Prayers at the Foot of the Altar
Júdica Me and the Confiteor

The priest returns to the foot of the Altar.

Stand

The priest genuflects at the foot of the Altar and recites the "Júdica Me," a part of Psalm 42 written by an Israelite priest 800 years before our Lord was born and which speaks of his yearning to worship on the holy hill of Jerusalem. The Júdica Me is omitted from Passion Sunday to Holy Saturday inclusive and in Masses for the Dead.

Then he will say the Confiteor, confessing and begging God's forgiveness for his sins. The server, speaking for the people -- the unordained royal priesthood -- then says the Confiteor on our behalf as we mentally accuse ourselves of our sins and ask the Saints to pray for us. The priest then absolves us (this does not obviate private Confession).

Kneel

In nómine Patris, et Fílii, + et Spíritus Sancti. Amen.

In the Name of the Father, + and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Introíbo ad altáre Dei. S.Ad Deum qui lætíficat juventútem meam.

I will go in unto the Altar of God. S.To God, Who giveth joy to my youth.

The priest joins hands and says:

Júdica me, Deus, et discérne causam meam de gente non sancta: ab hómine iníquo, et dolóso érue me.

Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man.

S.Quia tu es, Deus, fortitúdo mea: quare me repulísti, et quare tristis incédo, dum afflígit me inimícus?

S.For Thou, O God, art my strength: why hast Thou cast me off? and why do I go sorrowful whilst the enemy afflictech me?

P.Emítte lucem tuam, et veritátem tuam: ipsa me deduxérunt, et aduxérunt in montem sanctum tuum, et in tabernácula tua.

P.Send forth Thy light and Thy truth: they have led me and brought me unto Thy holy hill, and into Thy tabernacles.

S.Et introíbo ad altáre Dei: ad Deum qui lætíficat juventútem meam.

S.And I will go in unto the Altar of God: unto God, Who giveth joy to my youth.

P.Confitébor tibi in cíthara, Deus, Deus meus: quare tristis es, ánima mea, et quare contúrbas me?

P.I will praise Thee upon the harp, O God, my God: why art thou sad, O my soul? and why dost thou disquiet me?

S.Spera in Deo, quóniam adhuc confitébor illi: salutáre vultus mei, et Deus meus.

S.Hope thou in God, for I will yet praise Him: Who is the salvation of my countenance, and my God.

P.Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.

P.Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.

S.Sicut erat in princípio et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula sæculórum. Amen.

S.As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

P.Introíbo ad altáre Dei.

P.I will go in unto the Altar of God.

S.Ad Deum qui lætíficat juventútem meam.

S.Unto God, Who giveth joy to my youth.

Adjutórium nostrum + in nómine Dómini.

Our help + is in the Name of the Lord.

S.Qui fecit cælum et terram.

S.Who hath made heaven and earth.

The priest enters the Throne Room of God. He humbles himself and makes a public confession, bowing down to say the Confiteor for his own sins:

Confíteor Deo omnipoténti, beátæ Maríæ semper Vírgini, beáto Michaéli Archángelo, beáto Joanni Baptístæ, sanctis Apóstolis Petro et Paulo, ómnibus Sanctis, et vobis, fratres: quia peccávi nimis cogitatióne, verbo et ópere: He strikes his breast three times 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 vos, fratres, oráre pro me ad Dóminum Deum nostrum.

I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to you, brethren, that I have sinned exceedingly, in thought, word and deed: He strikes his breast three times through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Saints, and you, brethren, to pray to the Lord our God for me.

S.Misereátur tui omnípotens Deus, et dimíssis peccátis tuis, perdúcat te ad vitam ætérnam.

S.May Almighty God have mercy upon you, forgive you your sins, and bring you to life everlasting. .

We enter the Throne Room of God and, standing before Him, accuse ourselves of our sins. The server says the Confiteor on our behalf:

Confíteor Deo omnipoténti, beátæ Maríæ semper Vírgini, beáto Michaéli Archángelo, beáto Joanni Baptístæ, sanctis Apóstolis Petro et Paulo, ómnibus Sanctis, et tibi, Pater: quia peccávi nimis cogitatióne, verbo et ópere: mea culpa [strike breast] , mea culpa [strike breast] , mea máxima culpa [strike breast]. Ideo precor beátam Maríam semper Vírginem, beátum Michaélem Archángelum, beátum Joánnem Baptístam, sanctos Apóstolos Petrum et Paulum, omnes Sanctos, et te, Pater, oráre pro me ad Dóminum Deum nostrum.

I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to you Father, that I have sinned exceedingly, in thought, word and deed: through my fault [strike breast], through my fault [strike breast], through my most grievous fault [strike breast]. Therefore I beseech blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Saints, and Thee Father, to pray to the Lord our God for me.

The priest joins hands and grants us absolution of our venial sins:

P.Misereátur vestri omnípotens Deus, et dimíssis peccátis vestris, perdúcat vos ad vitam ætérnam.

P.May Almighty God have mercy upon you, forgive you your sins and bring you to life everlasting.

S. Amen.

S. Amen.

P.Indulgéntiam +, [cross yourself] absolutiónem, et remissiónem peccatórum nostrórum tríbuat nobis omnípotens et miséricors Dóminus.

P.May the Almighty and merciful God grant us pardon +, [cross yourself] absolution, and remission of our sins.

Deus, tu convérsus vivificábis nos.

Thou wilt turn, O God, and bring us to life.

S.Et plebs tua lætábitur in te.

S.And Thy people shall rejoice in Thee.

P.Osténde nobis, Dómine, misericórdiam tuam.

P.Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy.

S.Et clamor meus ad te véniat.

S.And let my cry come unto Thee.

The Priest Ascends the Altar

He goes to the Altar and prays silently for purity:

[Aufer a nobis, quæsumus, Dómine, iniquitátes nostras: ut ad Sancta sanctórum puris mereámur méntibus introíre. Per Christum Dóminum nostrum. Amen.]

[Take away from us our iniquities, we entreat Thee, O Lord, that with pure minds we may worthily enter into the Holy of Holies. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.]

