's love manifest in His taking on flesh in order to die for us and
become the perfect Sacrifice, we kneel at the words that describe His being born of the Virgin Mary.
Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipoténtem, factórem cæli I believe in one God, the Father Almighty Maker of heaven
et terræ, visibílium ómnium et invisibílium. Et in unum and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. and in one
Dóminum Jesum [Bow head] Christum, Fílium Dei Lord Jesus [Bow head] Christ, the Only-begotten Son of
unigénitum. Et ex Patre natum ante ómnia sæcula. Deum de God. Born of the Father before all ages. God of God, Light of
Deo, lumen de lúmine, Deum verum de Deo vero. Génitum, Light, true God of true God. Begotten, not made:
non factum, consubstantiálem Patri: per quem ómnia facta consubstantial with the Father; by Whom all things were
sunt. Qui propter nos hómines et propter nostram salútem made. Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down
descéndit de cælis from heaven.
[Kneel] [Kneel]
Et incarnátus est de Spíritu Sancto ex María Vírgine: Et homo And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary: and
factus est. was made man.
[Stand] [Stand]
Crucifíxus étiam pro nobis: sub Póntio Piláto passus, et He was crucified also for us, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
sepúltus est. Et resurréxit tértia die, secúndum Scriptúras. Et and was buried. And on the third day He rose again
ascéndit in cælum: sedet ad déxteram Patris. Et íterum according to the Scriptures. And He ascended into heaven,
ventúrus est cum glória judicáre vivos et mórtuos: cujus regni and sitteth at the right hand of the Father. And He shall come
non erit finis. again with glory to judge the living and the dead: of Whose
kingdom there shall be no end.
Et in Spíritum Sanctum, Dóminum et vivificántem: qui ex And in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life: Who
Patre, Filióque procédit. Qui cum Patre, et Fílio simul proceedeth from the Father and the Son. Who together with
adorátur [Bow head], et conglorifícatur: qui locútus est per the Father and the Son is adored [Bow head] and glorified:
Prophétas. Et unam, sanctam, cathólicam et apostólicam Who spoke through the Prophets. And in One, Holy, Catholic
Ecclésiam. Confíteor unum baptísma in remissiónem and Apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the
peccatorum. Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum. Et vitam remission of sins. And I look for the resurrection of the dead,
+ ventúri sæculi. Amen. and the life + of the world to come. Amen.
The Mass of the Catechumens is ended and now the Mass of the Faithful begins.
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I. The Offertory
The priest presents the bread and wine
Offertory Verse Offertory Prayers Lavabo
Prayer to the Holy Trinity Orate Fratres Secret Preface Sanctus
III. Communion
We receive the the Body of Christ
Pater Noster Breaking of the Sacred Host
Agnus Dei Prayers for Communion Communion
At this point, the offering basket is brought around by the ushers for us to place our financial gifts in. They will move from the
front of the church toward the back, away from the Altar.
Now the priest kisses the Altar, then turns to the people and says:
Stand
Offertory
Offertory Verse (Proper)
Sit
Offertory Prayers
The priest uncovers the chalice. Then he places the unconsecrated host on the paten, and offers it. "Host" comes from the
Latin "hostia," which means "victim." This bread must be a baked wheat bread with no flavorings, sugars, etc. -- only wheat
and water (in the Eastern ritual churches, leavening may be used, though this is not the oldest practice):
[Súscipe, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus, hanc [Accept, O Holy father, Almighty and Eternal God, this
immaculátam hóstiam, quam ego indígnus fámulus tuus spotless host, which I, Your unworthy servant, offer to You,
óffero tibi Deo meo vivo et vero, pro innumerabílibus my living and true God, to atone for my numberless sins,
peccátis, et offensiónibus, et negligéntiis meis, et pro offences, and negligences; on behalf of all here present and
ómnibus circumstántibus, sed et pro ómnibus fidélibus likewise for all faithful Christians living and dead, that it may
christiánis vivis atque defúunctis: ut mihi et illis profíciat ad profit me and them as a means of salvation to life everlasting.
salútem in vitam ætérnam. Amen.] Amen.]
He makes the Sign of the Cross with the paten and places it on the corporal. He goes to the right side of the Altar (the Epistle
side) and pours the wine into the chalice (only a true grape wine may be used). He blesses water (except in Masses for the
Dead), representing the water that flowed from the wound in His side, and mixes a few drops into the chalice:
[Deus, + qui humánæ substántiæ dignitátem mirabíliter [O God, + Who in creating man didst exalt his nature very
condidísti et mirabílius reformásti: da nobis, per hujus aquæ wonderfully and yet more wonderfully didst establish it anew;
et vini mystérium, ejus divinitátis esse consórtes, qui by the Mystery signified in the mingling of this water and
humanitátis nostræ fíeri dignátus est párticeps, Jesus wine, grant us to have part in the Godhead of Him Who hath
Christus, Fílius tuus, Dóminus noster: Qui tecum vivit et deigned to become a partaker of our humanity, Jesus Christ,
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regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus: per ómnia sæcula Thy Son our Lord; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the
sæculórum. Amen.] unity of the Holy Ghost, God. World without end. Amen.]
