The Preparation for Mass
When the priest, having vested, approaches the altar, he makes the due reverence, and signs himself with the sign of the cross from forehead to breast, and says in the clear voice:
IN the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then with hands joined before his breast he begins the antiphon:
I will go unto the altar of God.
The ministers respond:
Even unto the God of my joy and gladness.
Then, alternately with the Ministers, he says the following:
[In Masses for the Dead, and in Masses of the Season from Passion Sunday to Holy Saturday exclusive, the Psalm Give sentence is omitted together with Glory be and the repetition of the Antiphon. But after In the Name and I will go, Our help and I confess are said.]
PSALM 42, 1-6
â„£ GIVE sentence with me, O God, and defend my cause against the ungodly people: O deliver me from the deceitful and wicked man.
â„Ÿ For thou art the God of my strength: why hast thou put me from thee, and why go I so heavily, while the enemy oppresseth me?
â„£ O send out thy light and thy truth, that they may lead me: and bring me unto thy holy hill and to thy dwelling.
â„Ÿ And that I may go unto the altar of God, even unto the God of my joy and gladness: and upon the harp will I give thanks unto thee, O God, my God.
â„£ Why art thou so heavy, O my soul: and why art thou so disquieted within me?
â„Ÿ O put thy trust in God: for I will yet give him thanks, which is the help of my countenance, and my God.
â„£ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
â„Ÿ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
The Priest repeats the Antiphon:
â„£ I will go unto the altar of God.
â„Ÿ Even unto the God of my joy and gladness.
The priest signs himself, saying:
â„£ Our help is in the Name of the Lord:
â„Ÿ Who hath made heaven and earth.
Then, with hands joined, bowing profoundly, he makes the Confession.
I CONFESS to Almighty God, to Blessed Mary Ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to you, brethren, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed, (he strikes his breast thrice, saying) by my fault, by own my fault, by my most grievous fault. Wherefore I beg blessed Mary Ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Saints, and you, brethren, to pray for me to the Lord our God.
The ministers respond saying:
ALMIGHTY God have mercy upon thee, forgive thee thy sins and bring thee to everlasting life.
â„Ÿ Amen.
The Priest says Amen, and stands erect.
The ministers repeat the Confession. And where the priest said you, brethren, the ministers say thee, father.
Then the priest, with joined hands, makes the absolution, saying:
ALMIGHTY God have mercy upon you, forgive you your sins, and bring you to everlasting life.
â„Ÿ Amen.
He signs himself with the sign of the cross, saying:
THE almighty and merciful Lord grant unto us pardon, absolution and remission of our sins.
â„Ÿ Amen.
And bowing he proceeds:
â„£ Wilt thou not turn again and quicken us, O God?
â„ŸThat thy people may rejoice in thee.
â„£ O Lord, show thy mercy upon us.
â„Ÿ And grant us thy salvation.
â„£ O Lord, hear my prayer.
â„Ÿ And let my cry come unto thee.
â„£ The Lord be with you.
â„Ÿ And with thy spirit.
Extending and joining his hands, he says in the clear voice:
Let us pray.
And ascending the altar, he says in the secret voice:
TAKE away from us, we beseech thee, O Lord, our iniquities, that we may enter the holy of holies with pure minds. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then, bowing with hands joined upon the altar, he says:
WE beseech thee, O Lord, by thy Saints (he kisses the altar in the middle) whose relics are here, and by all thy Saints, that thou wouldest vouchsafe to forgive me all my sins. Amen.
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The Introit
Then the celebrant, signing the book with the sign of the cross, begins the Introit. When the Introit is finished, with joined hands, the celebrant says alternately, with the ministers:
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The Kyrie
KÝRIE, eléison. Kýrie, eléison. Kýrie, eléison.
Christe, eléison. Christe, eléison. Christe, eléison.
Kýrie, eléison. Kýrie, eléison. Kýrie, eléison.