[Orámus te, Dómine, per mérita Sanctórum tuórum...]

[We beseech Thee, O Lord, by the merits of Thy Saints, whose relics are here...]

Here, he bows and kisses the Altar where a Saint's relics are enclosed.

[...quorum relíquiæ hic sunt, et ómnium Sanctórum: ut indulgére dignéris ómnia peccáta mea. Amen.]

[...and of all the Saints, that Thou wilt deign to pardon me all my sins. Amen.]

At a high Mass the priest will bless the Altar after blessing the incense with these words:

[Ab ilio + benedicáris, in cujus honóre cremáberis. Amen.]

[Be blessed + by Him in whose honour thou art burnt. Amen.]

Introit (Proper)

The Introit, along with the Collects, Epistle, Gradual, Gospel, Offertory, Secrets, Communion Verse, and Postcommunions change from Mass to Mass depending on the Sunday or the Feast Day being celebrated. These parts of the Mass that change are called the "Proper Prayers" or simply the "Propers." These prayers will be contained in your Missal. Some churches print them out and make them available either in the pews or in the Narthex when you enter the church.

"Introit" means "Entrance" and it marks the time when the priest enters the sanctuary to begin Mass. The priest will go to the Epistle Side of the Altar (the right side), make the Sign of the Cross and chant the verse from the Psalms which constitutes today's Introit.

Kyrie

The Kyrie is the only part of the Mass that is in Greek. It is a prayer of mercy repeated 9 times, 3 each in honor first of the Father Monarch, then of the Son, and then of the Holy Ghost, a symbol within a symbol of the Most Holy Trinity. The priest moves to the middle of the Altar, joins his hands and says alternately with the server (or else the choir will sing) the following:

Gloria

Stand if it's a High Mass (i.e., a Sung Mass, or "Missa Cantata").
You may sit again when the priest sits while the choir sings.

The Gloria, also known as the "hymnus angelicus," is the Church's greatest hymn of praise, adoration, and thanksgiving addressed to each Person of the Most Holy Trinity. It begins with the words the angels sang when Jesus was born [Luke 2]. It is omitted during Advent, Septuagesima, Lent, and for Masses for the Dead.

The priest stands at the middle of the Altar, extends and then joins his hands, makes a slight bow, and says:

Glória in excélsis Deo, et in terra pax homínibus bonæ voluntátis. Laudámus te. Benedícimus te. Adorámus te. Glorificámus te. Grátias ágimus tibi  propter magnam glóriam tuam. Dómine Deus, Rex cæléstis, Deus Pater omnípotens. Dómine Fili unigénite, Jesu Christe [Bow head]. Dómine Deus, Agnus Dei, Fílius Patris. Qui tollis peccáta mundi, miserére nobis. Qui tollis peccáta mundi, súscipe deprecatiónem nostram. Qui sedes ad déxteram Patris, miserére nobis. Quóniam tu solus Sanctus. Tu solus Dóminus. Tu solus Altíssimus, Jesu Christe [Bow head]. Cum Sancto Spíritu, + in glória Dei Patris. Amen.

Glory be to God on high. And on earth peace to men of good will. We praise Thee. We bless Thee We adore Thee. We glorify Thee. We give Thee thanks for Thy great glory. Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. Lord Jesus Christ [Bow head], Only-begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father. Thou Who takest away the sins of the world have mercy on us. Thou who takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou Who sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For Thou alone art holy. Thou alone, O Jesus Christ [Bow head], art most high. With the Holy Ghost, + in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

The priest kisses the Altar and, turning toward the people, says:

The priest turns back to the Missal to begin the Collect.

The Collect (Proper)

The Collect is the "collected prayers" of petition for all of the faithful at Mass. They are recited in honor of a Saint or Mystery of the day or for specific Mass intentions. Sometimes more than one Collect is prayed (but never more than three). At the end of this prayer, the server responds:

Sit

The Epistle (Proper)

The Epistle is a Bible reading, usually taken from one of the Pauline letters, but often from those from another Apostle or even from the Old Testament. After the reading, the server responds:.

The Gradual and Alleluia (Proper)

The Gradual consists of a short thanksgiving verse(s), usually from a Psalm, that relates to the Epistle reading. The Gradual is so called because it used to be intoned by a cantor standing on the steps of the pulpit or altar.

The Gradual is followed by the joyous Alleluia acclamation. In times of penance, a "Tract" -- i.e., a Psalm or part of a Psalm -- replaces the Alleluia.

After the Gradual and Alleluia, the Missal is moved to the Gospel side (the left side) of the Altar to symbolize the passing of Faith from the Jews to the Gentiles. The priest then returns to the middle of the Altar and bows with his hands joined. He then says the Munda Cor Meum:

Munda Cor Meum

Munda cor meum ac lábia mea, omnípotens Deus, qui lábia Isaíæ Prophétæ cálculo mundásti igníto: ita me tua grata miseratióne dignáre mundáre, ut sanctum Evangélium tuum digne váleam nuntiáre. Per Christum Dóminum nostrum. Amen.

Cleanse my heart and my lips, O Almighty God, Who didst cleanse the lips of the prophet Isaias with a burning coal; through Thy gracious mercy so purify me that I may worthily proclaim Thy holy Gospel. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The following prayer is said in Low Masses:

The Gospel (Proper)

Stand

As the priest says the following words, he signs the Book and then, with his thumb, makes 3 small Crosses on his forehead, lips, and breast to signify keeping the Gospel in his mind, on his lips, and in his heart. The people make these signs with him.

[Sign forehead, lips and breast] Sequéntia sancti Evangélii secúndum N.+

[Sign forehead, lips and breast] The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to N.+

The Gospel is read with the people still standing. When the reading is over, the server says:

Unless it is a Mass for the Dead, the priest kisses the Book. Then he says:

Per evangélica dicta, deleántur nostra delícta.

By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.

Sermon

Sit

Some priests will now read the Epistle and Gospel in English at this point; others won't. Then the priest will now give a sermon, usually having something to do with the Gospel reading.