He returns to the middle of the Altar and offers the chalice to God.
[Offérimus tibí, Dómine, cálicem salutáris, tuam deprecántes [We offer unto Thee, O Lord, the chalice of salvation,
cleméntiam: ut in conspéctu divínæ majestátis tuæ, pro entreating Thy mercy that our offering may ascend with a
nostra et totíus mundi salúte, cum odóre suavitátis ascéndat. sweet fragrance in the sight of Thy divine Majesty, for our
Amen.] own salvation, and for that of the whole world. Amen.]
He makes the Sign of the Cross with the chalice and places it, too, on the corporal. He covers it with a pall and, bowing down,
says:
[In spíritu humilitátis, et in ánimo contríto suscipiámur a te, [Humbled in spirit and contrite of heart, may we find favor with
Dómine: et sic fiat sacrifícium nostrum in conspéctu tuo Thee, O Lord: and may our sacrifice be so offered this day in
hódie, ut pláceat tibi, Dómine Deus.] Thy sight as to be pleasing to Thee, O Lord God.]
Now the priest calls on the Holy Ghost. He extends his hands and raises his eyes toward Heaven, asking the Holy Ghost to
bless the bread and wine:
[Veni, Sanctificátor omnípotens ætérne Deus: et bénedic + [Come Thou, the Sanctifier, Almighty and Everlasting God,
hoc sacrifícium, tuo sancto nómini præparátum.] and bless + this sacrifice which is prepared for the glory of
Thy holy Name.]
Now the priest will bless the incense and then use it to bless the bread and wine, then the Crucifix and Altar, and then himself
and us so that we will be be made a more pure offering to God. First he blesses the incense, calling on the intercession of St.
Michael:
[Per intercessiónem beáti Michaélis Archángeli, stantis a [Through the intercession of Blessed Michael the Archangel,
dextris altáris incénsi, et ómnium electórum suórum, standing at the right hand of the altar of incense, and of all
incénsum istud dignétur Dóminus bene + dícere, et in odórem His elect may the Lord vouchsafe to bless + this incense and
suavitátis accípere. Per Christum Dóminum nostrum. Amen.] to receive it in the odor of sweetness. Through Christ our
Lord. Amen.]
[Incénsum istud a te benedíctum, ascéndat ad te, Dómine: et [May this incense blessed by You, arise before You, O Lord,
descéndat super nos misericórdia tua.] and may Your mercy come down upon us.]
[Dirigátur, Dómine, orátio mea, sicut incénsum, in conspéctu [Let my prayer, O Lord, like incense before You; the lifting up
tuo: elevátio mánuum meárum sacrifícium vespertínum. of my hands, like the evening sacrifice. O Lord, set a watch
Pone, Dómine, custódiam ori meo, et óstium circumstántiæ before my mouth, a guard at the door of my lips. Let not my
lábiis meis: ut non declínet cor meum in verba malítiæ, ad heart incline to the evil of engaging in deeds of wickedness.]
excusándas excusatiónes in peccátis.] [Psalm 140] [Psalm 140]
Now the priest and we of the royal priesthood are blessed with incense:
Stand. Make a profound bow toward the acolyte after he blesses you with incense.
[Accéndat in nobis Dóminus ignem sui amóris, et flámmam [May the Lord enkindle in us the fire of His love and the flame
ætérnæ caritátis. Amen.] of everlasting charity. Amen.]
Lavabo
Sit
Now the priest recites Psalm 25 and washes his fingers to symbolize the purity of those taking part in this Sacrifice:
[Lavábo inter innocéntes manus meas: et circúmdabo altáre [I will wash my hands among the innocent, and I will
tuum, Dómine. Ut áudiam vocem laudis: et enárrem univérsa encompass Thine Altar, O Lord. That I may hear the voice of
mirabília tua. Dómine, diléxi decórem domus tuæ: et locum praise, and tell of all Thy wondrous works. I have loved, O
habitatiónis glóriæ tuæ. Ne perdas cum ímpiis, Deus: ánimam Lord, the beauty of Thy house, and the place where Thy glory
meam, et cum viris sánguinum vitam meam. In quorum dwelleth. Take not away my soul, O God, with the wicked, nor
mánibus iniquitátes sunt: déxtera eórum repléta est my life with men of blood. In whose hands are iniquities, their
munéribus] right hand is filled with gifts.]
[Ego autem in innocéntia mea ingréssus sum: rédime me, et [But as for me, I have walked in my innocence; redeem me,
miserére mei. Pes meus stetit in dirécto: in ecclésiis and have mercy on me. My foot hath stood in the right way; in
benedícam te, Dómine.] the churches I will bless Thee, O Lord.]