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The Gloria
Then, in the midst of the Altar, extending and joining his hands, and bowing his head slightly, he says, if it is to be said, Glory be to God on high, and continues with joined hands. When he says, we worship thee, we give thanks to thee, Jesus Christ and receive our prayer, he bows his head; and at the end, when he says with the Holy Ghost, he signs himself from forehead to breast.
Glory be to God on high:
And on earth peace, towards men of good will. We praise thee. We bless thee. We worship thee. We glorify thee. We give thanks to thee for thy great glory. O Lord God, heavenly king, God the Father almighty. O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father. That takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy upon us. For thou only art holy. Thou only art the Lord. Thou only, O Jesus Christ, with the + Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Then he kisses the altar in the middle, and turning to the people, says:
â„£ The Lord be with you.
â„Ÿ And with thy spirit.
Then he says: Let us pray, and the Collects, one or more as the order of the Office requires.
The Epistle, Gradual, and the Tract
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Then follow the Epistle, Gradual, and the Tract, or Alleluia with the Verse, or Sequence, as the season or quality of the Mass require.
These being ended, if it be a Solemn Mass, the Deacon places the book of the Gospels on the middle of the Altar, and the Celebrant blesses incense as above. Then the Deacon, kneeling before the Altar, says with joined hands:
CLEANSE my heart and my lips, Almighty God, who didst cleanse the lips of Isaiah the prophet with a live coal, so of thy gracious mercy vouchsafe to cleanse me that I may worthily proclaim thy Holy Gospel. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
Afterwards he takes the book from the Altar, and kneeling again, asks a blessing from the Priest, saying:
Bid, sir, a blessing.
The priest answers:
The Lord be in thy heart and on thy lips, that thou mayest worthily and fitly proclaim his Gospel: In the Name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Having received the blessing, the Deacon kisses the hand of the Celebrant. And going with the other ministers, with the incense and the lights, to the place of the Gospel, he stands with joined hands, saying:
â„£ The Lord be with you.
â„Ÿ And with thy spirit.
He announces:
The continuation (or The beginning) of the holy Gospel according to N.
He signs the book with the thumb of his right hand at the beginning of the Gospel which he is to read, then himself on the forehead, the mouth, and the breast. And while the ministers respond, Glory be to thee, O Lord, he censes the book thrice, then reads the Gospel with joined hands.
The Gospel ended, the Subdeacon carries the book to the Priest, who kisses the Gospel text, saying: Through the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.
Then the Priest is censed by the Deacon. If, however, the priest celebrates without deacon and subdeacon, when the book has been carried to the other corner of the altar, he bows in the midst, and with joined hands says, Cleanse my heart, as above. Then Bid, Lord, a blessing. The Lord be in my heart and on my lips, that I may worthily and fitly proclaim his Gospel. Amen. Then, turning to the book, with hands joined he says: The Lord be with you, and then announces: The continuation (or The beginning) of the holy Gospel according to N. He signs the book with the thumb of his right hand at the beginning of the Gospel text which he is to read, then himself on the forehead, the mouth, and the breast. [Then he reads the Gospel as above.] When the Gospel is ended, the Minister responds: Praise be to thee, O Christ, and the Priest kisses the Gospel, saying: Through the words of the Gospel as above.
¶ In Masses of the Dead, Cleanse my heart is said, but a blessing is not asked, lights are not carried, and the Celebrant does not kiss the book.
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The Creed
Then, in the midst of the Altar, extending, raising, and joining his hands, he says, if it is to be said, I believe in one God, and proceeds with joined hands. When he says God, he bows his head to the Cross: which he does likewise when he says Jesus Christ, and together is worshipped. But at the words and was incarnate, he genuflects until and was made man has been said. At the end of the words and the life of the world to come, he signs himself with the sign of the Cross from forehead to breast.
