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THE OLD ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
IN NORTH AMERICA
[WEXFORD JURISDICTION]

THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS

THE ORDER OF THE MASS PRAYERS AT THE FOOT OF THE ALTAR When the Celebrant, 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 a 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 and People respond: Even unto the God of my joy and gladness. Then alternately with the Ministers and People he says the following: Psalm 43, 1-6 Give sentence with me, O God, and defend my cause against the ungodly people: O deliver me from the deceitful and wicked man. People: 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? Celebrant: O send out thy light and thy truth, that they may lead me: and bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy dwelling. People: 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. Celebrant: Why art thou so heavy, O my soul: and why art thou so disquieted within me. People: O put thy trust in God: for I will yet give him thanks, which is the help of my countenance, and my God. Celebrant: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. People: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen. The Celebrant repeats the Antiphon: I will go unto the altar of God. People: Even unto the God of my joy and gladness. He signs himself, saying: + Our help is in the name of the Lord. People: Who hath made heaven and earth. Then with hands joined, bowing profoundly, he makes the Confession. ~ In Masses of the Dead, and in Masses of the Season from Passion Sunday to Holy Saturday exclusive, the Psalm Give sentence is omitted, with Glory be to the Father, and the repetition of the Antiphon: but, In the name of the Father, I will go, and Our help having been said, the Confession is made as follows: I confess to almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John 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:) through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beg blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Saints, and you, brethren, to pray for me to the Lord our God. The People respond: Almighty God have mercy upon thee, forgive thee thy sins, and bring thee to everlasting life. Celebrant: Amen. He stands erect, and the Ministers and People repeat the Confession: and where you, brethren was said by the Celebrant, there is said thee, father. Then the Celebrant, with joined hands, makes the absolution, saying: Almighty God have mercy upon you, forgive you your sins, and bring you to everlasting life. People: 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. People: Amen. And bowing he proceeds: Wilt thou not turn again, and quicken us, O God? People: That thy people may rejoice in thee. Celebrant: O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us. People: And grant us thy salvation. Celebrant: O Lord, hear my prayer. People: And let my cry come unto thee. Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And with thy spirit. And extending and joining his hands, he says in a clear voice: Let us pray, and ascending to the Altar, says secretly: Take away from us, we beseech thee, O Lord, our iniquities: that we may be worthy to enter with pure minds into the Holy of holies. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Then, with hands joined upon the Altar, he says, bowing: We pray thee, O Lord, through the merits of thy Saints, (He kisses the Altar in the midst) whose relics are here, and of all the Saints: that thou wouldest vouchsafe to pardon all my sins. Amen. THE INTROIT ~ At solemn Mass the Celebrant, before he reads the Introit, blesses incense, saying: Be thou + blessed by him in whose honour thou shalt be burned. Amen. And receiving the thurible from the deacon, he censes the Altar, saying nothing. Then the deacon takes the thurible from the Celebrant, and censes him only. Then the Celebrant, signing himself with the sign of the cross, begins the Introit: which ended, with joined hands he says alternately with the Ministers and People THE KYRIE Kyrie, eleison. Kyrie, eleison. Kyrie, eleison. Christe eleison. Christe eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie, eleison. Kyrie, eleison. Kyrie, eleison. THE GLORIA Then in the midst of the Altar he extends and joins his hands, and bowing his head a little, 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 unto thee, Jesus Christ, and Receive our prayer, he bows his head; and at the end, saying With the Holy Ghost, he signs himself from forehead to breast. Glory be to God on high. All: And in earth peace good will towards men. 