The following concluding Gloria is omitted during Passiontide and in Masses for the Dead:
[Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. Sicut erat in princípio, [Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula sæculórum. Amen]. Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.]
Now he goes to the middle of the Altar and bows, with hands joined, praying to the Holy Trinity to accept our offering and
asking the greatest Saints to intercede for us.
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[Súscipe, Sancta Trínitas, hanc oblatiónem, quam tibi [Receive, O Holy Trinity, this oblation which we make to Thee
offérimus ob memóriam passiónis, resurrectiónis, et in memory of the Passion, Resurrection and Ascension of our
ascensiónis Jesu Christi Dómini nostri, et in honórem beátæ Lord Jesus Christ; and in honor of Blessed Mary ever Virgin,
Maríæ semper Vírginis, et beáti Joánnis Baptístæ, et of blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul,
sanctórum Apostolórum Petri et Pauli, et istórum, et ómnium of these and of all the Saints. To them let it bring honor, and
Sanctórum: ut illis profíciat ad honórem, nobis autem ad to us salvation, and may they whom we are commemorating
salútem: et illi pro nobis intercédere dignéntur in cælis, here on earth deign to plead for us in heaven. Through the
quorum memóriam ágimus in terris. Per eúndem Christum same Christ our Lord. Amen.]
Dóminum nostrum.] Amen.
Orate Fratres
Now he kisses the Altar and, turning toward the people, extends and joins his hands. He asks us to "Pray, brothers" that the
Sacrifice will be acceptable. Only the first two words, "Orate, Fratres" are said aloud; the rest the priest prays inaudibly.
Oráte fratres: [ut meum ac vestrum sacrifícium acceptábile Pray, brethren, [that my Sacrifice and yours may be
fiat apud Deum Patrem omnipoténtem.] acceptable to God the Father Almighty.]
S. [Suscípiat Dóminus sacrifícium de mánibus tuis ad laudem S. [May the Lord accept the Sacrifice from thy hands, to the
et glóriam nóminis sui, ad utilitátem quoque nostram, praise and glory of His Name, for our benefit and for that of
totiúsque Ecclésiæ suæ sanctæ.] all His holy Church.]
The Secret is another prayer that is prayed inaudibly except for the "per omnia saecula saeculorum." It is a prayer of petition,
similar to the Collect, and its name comes from the Latin word "secernere," meaning "to set apart," as the prayer sets apart
the offerings to be consecrated.
S. Amen. S. Amen.
Stand
P. Grátias agámus Dómino Deo nostro. P. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Preface (Proper)
The preface (it will be different during Lent, Paschaltide, Ascension, and for Feasts that have their own Preface) is a prayer of
thanksgiving and total praise. It leads right into the Sanctus (the "Trisagion" or "Tersanctus," meaning "Thrice Holy") -- the
words of Psalm 117 and Matthew 21:9 blended with the words of the Angels of Isaias 6:3 and Apocalypse 4 who sing "holy,
holy, holy" day and night without ceasing and who sing with us now:
(Note: This audio is of a different preface, the one called Praefatio Sanctae Crucis.
The melody is the same, however.)
Vere dignum et justum est, æquum et salutáre, nos tibi It is truly meet and just, right for our salvation, that we should
semper, et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine sancte, Pater at all times and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy
omnípotens, ætérne Deus: Qui cum unigénito Fílio tuo, et Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God; Who, together with
Spíritu Sancto, unus es Deus, unus es Dóminus: non in uníus Thine only-begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, art one God,
singularitáte persónæ, sed in uníus Trinitáte substántiæ. one Lord: not in the oneness of a single Person, but in the
Quod enim de tua glória, revelánte te, crédimus, hoc de Fílio Trinity of one substance. For what we believe by Thy
tuo, hoc de Spíritu Sancto, sine differéntia discretiónis revelation of Thy glory, the same do we believe of Thy Son,
sentímus. Ut in confessióne veræ sempiternæque Deitátis, et the same of the Holy Ghost, without difference or separation.
in persónis propríetas, et in esséntia ùnitas, et in majestáte So that in confessing the true and everlasting Godhead,
adorétur æquálitas. Quam laudant Angeli atque Archángeli, distinction in persons, unity in essence, and equality in
Chérubim quoque ac Séraphim: qui non cessant clamáre majesty may be adored. Which the Angels and Archangels,
quotídie, una voce dicéntes... the Cherubim also and the Seraphim do praise: who cease
not daily to cry out, with one voice saying...
Kneel
Sanctus (Trisagion)
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...Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dóminus Deus Sábaoth. Pleni ...Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts. Heaven and earth are
sunt cæli et terra glória tua. Hosánna in excélsis. + full of Thy Glory. Hosanna in the highest. + Blessed is He
Benedíctus qui venit in nómine Dómini. Hosánna in excélsis. Who cometh in the Name of the Lord. Hosanna in the
highest.