I believe in one God:
The Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God. Begotten of his Father before all worlds. God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God. Begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father: by whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven. (Here he genuflects) And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary: and was made man. And was crucified also for us: under Pontius Pilate he suffered and was buried. And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven: and sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead: whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life: who proceedeth from the Father. Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified: who spake by the prophets. And I believe one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the resurrection of the dead. And the life of the + world to come. Amen.
Then he kisses the altar, and turning to the people says:
â„£ The Lord be with you.
â„Ÿ And with thy spirit.
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Then he says: Let us pray, and the Offertory.
Which having been said, if it is a Solemn Mass, the Deacon presents
the Paten with the host to the celebrant. If it be a Low Mass, the priest himself takes the Paten with
RECEIVE, O Holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, this spotless victim which I, thine unworthy servant, offer unto thee, my living and true God, for my innumerable sins, offenses and negligences, and for all here present; as also for all faithful Christians, both living and dead, that to me and to them it may avail for salvation unto life everlasting. Amen.
Then, making a cross with the same Paten, he places the Host upon the Corporal. The Deacon ministers the wine, the Subdeacon the water in the Chalice (or if it be a Low Mass, the Priest pours in both). The Priest blesses with the sign of the Cross the water to be mixed in the Chalice, saying:
[In Masses of the Dead, the following Prayer is said: but the water is not blessed.]
O GOD, who didst wondrously create and yet more wondrously renew the dignity of human nature, grant that by the mystery of this water and wine we may be made coheirs of his divinity, who vouchsafed to be made partaker of our humanity, even Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, who with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth God; world without end. Amen.
Then he receives the Chalice, and offers it, saying:
WE offer unto thee, O Lord, the Chalice of salvation, beseeching thy clemency, that it may ascend in the sight of thy divine majesty as a sweet smelling savor, for our salvation and for that of the whole world. Amen.
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Then he makes the sign of the cross with the Chalice, and places it upon the Corporal, and covers it with the Pall. Then, with hands joined upon the altar, he says, bowing slightly:
IN a humble spirit and with a contrite heart, let us be accepted of thee, O Lord; and grant that the sacrifice we offer this day in thy sight may be pleasing unto thee, O Lord God.
Standing erect, he extends his hands, raises them and joins them; and lifting his eyes to heaven and lowering them immediately, he says:
COME, O Sanctifier, almighty everlasting God, (He blesses the Oblations) and bl+ess this sacrifice prepared for thy holy Name.
Then, if he is celebrating solemnly, he blesses incense, saying:
THROUGH the intercession of blessed Michael the archangel standing at the right hand of the altar of incense, and of all His elect, may the Lord vouchsafe to bl+ess this incense, and receive it as a sweet smelling savor. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Receiving the thurible from the deacon, he censes the Oblations, in the manner prescribed in the general rubrics, saying:
MAY this incense which Thou hast blest, O Lord, ascend to Thee, and may Thy mercy descend upon us.
Then he censes the altar, saying:
PSALM 140:2-4
LET my prayer be set forth in thy sight as the incense; and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice. Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth, and keep the door of my lips. O let not mine heart be inclined to any evil thing; let me not be occupied in ungodly works.
While he returns the thurible to The deacon, he says:
THE Lord enkindle within us the fire of his love, and the flame of everlasting charity. Amen.
Afterwards, the priest is censed by the deacon. Then the priest washes his hands saying:
PSALM 25:6-12
I WILL wash my hands in innocency, O LORD, and so will I go to thine altar. That I may show the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honor dwelleth. O shut not up my soul with the sinners, nor my life with the bloodthirsty. In whose hands is wickedness and their right hand is full of gifts. But as for me, I will walk innocently: O deliver me and be merciful unto me. My foot standeth right, I will praise the LORD in the congregations.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost: as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
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[In Masses of the dead, and during Passiontide in Masses of the Season, Glory be is omitted.]
