Explanations as to what the priest and servers or doing and where they are standing are provided to help you follow along. The instructions in red text are generally based on local customs at our local parish in the Arlington Diocese. But they are just suggestions as there are no hard and fast rules for the congregation. The church where you attend Mass may have slightly different customs. You should follow those.
Note: The altar boys make all of the responses on your behalf in the Extraordinary Form. The congregation is largely silent at a Low Mass. You are free to simply pray. (With the caveat about local customs noted above.)
Please provide us with your feedback to help us make this a more useful resource for you. Thank you and may God bless you!
Blessing of the Palms
The priest in red cope, with his ministers also vested in red, proceeds to the blessing of palms, or of branches of olive or other trees which are placed in front or on the epistle side of the altar.
Matt 21:9
Ant. Hosanna to the Son of David Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord. O King of Israel: Hosanna in the highest
Then the priest, standing on the epistle side, his hands joined, turning towards the faithful, sings:
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
Bless, ✠ we beseech Thee, O Lord, these branches of palm – or olive or other trees: – and grant that what Thy people today bodily perform for Thy honor, they may perfect spiritually with the utmost devotion, by gaining the victory over the enemy, and ardently loving every work of mercy.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.
R. Amen.
Distribution of the branches
Ant. The Hebrew children bearing olive branches, went forth to meet the Lord, crying out and saying, Hosanna in the highest.
Ps 23:1-2; 23:7-10
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof: the world and all they that dwell therein. For He hath founded it upon the seas: and hath prepared it upon the rivers.
Ant. The Hebrew children bearing olive branches, went forth to meet the Lord, crying out and saying, Hosanna in the highest.
Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: and the King of Glory shall enter in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord who is strong and mighty: the Lord mighty in battle.
Ant. The Hebrew children bearing olive branches, went forth to meet the Lord, crying out and saying, Hosanna in the highest.
Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: and the King of Glory shall enter in.
Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory.
Ant. The Hebrew children bearing olive branches, went forth to meet the Lord, crying out and saying, Hosanna in the highest.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. The Hebrew children bearing olive branches, went forth to meet the Lord, crying out and saying, Hosanna in the highest.
PSALM 46
Ant. The Hebrew children laying their clothes on the road, went forth to meet the Lord, crying out and saying, Hosanna in the highest.
O clap your hands, all ye nations: shout unto God with the voice of joy. For the Lord is high, terrible: a great king over all the earth.
Ant. The Hebrew children laying their clothes on the road, went forth to meet the Lord, crying out and saying, Hosanna in the highest.
He hath subdued the people under us: and the nations under our feet. He hath chosen for us His inheritance: the beauty of Jacob which He hath loved.
Ant. The Hebrew children laying their clothes on the road, went forth to meet the Lord, crying out and saying, Hosanna in the highest.
God is ascended with jubilee: and the Lord with the sound of trumpet. Sing praises to our God, sing ye: sing praises to our king, sing ye.
Ant. The Hebrew children laying their clothes on the road, went forth to meet the Lord, crying out and saying, Hosanna in the highest.
For God is the king of all the earth: sing ye wisely. God shall reign over the nations: God sitteth on His holy throne.
Ant. The Hebrew children laying their clothes on the road, went forth to meet the Lord, crying out and saying, Hosanna in the highest.
The princes of the people are gathered together: with the God of Abraham. For the strong gods of the earth: are exceedingly exalted.
Ant. The Hebrew children laying their clothes on the road, went forth to meet the Lord, crying out and saying, Hosanna in the highest.
Ant. The Hebrew children laying their clothes on the road, went forth to meet the Lord, crying out and saying, Hosanna in the highest.
When the palms have been distributed the priest puts incense into the thurible. The prayer Munda Cor is said as usual, and the Gospel is read.
Cleanse my heart and my lips, O almighty God, who didst cleanse the lips of the prophet Isaias with a burning coal, and vouchsafe, through Thy gracious mercy, so to purify me, that I may worthily announce Thy holy Gospel. Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
P. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Gospel
Continuation +︎ of the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Matt 21:1-9
At that time, when Jesus drew nigh to Jerusalem, and was come to Bethphage, unto Mount Olivet, then He sent two disciples, saying to them: Go ye into the village that is over against you, and immediately you shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them and bring them to Me. And if any man shall say anything to you, say ye, that the Lord hath need of them: and forthwith he will let them go. Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: Tell ye the daughter of Sion: Behold thy King cometh to thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of her that is used to the yoke. And the disciples going, did as Jesus commanded them. And they brought the ass and the colt, and laid their garments upon them, and made him sit thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way: and others cut boughs from the trees, and strewed them in the way, and the multitudes that went before and that followed, cried, saying: Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.
R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.
P. By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.
The Procession of Palms
The procession now takes place. The priest places incense in the thurible and then turning toward the people, says, with the servers responding:
V. Let us go forth in peace.
R. In the name of Christ. Amen.
The thurifer precedes with the smoking censer, followed by the subdeacon, bearing the processional cross between two acolytes carrying lighted candles. Then follow the clergy in order of rank, then the celebrant with the deacon on his left. Where it is custom for the people to join the procession, they follow the celebrant. All carry palms, and all or some of them sing several anthems, hymns, and Psalms, during the whole time the procession lasts.
The celebrant reaches the altar, turns to the people, and sings:
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, our King and Redeemer, in whose honor we have borne these palms and gone on praising Thee with song and solemnity: mercifully grant that whithersoever these palms are taken, there the grace of Thy blessing may descend; may every wickedness and trick of the demons be frustrated; and may Thy right hand protect those it hath redeemed. Who livest and reignest for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
The priest now change from red to violet vestments for the Mass.