Credo

Stand

The Credo -- the Nicene Creed -- is our public and solemn declaration of Faith. It was drawn up at the Councils of Nicaea (A.D. 325) and Constantinople (A.D. 381).

In honor of the Incarnation, the incredible expression of God's love manifest in His taking on flesh in order to die for us and become the perfect Sacrifice, we kneel at the words that describe His being born of the Virgin Mary.

Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipoténtem, factórem cæli et terræ, visibílium ómnium et invisibílium. Et in unum Dóminum Jesum [Bow head] Christum, Fílium Dei unigénitum. Et ex Patre natum ante ómnia sæcula. 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 cælis

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 [Bow head] Christ, the Only-begotten Son of God. 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.

[Kneel]

Et incarnátus est de Spíritu Sancto ex María Vírgine: Et homo factus est.

[Stand]

[Kneel]

And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary: and was made man.

[Stand]

Crucifíxus étiam pro nobis: sub Póntio Piláto passus, et sepúltus est. Et resurréxit tértia die, secúndum Scriptúras. Et ascéndit in cælum: sedet ad déxteram Patris. Et íterum ventúrus est cum glória judicáre vivos et mórtuos: cujus regni non erit finis.

He was crucified also for us, suffered under Pontius Pilate, and was buried. And on the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures. And He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father. And He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead: of Whose kingdom there shall be no end.

Et in Spíritum Sanctum, Dóminum et vivificántem: qui ex Patre, Filióque procédit. Qui cum Patre, et Fílio simul adorátur [Bow head], et conglorifícatur: qui locútus est per Prophétas. Et unam, sanctam, cathólicam et apostólicam Ecclésiam. Confíteor unum baptísma in remissiónem peccatorum. Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum. Et vitam + ventúri sæculi. Amen.

And in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life: Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son. Who together with the Father and the Son is adored [Bow head] and glorified: Who spoke through 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.

The Mass of the Catechumens is ended and now the Mass of the Faithful begins.

The Mass of the Faithful is in 4 main sections:

I. The Offertory
The priest presents the bread and wine
Offertory VerseOffertory PrayersLavabo
Prayer to the Holy TrinityOrate FratresSecretPrefaceSanctus

II. The Canon
The Holy Ghost, through His priest acting in Persona Christi, changes the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, Who is offered to the Father for the remission of sins
Prayers Before Consecration Prayers at ConsecrationConsecration
Prayers After ConsecrationFinal Doxology and Minor Elevation

III. Communion
We receive the the Body of Christ
Pater NosterBreaking of the Sacred Host
Agnus DeiPrayers for CommunionCommunion

IV. Prayers after Communion
AblutionsCommunion VersePostcommunionsBlessing Last Gospel

---

At this point, the offering basket is brought around by the ushers for us to place our financial gifts in. They will move from the front of the church toward the back, away from the Altar.

Have any offerings ready for the collection basket

Now the priest kisses the Altar, then turns to the people and says:

Stand

Offertory

Offertory Verse (Proper)

Sit

After the priest reads the Offertory, he moves to the
middle of the Altar and reads the Offertory Verse:

Offertory Prayers

The priest uncovers the chalice. Then he places the unconsecrated host on the paten, and offers it. "Host" comes from the Latin "hostia," which means "victim." This bread must be a baked wheat bread with no flavorings, sugars, etc. -- only wheat and water (in the Eastern ritual churches, leavening may be used, though this is not the oldest practice):

[Súscipe, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus, hanc immaculátam hóstiam, quam ego indígnus fámulus tuus óffero tibi Deo meo vivo et vero, pro innumerabílibus peccátis, et offensiónibus, et negligéntiis meis, et pro ómnibus circumstántibus, sed et pro ómnibus fidélibus christiánis vivis atque defúunctis: ut mihi et illis profíciat ad salútem in vitam ætérnam. Amen.]

[Accept, O Holy father, Almighty and Eternal God, this spotless host, which I, Your unworthy servant, offer to You, my living and true God, to atone for my numberless sins, offences, and negligences; on behalf of all here present and likewise for all faithful Christians living and dead, that it may profit me and them as a means of salvation to life everlasting. Amen.]

He makes the Sign of the Cross with the paten and places it on the corporal. He goes to the right side of the Altar (the Epistle side) and pours the wine into the chalice (only a true grape wine may be used). He blesses water (except in Masses for the Dead), representing the water that flowed from the wound in His side, and mixes a few drops into the chalice:

[Deus, + qui humánæ substántiæ dignitátem mirabíliter condidísti et mirabílius reformásti: da nobis, per hujus aquæ et vini mystérium, ejus divinitátis esse consórtes, qui humanitátis nostræ fíeri dignátus est párticeps, Jesus Christus, Fílius tuus, Dóminus noster: Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus: per ómnia sæcula sæculórum. Amen.]

[O God, + Who in creating man didst exalt his nature very wonderfully and yet more wonderfully didst establish it anew; by the Mystery signified in the mingling of this water and wine, grant us to have part in the Godhead of Him Who hath deigned to become a partaker of our humanity, Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. World without end. Amen.]

He returns to the middle of the Altar and offers the chalice to God.

[Offérimus tibí, Dómine, cálicem salutáris, tuam deprecántes cleméntiam: ut in conspéctu divínæ majestátis tuæ, pro nostra et totíus mundi salúte, cum odóre suavitátis ascéndat. Amen.]

[We offer unto Thee, O Lord, the chalice of salvation, entreating Thy mercy that our offering may ascend with a sweet fragrance in the sight of Thy divine Majesty, for our own salvation, and for that of the whole world. Amen.]

He makes the Sign of the Cross with the chalice and places it, too, on the corporal. He covers it with a pall and, bowing down, says:

[In spíritu humilitátis, et in ánimo contríto suscipiámur a te, Dómine: et sic fiat sacrifícium nostrum in conspéctu tuo hódie, ut pláceat tibi, Dómine Deus.]

[Humbled in spirit and contrite of heart, may we find favor with Thee, O Lord: and may our sacrifice be so offered this day in Thy sight as to be pleasing to Thee, O Lord God.]