Then bowing slightly, in the middle of the altar with hands joined upon it, he says:
Receive, O Holy Trinity, this oblation which we offer thee in memory of the Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in honor of blessed Mary ever Virgin, of blessed John the Baptist, of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, of these and of all the Saints; that it may avail to their honor and our salvation: and may they vouchsafe to intercede for us in heaven, whose memory we keep on earth. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then he kisses the Altar, and turning to the people he extends and joins his hands, and says raising his voice a little:
Pray, brethren: that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the Father almighty.
The minister, or those near the altar, respond (otherwise the priest himself):
The Lord receive the sacrifice at thy (or my) hands, to the praise and glory of his name, to our benefit also, and that of all his holy Church.
The priest in the medium voice says:
Amen.
Then with hands extended, immediately (without Let us pray) he adds the Secret Prayers. When these are ended, he says in the clear voice:
Throughout all ages of ages.
â„Ÿ Amen.
Facing the altar he begins the Preface with both hands placed apart on the altar; and raises them a little when he says: Lift up your hearts. He joins them before his breast, and bows his head, when he says: Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
Then he separates his hands, and holds them separated till the end of the Preface: which ended, he again joins them, and says, bowing: Holy. And when he says, Blessed is he that cometh, he stands erect and makes the sign of the Cross on himself from forehead to breast.
â„£ The Lord be with you.
â„Ÿ And with thy spirit.
â„£ Lift up your hearts.
â„Ÿ We lift them up unto the Lord.
â„£ Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
â„Ÿ It is meet and right and right so to do.
The Proper Preface
…evermore praising thee and saying:
HOLY, Holy, Holy Lord God of Hosts,
Heaven and earth are full of thy glory.
Hosanna in the Highest.
Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the Highest.
The Preface being ended, the priest, extending, slightly raising and joining his hands, raises his eyes to heaven, and immediately lowers them. Bowing profoundly before the altar with his hands placed upon it, he says (in the secret voice):
THEREFORE, most merciful Father, we humbly pray and beseech thee through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, He kisses the altar, and, with hands joined before his breast, says: that thou accept and bless He signs thrice over the host and Chalice together saying: these + gifts, these + offerings, these + holy spotless sacrifices, With extended hands he continues: which we offer thee in the first place for thy holy Catholic Church, that thou vouchsafe to keep her in peace, to guard, unite and govern her through-out the whole world: together with thy servant N. our Metropolitan, and N. our Bishop, and all the Orthodox who uphold the Catholic and Apostolic Faith.
REMEMBER, O Lord, thy servants and handmaids N. and N., he joins his hands and prays a while for those for whom he intends to pray. Then with hands extended, he continues: and all here present, whose faith and devotion are known and manifest unto thee, for whom we offer, or who themselves offer to thee, this sacrifice of praise for themselves and those belonging to them, for the redemption of their souls, for the hope of their health and welfare, and who pay their vows to thee, the eternal, living and true God.
Infra Actionem (on Proper feasts):
IN communion with, and venerating first, the memory of the glorious and Ever Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ: and also of thy blessed Apostles and Martyrs Peter and Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Thaddæus, Linus, Cletus, Clement, Xystus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian, and of all thy saints, through whose prayers grant that in all things we may be guarded by the help of thy protection. He joins his hands. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Holding his hands spread out over the oblations, he says:
WE therefore pray thee, O Lord, mercifully to accept this offering of our service and that of all thy family: Order our days in thy peace, and bid us to be delivered from eternal damnation and to be numbered in the flock of thine elect. He joins his hands. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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WHICH offering, we beseech thee, O God, He signs thrice over the oblations to ble+ss, ap+prove, ra+tify, make reasonable and acceptable in every way; He signs once over the host, that it may become for us the Bo+dy and once over the Chalice and Blo+od of thy most beloved Son, He joins his hands, our Lord Jesus Christ.