Prayers at the Foot of the Altar
Father is in the center
The priest, after processing in and placing the veiled Chalice on the altar and opening the Missal in preparation for Mass, meets the servers at the foot of the altar. Bowing down, he makes the Sign of the Cross while the servers and faithful kneel, and says in Latin:
KNEEL
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, ☩ and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then joining his hands before his breast, he begins the Anthem in Latin:
P. I will go in unto the altar of God.
S. To God who giveth joy to my youth.
The priest alternates with the server in reciting this psalm to express his desire, joy and confidence in going to the altar of the Sacrifice.
Ps. 42, 1-5.
P. Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation which is not holy: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man.
S. For Thou, O God, art my strength: why hast Thou cast me off? and why go I sorrowful whilst the enemy afflicteth me?
P. Send forth Thy light and Thy truth: they have conducted me and brought me unto Thy holy mount, and into Thy tabernacles.
S. And I will go into the altar of God: to God who giveth joy to my youth.
P. To Thee, O God, my God, I will give praise upon the harp; why art thou sad, O my soul, and why dost thou disquiet me?
S. Hope in God, for I will still give praise to Him: the salvation of my countenance and my God.
P. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
S. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The priest repeats the Anthem in Latin:
P. I will go in unto the altar of God.
S. To God who giveth joy to my youth.
The priest, signing himself with the Sign of the Cross, says in Latin:
P. Our help ☩ is in the Name of the Lord.
S. Who made heaven and earth.
Then, joining his hands, and humbly bowing down, he says the Confiteor in Latin:
P. I confess to almighty God, to the blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to you, brothers, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, Here he strikes his breast thrice through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech the blessed Mary, ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Saints, and you, brothers, to pray to the Lord our God for me.
S. May almighty God be merciful to thee, and forgiving thy sins, bring thee to everlasting life.
The priest answers:
P. Amen.
The servers say the Confiteor in Latin. You may wish to pray these words silently to yourself in either Latin or English. It would be appropriate to bow your head slightly as you pray this since it is a penitential prayer.
S. Confíteor Deo omnipoténti, beátæ Maríæ semper Vírgini, beáto Michaéli Archángelo, beáto Joánni Baptístæ, sanctis Apóstolis Petro et Paulo, ómnibus Sanctis, et tibi, pater: quia peccávi nimis cogitatióne, verbo et opere: Strike breast thrice mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa. Ideo precor beátam Maríam semper Vírginem, beátum Michaélem Archángelum, beátum Joánnem Baptístam, sanctos Apóstolos Petrum et Paulum, omnes Sanctos, et te, pater, orare pro me ad Dóminum, Deum nostrum.
S. I confess to almighty God, to the blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to you, Father, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, Strike breast thrice through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech the blessed Mary, ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Saints, and you, Father, to pray to the Lord our God for me.
Then the priest, with his hands joined, says in Latin:
P. May almighty God be merciful to thee, and forgiving thy sins, bring thee to everlasting life.
S. Amen.
The servers (and you if you wish) make the Sign of the Cross, with the priest saying in Latin:
P. May the ☩ almighty and merciful Lord grant us pardon, absolution, and remission of our sins.
S. Amen.
Bowing down, the priest proceeds in Latin:
P. O God, Thou wilt turn again and quicken us.
S. And thy people shall rejoice in Thee.
P. Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy.
S. And grant us Thy salvation.
P. O Lord, hear my prayer.
S. And let my cry come before Thee.
P. The Lord be with you.
S. And with thy spirit.
The priest extends then joins his hands and, after audibly saying “Oremus” (“Let us pray”), he ascends to the altar while saying the following prayer silently in Latin.
Let us pray.
Take away from us our iniquities, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that we may be worthy to enter with pure minds into the Holy of Holies. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
His hands joined, and bowing down over the middle of the altar, the priest says:
We beseech Thee, O Lord, by the merits of Thy Saints, whose relics are here, and of all the Saints, that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to forgive me all my sins. Amen.
Introit
Father is on the right (Epistle side)
Moving to the Epistle-side (the right side) of the altar, the priest makes the Sign of the Cross and reads the Introit in Latin. The Introit is the first of the variable texts, often called “the propers,” that change depending on the Mass of the day.
Ps 21:20, 22
O Lord, be not far from me; O my help, hasten to aid me. Save me from the lionÂ’s mouth; form the horns of the wild bulls, my wretched life.
Ps 21:2
My God, my God, look upon me, why have You forsaken me? Far from my salvation are the words of my sins.
O Lord, be not far from me; O my help, hasten to aid me. Save me from the lionÂ’s mouth; form the horns of the wild bulls, my wretched life.
Kyrie
Father is in the center
The priest moves to the middle and alternates with the servers saying the only Greek words in the Mass:
P. Kýrie, eléison.
(Lord, have mercy.)
S. Kýrie, eléison.
(Lord, have mercy.)
P. Kýrie, eléison.
(Lord, have mercy.)
S. Christe, eléison.
(Christ, have mercy)
P. Christe, eléison.
(Christ, have mercy)
S. Christe, eléison.
(Christ, have mercy)
P. Kýrie, eléison.
(Lord, have mercy.)
S. Kýrie, eléison.
(Lord, have mercy.)
P. Kýrie, eléison.
(Lord, have mercy.)
Gloria
The Gloria is omitted on Sundays and ferias of Lent.