The Canon
Prayers Before Consecration
Now begin a series of prayers: one for the Church (Te Igitur), one for the living (Meménto), and one to invoke the Saints
(Communicantes). These prayers, and all up to the Pater Noster, will be inaudible.. (In Easter Week, on the Ascension and in
the Week of Pentecost, the Communicantes prayer will be slightly different)
Prayers at Consecration
The priest spreads his hands out over the oblation and asks God to accept our Sacrifice. (In Easter Week, on the Ascension
and in the Week of Pentecost, the Hanc Igitur prayer will be slightly different)
Hanc Igitur: Oblation of the Victim to God Hanc Igitur: Oblation of the Victim to God
[Hanc ígitur oblatiónem servitútis nostræ, sed et cunctæ [O Lord, we beseech Thee, graciously to accept this oblation
famíliæ tuæ, quæsumus, Dómine, ut placátus accípias: of our service and that of Thy whole household. Order our
diésque nostros in tua pace dispónas, atque ab ætérna days in Thy peace, and command that we be rescued from
damnatióne nos éripi, et in electórum tuórum júbeas grege eternal damnation and numbered in the flock of Thine elect.
numerári. Per Christum Dóminum nostrum. Amen.] Through Christ our Lord. Amen.]
He blesses the offering once again, making a last plea to God that He be pleased and that our offering be good enough to
become the Body and Blood of Christ.
[Quam oblatiónem tu, Deus, in ómnibus, Qæsumus, [Humbly we pray The, O God, be pleased to make this same
bene+díctam, adscríp+tam, ra+tam, rationábilem, offering wholly blessed +, to consecrate + it and approve + it,
acceptabilémque fácere dignéris: ut nobis Cor+pus, et making it reasonable and acceptable, so that it may become
San+guis fiat dilectíssimi Fílii tui Dómini nostri Jesu Christi.] for us the Body + and Blood + of Thy dearly beloved Son, our
Lord Jesus Christ.]
Consecration
Now is the moment of the miracle! The priest takes the host into his hands and says:
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[Qui prídie quam paterétur, accépit panem in sanctus ac [Who, the day before He suffered , took bread into His Holy
venerábiles manus suas, et elevátis óculis in cælum ad te and venerable hands, and having lifted up His eyes to
Deum Patrem suum omnipoténtem, tibi grátias agens, heaven, to Thee, God, His Almighty Father, giving thanks to
bene+díxit, fregit, dedítque discípulis suis, dicens: Accípite, et Thee, blessed it +, broke it, and gave it to His disciples,
manducáte ex hoc omnes.] saying: Take and eat ye all of this.]
...the priest is fully identifying with Christ, Who is both our High Priest and the Sacrificed. He uses the words Our Lord spoke
when He instituted the Mass, and Who repeats them now as High Priest. On Holy Thursday, He spoke the reality of the bread
and wine becoming His Body and Blood, in the same way He spoke all Creation into existence. With the following Words of
Institution, the priest speaks those same words Our Lord spoke, and the bread and wine become, truly, His Body and Blood.
The Sacrifice now begins:
He places the Host on the corporal, genuflects, and adores Him again.
After this, to help ensure that not even the tiniest particle of the consecrated Host that might adhere to his fingers is lost, he
never disjoins his fingers and thumb (except when he is to take the Host) until he washes his fingers at the ablutions after
Communion. Now he uncovers the chalice.
[Símili modo postquam coenátum est,] [In like manner, after He had supped,]
[accípiens et hunc præclárum Cálicem in sanctas ac [taking also into His holy and venerable hands this goodly
venerábiles manus suas: item tibi grátias agens, bene+díxit, chalice, again giving thanks to Thee, He blessed it +, and
dedítque discípulis suis, dicens: Accípite, et bíbite ex eo gave it to His disciples, saying: Take and drink ye all of this.]
omnes.]
He sets the Chalice down, covers it, genuflects, and adores again.
Unde et memores: To Offer the Victim Unde et memores: To Offer the Victim
[Unde et mémores, Dómine, nos servi tui, sed et plebs tua [And now, O Lord, we, Thy servants, and with us all Thy holy
sancta, ejústdem Christi Fílii tui Dómini nostri tam beátæ people, calling to mind the blessed Passion of this same
passiónis necnon et ab ínferis resurrectiónis, sed et in cælos Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, likewise His Resurrection from the
gloriósæ ascensiónis: offérimus præcláræ majestáti tuæ de grave, and also His glorious Ascension into heaven, do offer
tuis donis, ac datis...] unto Thy most sovereign Majesty out of the gifts Thou hast
bestowed upon us...]
He brings his hands together and makes the Sign of the Cross 5 times
[...hóstiam + puram, hóstiam + sanctam, hóstiam + [...a Victim + which is pure, a Victim + which is holy, a Victim
immaculátem, Panem + sanctum vitæ ætérnæ, et Cálicem + + which is spotless, the holy Bread + of life eternal, and the
salútis perpétuæ.] Chalice + of everlasting Salvation.]