WHO, the day before he suffered, He takes the host, took bread into his holy and venerable hands He raises his eyes to heaven, and with his eyes lifted up to heaven unto thee, God, his almighty Father, He bows his head, giving thanks unto thee, He signs over the host, he bles+sed, brake and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat, ye all, of this,
Holding the host with both hands between the thumbs and forefingers, he utters the words of consecration in the secret voice distinctly and attentively over the host, and at the same time over all, if more are to be consecrated.
FOR THIS IS MY BODY.
Having uttered these words, he immediately adores the consecrated host by genuflecting. He rises, shows the host to the people, replaces It upon the corporal, and again adores by genuflecting. From henceforth he does not separate his thumbs and forefingers, except when the host is to be handled, till after the ablution of his fingers.
Then, having uncovered the Chalice, he says:
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IN like manner after he had supped, he takes the Chalice in both hands, taking also this excellent chalice into his holy and venerable hands, he bows his head, again giving thanks unto thee, holding the Chalice in his left hand, he signs over it with his right, he bles+sed it, and gave it to his disciples saying: Take and drink, ye all, of this,
He utters the words of consecration over the Chalice, attentively, continuously and in the secret voice, holding the Chalice slightly raised.
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FOR THIS IS THE CUP OF MY BLOOD OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL TESTAMENT, THE MYSTERY OF FAITH, WHICH SHALL BE SHED FOR YOU AND FOR MANY UNTO THE REMISSION OF SINS.
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Having uttered these words, he sets down the chalice upon the corporal, and says:
As oft as ye shall do these things, ye shall do them in remembrance of me.
He adores by genuflecting, rises, and shows It to the people, sets it down, covers it, and again adores by genuflecting. Then with hands extended he says:
WHEREFORE, O Lord, we thy servants, as also thy holy people, calling to mind the blessed Passion of the same Christ, thy Son our Lord, his Resurrection from the dead and glorious Ascension into heaven, offer unto thy most excellent majesty of thy gifts bestowed upon us He joins his hands, and then signs thrice over the host and Chalice together, saying: a pure + Vic- tim, a holy + Victim, a spotless + Victim, he signs once over the host, saying: the holy + bread of eternal life, and once over the Chalice, saying: and the chalice + of everlasting salvation.
With extended hands he proceeds:
UPON which vouchsafe to look with a favorable and serene countenance, and to accept them as thou wert graciously pleased to accept the gifts of thy just servant Abel, and the sacrifice of our patriarch Abraham, and that which thy high priest Melchisedech offered unto thee, a holy sacrifice, a spotless Victim.
AND we beseech thee, O Lord, to send down thy Holy Spirit upon us and upon these offerings, he signs once over the host: that he would make this bread the precious Bo+dy of thy Christ, and that which is in this cup he signs once over the Chalice: the precious Blo+od of thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, he signs once over the host and Chalice together: changing them + by thy Holy Spirit.
He adores by genuflecting, rises, and then, again bowing profoundly, with hands joined upon the altar, he says:
WE humbly beseech thee, almighty God, to command that these things be borne by the hands of thy holy Angel to thine altar on high, into the presence of thy divine majesty, that so many of us he kisses the altar, as shall partake at this altar of the most sacred he joins his hands, and signs once over the host, and once over the Chalice, Bo+dy and Blo+od of thy Son, he signs himself, saying: may be filled with all heavenly benediction and grace. He joins his hands. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
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BE mindful also, O Lord, of thy servants and handmaids N. and N., who are gone before us with the sign of faith, and who rest in the sleep of peace. He joins his hands and prays a while for those departed for whom he intends to pray; then with hands extended, he proceeds: To them, O Lord, and to all who rest in Christ, grant we pray thee a place of refreshment, light and peace. He joins his hands, and bows his head, saying: Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
He strikes his breast with his right hand, raises his voice slightly, saying:
TO us sinners also, With hands ex- tended as before, he proceeds in the secret voice:
thy servants, confiding in the multitude of thy mercies, grant some lot and fellowship with thy holy apostles and martyrs; with John, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicitas, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucia, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia, and with all thy saints, into whose company we pray thee of thy mercy to admit us, not weighing our merits, but granting us forgiveness. He joins his hands. Through Christ our Lord.