Now the priest calls on the Holy Ghost. He extends his hands and raises his eyes toward Heaven, asking the Holy Ghost to bless the bread and wine:

[Veni, Sanctificátor omnípotens ætérne Deus: et bénedic + hoc sacrifícium, tuo sancto nómini præparátum.]

[Come Thou, the Sanctifier, Almighty and Everlasting God, and bless + this sacrifice which is prepared for the glory of Thy holy Name.]

Now the priest will bless the incense and then use it to bless the bread and wine, then the Crucifix and Altar, and then himself and us so that we will be be made a more pure offering to God. First he blesses the incense, calling on the intercession of St. Michael:

[Per intercessiónem beáti Michaélis Archángeli, stantis a dextris altáris incénsi, et ómnium electórum suórum, incénsum istud dignétur Dóminus bene + dícere, et in odórem suavitátis accípere. Per Christum Dóminum nostrum. Amen.]

[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 in the odor of sweetness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.]

Now he incenses the bread and wine:

[Incénsum istud a te benedíctum, ascéndat ad te, Dómine: et descéndat super nos misericórdia tua.]

[May this incense blessed by You, arise before You, O Lord, and may Your mercy come down upon us.]

Now he incenses the Crucifix and Altar:

[Dirigátur, Dómine, orátio mea, sicut incénsum, in conspéctu tuo: elevátio mánuum meárum sacrifícium vespertínum. Pone, Dómine, custódiam ori meo, et óstium circumstántiæ lábiis meis: ut non declínet cor meum in verba malítiæ, ad excusándas excusatiónes in peccátis.] [Psalm 140]

[Let my prayer, O Lord, like incense before You; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice. O Lord, set a watch before my mouth, a guard at the door of my lips. Let not my heart incline to the evil of engaging in deeds of wickedness.] [Psalm 140]

Now the priest and we of the royal priesthood are blessed with incense:

Stand. Make a profound bow toward the acolyte after he blesses you with incense.

[Accéndat in nobis Dóminus ignem sui amóris, et flámmam ætérnæ caritátis. Amen.]

[May the Lord enkindle in us the fire of His love and the flame of everlasting charity. Amen.]

Lavabo

Sit

Now the priest recites Psalm 25 and washes his fingers to symbolize the purity of those taking part in this Sacrifice:

[Lavábo inter innocéntes manus meas: et circúmdabo altáre tuum, Dómine. Ut áudiam vocem laudis: et enárrem univérsa mirabília tua. Dómine, diléxi decórem domus tuæ: et locum habitatiónis glóriæ tuæ. Ne perdas cum ímpiis, Deus: ánimam meam, et cum viris sánguinum vitam meam. In quorum mánibus iniquitátes sunt: déxtera eórum repléta est munéribus]

[I will wash my hands among the innocent, and I will encompass Thine Altar, O Lord. That I may hear the voice of praise, and tell of all Thy wondrous 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 men of blood. In whose hands are iniquities, their right hand is filled with gifts.]

[Ego autem in innocéntia mea ingréssus sum: rédime me, et miserére mei. Pes meus stetit in dirécto: in ecclésiis benedícam te, Dómine.]

[But as for me, I have walked in my innocence; redeem me, and have mercy on me. My foot hath stood in the right way; in the churches I will bless Thee, O Lord.]

The following concluding Gloria is omitted during Passiontide and in Masses for the Dead:

[Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula sæculórum. Amen].

[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

Now he goes to the middle of the Altar and bows, with hands joined, praying to the Holy Trinity to accept our offering and asking the greatest Saints to intercede for us.

[Súscipe, Sancta Trínitas, hanc oblatiónem, quam tibi offérimus ob memóriam passiónis, resurrectiónis, et ascensiónis Jesu Christi Dómini nostri, et in honórem beátæ Maríæ semper Vírginis, et beáti Joánnis Baptístæ, et sanctórum Apostolórum Petri et Pauli, et istórum, et ómnium Sanctórum: ut illis profíciat ad honórem, nobis autem ad salútem: et illi pro nobis intercédere dignéntur in cælis, quorum memóriam ágimus in terris. Per eúndem Christum Dóminum nostrum.] Amen.

[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, of blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, of these and of all the Saints. To them let it bring honor, and to us salvation, and may they whom we are commemorating here on earth deign to plead for us in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.]

Orate Fratres

Now he kisses the Altar and, turning toward the people, extends and joins his hands. He asks us to "Pray, brothers" that the Sacrifice will be acceptable. Only the first two words, "Orate, Fratres" are said aloud; the rest the priest prays inaudibly.

Oráte fratres: [ut meum ac vestrum sacrifícium acceptábile fiat apud Deum Patrem omnipoténtem.]

Pray, brethren, [that my Sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the Father Almighty.]

S. [Suscípiat Dóminus sacrifícium de mánibus tuis ad laudem et glóriam nóminis sui, ad utilitátem quoque nostram, totiúsque Ecclésiæ suæ sanctæ.]

S. [May the Lord accept the Sacrifice from thy hands, to the praise and glory of His Name, for our benefit and for that of all His holy Church.]

The Secret (Proper)

The Secret is another prayer that is prayed inaudibly except for the "per omnia saecula saeculorum." It is a prayer of petition, similar to the Collect, and its name comes from the Latin word "secernere," meaning "to set apart," as the prayer sets apart the offerings to be consecrated.

Stand

Preface (Proper)

The preface (it will be different during Lent, Paschaltide, Ascension, and for Feasts that have their own Preface) is a prayer of thanksgiving and total praise. It leads right into the Sanctus (the "Trisagion" or "Tersanctus," meaning "Thrice Holy") -- the words of Psalm 117 and Matthew 21:9 blended with the words of the Angels of Isaias 6:3 and Apocalypse 4 who sing "holy, holy, holy" day and night without ceasing and who sing with us now:

(Note: This audio is of a different preface, the one called Praefatio Sanctae Crucis.
The melody is the same, however.)