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Supra Quæ: To Ask God to Accept our Offering Supra Quæ: To Ask God to Accept our Offering
[Supra quæ propítio ac seréno vultu respícere dignéris: et [Deign to look upon them with a favorable and gracious
accépta habére, sícuti accépta habére dignátus es múnera countenance, and to accept them as Thou didst accept the
púeri tui justi Abel, et sacrifícium Patriárchæ nostri Abrahæ: et offerings of Thy just servant Abel, and the sacrifice of our
quod tibi óbtulit summus sacérdos tuus Melchísedech, Patriarch Abraham, and that which Thy high priest
sanctum sacrifícium, immaculátam hóstiam.] Melchisedech offered up to Thee, a holy Sacrifice, an
immaculate Victim.]
He bows down over the Altar with hands joined on the Altar:
Now he mentions the dead for whom he wishes to pray. This is a time to mentally pray for your dead ancestors and friends:
Commemoratio pro defunctis: For the Dead Commemoratio pro defunctis: For the Dead
[Meménto étiam, Dómine, famulórum famularúmque tuárum [Be mindful, also, O Lord, of Thy servants and handmaids N .
N . . . et N . . . qui nos præcessérunt cum signo fídei, et . . and N . . . who are gone before us with the sign of faith and
dórmiunt in somno pacis. Ipsis, Dómine, et ómnnibus in who sleep the sleep of peace. To these, O Lord, and to all
Christo quiescéntibus, locum refrigérii, lucis et pacis, ut who rest in Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a place of
indúlgeas, deprecámur. Per eúndem Christum Dóminum refreshment, light and peace. Through the same Christ our
nostrum. Amen.] Lord. Amen.]
He strikes his breast, saying the first three words of the prayer below aloud in an act of public self-humiliation and contrition.
Nobis quoque peccatóribus: For Eternal Happiness Nobis quoque peccatóribus: For Eternal Happiness
Nobis quoque peccatóribus [fámulis tuis, de multitúdine To us also Thy sinful servants, [who put our trust in the
miseratiónum tuárum sperántibus, partem áliquam, et multitude of Thy mercies, vouchsafe to grant some part and
societátem donáre dignéris, cum tuis sanctis Apóstolis et fellowship with Thy holy Apostles and Martyrs: with John,
Martýribus: cum Joánne, Stéphano, Matthía, Bárnaba, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander,
Ignátio, Alexándro, Marcellíno, Petro, Felicitáte, Perpétua, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicitas, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes,
Agatha, Lúcia, Agnéte, Cæcília, Anastásia, et ómnibus Cecilia, Anastasia, and all Thy Saints. Into their company we
Sanctis tuis: intra quorum nos consórtium, non æstimátor beseech Thee admit us, not considering our merits, but freely
mériti, sed véniæ, quæsumus, largítor admítte. Per Christum pardoning our offenses. Through Christ our Lord.]
Dóminum nostrum.]
[Per quem hæc ómnia, Dómine, semper bona creas, [By whom, O Lord, Thou dost always create, sanctify +,
sanctí+ficas, viví+ficas, bene+dícas, et præstas nobis.] quicken +, bless +, and bestow upon us all these good
things.]
He uncovers the Chalice and genuflects. He takes the Host in his right hand and the Chalice in his left, and makes the Sign of
the Cross over the Chalice 5 times, saying the words below. We end with the "Great Amen" that ends the Canon.:
[Per ip+sum, et cum ip+so, et in ip+so, est tibi Deo Patri + [Through Him +, and with Him +, and in Him +, is unto Thee,
omnipoténti, in unitáte Spíritus + Sancti, onis honor, et glória.] God the Father + Almighty, in the unity of the Holy + Ghost,
all honor and glory.]
S. Amen. S. Amen.
Communion
Orémus. Præcéptis salutáribus móniti, et divína institutióne Let us pray. Admonished by Thy saving precepts and
formáti, audémus dícere: following Thy divine instruction, we make bold to say:
He extends his hands, directs his eyes toward the Sacrament, and says:
Pater Noster
Pater noster, qui es in cælis: Sanctificétur nomen tuum: Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name; Thy
Advéniat regnum tuum: Fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo, et in kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
terra. Panem nostrum quotidiánum da nobis hódie: Et dimítte Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our
nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And
nostris. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem. lead us not into temptation.
P. Amen. P. Amen.
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The priest takes the paten between his first and second fingers, saying:
[Líbera nos, quæsumus, Dómine, ab ómnibus malis, [Deliver us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, from all evils, past,
prætéritis, præséntibus, et futúris: et intercedénte beáta et present and to come, and by the intercession of the Blessed
gloriósa semper Vírgine Dei Genitríce María, cum beátis and glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, together with
Apóstolis tuis Petro et Paulo, atque Andréa, et ómnibus Thy blessed apostles Peter and Paul, and Andrew, and all the
anctis, + da propítius pacem in diébus nostris: ut ope Saints, + mercifully grant peace in our days, that through the
misericórdiæ tuæ adjúti, et a peccáto simus semper líberi, et bounteous help of Thy mercy we may be always free from
ab omni perturbatióne secúri.] sin, and safe from all disquiet.]