BY whom O Lord, thou dost ever create, He signs over the host and Chalice together, saying: san+ctify, quic+ken, ble+ss and bestow upon us all these good things.
He uncovers the Chalice, genuflects, and takes the host between the thumb and forefinger of his right hand: and holding the Chalice with his left, he signs with the host thrice from lip to lip of the Chalice, saying:
FOR by + him, and with + him, and in + him is to thee, He signs with the host itself between himself and the Chalice say- ing: God the Father + almighty, in the unity of the Holy + Ghost, elevating the Chalice slightly with the host, he says: all honor and glory:
He replaces the host, covers the Chalice with the Pall, genuflects, rises and says in an audible voice, or sings:
THROUGHOUT all ages of ages.
â„Ÿ Amen.
He joins his hands:
Let us pray. Instructed by saving precepts and following divine instruction we are bold to say:
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He extends his hands:
Our Father, who art in heaven: Hallowed by thy Name. Thy kingdom come: thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
The priest says in the secret voice:
Amen.
Then he takes the Paten between the fore and middle fingers of his right hand, and holding it upright upon the altar, says the secret voice:
DELIVER us, we beseech thee, O Lord, from all evils, past, present, and to come: and at the intercession of the blessed and glorious Ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with thy blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and with Andrew and all thy Saints, He makes the sign of the Cross on himself with the Paten, from forehead to breast: graciously give peace in our days, He kisses the Paten: that aided by the help of thy loving-kindness, we may both be ever free from sin and safe from all disquietude.
He puts the Paten under the host, uncovers the Chalice, genuflects, rises, takes the host, and holding It with both hands over the Chalice, breaks It in the middle, saying:
Through the same Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord
He places the half which he holds in his right hand on the Paten. Then from the part which remains in his left hand, he breaks a particle, saying:
who with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, God,
He joins the other half, which he holds in his left hand, to the half laid upon the Paten, and retaining the small particle in his right hand over the Chalice, which he holds with his left by the knob below the cup, he says in an audible voice, or sings:
THROUGHOUT all ages of ages.
â„Ÿ Amen.
With the particle Itself he signs thrice over the chalice saying:
The peace + of the Lord + be always + with you.
â„Ÿ And with thy spirit.
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He puts the same particle into the Chalice saying in the secret voice:
MAY this commixture and consecration of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be for us who receive it unto life eternal. Amen.
He covers the Chalice, genuflects, rises, and bowing to the sacrament, joins his hands, and strikes his breast thrice, says in an audible voice:
O LAMB of God, that takest away the sins of the world: have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: grant us thy peace.
[In Masses of the Dead, Have mercy upon us is not said, but in its place is said: Grant them rest, and the third time is added everlasting. Also in Masses of the Dead, the Pax is not given, nor is the following Prayer said.]
Then, bowing with hands joined upon the Altar, he says in the secret voice the following Prayer:
O LORD Jesus Christ, who saidst to thine Apostles: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: regard not my sins, but the faith of thy Church; and vouchsafe to grant her peace and unity according to thy will. Who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.
If the Pax is to be given, he kisses the Altar, and giving the Pax, says: Peace be to thee.
â„Ÿ And with thy spirit.
O LORD Jesu Christ, Son of the living God, who by the will of the
Father, and the cooperation of the Holy Ghost, hast through thy death given life unto the world: deliver me by this thy most sacred Body and Blood from all mine iniquities and from every evil: and make me ever to cleave unto thy commandments, and suffer me never to be separated from thee: who with the same God the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest God, world without end. Amen.