Vere dignum et justum est, æquum et salutáre, nos tibi semper, et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine sancte, Pater omnípotens, ætérne Deus: Qui cum unigénito Fílio tuo, et Spíritu Sancto, unus es Deus, unus es Dóminus: non in uníus singularitáte persónæ, sed in uníus Trinitáte substántiæ. Quod enim de tua glória, revelánte te, crédimus, hoc de Fílio tuo, hoc de Spíritu Sancto, sine differéntia discretiónis sentímus. Ut in confessióne veræ sempiternæque Deitátis, et in persónis propríetas, et in esséntia ùnitas, et in majestáte adorétur æquálitas. Quam laudant Angeli atque Archángeli, Chérubim quoque ac Séraphim: qui non cessant clamáre quotídie, una voce dicéntes...

It is truly meet and just, right 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, together with Thine only-begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, art one God, one Lord: not in the oneness of a single Person, but in the Trinity of one substance. For what we believe by Thy revelation of Thy glory, the same do we believe of Thy Son, the same of the Holy Ghost, without difference or separation. So that in confessing 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 the Seraphim do praise: who cease not daily to cry out, with one voice saying...

Sanctus (Trisagion)

...Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dóminus Deus Sábaoth. Pleni sunt cæli 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 Who cometh in the Name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

The Canon

Prayers Before Consecration

Now begin a series of prayers: one for the Church (Te Igitur), one for the living (Meménto), and one to invoke the Saints (Communicantes). These prayers, and all up to the Pater Noster, will be inaudible.. (In Easter Week, on the Ascension and in the Week of Pentecost, the Communicantes prayer will be slightly different)

Te Igitur: For the Church
[Te ígitur, clementíssime Pater, per Jesum Christum Fílium tuum, Dóminum nostrum, súpplices rogámus, ac pétimus, uti accépta hábeas, et benedícas, hæc + dona, hæc + múnera, hæc + sancta sacrifícia illibáta, in primis, quæ tibi offérimus pro Ecclésia tua sancta cathólica: quam pacificáre, custodíre, adunáre, et régere dignéris toto orbe terrárum: una cum fámulo tuo Papa nostro N . . . et Antístite nostro N . . . et ómnibus orthodóxis, atque cathólicæ et apostólicæ fídei cultóribus.]

Te Igitur: For the Church
[Most merciful Father, we humbly pray and beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, Our Lord, to accept and to bless these + gifts, these + presents, these + holy unspotted Sacrifices, which we offer up to Thee, in the first place, for Thy Holy Catholic Church, that it may please Thee to grant her peace, to preserve, unite, and govern her throughout the world; as also for Thy servant N . . . our Pope, and N . . . our Bishop, and for all orthodox believers and all who profess the Catholic and Apostolic faith.]

For the Living
[Meménto, Dómine, famulórum famularúmque tuárum N . . . et N . . . et ómnium circumstántium, quorum tibi fides cógnita est, et nota devótio, pro quibus tibi offérimus: vel qui tibi ófferunt hoc sacrifícium laudis, pro se, suísque ómnibus: pro redemtióne et incolumitátis suæ: tibíque reddunt vota sua ætérno Deo, vivo et vero.]

For the Living
[Be mindful, O Lord, of Thy servants and handmaids N . . . and N . . . and of all here present, whose faith and devotion are known to Thee, for whom we offer, or who offer up to Thee this Sacrifice of praise for themselves and all those dear to them, for the redemption of their souls and the hope of their safety and salvation: who now pay their vows to Thee, the everlasting, living and true God.]

Communicantes: To invoke the Saints
[Communicántes, et memóriam venerántes, in primis gloriósæ semper Vírginis Maríæ, Genitrícis Dei et Dómini nostri Jesu Christi: sed et beáti Joseph ejúsdem Vírginis Sponsi, et beatórum Apostolórum ac Mártyrum tuórum, Petri et Pauli, André æ, Jacóbi, Joánnis, Thomæ, Jacóbi, Philíppi, Bartholomæi, Matthæi, Simónis et Thaddæi: Lini, Cleti, Cleméntis, Xysti, Cornélii, Cypriáni, Lauréntii, Chrysógoni, Joánnis et Pauli, Cosmæ et Damiáni: et ómnium Sanctórum tuórum; quorum méritis precibúsque concédas, ut in ómnibus protectiónis tuæ muniámur auxílio. Per eúndem Christum Dóminum nostrum. Amen.]

Communicantes: To Invoke the Saints
[In communion with, and honoring the memory in the first place of the glorious ever Virgin Mary Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ; also of blessed Joseph, her Spouse; and likewise of Thy 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. Grant for the sake of their merits and prayers that in all things we may be guarded and helped by Thy protection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.]

Prayers at Consecration

The priest spreads his hands out over the oblation and asks God to accept our Sacrifice. (In Easter Week, on the Ascension and in the Week of Pentecost, the Hanc Igitur prayer will be slightly different)

Hanc Igitur: Oblation of the Victim to God
[Hanc ígitur oblatiónem servitútis nostræ, sed et cunctæ famíliæ tuæ, quæsumus, Dómine, ut placátus accípias: diésque nostros in tua pace dispónas, atque ab ætérna damnatióne nos éripi, et in electórum tuórum júbeas grege numerári. Per Christum Dóminum nostrum. Amen.]

Hanc Igitur: Oblation of the Victim to God
[O Lord, we beseech Thee, graciously to accept this oblation of our service and that of Thy whole household. Order our days in Thy peace, and command that we be rescued from eternal damnation and numbered in the flock of Thine elect. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.]

He blesses the offering once again, making a last plea to God that He be pleased and that our offering be good enough to become the Body and Blood of Christ.

[Quam oblatiónem tu, Deus, in ómnibus, Qæsumus, bene+díctam, adscríp+tam, ra+tam, rationábilem, acceptabilémque fácere dignéris: ut nobis Cor+pus, et San+guis fiat dilectíssimi Fílii tui Dómini nostri Jesu Christi.]

[Humbly we pray The, O God, be pleased to make this same offering wholly blessed +, to consecrate + it and approve + it, making it reasonable and acceptable, so that it may become for us the Body + and Blood + of Thy dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.]

