The following is a basic list of what to expect when attending mass. It's written with the purpose of educating a newcomer or a lapsed Catholic in the happenings of the mass. Understanding each item on the list will be enough to bring someone fully up to speed with the Roman Catholic Mass, where they can attend without feeling lost. This list focuses on practical knowledge, parts of the mass, and what to say or do at specific times. Theological debates, philosophy, opinions, stories, and other "soft" information is not covered.
Some specific details will be different depending on locality (such as position and selected texts), but the overall structure will mostly be the same.
The rites that precede the Liturgy of the Word have the character of a beginning, an introduction, and a preparation.
In certain celebrations that are combined with Mass according to the norms of the liturgical books, the Introductory Rites are omitted or take place in a particular way.
Position: Standing
The Priest enters with the Deacon, and antendees usually stand as they are entering.
The Entrance Chant begins.
The songs could be:
• The antiphon from the Missal or the antiphon with its Psalm from the Graduale Romanum
• The antiphon and Psalm of the Graduale Simplex
• A chant from another collection of Psalms and antiphons, approved by the Conference of Bishops or the Diocesan Bishop
• Another liturgical chant that is suited to the sacred action, approved by the Conference of Bishops or the Diocesan Bishop.
This Entrance Chant is sung alternately by the choir and the people, by a cantor and the people, entirely by the people, or by the choir alone.
If there is no singing at the Entrance, then the antiphon given in the Missal is recited.
Position: Standing
The Priest, the Deacon, and the ministers reverence the altar with a profound bow. Then they kiss the altar itself.
The Priest, if appropriate, also incenses the cross and the altar.
All attendees perform the [Sign of the Cross] and a greeting together.
The Priest or Deacon may briefly greet the atendees personally as a group.
Position: Standing
The Priest calls upon the whole community to take part in [The Penitential Act].
There is a brief pause for silence.
The Priest issues a formula for general confession. This does not substitute the act of confession itself, but instead, serves as an ackowledgement of sinfulness.
Note:
The blessing or sprinkling of water may take place instead of the Penitential Act on Easter.
Position: Standing
The [Kyrie Elesion] begins, unless it has already been part of the Penitential Act.
It's usually sung by everyone, with each acclamation said twice.
Position: Standing
The [Gloria in Excelsis] is sung, sometimes intoned by the Priest, by a cantor, or by the choir.
It's sung by everyone together, by the choir and the people alternatingly, or by the choir alone.
If it's not sung, it's recited either by everyone or by two choirs responding to each other.
No other hymn can be used in its place.
It's sung or said on Sundays outside Advent and Lent, and also on Solemnities and Feasts, and at particular celebrations of a more solemn character.
Position: Standing
The Collect is a collective prayer offered by the whole community, typically led by the Priest, and it consists of four main parts::
1. An address to God
2. A petition
3. A reason
4. A conclusion / doxology
The Priest invites the faithful to pray, and silence is held.
The faithful may silently provide their own petitions or unite with the Church's prayer (led by the Priest).
Sometimes, a longer [Trinitarian Ending of the Collect] is said by the Priest during the conclusion.
At Mass, only a single Collect is ever said.
The main part of the Liturgy of the Word is made up of the readings from Sacred Scripture together with chants occurring between them.
The Gospel is considered the high point of The Liturgy of the Word. The Deacon or Priest explains the Gospel reading in the Homily. The surrounding readings are there to prepare the people for the day's Gospel.
In the readings, as explained by the Homily, God speaks to his people, opening up to them the mystery of redemption and salvation, and offering spiritual nourishment. And Christ himself is present through his word in the midst of the faithful.
Position: Standing
A moment of silence is had.
Biblical readings are read from the ambo.
Position: Sitting
The First Reading is proclaimed by a Lector or trained reader from the parish.
The reading is usually from the Old Testament. Acts of the Apostles is read during the Easter Season.