Then the priest turns to the people and says:
P. Dóminus vobíscum.
S. Et cum spiritu tuo.
P. The Lord be with you.
S. And with thy spirit.
Collect
Father is on the right (Epistle side)
The Collect is the collected prayers of all the faithful assisting at the Holy Sacrifice. It changes with each Mass. Raising his voice, his hands, and his sentiments to God, the priest excites the faithful to unite their prayers with his. The priest returns to the Epistle-side of the altar and says in Latin:
P. Oremus.
P. Let us pray.
Almighty, eternal God, Who, to provide mankind an example of humility for it to imitate, willed that the Saviour should assume our flesh and suffer death upon the Cross, mercifully grant that we may be found worthy of the lesson of His endurance and the fellowship of His resurrection.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.
S. Amen.
The Epistle, Gradual and Alleluia
The Epistle, or lesson, is like the second reading in the Ordinary Form in that it is frequently (though certainly not always) from St. Paul. Along with the Gradual and Tract (which replaces the Alleluia in penitential seasons), the Epistle changes depending on the Mass of the day.
Epistle
Lesson from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians
Phil 2:5-11
Brethren: Have this in mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus, Who, though He was by nature God, did not consider being equal to God a thing to be clung to, but emptied Himself, taking the nature of a slave and being made like unto men. And appearing in the form of man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death, even to death on a cross. Therefore God also has exalted Him and has bestowed upon Him the Name that is above every name, Kneel so that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven, on earth and under the earth and every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.
S. Thanks be to God.
After the Epistle is finished, Father will place his left hand on the altar and the servers respond “Deo gratias.” One server moves to stand to the right of the priest at the corner of the altar. After Father finishes the Gradual and Alleluia (or the Tract which replaces the Alleluia in penitential seasons), the server moves the Missal to the left side, where Father will proclaim the Gospel.
Gradual and Tract
Ps 72:24, 1-3
You have hold of my right hand; with Your counsel You guide me; and in the end You will receive me in glory.
V. How good God is to Israel, to those who are clean of heart! But, as for me, I almost lost my balance; my feet all but slipped, because I was envious of sinners when I saw them prosper though they were wicked.
Tractus
Ps 21:2-9, 18-19, 22, 24, 32
My God, my God, look upon me: why have You forsaken me?
V. Far from my salvation, are the words of my sins.
V. O my God, I cry out by day and You answer not; by night, and there is no relief.
V. But You are enthroned in the holy place, O glory of Israel!
V. In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them.
V. To You they cried, and they escaped; in You they trusted, and they were not put to shame.
V. But I am a worm, not a man; the scorn of men, despised by the people.
V. All who see me, scoff at me; they mock me with parted lips, they wag their heads.
V. He relied on the Lord; let Him deliver him, let Him rescue him, if He loves him.”
V. But they look on and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots.
V. Save me from the lionÂ’s mouth; from the horns of the wild bulls, my wretched life.
V. You who fear the Lord, praise Him: all you descendants of Jacob, give glory to Him.
V. There shall be declared to the Lord a generation to come: and the heavens shall show forth His justice.
V. To a people that shall be born, which the Lord has made.
Munda Cor Meum
Father is in the center
As the server transfers the Missal to the Gospel-side of the altar, the priest moves to the middle of the altar and bowing down says in Latin:
Cleanse my heart and my lips, O almighty God, who didst cleanse the lips of the prophet Isaias with a burning coal, and vouchsafe, through Thy gracious mercy, so to purify me, that I may worthily announce Thy holy Gospel. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Give me Thy blessing, O Lord. The Lord be in my heart and on my lips, that I may worthily and in a becoming manner, proclaim His holy Gospel. Amen.
Gospel
Father is on the left (Gospel side)
Except for Solemn Mass, when he will remain in the middle, the priest moves from the middle to the left side of the altar, and begins in Latin:
STAND
P. The Lord be with you.
S. And with thy spirit.
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
Matt 26:36-75; 27:1-60.
Then Jesus came with them into a country place which is called Gethsemani; and He said to His disciples: J. Sit you here, till I go yonder and pray. C. And taking with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to grow sorrowful and to be sad. Then He saith to them: J.My soul is sorrowful even unto death; stay you here and watch with Me. C. And going a little further, He fell upon His face, praying and saying: J. My Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt. C. And He cometh to His disciples, and findeth them asleep. And He saith to Peter: J. What! Could you not watch one hour with Me? Watch ye, and pray that ye enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. C. Again the second time, He went and prayed, saying: J. My Father, if this chalice may not pass away, but I must drink it, Thy will be done. C. And He cometh again, and findeth them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. And leaving them, He went again and He prayed the third time, saying the self-same word. Then He cometh to His disciples, and saith to them: J. Sleep ye now and take your rest; behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man shall be betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go; behold, he is at hand that will betray Me. C. As He yet spoke, behold Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the ancients of the people. And he that betrayed Him gave them a sign, saying: S. Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is He; hold Him fast. C. And forthwith coming to Jesus, he said: S. Hail, Rabbi. C. And he kissed Him. And Jesus said to him: J. Friend, whereto art thou come? C.Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus, and held Him. And behold one of them that were with Jesus, stretching forth his hand, drew out his sword, and striking the servant of the high priest, cut off his ear. Then Jesus saith to him: J. Put up again thy sword into its place; for all that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot ask My Father, and He will give Me presently more than twelve legions of Angels? How then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that so it must be done? C. In that same hour Jesus said to the multitudes: J. You are come out, as it were to a robber, with swords and clubs to apprehend Me. I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you laid not hands on Me. C. Now all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then the disciples, all leaving Him, fled. But they holding Jesus led Him to Caiphas the high priest, where the scribes and the ancients were assembled. And Peter followed Him afar off, even to the court of the high priest. And going in, he sat with the servants, that he might see the end. And the chief priests and the whole council sought false witness