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 God the Father, have mercy upon us.For thou only art Holy. Thou only art the Lord. Thou only, O Christ, with the Holy + Ghost, art Most High in the glory of God the Father. Amen. THE COLLECT, EPISTLE, GRADUAL, TRACT, OR ALLELUIA Then he kisses the Altar in the midst, and turning to the people says: The Lord be with you. People: And with thy spirit. Then he says: Let us pray. And the Collects, one or more, as the order of the Office demands. Then follow the Epistle, Gradual, and Tract, or Alleluia. With the Verse, or Sequence, as the Season or quality of the Mass requires. THE GOSPEL 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. Then he takes the book from the Altar, and again kneeling asks a blessing from the Celebrant, saying: Bid, Sir, a blessing. The Lord be in thy heart and on thy lips: that thou mayst worthily and fitly proclaim his Gospel: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. And having received the blessing, he kisses the hand of the celebrant: and going with the other ministers, the incense and the lights, to the place of the Gospel, he stands with joined hands and says: The Lord be with you. People: And with thy spirit. And announcing: The Continuation of the holy Gospel according to N., or The Beginning, 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 and people respond, Glory be to thee, O Lord. He censes the book thrice, then reads the Gospel with joined hands. Which ended, the Subdeacon carries the book to the Celebrant, who kisses the Gospel, saying: Through the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out. Then the Celebrant is censed by the Deacon. If, however, the Celebrant 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, and 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, he says, with joined hands: The Lord be with you. People: And with thy spirit. And announcing: The Beginning, or The Continuation of the holy Gospel, he signs the book, and himself on the forehead, mouth, and breast, and reads the Gospel, as said before. At the end of which the minister and people responds: Praise be to thee, O Christ. And the Celebrant 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. THE CREED Then at 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 is 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 genuflect) And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary: And was made man. (rise) 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. THE OFFERTORY Then he kisses the Altar, and turning to the people says: The Lord be with you. People: And with thy spirit. Then he says, Let us pray, and the Offertory. Which having been said, if the Mass be solemn, the Deacon presents the Paten with the Host to the celebrant: if it be private, the Celebrant himself takes the Paten with the Host, which he offers, saying: Receive, O holy Father, almighty everlasting God, this spotless host, which I, thine unworthy servant, offer unto thee, my living and true God, for my numberless sins, offences, and negligences, and for all who stand here around, as also for all faithful christians, both living and departed: that to me and to them it may avail for salvation unto life eternal. 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 private Mass, the Celebrant pours in both, and blesses with the sign of the Cross the water to be mixed in the Chalice, saying: 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 co- heirs of his divinity, who vouchsafed to be made partaker of our humanity, even Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord: Who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God: world without end. Amen. ~ In Masses of the Dead the foregoing Prayer is said, but the water is not blessed. Then he receives the Chalice, and offers it, saying: We offer unto thee, O Lord, the cup of salvation, humbly beseeching thy mercy: that in the sight of thy divine majesty it may ascend as a sweet- smelling savour for our salvation, and for that of the whole world. Amen. 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, may we be accepted of thee, O Lord: and so let our sacrifice be offered in thy sight this day, that it 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 strait way lowering them, he says: Come, O thou Font of holiness, almighty, eternal God: He blesses the Oblations, proceeding and + bless this sacrifice, made ready for thy holy name. THE CENSING 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 + bless this incense, and to receive it for a sweet smelling savour. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. And receiving the thurible from the Deacon, he censes the Oblation, in the manner prescribed in the general Rubrics, saying: May this incense, which thou hast blessed, ascend unto thee, O Lord: and may thy mercy descend upon us. Then he censes the Altar, saying: Ps. 141, 1-3 Let my prayer, O Lord, 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 kindly in us the fire of his love, and the flame of eternal charity. Amen. Then the Celebrant is censed by the Deacon, and afterwards the others in order. THE LAVABO Meanwhile the Celebrant washes his hands, saying: Ps. 26, 6-12 I will wash my hands in innocency, O Lord: and so will I go to thine altar: That I may shew 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 honour dwelleth. O shut not up my soul with the sinners, nor my life with the blood-thirsty: 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. ~ In Masses of the Dead, and during Passion Tide 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 unto thee in memory of the passion, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ: and to the honour of blessed Mary ever Virgin, of blessed John Baptist, of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, of these and of all the Saints: that it may avail for their honour, and for 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. THE ORATE FRATES Then he kisses the Altar, and turning to the people, he extends and joins his hands, and say, raising his voice a little: Pray, brethren: that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the Father almighty. The Ministers and People respond: otherwise the Celebrant 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 Celebrant in a low voice says: Amen. Then with hands extended, immediately without Let us pray, he adds the secret Prayers, which ended, when he has come to the conclusion, he says in a clear voice: Throughout all ages, world without end, with the Preface, as below. 