To indicate the end of the reading, the Lector or reader acclaims:
Lector or reader: The word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God
Position: Sitting
The Responsorial Psalm is proclaimed by a Lector or trained reader from the parish.
The singing or recitation is from the Book of Psalms. Sometimes, the people reply by singing. Other times, the people are seated and listen. If the psalm cannot be sung, then it gets recited.
Songs or hymns may not replace the Responsorial Psalm.
The psalmist usually sings a psalm corresponding to the readings from the Lectionary. For the people to better respond, psalms are usually chosen for different times of the year or for different categories of Saints.
Instead of the Psalm assigned in the Lectionary, they may be:
• The Responsorial Gradual from the Graduale Romanum
• The Responsorial Psalm or the Alleluia Psalm from the Graduale Simplex
• An antiphon and Psalm from another collection of Psalms and antiphons, including Psalms arranged in metrical form (providing that they have been approved by the Conference of Bishops or the Diocesan Bishop)
When there is no Second Reading reading before the Gospel:
Outside of Lent: either an Alleluia Psalm or the Responsorial Psalm followed by the Alleluia with its verse may be used (replacing the Acclamation Before the Gospel)
During Lent: either the Psalm and the Verse Before the Gospel or the Psalm alone may be used
Position: Sitting
The Second Reading is proclaimed by a Lector or trained reader from the parish.
The reading is usually from the New Testament.
To indicate the end of the reading, the Lector or reader acclaims:
Lector or reader: The word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God
Note:
The Second Reading is performed on Sundays and Solemnities.
Position: Standing
The Alleluia is sung by everyone while standing.
The choir or cantor sings verses according to the Lectionary of that day, and all respond by singing the word "Alleluia" between the verses.
The Alleluia is sung in every time of year other than Lent. The verses which the choir or cantor sings are taken from the Lectionary or the Graduale.
During Lent:
• There is no singing of the Alleluia.
• Instead of the Alleluia, the Verse Before the Gospel (as given in the Lectionary) is sung.
• It is also possible to sing another Psalm or Tract, as found in the Graduale.
When there is no Second Reading before the Gospel:
• The Alleluia or the Verse before the Gospel, if not sung, may be omitted.
• The Sequence is optionally sung before the Alleluia, except on Easter Sunday and on Pentecost Day.
• During Lent:
→ Either the Psalm and the Verse Before the Gospel or the Psalm alone may be used.
• Outside of Lent:
→ Either an Alleluia Psalm or the Responsorial Psalm followed by the Alleluia with its verse may be used.
Note:
So, if it's outside of Lent and there is no Second Reading, then the Acclamation Before the Gospel may be merged as part of the Responsorial Psalm.
Position: Standing
The Gospel is read by the Deacon or, in his absence, by another Priest.
The reading is from the book of Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.
At the beginning, the Deacon or Priest announces the reading:
Deacon or Priest: The Lord be with you.
All: And with your spirit
Deacon or Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to [Mathew, Mark, Luke, or John]
All: Glory to you, O Lord
At the end of the reading, the Deacon or Priest concludes:
Deacon or Priest: The Gospel of the Lord
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Position: Sitting
The Homily is read by the Deacon or, in his absence, by another Priest.
Although strongly recommended, The Homily is optional for most Masses. It's mandatory for Sunday, Solemnities, and Holy Days of Obligation.
The Deacon or Priest offers readings from the Sacred Scripture Scripture or of another text from the Ordinary or the Proper of the Mass of the day.
These include context sensitive instructions and wisdom which pertain to Christian life for the specfic day or mood.
On Sundays and Holydays of Obligation there is to be a Homily at every Mass that is celebrated with the people attending, and it may not be omitted without a grave reason.
On other days it is recommended, especially on the weekdays of Advent, Lent, and Easter Time, as well as on other festive days and occasions
It is appropriate for a brief period of silence to be observed after the Homily.
Position: Standing
[The Creed] (either the Apostles' Creed or the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed) is recited or sung by the Priest together with the people on Sundays and Solemnities.
Normally, the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed is chosen.