Consecration

Now is the moment of the miracle! The priest takes the host into his hands and says:

[Qui prídie quam paterétur, accépit panem in sanctus ac venerábiles manus suas, et elevátis óculis in cælum ad te Deum Patrem suum omnipoténtem, tibi grátias agens, bene+díxit, fregit, dedítque discípulis suis, dicens: Accípite, et manducáte ex hoc omnes.]

[Who, the day before He suffered , took bread into His Holy and venerable hands, and having lifted up His eyes to heaven, to Thee, God, His Almighty Father, giving thanks to Thee, blessed it +, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying: Take and eat ye all of this.]

...the priest is fully identifying with Christ, Who is both our High Priest and the Sacrificed. He uses the words Our Lord spoke when He instituted the Mass, and Who repeats them now as High Priest. On Holy Thursday, He spoke the reality of the bread and wine becoming His Body and Blood, in the same way He spoke all Creation into existence. With the following Words of Institution, the priest speaks those same words Our Lord spoke, and the bread and wine become, truly, His Body and Blood. The Sacrifice now begins:

[HOC EST ENIM CORPUS MEUM]

[FOR THIS IS MY BODY]

The priest genuflects and adores the Sacred Host.

He elevates the Body of Christ for the veneration of the faithful.
Like St. Thomas (John 20:28), we marvel, "My Lord and my God" ("Dominus meus et Deus meus"). If your senses betray you, pray the prayer of the father of the demoniac, "I do believe, Lord! Help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24)

He places the Host on the corporal, genuflects, and adores Him again.

After this, to help ensure that not even the tiniest particle of the consecrated Host that might adhere to his fingers is lost, he never disjoins his fingers and thumb (except when he is to take the Host) until he washes his fingers at the ablutions after Communion. Now he uncovers the chalice.

He takes the chalice into both hands and says:

[accípiens et hunc præclárum Cálicem in sanctas ac venerábiles manus suas: item tibi grátias agens, bene+díxit, dedítque discípulis suis, dicens: Accípite, et bíbite ex eo omnes.]

[taking also into His holy and venerable hands this goodly chalice, again giving thanks to Thee, He blessed it +, and gave it to His disciples, saying: Take and drink ye all of this.]

He bends over the chalice and says slowly, without pausing:

[HIC EST ENIM CALIX SANGUINIS MEI, NOVI ET AETERNI TESTAMENTI: MYSTERIUM FIDEI: QUI PRO VOBIS ET PRO MULTIS EFFUNDETUR IN REMISSIONEM PECCATORUM]

[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 genuflects and adores the Precious Blood.

He elevates the Chalice for the veneration of the faithful.
We thank Jesus for shedding His blood for our redemption. How lost we would be without Him!

He sets the Chalice down, covers it, genuflects, and adores again.

Prayers After Consecration

Unde et memores: To Offer the Victim
[Unde et mémores, Dómine, nos servi tui, sed et plebs tua sancta, ejústdem Christi Fílii tui Dómini nostri tam beátæ passiónis necnon et ab ínferis resurrectiónis, sed et in cælos gloriósæ ascensiónis: offérimus præcláræ majestáti tuæ de tuis donis, ac datis...]

Unde et memores: To Offer the Victim
[And now, O Lord, we, Thy servants, and with us all Thy holy people, calling to mind the blessed Passion of this same Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, likewise His Resurrection from the grave, and also His glorious Ascension into heaven, do offer unto Thy most sovereign Majesty out of the gifts Thou hast bestowed upon us...]

He brings his hands together and makes the Sign of the Cross 5 times

[...hóstiam + puram, hóstiam + sanctam, hóstiam + immaculátem, Panem + sanctum vitæ ætérnæ, et Cálicem + salútis perpétuæ.]

[...a Victim + which is pure, a Victim + which is holy, a Victim + which is spotless, the holy Bread + of life eternal, and the Chalice + of everlasting Salvation.]

He extends his hands and continues:

Supra Quæ: To Ask God to Accept our Offering
[Supra quæ propítio ac seréno vultu respícere dignéris: et accépta habére, sícuti accépta habére dignátus es múnera púeri tui justi Abel, et sacrifícium Patriárchæ nostri Abrahæ: et quod tibi óbtulit summus sacérdos tuus Melchísedech, sanctum sacrifícium, immaculátam hóstiam.]

Supra Quæ: To Ask God to Accept our Offering
[Deign to look upon them with a favorable and gracious countenance, and to accept them as Thou didst accept the offerings of Thy just servant Abel, and the sacrifice of our Patriarch Abraham, and that which Thy high priest Melchisedech offered up to Thee, a holy Sacrifice, an immaculate Victim.]

He bows down over the Altar with hands joined on the Altar:

Súpplices te rogámus: For Blessings
[Súpplices te rogámus, omnípotens Deus: jube hæc perférri per manus sancti Angeli tui in sublíme altáre tuum, in conspéctu divínæ majestátis tuæ: ut quotquot ex hac altáris participatióne sacrosánctum Fíii tui, Cor+pus, et Sán+guinem sumpsérimus, omni benedictióne cælésti et grátia repleámur. Per eúndem Christum Dóminum nostrum. Amen.]

Súpplices te rogámus: For Blessings
[Humbly we beseech Thee, almighty God, to command that these our offerings be carried by the hands of Thy holy Angel to Thine Altar on high, in the sight of Thy divine Majesty, so that those of us who shall receive the most sacred Body + and Blood + of Thy Son by partaking thereof from this Altar may be filled with every grace and heavenly blessing: Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.]

Now he mentions the dead for whom he wishes to pray. This is a time to mentally pray for your dead ancestors and friends:

Commemoratio pro defunctis: For the Dead
[Meménto étiam, Dómine, famulórum famularúmque tuárum N . . . et N . . . qui nos præcessérunt cum signo fídei, et dórmiunt in somno pacis. Ipsis, Dómine, et ómnnibus in Christo quiescéntibus, locum refrigérii, lucis et pacis, ut indúlgeas, deprecámur. Per eúndem Christum Dóminum nostrum. Amen.]

Commemoratio pro defunctis: For the Dead
[Be mindful, also, O Lord, of Thy servants and handmaids N . . . and N . . . who are gone before us with the sign of faith and who sleep the sleep of peace. To these, O Lord, and to all who rest in Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light and peace. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.]