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 makes the sign of the cross on himself from forehead to breast. THE PREFACES WITHOUT CHANT PREFACE OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD V/. The Lord be with you. R/. And with thy spirit. V/. Lift up your hearts. R/. We lift them up unto the Lord. V/. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. R/. It is meet and right so to do. It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee: O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God: Because through the mystery of the Word made flesh the light of thy glory hath shone anew upon the eyes of our mind: that as we acknowledge God, made visible to man, we may through him be caught up to love of things invisible. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominations, and with all the company of the heavenly host, we sing the majesty of thy glory, 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. Infra Actionem, Communicantes proper, as below in the Canon. But in the first Mass of the Nativity of the Lord is said: we celebrate the most sacred night, wherein, etc., (noctem sacratissimam celebrantes, qua, etc.;) thereafter is always said: celebrate the most holy day whereon, etc., (diem sacatissimum celebrantes, quo etc.;) until the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord inclusive. PREFACE OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD V/. The Lord be with you. R/. And with thy spirit. V/. Lift up your hearts. R/. We lift them up unto the Lord. V/. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. R/. It is meet and right so to do. It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God: Because that when thine only-begotten Son manifestly appeared in substance of our flesh, he restored us by the new light of his immortality. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Throne and Dominations, and with all the company of the heavenly host, we sing the majesty of thy glory, 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. Infra Actionem, Communicantes proper, as below in the Canon, on the Feast only. PREFACE OF LENT V/. The Lord be with you. R/. And with thy spirit. V/. Lift up your hearts. R/. We lift them up unto the Lord. V/. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. R/. It is meet and right so to do. It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God: Who by bodily fasting dost overcome vice, dost raise the mind, and dost bestow on us virtue and heavenly rewards: through Christ our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise, the Dominations adore, the Powers fear thy Majesty. The Heavens and the heavenly Virtues, and the blessed Seraphim together sing thy praise with exultation. With whom, we beseech thee, bid that our voices also be admitted, 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. PREFACE OF THE HOLY CROSS Note: This Preface is not said in Masses of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal Priest. V/. The Lord be with you. R/. And with thy spirit. V/. Lift up your hearts. R/. We lift them up unto the Lord. V/. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. R/. It is meet and right so to do. It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God: Who by the tree of the Cross didst give salvation unto mankind: that whence death arose, thence life might rise again: and that he who by a tree overcame might also by a tree be overcome: through Christ our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise, the Dominations adore, the Powers fear thy Majesty. The heavens and the heavenly Virtues, and the blessed Seraphim together sing thy praise with exultation. With whom, we beseech thee, bid that our voices also be admitted, 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. PREFACE OF EASTER In the Mass of Holy Saturday is said: chiefly on this night; on Easter Day and up to the Saturday following inclusive, chiefly on this day; otherwise, and also in the Mass of the greater Litanies, if it be celebrated within the Octave of Easter without a Commemoration thereof, chiefly at this time. V/. The Lord be with you. R/. And with thy spirit. V/. Lift up your hearts. R/. We lift them up unto the Lord. V/. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. R/. It is meet and right so to do. It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times indeed glorify thee, O Lord, but chiefly on this day (or chiefly at this time) when Christ our Passover is sacrificed. For he is the very Lamb which hath taken away the sins of the world. Who by his death hath destroyed death, and by his rising again hath restored to us life. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominations, and with all the company of the heavenly host, we sing the majesty of thy glory, 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. Infra Actionem, Communicantes and Hanc oblationem proper, as below in the Cannon. So it is said from Holy Saturday up to Saturday after Easter inclusive. But in the Mass of Holy Saturday Infra Actionem is said we celebrate the most sacred night (et noctem sacratissimam celebrantes). PREFACE OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD V/. The Lord be with you. R/. And with thy spirit. V/. Lift up your hearts. R/. We lift them up unto the Lord. V/. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. R/. It is meet and right so do. It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God: Through Christ our Lord. Who after his Resurrection manifestly appeared to all his disciples, and in their sight ascended up into heaven, and he might make us partakers of his Godhead. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominations, and with all the company of the heavenly host, we sing the majesty of thy glory, 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. Infra Actionem, Communicantes proper, as below in the Canon, on the Feast only. PREFACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST THE KING V/. The Lord be with you. R/. And with thy spirit. V/. Lift up your hearts. R/. We lift them up unto the Lord. V/. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. R/. It is meet and right so to do. It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God: Who didst anoint thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, with the oil of gladness, to be a Priest for ever and the King of all the world: that, offering himself an unspotted sacrifice of peace upon the altar of the cross, he might accomplish the mystery of the redemption of mankind: and making all creatures subject to his governance, might deliver up to thine infinite Majesty an eternal and universal kingdom. A kingdom of truth and life: a kingdom of sanctity and grace: a kingdom of justice, love and peace. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominations, and with all the company of the heavenly host, we sing the majesty of thy glory, 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. PREFACE OF THE HOLY GHOST Outside the Vigil and Octave of Pentecost the words: as on this day are omitted. V/. The Lord be with you. R/. And with thy spirit. V/. Lift up your hearts. R/. We lift them up unto the Lord. V/. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. R/. It is meet and right so to do. It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God: Through Christ our Lord. Who, ascending above all heavens and sitting at thy right hand, poured forth (as on this day) the promised Holy Ghost upon the sons of adoption. Wherefore with exceeding joy the whole round world exulteth. The heavenly Virtues also and the Angelic Powers together sing the majesty of thy glory, 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. Infra Actionem, Communicantes, and Hanc oblationem, proper, as below in the Canon. And it is said only from the Vigil of Pentecost until the following Saturday inclusive, in all Masses of the Vigil or Octave. PREFACE OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY V/. The Lord be with you. R/. And with thy spirit. V/. Lift up your hearts. R/. We lift them up unto the Lord. V/. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. R/. It is meet and right so to do. It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God: Who with thine only begotten Son and the Holy Ghost art one God, one Lord: not one only person, but three persons in one substance. For that which by thy revelation we believe of thy glory, the same we believe of thy Son, the same of the Holy Ghost, without any difference or inequality. That in the confession of the true and everlasting Godhead, distinction in Persons, unity in essence, and equality in majesty, may be adored. Which the Angels and Archangels, the Cherubim also and Seraphim praise: who cease not daily to cry out, with one voice 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. PREFACE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Either the Annunciation, or the Visitation, or the Assumption, or the Nativity, or the Presentation is said, according to the title of the Feast. In Masses of the immaculate Conception, is said: the immaculate Conception. On the Feast of the Seven Sorrows: the Transfixion. On the Feast of Mt. Carmel: the Commemoration. In all other Feasts: the Festival. In Votives in which a special Mystery is not to be expressed, and in the Mass of St. Mary on Saturday: in the Veneration. V/. The Lord be with you. R/. And with thy spirit. V/. Lift up your heart. R/. We lift them up unto the Lord. V/. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. R/. It is meet and right so to do. It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God: And that on (in) *** of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, we should praise, bless and magnify thee. Because by the overshadowing of the Holy Ghost she conceived thine only begotten Son: and, the glory of her maidenhood yet abiding, shed forth upon the world the light eternal, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise, the Dominations adore, the Powers fear thy majesty. The Heavens and the heavenly Virtues and the blessed Seraphim together sing thy praise with exultation. With whom, we beseech thee, bid that our voices also be admitted, 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. PREFACE OF ST. JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE B.V.M. On May 1st (St. Joseph the Worker) is said: And that in the Solemnity. In Votive Masses is said: And that in the Veneration. V/. The Lord be with you. R/. And with thy spirit. V/. Lift up your hearts. R/. We lift them up unto the Lord. V/. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. R/. It is meet and right so to do. It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God: And that on the Festival (in the Solemnity or Veneration) of blessed Joseph, we should, as is most justly due, praise, bless and magnify thee. For that he, being a just man, was given by thee for a Spouse to the Virgin Mother of God, a faithful and wise servant, made ruler over thy Household: that in the office of a father he should guard thine only begotten Son, conceived by the overshadowing of the Holy Ghost, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise, the Dominations adore, the Powers fear thy majesty. The Heavens and the heavenly Virtues and the blessed Seraphim together sing thy praise with exultation. With whom, we beseech thee, bid that our voices also be admitted, 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. PREFACE OF THE APOSTLES V/. The Lord be with you. R/. And with thy spirit. V/. Lift up your hearts. R/. We lift them up unto the Lord. V/. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. R/. It is meet and right so to do. It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty: That we, O Lord, should humbly entreat thee, that thou, the everlasting Shepherd, do not forsake thy flock: but through thy blessed Apostles keep it by thy continual protection. That it may be governed by those same rulers whom, in thy stead, thou hast appointed for thy work as shepherds of thy people. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominations, and with all the company of the heavenly host, we sing the majesty of thy glory, 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 COMMON PREFACE V/. The Lord be with you. R/. And with thy spirit. V/. Lift up your hearts. R/. We lift them up unto the Lord. V/. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. R/. It is meet and right so to do. It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God: through Christ, our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise, the Dominations adore, the Powers fear thy majesty. The Heavens and the heavenly Virtues and the blessed Seraphim together sing thy praise with exultation. With whom, we beseech thee, bid that our voices also be admitted, 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. PREFACE OF THE DEAD V/. The Lord be with you. R/. And with thy spirit. V/. Lift up your hearts. R/. We lift them up unto the Lord. V/. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. R/. It is meet and right so to do. It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God: through Christ our Lord. In whom hath shone forth unto us the hope of a blessed resurrection: that they who bewail the certain condition of their mortality may be consoled by thy promise of immortality to come. For the life of thy faithful people, O Lord, is changed, not taken away: and at the dissolution of the tabernacle of this earthly sojourning, a dwelling-lace eternal is made ready in the heavens. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominations, and with all the company of the heavenly host, we sing the majesty of thy glory, 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 CANON OF THE MASS The Preface being ended, the Priest, extending, raising somewhat and joining his hands, raising his eyes towards heaven, and immediately lowering them, bowed profoundly before the Altar with his hands placed thereon kisses it, and then says with hands extended. Most merciful Father, we humbly pray thee, through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, and we ask, (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 + presents, these + holy and unspoiled sacrifices. We offer them unto thee, first, for thy holy catholic Church: that thou vouchsafe to keep it in peace, to guard, unite, and govern it throughout the whole world: together with thy servants, N., Patriarch of the West, the Eastern Patriarchs, N., our Primate, N., our bishop and all the faithful guardians of the catholic and apostolic faith. Remember, O Lord, thy servants and handmaids (he joins his hands and prays awhile, for those for whom he intends to pray; then with extended hands proceeds) and all who here around us stand, whose faith is known unto thee and their steadfastness manifest, on whose behalf we offer unto thee: or who themselves offer unto thee this sacrifice of praise, for themselves, and for all who are theirs: for the redemption of their souls, for the hope of their salvation and safety: and who offer their prayers unto thee, the eternal God, the living and the true. United in one communion, we venerate the memory, first, of the glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ: ** as also of thy blessed Apostles and Martyrs, Peter and Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Thaddaeus: Linus, Cletus, Clement, Xystus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian: and of all thy Saints; grant that by their merits and prayers we may in all things be defended with the help of thy protection. (he joins his hands) Through the same Christ our Lord. People: Amen. On the Nativity of the Lord and through the Octave is said: United in one communion, we celebrate the most sacred day, [most sacred night,] whereon the undefiled virginity of blessed Mary brought forth the Saviour to this world: we venerate moreover the memory, first, of the same glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of the same our God and Lord Jesus Christ: ** On the Epiphany of the Lord is said: United in one communion, we celebrant the most sacred day, whereon thine only begotten Son, co-eternal with thee in thy glory, visibly appeared in the body, in the true substance of our flesh: we venerate moreover the memory, first, of the glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of the same our God and Lord Jesus Christ: ** From Holy Saturday to the following Saturday is said: United in one communion, we celebrate the most sacred day [most sacred night] of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh: we venerate moreover the memory, first, of the glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of the same our God and Lord Jesus Christ: ** On the Ascension of the Lord is said: United in one communion, we celebrate the most sacred day, whereon our Lord, thine only- begotten Son, set at the right hand of thy glory the substance of our frailty united to himself: we venerate moreover the memory, first, of the glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of the same our God and Lord Jesus Christ: ** From the Vigil of Pentecost to the following Saturday inclusive is said: United in one communion, we celebrate the most sacred day of Pentecost, whereon the Holy Ghost appeared to the Apostles in tongues innumerable: we venerate moreover the memory, first, of the glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ: ** (Holding his hands spread out over the Oblations, he says) We beseech thee then, O Lord, graciously to accept this oblation from us thy servants, and from thy whole family: order thou our days in thy peace and bid us to be delivered from eternal damnation, and to be numbered in the fold of thine elect. (he joins his hands) Through Christ our Lord. People: Amen. From Holy Saturday until Saturday in Easter Week inclusive and from the Vigil of Pentecost until the following Saturday inclusive is said: We beseech thee, then, O Lord, graciously to accept this oblation from us thy servants, and from thy whole family: we present it unto thee on behalf also of those whom thou hast vouchsafed to regenerate by water and the Holy Ghost, granting unto them remission of all their sins: order thou our days in thy peace, and bid us to be delivered from eternal damnation, and to be numbered in the fold of thine elect. [he joins his hands] Through Christ our Lord. Amen Vouchsafe, O God, we beseech thee, in all things (he signs thrice over the Oblations) to make this oblation + blessed, + approved, and + accepted, a perfect and worthy offering: (he signs once over the Host) that it may become for us the + Body (and once over the Chalice) and + Blood of thy dearly 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 lifts up his eyes to heaven) and with eyes lifted up to heaven, unto thee, God, his almighty Father, (he bows his head) giving thanks to thee, (he signs over the Host) he + blessed, 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 secretly, 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 genuflects, and adores the consecrated Host: rises, shews it to the people, replaces it upon the Corporal, and again genuflects and adores. And does not disjoin, his forefingers and thumbs henceforth, except when the Host is to be handled, till after ablution of his fingers. Then, having uncovered the Chalice, he says) Likewise after supper, (he takes the Chalice in both hands) taking also this goodly Chalice into his holy and venerable hands: again (he bows his head) giving thanks to thee, (holding the Chalice in his left hand, he signs over it with his right) he + blessed, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and drink ye all of it. (He utters the words of consecration over the Chalice, attentively, continuously and secretly, holding it slightly raised) FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD, OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL TESTAMENT: THE MYSTERY OF FAITH: WHICH SHALL BE SHED FOR YOU AND FOR MANY FOR THE REMISSIONS OF SINS. (Having uttered these words, he sets down the Chalice upon the Corporal, and saying secretly) As oft as ye shall do these things, ye shall do them in remembrance of me. (He genuflects and adores: rises, shews it to the people, sets it down, covers it, and again adores. Then with hands extended he says) Wherefore, O Lord, we thy servants, and thy holy people also, remembering the blessed passion of the same Christ thy Son our Lord, as also his resurrection from the dead, and his glorious ascension into heaven: do offer unto thine excellent majesty of thine own gifts and bounty, (he joins his hands and signs, thrice over