The Apostles' Creed is usually chosen during Lent, Easter, and in Masses with many children.
If the Creed is sung, it may be intoned by the Priest, a cantor, or the choir. It's sung either by all attendees together or alternately by the people and choir.
If not sung, The Creed is to be recited by everyone together or by two choirs responding one to the other.
Position: Standing
The Universal Prayer is similar to the Collect from the Introductory Rites. Where they differ is that the Universal Prayer is a series of prayers often serving the local community, whereas the Collect is a singular prayer serving the Mass of the day.
The prayers are petitioned by a Deacon, Lector, or trained reader.
The peoples' response repeated after each petition in the series is usually Lord, hear our prayer.
The Priest regulates the Universal Prayer on behalf of the church as a whole, such as approving the intentions before the Mass begins.
The intentions can be for:
• the needs of the Church
• public authorities and the salvation of the whole world
• those burdened by any kind of difficulty
• the local community
• Holy occasions (a Confirmation, a Marriage, or a Funeral)
The Church has arranged the entire celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist in parts corresponding to precisely these words and actions of Christ, namely:
• At the Preparation of the Gifts, bread and wine with water are brought to the altar, the same elements, that is to say, which Christ took into his hands.
• In the Eucharistic Prayer, thanks is given to God for the whole work of salvation, and the offerings become the Body and Blood of Christ.
• Through the fraction and through Communion, the faithful, though many, receive from the one bread the Lord’s Body and from the one chalice the Lord’s Blood in the same way that the Apostles received them from the hands of Christ himself.
Position: Sitting
The Eucharistic gifts are brought to the altar. Donations may be collected at this time.
The procession bringing the gifts is accompanied by the Offertory Chant, following the same norms for singing as the Entrance Chant.
Singing may always accompany the Offertory rite, even when there is no procession.
If there is no singing during the presentation of the gifts, the Priest may recite the prayers for the [Preparation of the Gifts] with the people responding.
Position: Standing
After the Priest washes his hands and the music ends, he invites the people to pray. The people stand.
Priest:Â Pray, brethren, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.
All:Â May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands, for the praise and glory of his name, for our good, and the good of all his holy Church.
Position: Standing
The Prayer Over the Offerings is addressed to the Father, asking that He accept the gifts presented during the Mass as a pleasing sacrifice.
It varies depending on the liturgical season, feast, or specific Mass being celebrated
The priest recites a prayer addressed to the Father. He concludes it with:
Priest: ...through Christ our Lord
If the Son is mentioned at the end of this prayer, then he concludes it with:
PriestL ...who lives and reigns for ever and ever
The people join in the petition, making the prayer their own, by means of an acclamation.
All: Amen.
The posture of the people during the Eucharistic Prayer is different in various countries and regions.
The Church prays in a structured sequence, with responses and acclamations by all.
Many variations of [The Eucharistic Prayers] exist. Prior to Vatican II, Eucharistic Prayer I was used almost exclusively.
Position: Standing
The Thanksgiving (expressed especially in the Preface), in which the Priest, in the name of the whole of the holy people, glorifies God the Father and gives thanks to him for the whole work of salvation or for some particular aspect of it, according to the varying day, festivity, or time of year.
Priest: The Lord be with you
All: And with your spirit
Priest: Lift up your hearts
All:Â We lift them up to the Lord
Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God
All:Â It is right and just
A [Preface] prayer is then read
Position: Standing
The Acclamation, by which the whole congregation, joining with the heavenly powers, sings the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy). This acclamation, which constitutes part of the Eucharistic Prayer itself, is pronounced by all the people with the Priest.
Priest: (reading the end of a Preface prayer)...we acclaim:
All:
Holy, holy, holy Lord God of hosts,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
The people kneel (in the United States)
Position: Standing
This is a continuation of Thanksgiving, with the Acclamation / Sanctus nested within the two parts.
Another [Preface] prayer is read. This is often called the Post-Sanctus.