He strikes his breast, saying the first three words of the prayer below aloud in an act of public self-humiliation and contrition.

Nobis quoque peccatóribus: For Eternal Happiness
Nobis quoque peccatóribus [fámulis tuis, de multitúdine miseratiónum tuárum sperántibus, partem áliquam, et societátem donáre dignéris, cum tuis sanctis Apóstolis et Martýribus: cum Joánne, Stéphano, Matthía, Bárnaba, Ignátio, Alexándro, Marcellíno, Petro, Felicitáte, Perpétua, Agatha, Lúcia, Agnéte, Cæcília, Anastásia, et ómnibus Sanctis tuis: intra quorum nos consórtium, non æstimátor mériti, sed véniæ, quæsumus, largítor admítte. Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.]

Nobis quoque peccatóribus: For Eternal Happiness
To us also Thy sinful servants, [who put our trust 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, Felicitas, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia, and all Thy Saints. Into their company we beseech Thee admit us, not considering our merits, but freely pardoning our offenses. Through Christ our Lord.]

Final Doxology and Minor Elevation

[Per quem hæc ómnia, Dómine, semper bona creas, sanctí+ficas, viví+ficas, bene+dícas, et præstas nobis.]

[By whom, O Lord, Thou dost always create, sanctify +, quicken +, bless +, and bestow upon us all these good things.]

[Per ip+sum, et cum ip+so, et in ip+so, est tibi Deo Patri + omnipoténti, in unitáte Spíritus + Sancti, onis honor, et glória.]

[Through Him +, and with Him +, and in Him +, is unto Thee, God the Father + Almighty, in the unity of the Holy + Ghost, all honor and glory.]

Communion

Orémus. Præcéptis salutáribus móniti, et divína institutióne formáti, audémus dícere:

Let us pray. Admonished by Thy saving precepts and following Thy divine instruction, we make bold to say:

He extends his hands, directs his eyes toward the Sacrament, and says:

Pater Noster

Pater noster, qui es in cælis: Sanctificétur nomen tuum: Advéniat regnum tuum: Fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo, et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidiánum da nobis hódie: Et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem.

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.

The priest takes the paten between his first and second fingers, saying:

[Líbera nos, quæsumus, Dómine, ab ómnibus malis, prætéritis, præséntibus, et futúris: et intercedénte beáta et gloriósa semper Vírgine Dei Genitríce María, cum beátis Apóstolis tuis Petro et Paulo, atque Andréa, et ómnibus anctis, + da propítius pacem in diébus nostris: ut ope misericórdiæ tuæ adjúti, et a peccáto simus semper líberi, et ab omni perturbatióne secúri.]

[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, together with Thy blessed apostles Peter and Paul, and Andrew, and all the Saints, + mercifully grant peace in our days, that through the bounteous help of Thy mercy we may be always free from sin, and safe from all disquiet.]

Fraction: Breaking of the Sacred Host (Fractio Panis)

He uncovers the chalice, genuflects, takes the Host and, breaking it down the middle over the Chalice, says:

[Per eúndem Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fílium tuum,]

[Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord,]

He breaks off a Particle of the Host...

[Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus,]

[Who is God living and reigning with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost,]

He makes the Sign of the Cross over the chalice, saying:

He places the Particle in the chalice and says quietly:

[Hæc commíxtio et consecrátio Córprois et Sánguinis Dómini nostri Jesu Christi, fiat accipiéntibus nobis in vitam ætérnam. Amen.]

[May this mingling and hallowing of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be for us who receive it a source of eternal life. Amen.]

The priest covers the Chalice and genuflects.

Agnus Dei

Bowing down, and striking his breast three times [the breast-striking is omitted in Requiem Masses to indicate that the priest is thinking more of the dead than himself], the priest speaks the words of John the Baptist who proclaimed Christ as the Messiah.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccáta mundi: miserére nobis.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccáta munid: miserére nobis.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccáta mundi: dona nobis pacem.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

Prayers for Holy Communion

The priest prays silently. This first prayer is omitted in Masses for the Dead:

Prayer for Peace and Fidelity:
[Dómine Jesu Christe, qui dixísti Apóstolis tuis: Pacem relínquo vobis, pacem meam do vobis: ne respícias peccáta mea, sed fidem Ecclésiæ tuæ; eámque secúndum voluntátem tuam pacificáre et coadunáre dignéris: Qui vivis et regnas Deus per ómnia sæcula sæculórum. Amen.]

Prayer for Peace and Fidelity:
[O Lord, Jesus Christ, Who didst say to Thine Apostles: Peace I leave you, My peace I give to you: look not upon my sins, but upon the faith of Thy Church; and deign to give her that peace and unity which is agreeable to Thy will: God Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.]

Prayer for Holiness:
[Dómine Jesu Christe, Fili Dei vivi, qui ex voluntáte Patris, cooperánte Spíritu Sancto, per mortem tuam mundum vivificásti: líbera me per hoc sacrosánctum Corpus et Sánguinem tuum ab ómnibus iniquitátibus meis, et univérsis malis: et fac me tuis semper inhærére mandátis, et a te numquam separári permíttas: Qui cum eódem Deo Patre, et Spíritu Sancto vivis et regnas Deus in sæcula sæculórum. Amen.]

Prayer for Holiness:
[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 by Thy death given life to the world: deliver me by this, Thy most sacred Body and Blood, from all my iniquities and from every evil; make me cling always to Thy commandments, and permit me never to be separated from Thee. Who with the same God, the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest God, world without end. Amen.]

Prayer for Grace:
[Percéptio Córporis tui, Dómine Jesu Christe, quod ego indígnus súmere præsúmo, non mihi provéniat in judícium et condemnatiónem: sed pro tua pietáte prosit mihi ad tutaméntum mentis et córporis, et ad medélam percipiéndam: Qui vivis et regnas cum Deo Patre in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sæcula sæculórum. Amen.]

Prayer for Grace:
[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 through Thy mercy may it be unto me a safeguard and a healing remedy both of soul and body. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.]