He uncovers the chalice, genuflects, takes the Host and, breaking it down the middle over the Chalice, says:
[Per eúndem Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fílium [Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord,]
tuum,]
[Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus,] [Who is God living and reigning with Thee in the unity of the
Holy Ghost,]
S. Amen. S. Amen.
P. Pax+Dómini sit + semper vobís +cum. P. May the peace + of the Lord be +always +with you.
[Hæc commíxtio et consecrátio Córprois et Sánguinis Dómini [May this mingling and hallowing of the Body and Blood of
nostri Jesu Christi, fiat accipiéntibus nobis in vitam ætérnam. our Lord Jesus Christ be for us who receive it a source of
Amen.] eternal life. Amen.]
Agnus Dei
Bowing down, and striking his breast three times [the breast-striking is omitted in Requiem Masses to indicate that the priest
is thinking more of the dead than himself], the priest speaks the words of John the Baptist who proclaimed Christ as the
Messiah.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccáta mundi: miserére nobis. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have
mercy on us.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccáta munid: miserére nobis.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccáta mundi: dona nobis pacem. mercy on us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us
peace.
The priest prays silently. This first prayer is omitted in Masses for the Dead:
Prayer for Peace and Fidelity: Prayer for Peace and Fidelity:
[Dómine Jesu Christe, qui dixísti Apóstolis tuis: Pacem [O Lord, Jesus Christ, Who didst say to Thine Apostles:
relínquo vobis, pacem meam do vobis: ne respícias peccáta Peace I leave you, My peace I give to you: look not upon my
mea, sed fidem Ecclésiæ tuæ; eámque secúndum sins, but upon the faith of Thy Church; and deign to give her
voluntátem tuam pacificáre et coadunáre dignéris: Qui vivis et that peace and unity which is agreeable to Thy will: God Who
regnas Deus per ómnia sæcula sæculórum. Amen.] livest and reignest world without end. Amen.]
At a Solemn High Mass, at this point the priest and deacon or sub-deacon will give each other the highly stylized Kiss of
Peace (omitted in Masses for the Dead).
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[Panem cæléstem accípiam, et nomen Dómini invocábo.] [I will take the Bread of Heaven, and will call upon the name
of the Lord.]
Striking his breast, he repeats the prayer of the Roman Centurion three times [Luke 7:1-10]
[Dómine, non sum dignus, ut intres sub tectum [Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my
meum: sed tantum dic verbo, et sanábitur ánima roof; but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed.]
mea.]
[Dómine, non sum dignus, ut intres sub tectum [Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my
meum: sed tantum dic verbo, et sanábitur ánima roof; but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed.]
mea.]
[Dómine, non sum dignus, ut intres sub tectum [Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my
meum: sed tantum dic verbo, et sanábitur ánima roof; but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed.]
mea.]
He makes the Sign of the Cross with the Host over the paten, saying silently:
[Corpus Dómini nostri Jesu Christi custódiat ánimam meam in [May the Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul
vitam ætérnam. Amen. unto life everlasting. Amen.]
He consumes the Host, uncovers the Chalice, genuflects and continues silently:
[Quid retríbuam Dómino pro ómnibus quæ retríbuit mihi? [What return shall I make to the Lord for all the things that He
Cálicem salutáris accípiam, et nomen Dómini invocábo. hath given unto me? I will take the chalice of salvation, and
Laudans invocábo Dóminum, et ab inimícis meis salvus ero.]. call upon the Name of the Lord. I will call upon the Lord and
give praise: and I shall be saved from mine enemies.]
[Sanguis Dómini nostri Jesu Christi custódiat ánimam meam [May the Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul
in vitam ætérnam. Amen.] unto life everlasting. Amen.]
He drinks the Precious Blood. The Sacrifice is now complete. Next, we of the non-ordained royal priesthood receive the
special fruits of the Sacrifice. The priest genuflects, elevates the Host, and, turning towards the people, tells us to behold the
Lamb of God. The people respond with the same prayer of the Roman centurion that the priest prayed just moments ago.
P. Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce qui tollit peccáta mundi. P. Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him Who taketh away the
sins of the world.
Dómine, [strike breast] non sum dignus, ut intres Lord, [strike breast] I am not worthy that Thou shouldst
sub tectum meum: sed tantum dic verbo, et enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my soul
sanábitur ánima mea. shall be healed.
Dómine, [strike breast] non sum dignus, ut intres Lord, [strike breast] I am not worthy that Thou shouldst
sub tectum meum: sed tantum dic verbo, et enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my soul
sanábitur ánima mea. shall be healed.