LET the partaking of thy Body, O Lord Jesu Christ, which I, unworthy, presume to receive, turn not to my judgment and condemnation: but of thy goodness let it avail unto me for protection of soul and body, that I may receive thy healing, who with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, God, world without end. Amen.
He genuflects, rises and says:
I WILL receive the bread of heaven, and call upon the name of our Lord.
Then bowing slightly, he takes both parts of the host between the thumb and forefinger of his left hand, and places the Paten between the same forefinger and the middle finger, and striking his breast three times with his right hand, he says thrice, devoutly and humbly, raising his voice slightly:
LORD, I am not worthy: and he proceeds in the secret voice: that thou shouldest come under my roof, but speak the word only and my soul shall be healed.
After signing himself with his right hand with the host over the Paten, he says:
THE Body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul unto life everlasting. Amen.
And bowing, he reverently takes both parts of the host. After consuming It, he places the Paten down upon the Corporal, and raising himself, joins his hands, and is still for a short time in meditation on the Most Holy Sacrament. Then he uncovers the Chalice, genuflects, collects the fragments, if there be any, and cleanses the Paten over the Chalice, saying meanwhile:
WHAT reward shall I give unto the Lord for all the benefits he hath done unto me? I will receive the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will call upon the Lord which is worthy to be praised, so shall I be safe from mine enemies.
He takes the Chalice in his right hand and signing himself with it, says:
The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul unto life everlasting. Amen.
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Holding the Paten under the Chalice with his left hand, he reverently receives the Blood with the particle. Having received It, if there be any to be communicated, let him communicate them before he purify himself.
The Order for Administering Holy Communion:
If there are any to be communicated, the priest shall genuflect and place the consecrated particles in a Ciborium, or if there are few to be communicated, on the Paten, unless from the beginning they had been placed in a Ciborium or another Chalice. If the priest will administer communion from the Reserved Sacrament, he opens the tabernacle and genuflects; takes out the Ciborium and places it upon the corporal.
Meanwhile the minister spreads out the linen or white veil for the communicants, and makes the confession for them saying: I confess to Almighty God, etc. Then the priest again genuflects, and with joined hands, turning to the people (taking care not to turn his back upon the Sacrament) at the Gospel side says:
Almighty God have mercy upon you, forgive you your sins, and bring you to everlasting life.
â„Ÿ Amen.
He signs those who are to be communicated with his right hand in the form of a Cross, saying:
The almighty and merciful Lord grant unto us pardon, absolution and remission of our sins.
â„Ÿ Amen.
Then he turns to the Altar, genuflects, and with his left hand takes the Ciborium; and with his right hand takes one particle, which he holds between his thumb and forefinger slightly raised above the Ciborium: and turning to the people in the midst of the Altar, he says in the clear voice:
Behold the Lamb of God; behold Him who taketh away the sins of the world.
Then these words, repeating them thrice:
Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof, but speak the word only and my soul shall be healed.
He returns to the altar. If other prayers are permitted by the Ordinary, then he waits until they are ended.
Then he proceeds to administer Communion. If they are to communicate, he first communicates the Sacred Ministers, and then other priests and clerics in choir. (Priests and Deacons shall wear a stole either of white color or of the same color as the administering Priest wears.) And last of all, he proceeds to communicate the others, beginning with those on the Epistle side.
If the Body and Blood of Christ are to be administered by intinction, then the priest, when giving the Sacrament to each one, intincts the Host into the Chalice; then makes with It the sign of the Cross over the chalice, and places It on the tongue of each communicant while saying:
The Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve thy soul unto life everlasting. Amen.
However, if both kinds are to be administered separately, the Priest, when giving the Body, makes with It the sign of the Cross over the Ciborium, and places It on the tongue of each communicant while saying:
The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve thy soul unto life everlasting. Amen.
And then, while administering the Chalice to each communicant, shall say:
The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve thy soul unto life everlasting. Amen.