the Host and Chalice together, saying) the pure + victim, the holy + victim, the immaculate + victim, (he signs once over the Host) the holy + Bread of eternal life, (and once over the Chalice, saying) and the Chalice + of everlasting salvation. (With extended hands he proceeds) Vouchsafe to look upon them with a merciful and pleasant countenance: and to accept them, even as thou didst vouchsafe to accept the gifts of thy servant Abel the Righteous, and the sacrifice of our Patriarch Abraham: and the holy sacrifice, the immaculate victim, which thy high priest Melchisedech offered unto thee. (Bowing profoundly, he says with hands joined and placed upon the Altar) We humbly beseech thee, almighty God: command these offerings to be brought by the hands of thy holy Angel to thine altar on high, in sight of thy divine majesty: that all we, (he kisses the Altar) who at this partaking of the altar shall receive the most sacred (he joins his hands, and signs once over the Host, and once over the Chalice) + Body and + Blood of thy Son, (he signs himself, saying) may be fulfilled with all heavenly benediction and grace. (he joins his hands) Through the same Christ our Lord. People: Amen. Remember also, O Lord, thy servants and handmaids, N. and N., who have gone before us, sealed with the seal of faith, and who sleep the sleep of peace. (he joins his hands and prays awhile for those departed for whom he intends to pray, then with extended hands proceeds) To them, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, we beseech thee to grant the abode of refreshing, of light, and of peace. (he joins his hands, and bows his head, saying) Through the same Christ our Lord. People: Amen. To us sinners also, (with hands extended as before, he proceeds secretly) thy servants, who hope in the multitude of thy mercy vouchsafe to grant some part and fellowship with thy holy Apostles and Martyrs: with John, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicitas, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecillia, Anastasia, and with all thy Saints: within whose fellowship, we beseech thee, admit us, not weighing our merits, but granting us forgiveness. (he joins his hands) Through Christ our Lord. Through whom, O Lord, thou dost ever create all these good things, (he signs thrice over the Host and Chalice together saying) dost + sanctify, + quicken, + bless, and bestow them upon us. (He uncovers the Chalice, genuflects, and takes the Host between the thumb and first finger 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) Through + him, and with + him, and in + him, (he signs twice with the Host itself between himself and the Chalice, saying) O God the Father + almighty, in the unity of the Holy + Ghost (elevating the Chalice a little with the Host, he says) all honour and glory are thine. (He replaces the Host, covers the Chalice with the Pall, genuflects, rises and says in an audible voice) Throughout all ages, world without end. People: Amen. THE LORD’S PRAYER Let us pray: Commanded by saving precepts, and taught by divine institution, we are bold to say: (He extends his hands) Celebrant and People: 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 them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. Amen. (Then he takes the Paten between the fore and middle fingers of his right hand, and holding it upright upon the Altar, says secretly) Deliver us, O Lord, we beseech thee, 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 the Saints, (he signs himself with the Paten from forehead to breast) favourably grant peace in our days: (he kisses the Paten) that by the help of thine unavailing mercy we may ever both be free from sin and safe from all distress. (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 liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, 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 knop below the cup, he says in an audible voice) Throughout all ages, world without end. People: Amen. (With the particle itself he signs thrice over the Chalice, saying) The peace + of the Lord be + always with + you. People: And with thy spirit. (He puts the particle into the Chalice, saying secretly) May this mingling and hallowing of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ avail us who receive it unto everlasting life. People: Amen. THE AGNUS DEI (He covers the Chalice, genuflects, rises, and bowing to the Sacrament, joins his hands, and beating his breast thrice, says in an audible voice with the people) 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 peace. In Masses of the Dead have mercy upon us is not said, but in its place grant them rest, and the third time is added everlasting. THE PRAYER FOR PEACE O Lord Jesus Christ, who saidst to thine Apostles, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: regard not our sins, but the faith of thy Church: and vouchsafe to grant her peace and unity according to thy will: Who lives and reigns God, throughout all ages; world without end. People: Amen. If the pax is to be given, he kisses the Altar, and giving the pax, says Peace be with you. People: And with thy spirit. In Masses of the Dead the pax is not given, nor is the preceding Prayer said: O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who by the will of the Father, and the co-operation