No responses or actions from the people are called for.
Position: Kneeling
The Epiclesis, in which, by means of particular invocations, the Church implores the power of the Holy Spirit that the gifts offered by human hands be consecrated, that is, become Christ’s Body and Blood, and that the unblemished sacrificial Victim to be consumed in Communion may be for the salvation of those who will partake of it.
An [Epiclesis] prayer is read.
No responses or actions from the people are called for.
The Institution Narrative, Consecration, & Mystery of Faith, by which, by means of the words and actions of Christ, that Sacrifice is effected which Christ himself instituted during the Last Supper, when he offered his Body and Blood under the species of bread and wine, gave them to the Apostles to eat and drink, and leaving with the latter the command to perpetuate this same mystery.
There may be some confusion with terminology here.
The Consecration is the name of the action where the blessed bread and wine become the body of Christ.
The Consecration occurs during the Institution Narrative prayer (sometimes called Words of Institution), signified by a bell.
Immediately after the Consecration, the Priest says, “The mystery of faith,” inviting a response from the people.
The Memorial Acclamation is the name of the people’s response (e.g., “We proclaim your Death, O Lord…”).
Together, the priest’s invitation and the people’s response are commonly referred to as “the Mystery of Faith.”
Traditionally, Memorial Acclamatio has been part of the Institution Narrative. Vatican II suggests it belongs as a separate moment between Institution Narrative and Anamnesis, with some sources claiming that the Mystery of Faith is part of Anamnesis.
Position: Kneeling
An [Institution Narrative] prayer is read.
No responses or actions from the people are called for.
Position: Kneeling
This is the moment where the Eucharist is transformed into the body of Christ.
No responses or actions from the people are called for.
Position: Kneeling
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Form A
Priest: The mystery of faith: |
Form B
Priest: The mystery of faith: |
Form C
Priest: The mystery of faith: |
Position: Kneeling
The Anamnesis, by which the Church, fulfilling the command that she received from Christ the Lord through the Apostles, celebrates the memorial of Christ, recalling especially his blessed Passion, glorious Resurrection, and Ascension into heaven.
An [Anamnesis] prayer is read.
No responses or actions from the people are called for.
Position: Kneeling
The Oblation, by which, in this very memorial, the Church, in particular that gathered here and now, offers the unblemished sacrificial Victim in the Holy Spirit to the Father. The Church’s intention, indeed, is that the faithful not only offer this unblemished sacrificial Victim but also learn to offer their very selves, and so day by day to be brought, through the mediation of Christ, into unity with God and with each other, so that God may at last be all in all.
An [Oblationn] prayer is read.
No responses or actions from the people are called for.
Position: Kneeling
The Intercessions, by which expression is given to the fact that the Eucharist is celebrated in communion with the whole Church, of both heaven and of earth, and that the oblation is made for her and for all her members, living and dead, who are called to participate in the redemption and salvation purchased by the Body and Blood of Christ.
An [Intercessions] prayer is read.
No responses or actions from the people are called for.
Position: Kneeling
The Concluding Doxology, by which the glorification of God is expressed and which is affirmed and concluded by the people’s acclamation Amen.
Priest: Through him, and with him, and in him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, for ever and ever.
All: Amen
Since the celebration of the Eucharist is the Paschal Banquet, it is desirable that in accordance with the Lord’s command his Body and Blood should be received as spiritual food by those of the faithful who are properly disposed. This is the sense of the fraction and the other preparatory rites by which the faithful are led more immediately to Communion.
Position: Standing
The Lord's Prayer is a collective prayer which alternates between the Priest and the faithful.
[The Lord's Prayer] is made up of four parts:
1. An invitation (said by the Priest)
2. The prayer itself (said by the people)
3. An embolism (said by the Priest)
4. A doxology (said by the people)
The central part of this prayer is the Our Father, in which the faithful ask God for:
• daily bread — both physical sustenance and the Eucharist
• forgiveness of sins — so they may worthily receive Christ
• deliverance from evil — petition from sin and spiritual harm
Position: Standing
The Priest prays for peace and unity in the Church. This rite expresses communion and charity before receiving the Eucharist.