against Jesus, that they might put Him to death. And they found none, whereas many false witnesses had come in. And last of all there came two false witnesses; and they said: This man said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and after three days to rebuild it. And the high priest, rising up, said to Him: S. Answerest Thou nothing to the things which these witness against Thee? C. But Jesus held His peace. And the high priest said to Him: S. I adjure Thee by the living God, that Thou tell us if Thou be the Christ the Son of God. C. Jesus saith to him: J. Thou hast said it. Nevertheless I say to you, hereafter you shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the power of God, and coming in the clouds of heaven. C. Then the high priest rent his garments, saying: S. He hath blasphemed; what further need have we of witnesses? Behold, now you have heard the blasphemy. What think you? C. But they answering, said: S. He is guilty of death. C. Then they did spit in His face and buffeted Him; and others struck His face with the palms of their hands, saying: S. Prophesy unto us, O Christ, who is he that struck Thee? C. But Peter sat without in the court, and there came to him a servant maid, saying: S. Thou also wast with Jesus the Galilean. C. But he denied it before them all, saying: S. I know not what thou sayest. C. And as he went out of the gate, another maid saw him, and she saith to them that were there: S. This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth. C.And again he denied it with an oath: S. I know not the man. C. And after a little while, they came that stood by and said to Peter: S. Surely thou also art one of them; for even thy speech doth discover thee. C. Then he began to curse and to swear that he knew not the man; and immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the words of Jesus which He had said: before the cock crow, thou wilt deny Me thrice. And going forth, he wept bitterly. And when morning was come, all the chief priests and ancients ofthe people took counsel against Jesus, that they might put Him to death. And they brought Him bound, and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Then Judas, who betrayed Him, seeing that He was condemned, repenting himself, brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and ancients, saying: S. I have sinned in betraying innocent blood. C. But they said: S. What is that to us? Look thou to it. C. And casting down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed, and went and hanged himself with a halter. But the chief priests having taken the pieces of silver, said: S. It is not lawful to put them into the corbona, because it is the price of blood. And after they had consulted together, they bought with them the potter’s field, to be a burying-place for strangers. For this cause that field was called Haceldama, that is, the field of blood, even to this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the prophet, saying: And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of Him that was prized, whom they prized of the children of Israel: and they gave them unto the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed to me. And Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked Him, saying: S.Art Thou the King of the Jews? C. Jesus saith to him: J. Thou sayest it. C. And when He was accused by the chief priests and ancients, He answered nothing. Then Pilate saith to Him: S. Dost not Thou hear how great testimonies they allege against Thee? C. And He answered to him never a word, so that the governor wondered exceedingly. Now upon the solemn day the governor was accustomed to release to the people one prisoner, whom they would. And he had then a notorious prisoner that was called Barabbas. They therefore being gathered together, Pilate said: S. Whom will you that I release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus that is called Christ? C. For he knew that for envy they had delivered Him. And as he was sitting in the place of judgment his wife sent to him, saying: S. Have thou nothing to do with that just man, for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him. C. But the chief priests and ancients persuaded the people that they should ask Barabbas, and make Jesus away. And the governor answering, said to them: S. Whither will you of the two to be released unto you? C. But they said: S. Barabbas. C. Pilate saith to them: S. What shall I do then with Jesus that is called Christ? C. They all call: S. Let Him be crucified. C. The governor said to them: S. Why, what evil hath He done? C. But they cried out the more, saying: S. Let Him be crucified. C. And Pilate seeing that he prevailed nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, taking water washed his hands before the people, saying: S. I am innocent of the blood of this just man; look you to it. C. And the whole people answering, said: S. His blood be upon us and upon our children. C. Then he released to them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered Him unto them to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor, taking Jesus into the hall, gathered together unto Him the whole band; and stripping Him they put a scarlet cloak about Him. And platting a crown of thorns they put it upon His head and a reed in His right hand. And bowing the knee before Him, they mocked Him, saying: S. Hail, King of the Jews. C. And spitting upon Him, they took the reed and struck His head. And after they had mocked Him, they took off the cloak from Him, and put on Him His own garments, and led Him away to crucify Him. And going out, they found a man of Cyrene, named Simon; him they forced to take up His cross. And they came to the place that is called Golgotha, which is, the place of Calvary. And they gave Him wine to drink mingled with gall; and when He had tasted He would not drink. And after they had crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: They divided My garments among them, and upon my vesture they cast lots. And they sat and watched Him. And they put over His head His cause written: This is Jesus the King of the Jews. Then were crucified with Him two thieves; one on the right hand and one on the left. And they that passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads, and saying: S. Vah, Thou that destroyest the temple of God and in three days dost rebuild it, save Thine own self. If Thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. C. In like manner also the chief priests with the scribes and ancients, mocking, said: S. He saved others, Himself He cannot save; if He be the king of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him; He trusted in God, let Him now deliver Him if He will have Him; for He said: I am the Son of God. C. And the self-same thing the thieves also that were crucified with Him reproached Him with. Now from the sixth hour there was a darkness over the whole earth, until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying: J. Eli, Eli, lamma sabacthani? C. That is: J. My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me? C. And some that stood there and heard said: S. This man calleth Elias. C. And immediately one of them running took a sponge and filled it with vinegar and and gave Him to drink. And the others said: S. Let be; let us see whether Elias will come to deliver Him. C. And Jesus again crying with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
Here all kneel and pause for a few moments.