Dómine, [strike breast] non sum dignus, ut intres Lord, [strike breast] I am not worthy that Thou shouldst
sub tectum meum: sed tantum dic verbo, et enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my soul
sanábitur ánima mea. shall be healed.
First things first, do not receive Communion if you are not a Catholic or have not been properly initiated into the Church, if you
are in a state of mortal sin or think you might be. If you are not going to receive, just remain in your pew, making sure the
kneeler is raised for others to pass by if need be. Know that it is not a sin to not receive Communion even if you are able;
though frequent Communion is recommended, it is only required once a year.
Now, at this time those laypeople who are able to receive all line up to receive the Eucharist, kneeling at the Altar rail. We
kneel and wait for the priest to come to us. The acolyte will hold a communion plate and/or a cloth called a "houseling cloth"
under our chins so that in case the Host is dropped, it won't fall to the floor. If a houseling cloth is used, place your hands
under it. If a linen cloth covers the communion rails, place your hands under it, but don't touch it. Otherwise, fold your hands
in the prayer position, and don't touch the communion rail.
When we receive the Host, the priest will whisper to us the words below as he makes a Sign of the Cross with the Host (the
communicant does not respond "Amen" as in the Novus Ordo). Most people make the Sign of the Cross after receiving
Communion. Note that one is not to chew on the Host but should let it moisten in the mouth until one is able to swallow the
Host whole.
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Also, it is a beautifully common thing for Catholics to "offer their Communion" for another person, e.g., for the soul of a dead
loved one, for someone's conversion, for a friend in trouble, etc.
Corpus Dómini nostri Jesu Christi custódiat ánimam tuam in May the Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ preserve your soul
vitam æternam. Amen. unto life everlasting. Amen.
After Communion the priest puts any extra Hosts into the Tabernacle. Then, taking the Chalice, has a server pour in wine to
rinse away any remnants of the Precious Blood. He drinks it and says quietly:
[Quod ore súmpsimus, Dómine, pura mente capiámus: et de [Grant, O Lord, that what we have taken with our mouth, we
múnere temporáli fiat nobis remédium sempitérnum.] may receive with a pure mind; and that from a temporal gift it
may become for us an everlasting remedy.]
Wine and water are poured into the Chalice over the priest's fingers. As he dries them he says quietly:
[Corpus tuum, Dómine, quod sumpsi, et Sanguis, quem [May Thy Body, O Lord, which I have received and Thy Blood
potávi, adhæreat viscéribus meis: et præsta; ut in me non which I have drunk, cleave to my inmost parts, and grant that
remáneat scélerum mácula, quem pura et sancta refecérunt no stain of sin remain in me; whom these pure and holy
sacraménta: Qui vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculorum. Sacraments have refreshed. Who livest and reignest world
Amen.] without end. Amen.]
He drinks the wine and water, purifies the Chalice and veils it.
Stand
The priest goes to the right side of the Altar and reads the Communion verse.
Postcommunions (Proper)
The priest returns to the Missal at the right side of the Altar and reads the Postcommunion.
S. Amen. S. Amen.
Returning to the middle of the Altar, he kisses it and turns to the people, saying:
Dismissal
Alternate Dismissals:
Note: it is from the dismissal's use of the word "missa" that the word "Mass" comes. "Ite missa est" is an archaic phrase
whose exact meaning is unclear. It's been translated as above, and as "Go, it is sent," and as "Go, you are sent forth" (i.e., to
evangelize the world).
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Kneel
Pláceat tibi, sancta Trínitas, obséquium servitútis meæ: et May the tribute of my homage be pleasing to Thee, O most
præsta; ut sacrifícium, quod óculis tuæ majestátis in indígnus holy Trinity. Grant that the Sacrifice which I, unworthy as I am,
óbtuli, tibi sit acceptábile, mihíque, et ómnibus, pro quibus have offered in the presence of Thy Majesty, may be
illud óbtuli, sit, te miseránte, propitiábile. Per Christum acceptable to Thee. Through Thy mercy may it bring
Dóminum nostrum. Amen. forgiveness to me and to all for whom I have offered it.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
He kisses the Altar and turns to us (except in Masses for the Dead), blessing us saying:
Benedícat vos omnípotens Deus, Pater, + et Fílius, et Spíritus May Almighty God bless you: the Father, + the Son, and the
Sanctus Holy Ghost.
Stand
The priest goes to the Gospel side and says the words of John 1:1-14
P. + Inítium sancti Evangélii secúndum Joánnem. P. + The beginning of the holy Gospel according to Saint
John.
In princípio erat Verbum, et Verbum erat apud Deum, et Deus In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
erat Verbum. Hoc erat in princípio apud Deum. Omnia per and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with
ipsum facta sunt: et sine ipso factum est nihil, quod factum God. All things were made by Him, and without Him was
est: in ipso vita erat, et vita erat lux hóminum: et lux in made nothing that was made. In Him was life, and the life
ténebris lucet, et ténebræ eam non comprehendérunt. was the Light of men: and the Light shineth in darkness, and
the darkness did not comprehend it.