Priest: Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles, Peace I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will. Who live and reign for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Priest: The Peace of the Lord be with you always.
All: And with your spirit.
Deacon or Priest: Let us offer each other a sign of peace.
The faithful then exchange a sign of peace with those nearby. This is typically a handshake, bow, or other culturally appropriate gesture.
Position: Standing
The Priest breaks the Eucharistic Bread, sometimes with the Deacon. He then puts a piece of the bread in the chalice.
The supplicant Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) is sung by the choir or cantor with the people replying. If it's not sung, then it's recited out loud.
Agnus Dei may be repeated as many times as necessary until the rite has been completed.
All: Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world. Have mercy on us. ×2
All: Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world. Grant us peace.
Position when not receiving: Sitting
Position when receiving: Walking to receive and return, using mouth or hands while receiving*, kneeling, sitting, or standing after returning
* Either gesture is valid, but the Priest or local community may have strong preferrence for one or the other.
For the early church and for Vatican II, ones receives with their hands.
For the church of the Middle Ages and Traditionalist churches, one receives with their mouths.
Note:
To receive Communion, one must be in a state of grace — meaning free from mortal sin (typically restored through Confession).
The Priest first prays silently, and then the people pray silently.
The Priest then holds the bread to the people and recites from the Gospels while the people reply.
Priest: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.
All: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
The Priest then holds the paten or ciborium to the people and says
Priest: The body of Christ
All: Amen
Priest: The blood of Christ
All: Amen
The Priest takes Communion. Then the Communion Chant is sung by the choir.
The Communion Chant continues singing until all the people have taken their Communion. This is sometimes cut short if a hymn is sung after.
Communion is then offered to the church attendees.
Position: Kneeling, sitting, or standing
When the distribution of Communion is completed, there may be a period of silence for individual prayer, or a psalm or song of praise may be sung.
The people either stand, sit, or kneel during this time, although the posture of the congregation should be unified.
Position: Standing
The Prayer After Communion is then said by the Priest. The prayer can have three possible conclusions.
Priest: (if the prayer is directed to the Father) ...Through Christ our Lord;
Priest: (if it is directed to the Father, but the Son is mentioned at the end) ...Who lives and reigns for ever and ever;
Priest: (if it is directed to the Son) ...Who live and reign for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
The Concluding Rites include any final announcements, a blessing, and a dismissal, commissioning the faithful to go forth and live what they have celebrated.
Position: Standing
If necessary, brief announcements are made.
Position: Standing
On certain occasions, the Priest may issue a Prayer over the People, to which the people respond:
All: Amen
Position: Standing
The [Final Blessing] and [Dismissal] are recited.
The Dismissal, usually given by the Deacon or Priest, sends the people forth while praising and blessing God.
Position: Standing
The Priest and Deacon kiss the altar, then all ministers make a profound bow to it.
An exit procession begins, with ministers leading the way to the exit. The people often wait for the ministers to leave before departing themselves.
return to [The Introductory Rites]
Priest: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
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Greeting A Priest: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. All: And with your spirit. |
Greeting B Priest: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. All: And with your spirit. |
Greeting C Priest: The Lord be with you. / Bishop: Peace be with you. All: And with your spirit. |
return to [The Introductory Rites]
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Form A: Confiteor I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God. |
Form B Priest: Have mercy on us, O Lord. All: For we have sinned against you. Priest: Show us, O Lord, your mercy. All: And grant us your salvation. |
Form C Minister: You raise the dead to life in the Spirit: Lord, have mercy. - or - Kyrie, eleison. All: Lord, have mercy. - or - Kyrie, eleison. Minister: You bring pardon and peace to the sinner: Christ, have mercy. - or - Christe, eleison. All: Christ, have mercy. - or - Christe, eleison. Minister: You bring light to those in darkness: Lord, have mercy. - or - Kyrie, eleison. All: Lord, have mercy. - or - Kyrie, eleison. Priest: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. All: Amen. |
return to [The Introductory Rites]
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Form A Priest: Lord, have mercy. All: Lord, have mercy. Priest: Christ, have mercy. All: Christ, have mercy. Priest: Lord, have mercy. All: Lord, have mercy. |
Form B Priest: Kyrie, eleison. All: Kyrie, eleison. Priest: Christe, eleison. All: Christe, eleison.. Priest: Kyrie, eleison. All: Kyrie, eleison. |
return to [The Introductory Rites]
It's sung by everyone together, by the choir and the people alternatingly, or by the choir alone.