Communion of the Priest

He takes the Host, genuflecting, and says:

[Panem cæléstem accípiam, et nomen Dómini invocábo.]

[I will take the Bread of Heaven, and will call upon the name of the Lord.]

Striking his breast, he repeats the prayer of the Roman Centurion three times [Luke 7:1-10]

He makes the Sign of the Cross with the Host over the paten, saying silently:

[Corpus Dómini nostri Jesu Christi custódiat ánimam meam in vitam ætérnam. Amen.

[May the Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul unto life everlasting. Amen.]

He consumes the Host, uncovers the Chalice, genuflects and continues silently:

[Quid retríbuam Dómino pro ómnibus quæ retríbuit mihi? Cálicem salutáris accípiam, et nomen Dómini invocábo. Laudans invocábo Dóminum, et ab inimícis meis salvus ero.].

[What return shall I make to the Lord for all the things that He hath given unto me? I will take the chalice of salvation, and call upon the Name of the Lord. I will call upon the Lord and give praise: and I shall be saved from mine enemies.]

He makes a Sign of the Cross over the Chalice, saying:

[Sanguis Dómini nostri Jesu Christi custódiat ánimam meam in vitam ætérnam. Amen.]

[May the Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul unto life everlasting. Amen.]

He drinks the Precious Blood. The Sacrifice is now complete. Next, we of the non-ordained royal priesthood receive the special fruits of the Sacrifice. The priest genuflects, elevates the Host, and, turning towards the people, tells us to behold the Lamb of God. The people respond with the same prayer of the Roman centurion that the priest prayed just moments ago.

Communion of the People

P. Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce qui tollit peccáta mundi.

P. Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him Who taketh away the sins of the world.

Corpus Dómini nostri Jesu Christi custódiat ánimam tuam in vitam æternam. Amen.

May the Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ preserve your soul unto life everlasting. Amen.

Prayers after Communion

Ablutions

After Communion the priest puts any extra Hosts into the Tabernacle. Then, taking the Chalice, has a server pour in wine to rinse away any remnants of the Precious Blood. He drinks it and says quietly:

[Quod ore súmpsimus, Dómine, pura mente capiámus: et de múnere temporáli fiat nobis remédium sempitérnum.]

[Grant, O Lord, that what we have taken with our mouth, we may receive with a pure mind; and that from a temporal gift it may become for us an everlasting remedy.]

[Corpus tuum, Dómine, quod sumpsi, et Sanguis, quem potávi, adhæreat viscéribus meis: et præsta; ut in me non remáneat scélerum mácula, quem pura et sancta refecérunt sacraménta: Qui vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculorum. Amen.]

[May Thy Body, O Lord, which I have received and Thy Blood which I have drunk, cleave to my inmost parts, and grant that no stain of sin remain in me; whom these pure and holy Sacraments have refreshed. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.]

He drinks the wine and water, purifies the Chalice and veils it.

Communion Antiphon (Proper)

Stand

The priest goes to the right side of the Altar and reads the Communion verse.

Postcommunions (Proper)

The priest returns to the Missal at the right side of the Altar and reads the Postcommunion.

Returning to the middle of the Altar, he kisses it and turns to the people, saying:

Dismissal

Alternate Dismissals:

The Last Blessing

Kneel

The priest bows before the Altar, saying silently:

Pláceat tibi, sancta Trínitas, obséquium servitútis meæ: et præsta; ut sacrifícium, quod óculis tuæ majestátis in indígnus óbtuli, tibi sit acceptábile, mihíque, et ómnibus, pro quibus illud óbtuli, sit, te miseránte, propitiábile. Per Christum Dóminum nostrum. Amen.

May the tribute of my homage be pleasing to Thee, O most holy Trinity. Grant that the Sacrifice which I, unworthy as I am, have offered in the presence of Thy Majesty, may be acceptable to Thee. Through Thy mercy may it bring forgiveness to me and to all for whom I have offered it. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

He kisses the Altar and turns to us (except in Masses for the Dead), blessing us saying:

The Last Gospel

Stand

The priest goes to the Gospel side and says the words of John 1:1-14

In princípio erat Verbum, et Verbum erat apud Deum, et Deus erat Verbum. Hoc erat in princípio apud Deum. Omnia per ipsum facta sunt: et sine ipso factum est nihil, quod factum est: in ipso vita erat, et vita erat lux hóminum: et lux in ténebris lucet, et ténebræ eam non comprehendérunt.

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 made nothing that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men: and the Light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Fuit homo missus a Deo, cui nomen erat Joánnes. Hic venit in testimónium, ut testimónium perhibéret de lúmine, ut omnes créderent per illum. Non erat ille lux, sed ut testimónium perhibéret de lúmine.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through Him might believe. He was not the Light, but was to bear witness of the Light.

Erat lux vera, quæ illúminat omnem hóminem veniéntem in hunc mundum. In mundo erat, et mundus per ipsum factus est, et mundus eum non cognóvit. In própria venit, et sui eum non recepérunt. Quotquot autem recepérunt eum, dedit eis potestátem fílios Dei fíeri, his, qui credunt in nómine ejus: qui non ex sanguínibus, neque ex voluntáte carnis, neque ex voluntáte viri, sed ex Deo nati sunt.

That was the true Light, which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this 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 He gave power to become the sons of God; to them that believe in His name: who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Kneel

Kneel

Stand

Stand

...et habitávit in nobis: et vídimus glóriam ejus, glóriam quasi Unigéniti a Patre, plenum grátiæ et veritátis.

...and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Now a Recessional Hymn is sung as the priest leaves the Altar (High Mass). As the processional Cross passes by, it is customary to bow (profound bow or a bow of the head), cross yourself, and say a silent prayer for the priest.

When the Hymn is finished, you may leave, though it is most good to stay for a few minutes and pray a personal prayer of thanksgiving. Usually those sitting in the front of the church leave first. As you exit your pew, genuflect toward the Tabernacle on the Altar, just as you did before you sat down. Some Catholics bless themselves with Holy Water when exiting the Church, just as they did when entering it, but this isn't necessary (or wrong!).