of the Holy Ghost, hast through thy death given life unto the world: deliver us by this thy most sacred Body and Blood from all our iniquities, and from every evil: and make us ever to cleave unto thy commandments, and suffer us never to be separated from thee: Who with the same God the Father and the Holy Ghost lives and reigns God, world without end. People: Amen. Let the partaking of thy Body, O Lord Jesus Christ, which we, unworthy, presume to receive, turn not to our judgment and condemnation: but of thy goodness let it avail unto us for protection of soul and of body, that we may receive thy healing: Who lives and reigns with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, throughout all ages, world without end. People: Amen. THE COMMUNION He genuflects, rises, and says I will receive the bread of heaven, and call upon the name of the 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 beating his breast three times with his right hand, he says thrice, devoutly and humbly, raising his voice a little) Lord, I am not worthy, (and he proceeds secretly) that thou should enter under my roof: but speak the word only, and my soul shall be healed. (Afterwards 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 everlasting life. Amen. (And bowing himself, he reverently takes both parts of the Host: which having been consumed, he puts the Paten down upon the Corporal, and raising himself, joins his hands, and is still for a little space 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, meanwhile saying) What reward shall I give unto the Lord for all the benefits that 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 everlasting life. Amen. (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) (Holding a Host in his right hand, the Celebrant faces the People and says) Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who taketh away the sins of the world. People: Lord, I am not worthy that thou should enter under my roof, but speak the word only, and my soul shall be healed. (Placing a Host on the tongue of the people, the Celebrant says) The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve thy soul unto everlasting life. People: Amen. THE ABULTIONS (afterwards, 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 into it a little wine, wherewith he purifies himself; then he continues) Let the partaking of thy Body O Lord, and the Blood which I have drunk cleave unto my members and grant that no stain of sin may remain within me whom thou hast refreshed with these pure and holy Sacraments. Who lives and reigns world without end. Amen. (He goes to the Epistle side of the altar and the minister pours wine and water over his fingers. He then returns to the centre of the Altar and takes the abultion: he wipes his mouth and the Chalice, which, having folded the Corporal, he covers and places on the Altar as before: then he proceeds with the Mass) THE COMMUNION ANTIPHON (At the Epistle side, he reads the Communion Antiphon) THE POST COMMUNION PRAYER (Kissing the Altar in the midst, he says) The Lord be with you. People: And with thy spirit. Celebrant: Let us pray. People: Amen. (Returning to the centre of the Altar, he kisses it in the midst and says) The Lord be with you. People: And with thy spirit. Celebrant: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. People: Gladly. In Masses of the Dead he says: May they rest in peace. Amen. THE BLESSING (He bows himself before the midst of the Altar, and with hands joined thereon, says secretly) 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 may through thy mercy obtain thy gracious favour for me and all for whom I have offered it. Through Christ our Lord. People: Amen. (Then he kisses the Altar, and raising his eyes, extending, raising, and joining his hands, and bowing his head to the Cross, blesses the people, saying) May God almighty, the Father, + the Son, and the Holy Ghost, bless you. People: Amen. In Pontifical Mass the blessing is three-fold, as is ordered in the Pontifical. If a Bishop is the celebrant, he may use the following blessing. Go forth into the world in peace; loving one another; be of good courage; hold fast that which is good; render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the faint-hearted; support the weak; help the afflicted; honour all people; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. And the blessing of God Almighty, + the Father, and the Son + and the Holy + Ghost, be upon you, and remain with you forever. People: Amen. THE LAST GOSPEL Then the celebrant at the Gospel corner says with hands joined. The Lord be with you. People: And with thy spirit. And signing with the sign of the Cross first the Altar or book, then himself on the 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 etc. People: Glory be to thee, O Lord. He proceeds with joined hands: John i. 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 behold his glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. People: Thanks be to God. In Masses of the Dead the Blessing is not given, but having said May they rest in peace and Let this my bounden duty, he kisses the Altar, and reads the Gospel of Saint John. The Gospel of Saint John being ended, he says for thanksgiving as he goes from the Altar the Antiphon Let us sing, with the rest. Return to Home Page