And behold the veil of the temple was rent in two from top even to the bottom; and the earth quaked and the rocks were rent; and the graves were opened, and many bodies of the saints that had slept arose, and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, came into the holy city, and appeared to many. Now the centurion and they that were with him watching Jesus, having seen the earthquake and the things that were done, were sore afraid, saying: S. Indeed this was the Son of God. C. And there were there many women afar off, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto Him: among whom was Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. And when it was evening, there came a certain rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded that the body should be delivered. And Joseph taking the body wrapt it up in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new monument, which he had hewed out in a rock. And he rolled a great stone to the door of the monument and went his way.
Sermon
SIT
After the Gospel, if there is to be a sermon, the priest will return to the middle of the altar and remove his maniple, which signifies that there is a pause in the celebration of the Mass. The servers will also move to the middle, genuflect and then take a seat at the sedilia (chairs) in the sanctuary. After the sermon, the priest will return and put the maniple back on his arm and then continue as below.
Creed
Father is in the center
On Sundays and certain Feasts the priest recites the Creed, a summary of the Catholic Doctrine. This profession of faith was drawn up in the General Councils of Nicaea in 325 and Constantinople in 381 to condemn heretics who denied that Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are God.
STAND
Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipoténtem, factórem coeli et terræ, visibílium ómnium et in visibílium. Et in unum Dóminum Bow head Jesum Christum, Fílium Dei unigénitum. Et ex Patre natum ante ómnia saecula. Deum de Deo, lumen de lúmine, Deum verum de Deo vero. Génitum, non factum, consubstantiálem Patri: per quem ómnia facta sunt. Qui propter nos hómines et propter nostram salútem descéndit de coelis.
Here kneel down. Et incarnátus est de Spíritu Sancto ex María Vírgine: Et homo factus est. Rise.
Crucifíxus étiam pro nobis: sub Póntio Piláto passus, et sepúltus est. Et resurréxit tértia die, secúndum Scriptúras. Et ascéndit in coelum: sedet ad déxteram Patris. Et íterum ventúrus est cum glória judicáre vivos et mórtuos: cujus regni non erit finis.
Et in Spíritum Sanctum, Dóminum et vivificántem: qui ex Patre Filióque procédit. Qui cum Patre et Fílio Bow head simul adorátur et conglorificátur: qui locútus est per Prophétas. Et unam sanctam cathólicam et apostólicam Ecclésiam. Confíteor unum baptísma in remissiónem peccatórum. Et exspécto resurrectiónem mortuórum. Et vitam ☩ ventúri saeculi. Amen.
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things, visible and invisible. And in one Lord Bow head Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. And born of the Father, before all ages. God of God: Light of Light: true God of true God. Begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who, for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven.
Here kneel down. And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary: and was made man. Rise.
He was crucified also for us, suffered under Pontius Pilate, and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father. And He shall come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, of whose kingdom there shall be no end.
And in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life, proceeding from the Father and the Son. Who together, with the Father and the Son, is Bow head adored and glorified: Who spoke by the prophets. And in one, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess 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.
Offertory
The priest kisses the altar, and turning to the people says:
P. The Lord be with you.
S. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
SIT
Then the priest reads the Offertory verse, a short quotation from Holy Scripture which varies with the Mass of each day.
Ps 68:21-22
Insult has broken my heart, and I am weak; I looked for sympathy, but there was none; for comforters, and I found none. Rather they put gall in My food and in My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink.
This being finished, he offers the bread and wine, which, by virtue of the words of consecration, he is going to change into the adorable Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. He takes the paten with the host and offering it up, says in Latin:
Accept, O holy Father, almighty and eternal God, this unspotted host, which I, Thy 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 it may avail both me and them for salvation unto life everlasting. Amen.
Making the Sign of the Cross with the paten, he places the host upon the corporal. He pours wine and water into the chalice, blessing the water before it is mixed. He pours a few drops of water into the chalice containing wine, in remembrance of the water and blood which flowed from the side of Jesus when pierced by the soldier’s lance.
O God, who, in creating human nature, didst wonderfully dignify it, and still more wonderfully restore it, grant that, by the Mystery of this water and wine, we may be made partakers of His divine nature, who vouchsafed to be made partaker of our human nature, even Jesus Christ our Lord, Thy Son, who with Thee, liveth and reigneth in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God: world without end. Amen.
We offer unto Thee, O Lord, the chalice of salvation, beseeching Thy clemency, that it may ascend before Thy divine Majesty, as a sweet savor, for our salvation, and for that of the whole world. Amen.
Accept us, O Lord, in the spirit of humility and contrition of heart, and grant that the sacrifice which we offer this day in Thy sight may be pleasing to Thee, O Lord God.
Raising his eyes towards heaven, extending and then joining his hands, the priest makes the Sign of the Cross over the host and the chalice, while he invokes the Holy Spirit.
Come, O almighty and eternal God, the Sanctifier, and bless ☩ this Sacrifice, prepared for the glory of Thy holy Name.
Lavabo
Father is on the right (Epistle side)
The priest washes his fingers to symbolize the great purity and inner cleanliness of those who offer or participate in this great Sacrifice, and then says in Latin:
Ps. 25. 6-12
I will wash my hands among the innocent: and I will compass Thine altar, O Lord That I may hear the voice of praise: and tell of all Thy wonderous works. I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of Thy house and the place where Thy glory dwelleth. Take not away my soul, O God, with the wicked: nor my life with blood-thirsty men. In whose hands are iniquities, their right hand is filled with gifts. But I have walked in my innocence: redeem me, and have mercy on me. My foot hath stood in the direct way, in the churches I will bless Thee, O Lord.