Afterward he says:
GRANT, O Lord, that what we have taken with our mouths, we
may receive in purity of heart, and let this temporal gift avail for our healing unto life eternal.
Meanwhile he presents the Chalice to the minister, who pours in a little wine, wherewith he purifies himself. Then he continues:
LET thy Body, O Lord, which I have taken, and thy Blood, which
I have drunk, cleave unto my members; and grant that no stain of sin may remain in me, whom thou hast refreshed with these pure and holy sacraments. Who livest and reignest, throughout all ages of ages. Amen.
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He washes and wipes his fingers, and takes the ablution. Then he wipes his mouth and the Chalice. After folding the Corporal, he covers the Chalice and places it on the altar as before. Then he proceeds with the Mass.
Then the celebrant, standing with hands joined, reads the Communion Antiphon. Afterwards, again with hands joined before his breast, he goes to the midst of the altar, kisses the altar and turns toward the people, and says:
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â„£ The Lord be with you.
â„Ÿ And with thy spirit.
Then, turning back to the book, he says, Let us pray and says the Post-Communion Collect in the same manner, number and order as Collects at the beginning of the Mass.
Having said after the last Prayer, [again kissing the altar, he turns toward the people and says]:
â„£ The Lord be with you.
â„Ÿ And with thy spirit.
Then, as the quality of the Mass require, he shall say:
Ite, Missa est.
Or:
Benedicámus Domino
â„Ÿ Deo grátias.
Or, he may use this dismissal:
Depart in peace or Let us bless the Lord.
â„Ÿ Thanks be to God.)
[In Masses of the Dead, he shall say:
Requiescant in pace.
Or he may say: May they rest in
peace.)
â„Ÿ Amen.]
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[In Paschaltide, that is, from the Mass of Holy Saturday to the Saturday in White, inclusive, in Masses of the Season, he shall say:
Ite, Missa est, alleluia, alleluia.
â„Ÿ Deo grátias.
Or, he may say: Depart in peace, alleluia, alleluia.
â„Ÿ Thanks be to God, alleluia, alleluia.) ]
Having said the dismissal, the Priest bows before the midst of the altar, and with hands joined thereon, says in the secret voice:
LET this my bounden duty and service be pleasing to thee, O
holy Trinity: and grant; that the sacrifice, which I, unworthy, have offered before the eyes of thy majesty, may be acceptable to thee, and through thy mercy obtain thy gracious favor for me and all for whom I have offered it. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then he kisses the Altar. And raising his eyes, extending, raising, and joining his hands, and bowing his head to the Cross, he says:
Almighty God bless you: And turning to the people, blessing them once only, even in solemn Masses, he proceeds:
the Father, the Son, + and the Holy Ghost.
â„Ÿ Amen.
[In Pontifical Masses, the Bless- ing is threefold, as ordered in the Pontifical.
¶ In Masses of the Dead, the Blessing is not given, but having said Requiéscat in pace, and Let this my bounden duty, he kisses the Altar and reads the Gospel of Saint John. ]
The last gospel
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Then the Priest, at the Gospel corner, says with hands joined:
â„£ The Lord be with you.
â„Ÿ And with thy spirit.
And signing with the sign of the Cross first the altar or the book, then himself on forehead, mouth, and breast, he says:
THE beginning of the Holy Gospel according to John.
Or, if another Gospel is to be read, The Continuation of the holy Gospel according to N.
Glory be to thee, O Lord.
He proceeds with hands joined:
John 1:1-14
IN the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made; in him was life, and the life was the light of men; and the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that light, but was sent to bear witness of that light. That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his Name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. He genuflects saying: And the Word was made flesh, And rising proceeds: and dwelt among us; and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
â„Ÿ Thanks be to God.
When the Gospel of Saint John has ended, as he departs from the altar, he says, for the Act of Thanksgiving, the antiphon Let us sing with the rest.
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