If it's not sung, then it's recited either by everyone or by two choirs responding to each other.
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to people of good will.
We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you,
we give you thanks for your great glory,
Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us;
you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father.
Amen.
return to [The Introductory Rites]
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Form A If the prayer is directed to the Father: Priest: Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever; All: Amen |
Form B If the prayer is directed to the Father, but the Son is mentioned at the end: Priest: Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever; All: Amen |
Form C> If the prayer is directed to the Son: Priest: Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. All: Amen |
return to [The Liturgy of the Word]
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Apostles' Creed 1. I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, 2. and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, bow during the next two lines 3. who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, 4. suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; 5. he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; 6. he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; 7. from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. 8. I believe in the Holy Spirit, 9. the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, 10. the forgiveness of sins, 11. the resurrection of the body, 12. and life everlasting. Amen. |
Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, bow during the next two lines and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen. |
return to [The Liturgy of the Eucharist]
If there is no singing during the presentation of the gifts, the Priest may recite the following prayers aloud with the people responding.
Otherwise, the Priest says these prayers quietly (in a low voice) while the Offertory Chant is sung with the people sitting quietly.
Priest: Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you: fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life.
All: Blessed be God for ever
The Deacon or the Priest pours wine and a little water into the chalice.
Priest (quietly): By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity.
Then, the Priest takes the chalice and holds it slightly raised above the altar with both hands.
Priest: Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer you: fruit of the vine and work of human hands, it will become our spiritual drink.
All: Blessed be God for ever.
After this, the Priest bows profoundly.
Priest: With humble spirit and contrite heart may we be accepted by you, O Lord, And may our sacrifice in your sight this day be pleasing to you, Lord God.
If incense is used, the Priest may incense the offerings, the cross, the altar, an the people.
Then the Priest, standing at the side of the altar, washes his hands.
Priest (quietly): Wash me, O Lord, from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
return to [The Liturgy of the Eucharist]
The Eucharistic Prayers and their main variations have their own dedicated page here
The tables used are a copy of the tables and notes found on
www.catholic-resources.org
return to [The Communion Rite]
The Invitation
Priest:At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:
The Lord's Prayer
All:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 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 Embolism
Priest: Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
The Doxology
All: For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.
return to [The Concluding Rites]
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Form A: Simple Form Priest: The Lord be with you. All: And with your spirit. Priest: May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All: Amen. |
Form B: Solemn Blessing Priest: The Lord be with you. All: And with your spirit. The Deacon or Priest bows down for the blessing. One or more invocations may be spoken, and the people usually respond "Amen" to each one. The following conclusion is always used: Priest: And may the blessing of almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, come down on you and remain with you forever. All: Amen. |
Form C Prayer Over the People Priest: The Lord be with you. All: And with your spirit. The Deacon or Priest bows down for the blessing. The priest may choose from several options, depending on the occasion or the special need. The following conclusion is always used: Priest: And may the blessing of almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, come down on you and remain with you forever. All: Amen. |
return to [The Concluding Rites]
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Form A Deacon or Priest: Go forth, the Mass is ended. All: Thanks be to God! |
Form B Deacon or Priest: Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God! |
Form C Deacon or Priest: Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life. All: Thanks be to God! |
Form D Deacon or Priest: Go in peace. All: Thanks be to God! |