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.
Prayer to the Most Holy Trinity
“This majestic prayer of offering to the Most Holy Trinity states in detail the particular purpose for which the holy Sacrifice is offered.”1
Father is in the center
Receive, O holy Trinity, this oblation which we make to Thee, in memory of the Passion, Resurrection and Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in honor of Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the Saints, that it may avail unto their honor and our salvation, and may they vouchsafe to intercede for us in heaven, whose memory we celebrate on earth. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Orate Fratres
The priest kisses the altar and turns towards the people, extending, then joining his hands, and say audibly “Orate, fratres.” He then turns back to the altar and continues silently in Latin:
P. Brethren, pray that my Sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the Father almighty.
The server answers in Latin:
S. May the Lord receive the Sacrifice from thy hands, to the praise and glory of His Name, to our benefit and that of all His holy Church.
The priest answers in a low voice:
P. Amen.
Secret
This prayer is one of the variable parts of the Mass, called the propers, which changes based on the Mass being celebrated and is prayed silently. It is “the completion of the Offertory and introduces the actual oblation of the Sacrifice in the great prayer of the Canon”1 of the Mass.
Grant, we beseech You, almighty God, that the gift offered in the sight of Your majesty may obtain for us the grace of reverent devotion and assure us eternal happiness.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.
S. Amen.
Preface
The priest begins the Preface, a call to render thanks to God the Father, through Jesus Christ, in union with all the heavenly spirits. The prayer of thanksgiving and praise varies with important Feasts. The priest begins the Preface, holding his hands over the altar, and says audibly in Latin:
P. Dóminus vobíscum.
S. Et cum spíritu tuo.
P. Sursum corda.
S. Habémus ad Dóminum.
P. Grátias agámus Dómino, Deo nostro.
S. Dignum et justum est.
P. The Lord be with you.
S. And with thy spirit.
P. Lift up your hearts.
S. We have lifted them up to the Lord.
P. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
S. It is right and just.
The particular Preface changes for certain Masses, with the Preface of the Holy Trinity used on most Sundays. Passiontide uses the preface of the Holy Cross.
Holy Cross
It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God; Who didst establish the salvation of mankind on the tree of the Cross; that whence death came, thence also life might arise again, and that he, who overcame by the tree, by the tree also might be overcome: Through Christ our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominations worship it, the Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with these we entreat Thee that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted while we say with lowly praise::
Sanctus
Immediately at the conclusion of the Preface the priest begins the Sanctus and the bells are rung three times. It is customary to Cross yourself at the Benedictus.
KNEEL
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dóminus, Deus Sábaoth. Pleni sunt coeli et terra glória tua. Hosánna in excélsis. ☩ Benedíctus, qui venit in nómine Dómini. Hosánna in excélsis.
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts! Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory! Hosanna in the highest! ☩ Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!
Canon
The Canon of the Mass is made up of the fixed forms of the prayers from the Sanctus to the Pater Noster. It is said silently by the priest.
Prayers for the Church
We therefore, humbly pray and beseech Thee, most merciful Father, through Jesus Christ; Thy Son, our Lord, that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to accept and bless. these ☩ gifts, these ☩ presents, these ☩ holy unspotted Sacrifices, which in the first place we offer Thee for Thy holy Catholic Church to which vouchsafe to grant peace, as also to preserve, unite, and govern it throughout the world, together with Thy servant N. our Pope, and N. our Bishop, and all orthodox believers and professors of the Catholic and Apostolic Faith.
Commemoration of the Living
Be mindful, O Lord, of Thy servants and handmaidens, N. et N. and of all here present, whose faith and devotion are known unto Thee, for whom we offer, or who offer up to Thee, this sacrifice of praise for themselves, their families and friends, for the redemption of their souls, for the health and salvation they hope for; and who now pay their vows to Thee, the everlasting, living and true God.
We pray in union with and honor the memory, especially of the glorious ever Virgin Mary, mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ: as also of the blessed Joseph, her Spouse, and of the blessed Apostles and Martyrs Peter and Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon, and Thaddeus; Linus, Cletus, Clement, Sixtus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian, and of all Thy Saints, through whose merits and prayers, grant that we may in all things be defended by the help of Thy protection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers at the Consecration
Spreading his hands over the oblation, the bells are rung one time to signal that the Consecration is approaching and the priest says in Latin:
We therefore beseech Thee, O Lord, graciously to accept this oblation of our service, as also of Thy whole family; and to dispose our days in Thy peace, preserve us from eternal damnation, and rank us in the number of Thine Elect. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Which oblation do Thou, O God, vouchsafe in all respects, to bless, ☩ approve, ☩ ratify, ☩ make worthy and acceptable; that it may be made for us the Body ☩ and Blood ☩ of Thy most beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Consecration of the Host
Who, the day before He suffered, took bread into His holy and venerable hands, and with His eyes lifted up towards heaven unto Thee, God, His almighty Father, giving thanks to Thee, He blessed ☩ it, broke it and gave it to His disciples saying: Take and eat ye all of this,
The words of the Consecration of the Host:
FOR THIS IS MY BODY.
After pronouncing the words of the Consecration, the priest, kneeling, adores the Sacred Host; rising, he elevates It, then placing It on the corporal, again adores It. After this he never disjoins his fingers and thumbs, except when he is to take the Host, until after the washing of his fingers during the ablutions.
You may wish to look up at the Sacred Host, with faith, piety, and love, saying to yourself: MY LORD and MY GOD!