Fuit homo missus a Deo, cui nomen erat Joánnes. Hic venit There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
in testimónium, ut testimónium perhibéret de lúmine, ut This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light,
omnes créderent per illum. Non erat ille lux, sed ut that all men through Him might believe. He was not the Light,
testimónium perhibéret de lúmine. but was to bear witness of the Light.
Erat lux vera, quæ illúminat omnem hóminem veniéntem in That was the true Light, which enlighteneth every man that
hunc mundum. In mundo erat, et mundus per ipsum factus cometh into this world. He was in the world, and the world
est, et mundus eum non cognóvit. In própria venit, et sui eum was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came
non recepérunt. Quotquot autem recepérunt eum, dedit eis unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as
potestátem fílios Dei fíeri, his, qui credunt in nómine ejus: qui received Him, to them He gave power to become the sons of
non ex sanguínibus, neque ex voluntáte carnis, neque ex God; to them that believe in His name: who are born, not of
voluntáte viri, sed ex Deo nati sunt. blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of
God.
Kneel Kneel
ET VERBUM CARO FACTUM EST... AND THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH...
Stand Stand
...et habitávit in nobis: et vídimus glóriam ejus, glóriam quasi ...and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, the glory as of
Unigéniti a Patre, plenum grátiæ et veritátis. the Only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Now a Recessional Hymn is sung as the priest leaves the Altar (High Mass). As the processional Cross passes by, it is
customary to bow (profound bow or a bow of the head), cross yourself, and say a silent prayer for the priest.
When the Hymn is finished, you may leave, though it is most good to stay for a few minutes and pray a personal prayer of
thanksgiving. Usually those sitting in the front of the church leave first. As you exit your pew, genuflect toward the Tabernacle
on the Altar, just as you did before you sat down. Some Catholics bless themselves with Holy Water when exiting the Church,
just as they did when entering it, but this isn't necessary (or wrong!).
The Leonine Prayers were added after the Mass when Pope Leo XIII had a vision. The story goes:
A rather peculiar cirumstance induced Pope Leo XIII to compose this powerful prayer. After celebrating Mass
one day he was in conference with the Cardinals. Suddenly he sank to the floor. A doctor was summoned and
several came at once. There was no sign of any pulse-beating; the very life seemed to have ebbed away from
the already weakened and aged body. Suddenly he recovered and said: “What a horrible picture I was
permitted to see!” He saw what was going to happen in the future, the misleading powers and the ravings of the
devils against the Church in all countries. But St. Michael had appeared in the nick of time and cast Satan and
his cohorts back into the abyss of hell. Such was the occasion that caused Pope Leo XIII to have this prayer
recited over the entire world at the end of Mass.
Kneel
Salve Regina, Mater misericordiae, vita, dulcedo, et spes Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness,
nostra, salve. and our hope.
R. Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Evae. R. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.
V. Ad te suspiramus gementes flentes in hac lacrymarum V. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping
valle. in this valley of tears.
R. Eia ergo, Advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos R. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy
ad nos converte. towards us.
V. Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis, post hoc V. And after this our exile, show unto us the blessed Fruit of
exilium, ostende. thy womb, Jesus.
R. O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria. R. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
V. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genetrix. V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Oremus. Deus, refugium nostrum et virtus, populum ad te Let us pray. O God, our refuge and our strength, look down
clamantem propitius respice; et intercendente gloriosa et in mercy on Thy people who cry to Thee; and by the
immaculata Virgine Dei Genetrice Maria, cum beato Joseph, intercession of the glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary,
ejus Sponso, ac beatis Apostolis tuis Petro et Paulo, et Mother of God, of St. Joseph her Spouse, of Thy blessed
omnibus Sanctis, quas pro conversione peccatorum, pro Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the Saints, in mercy and
libertate et exaltatione sanctae Matris Ecclesia, preces goodness hear our prayers for the conversion of sinners, and
effundimus, misericors et benignus exaudi. Per eumdem for the liberty and exaltation of our holy Mother and Church.
Christum Dominum nostrum. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio, contra Holy Michael Archangel, defend us in the day of battle; be
nequitiam et insidias diaboli esto praesidium. Imperet illi Deus, our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the
supplices deprecamur: tuque, Princeps militiae coelestis, devil. -- May God rebuke him, we humbly pray: and do thou,
Satanam aliosque spiritus malignos, qui ad perditionem Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God thrust down
animarum pervagantur in mundo, divina virtute, in infernum to hell Satan and all wicked spirits, who wander through the
detrude. world for the ruin of souls.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
V. Cor Jesu [bow head] sacratissimum, V. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus [bow head] ,
V. Cor Jesu [bow head] sacratissimum, V. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus [bow head] ,
V. Cor Jesu [bow head] sacratissimum, V. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus [bow head] ,
For your convenience, here's a graphic you can use as a quick reference to bodily posture at Mass:
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