Consecration of the Wine
In like manner, after He had supped, taking also this excellent chalice into His holy and venerable hands He blessed ☩ , and gave it to His disciples, saying: Take and drink ye all of this,
The words of Consecration of the Chalice:
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 UNTO THE REMISSION OF SINS.
The priest kneels and adores the Precious Blood; rising, he elevates the Chalice, and setting it down he covers it and adores it again.
You may wish to look up at the Chalice and say to yourself something such as: BE MINDFUL O LORD, OF THY CREATURE, WHOM THOU HAST REDEEMED BY THY PRECIOUS BLOOD!
After the elevation of the Chalice, the priest says in a low voice in Latin:
As often as ye do these things, ye shall do them in remembrance of Me.
Prayers After Consecration
The priest continues silently in Latin:
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, and also His Resurrection from the dead and His glorious Ascension into heaven: do offer unto Thy most excellent Majesty of Thine own gifts, bestowed upon us, a pure ☩ Victim, a holy ☩ Victim, an unspotted ☩ Victim, the holy ☩ Bread of eternal life, and the Chalice ☩ of everlasting salvation.
Upon which vouchsafe to look with a propitious 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 to Thee, a holy Sacrifice, and unspotted Victim.
We most humbly beseech Thee, almighty God, command these offerings to be borne by the hands of Thy holy Angels to Thine altar on high, in the sight of Thy divine majesty, that as many as shall partake of the most holy Body ☩ and Blood ☩ of Thy Son at this altar, may be filled with every heavenly grace and blessing. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Commemoration of the Dead
Remember also, O Lord, Thy servants and handmaids N. and N., who are gone before us with the sign of faith, and rest in the sleep of peace. To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light, and peace; Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
The priest says the first words, “Nobis quoque peccatoribus” in a somewhat elevated tone of voice, to symbolize an act of public self-humiliation; at the same time he strikes his breast in a token of contrition.
To us also, Thy sinful servants, confiding in the multitude of Thy mercies, vouchsafe to grant some part and fellowship with Thy holy Apostles and Martyrs, with John, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicity, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia, and with all Thy Saints, into whose company we beseech Thee to admit us, not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offenses. Through Christ our Lord.
By Whom, O Lord, Thou dost ever create, sanctify, ☩ quicken, ☩ bless, ☩ and give unto us all these good things.
He uncovers the Chalice, and genuflects: then taking the Host in his right hand, and holding the Chalice in his left, he signs with the Sign of the Cross five times across the Chalice, saying:
By Him, ☩ and with Him, ☩ and in Him ☩ is to Thee, God the Father ☩ almighty, in the unity of the Holy ☩ Ghost, all honor and glory.
Replacing the Host, and covering the Chalice, he kneels down, and rising again, he says in Latin:
P. World without end.
S. Amen.
Pater Noster
In the Extraordinary Form, the priest alone says the Our Father. The faithful are invited to silently pray along with him.
Let us pray. Instructed by Thy saving precepts, and following Thy divine institution, we are bold to say:
Pater noster, qui es in caelis, Sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in coelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie. Et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem:
S. Sed libera nos a malo.
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.
S. But deliver us from evil.
P. Amen.
The priest continues silently in Latin:
Deliver us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, from all evils, past, present, and to come; and by the intercession of the Blessed and glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and of the holy Apostles, Peter and Paul, and of Andrew, and of all the Saints, mercifully grant peace in our days, that through the assistance of Thy mercy we may be always free from sin, and secure from all disturbance.
Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord.
Who with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth God,
P. World without end.
S. Amen.
P. The peace ☩ of the Lord be ☩ always with ☩ you.
S. And with thy spirit.
He puts a Particle of the Sacred Host into the Chalice, saying in Latin:
May this mixture and consecration of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be to us who receive it effectual unto eternal life. Amen.
Agnus Dei
He covers the Chalice, genuflects and rises; then bowing down and striking his breast thrice, he says in Latin:
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccáta mundi: Strike breast miserére nobis.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccáta mundi: Strike breast miserére nobis.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccáta mundi: Strike breast dona nobis pacem.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Strike breast have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Strike breast have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Strike breast grant us peace.
Prayers for Holy Communion
With his hands joined and resting on the altar, standing inclined, he says the three following prayers in Latin:
O Lord Jesus Christ, who saidst to Thine Apostles: Peace I leave you, My peace I give you: regard not my sins, but the faith of Thy Church; and vouchsafe to grant her that peace and unity which is agreeable to Thy will: Who livest and reignest God, world without end. Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who, according to the will of Thy Father, with the cooperation of the Holy Ghost, hast by Thy death given life to the world; deliver me by this Thy most sacred Body and Blood, from all my iniquities and from all evils; and make me always cleave to Thy commandments, and suffer me never to be separated from Thee, Who livest and reignest, with the same God the Father and the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.
Let not the partaking of Thy Body, O Lord, Jesus Christ, which I, though unworthy, presume to receive, turn to my judgment and condemnation; but let it, through Thy mercy, become a safeguard and remedy, both for soul and body; Who with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest God, world without end. Amen.
Communion of the Priest
The priest genuflects, rises and says in Latin:
I will take the Bread of heaven, and will call upon the Name of the Lord.
Slightly inclining, he takes both halves of the Host between the thumb and forefinger of his left hand; then striking his breast with his right hand, and raising his voice a little, he says in Latin “Domine, non sum dignus…” three times devoutly and humbly while the bells are rung:
V. Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; say but the word, and my soul shall be healed.
V. Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; say but the word, and my soul shall be healed.
V. Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; say but the word, and my soul shall be healed.
Then with his right hand, making the Sign of the Cross with the Host over the paten, he says:
The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul unto life everlasting. Amen.
He then reverently receives both halves of the Host, joins his hands, and meditates a short time. Then he uncovers the Chalice, genuflects, collects whatever fragments may remain on the corporal, and purifies the paten over the Chalice, saying:
What return shall I make to the Lord for all He has given to me? I will take the chalice of salvation, and call upon the Name of the Lord. Praising I will call upon the Lord, and I shall be saved from my enemies.
After the priest consumes the Host, the servers move to the credence table to put away the bells and retrieve the patens they will use during the distribution of Communion.
The priest takes the Chalice and making the Sign of the Cross with it, says:
The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul unto life everlasting. Amen.
Then he receives all the Precious Blood, together with the Particle.
Holy Communion
In many places there is often no longer a second Confiteor, however it is still a pious custom of many of the faithful to pray it quietly on their own even if the altar boys or sacred ministers do not recite it.
Confíteor Deo omnipoténti, beátæ Maríæ semper Vírgini, beáto Michaéli Archángelo, beáto Joánni Baptístæ, sanctis Apóstolis Petro et Paulo, ómnibus Sanctis, et tibi, pater: quia peccávi nimis cogitatióne, verbo et opere: Strike breast thrice mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa. Ideo precor beátam Maríam semper Vírginem, beátum Michaélem Archángelum, beátum Joánnem Baptístam, sanctos Apóstolos Petrum et Paulum, omnes Sanctos, et te, pater, orare pro me ad Dóminum, Deum nostrum.
I confess to almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to you, Father, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, Strike breast thrice through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech the blessed Mary, ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Saints, and you, Father, to pray to the Lord our God for me. May almighty God have mercy upon me, forgive me my sins, and bring me unto life everlasting. Amen. May the almighty and merciful Lord grant me pardon, ☩ absolution, and remission of my sins. Amen.
Elevating a particle of the Blessed Sacrament and turning towards the people, he says:
Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce qui tollit peccáta mundi.
Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him who taketh away the sins of the world.
And then he says three times in Latin the following.
In some places it is a custom for the congregation, even at a Low Mass, to quietly pray these words in Latin outloud:
Strike breast Dómine, non sum dignus, ut intres sub tectum meum, sed tantum dic verbo, et sanábitur ánima mea.
Strike breast Dómine, non sum dignus, ut intres sub tectum meum, sed tantum dic verbo, et sanábitur ánima mea.
Strike breast Dómine, non sum dignus, ut intres sub tectum meum, sed tantum dic verbo, et sanábitur ánima mea.
P. Strike breast Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed.
P. Strike breast Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed.
P. Strike breast Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed.
If you will be receiving Communion, now is typically an appropriate time to get up and go to the altar rail.
Note: In the Extraordinary Form, Communion is received on the tongue while kneeling at the altar rail (if there are no physical impediments).
You do not say “Amen”, the priest says it at the end of the prayer.
The priest, making the Sign of the Cross with the Host, says the following prayer as he administers Holy Communion to you:
P. The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve thy soul unto life everlasting. Amen.
Ablutions
Father is in the center
After Communion, the priest returns to the altar and says silently:
Grant, O Lord, that what we have taken with our mouth, we may receive with a pure mind; and from a temporal gift may it become to us an eternal remedy.
Then he holds out the Chalice to the server who pours wine into it for the first ablution, then the priest proceeds:
May Thy Body, O Lord, which I have received, and Thy Blood which I have drunk, cleave to my bowels; and grant that no stain of sin may remain in me, who have been fed with this pure and holy Sacrament; Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.
The priest then washes his fingers and receives the second ablution at the right side of the altar. Then he covers the chalice and folding the corporal, places it on the chalice, as at the beginning of Mass.
Communion and Post Communion Verses
Father is on the right (Epistle side)
The Communion and Post Communion verses are the final two propers, or variable parts, of the Mass. The priest goes to the Missal on the epistle side and says the Communion verse.
Matt 26:42
Father, if this cup cannot pass away, unless I drink it, Your will be done.
Father returns to the middle, kisses the altar and the returns to the epistle side where he says the Post Communion.
P. The Lord be with you.
S. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
Stand by us, O Lord our God, and protect by Your everlasting help those to whom You have given new strength through Your sacrament.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.
S. Amen.
Conclusion
Father is in the center
The priest turns to the people and says:
P. The Lord be with you.
S. And with thy spirit.
P. Go, the Mass is ended.
S. Thanks be to God.
The priest turns back to the altar and says silently in Latin:
May the holy offering of Your sacrament renew us, O Lord, and cause us to be purified from our old ways and come to the fellowship of this saving mystery.
He kisses the altar, turns to the people and raising his eyes, extending, raising and joining his hands, he bows down his head and says:
May almighty God the Father, Son, ☩ and Holy Ghost, bless you.
S. Amen.
Last Gospel
If palms were blessed before this Mass, there is no Last Gospel. If they were not, the Last Gospel is not the usual beginning of the Gospel of John, but instead the Gospel from the blessing of palms noted at the beginning of this post.
Recessional
STAND
After Mass, and after the conclusion of the recessional hymn, it is customary for the faithful to kneel for a moment in thanksgiving for the Holy Mass just offered. You may wish to add prayers of thanksgiving for the priest who celebrated the Mass; your parish and bishop; holy priests, religious and faithful persecuted for their fidelity; and for the great gift of Summorum Pontificum, which Pope Benedict XVI gave us in 2007.
1 “Latin-English Booklet Missal,” Coalition in Support of Ecclesia Dei, Fourth Edition, 2008.