introduction to the order of mass

Introduction to the Order of Mass

A Pastoral Resource of the Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy

Introduction Approved in 1997, revised & approved in 2000

A pastoral document rather than juridical

Designed to assist in the training of ministers

Goal of liturgical formation: “…form a holy people…so that they may give thanks to God…and so that they may learn to offer themselves…to make this clear by their…charity toward brothers and sisters who participate with them in the same celebration.”

Introduction “Thus they are to shun any appearance of individualism…”

“Such a vision often challenges the rugged individualism of Americans. Yet any desire to imprint the identity of a particular community upon the liturgy must be tempered…”

Liturgical formation of the People of God and the ministers “must above all be spiritual.”

Every celebration of Eucharist an assembly of God’s people with bishop/priest

A memorial of Christ’s action in Word and Eucharist Everyone assembled has a part in the one action “…on the Lord’s Day…”

I. The Celebration of Mass

Full, active, and conscious participation by all, unique roles

1. Liturgical Ministers and the Gathered Assembly

Full, active, and conscience participation by all, unique roles A reflection of the universal Church


Full, active, and conscience participation by all, unique roles A reflection of the universal Church Proper preparation for each person who has a role


Full, active, and conscience participation by all, unique roles A reflection of the universal Church Proper preparation for each person who has a role Formation of liturgical ministers both spiritual and technical


Full, active, and conscience participation by all, unique roles A reflection of the universal Church Proper preparation for each person who has a role Formation of liturgical ministers both spiritual and technical Verbal and non-verbal components of liturgical ministry


Full, active, and conscience participation by all, unique roles A reflection of the universal Church Proper preparation for each person who has a role Formation of liturgical ministers both spiritual and technical Verbal and non-verbal components of liturgical ministry Join the rest of the assembly when not performing their

particular role


Christ present in the priest

Encourages the participation of others so that “everything is done well”

Primary responsibility to offer the “presidential prayers,” chiefly the Eucharistic Prayer

Physical posture, eye contact

Homily

Concelebration

Priest Celebrant

Proclaims the Gospel reading, preaches on occasion, announces the intentions at the General Intercessions

Carries the Book of the Gospels before the priest in the entrance procession

Prepares the altar, elevates the chalice at the Doxology, and may assist with breaking of the bread and preparation of the chalices

Helps in the distribution of Communion, especially the chalice

Assists the priest at the chair and the altar, occasionally giving directions to the assembly

May incense priest, people, Book of the Gospel

Deacon

“God speaks to the faithful through them”

“Qualified” persons must be trained

Different lectors for each reading

Responsorial psalm led by cantor, but occasionally the lector

May carry the Book of the Gospels before the priest if no deacon is present

All readings proclaimed from the ambo

Lector

Christ is present (“Where two or three…”)

Not a random group, but an organized gathering

Dialogues have value as communal action

Singing an expression of communal awareness

Uniformity of posture and gesture

Accommodations should be made for persons with special needs

Adaptations when children are present, especially if in majority

Gathered Assembly

“…aid the gathered assembly’s full participation…”

Role of “psalmist” singled out (responsorial psalm, Alleluia, verses (can be same as cantor)

Cantor leads the congregation

Organ and other instruments support and encourage participation

Choir remains at all times part of the gathered assembly

Choir sings alone only occasionally

In absence, encouragement of cantor or instrumental music

Liturgical Musicians

assist the priest celebrant in distribution of Communion

Difference between ordinary and extraordinary ministers/commissioning or deputation needed

Link between ministering at the altar and bringing Eucharist to the sick

Ministers approach altar after priest has received Communion

Ministers receive Communion from priest not from each other; not in the manner of concelebrants

Only priest or deacon prepares Eucharist for reception, including reserve Eucharist in tabernacle

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Purification of vessels: consume remaining Precious Blood; vessels purified by priest, deacon, or instituted acolyte/faculty may be given by bishop to laity

Communion to the sick: priest gives pyx to ministers immediately after Communion

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Enhance celebration by taking part in procession and making sure all items necessary for liturgy are available

Hold the book for the presiding priest

Carry other items. e.g. censer, water pitcher, processional cross

Number depends on nature of celebration; a note on Masters of Ceremonies

Servers

St. Paul’s instruction: “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you…”

Welcome, provide with worship aids, help find seats

Attention to visitors

Assist in special circumstances, e.g. illness

May assist with collections

Ushers

The Eucharistic Celebration and Its

Symbols

1. Gesture and Posture


Symbols

1. Gesture and Posture2. Words


Symbols

1. Gesture and Posture2. Words3. Liturgical Music


Symbols

1. Gesture and Posture2. Words3. Liturgical Music4. Materials and Objects


Symbols

1. Gesture and Posture2. Words3. Liturgical Music4. Materials and Objects5. Occasional Adaptations


Symbols

Theological Concepts

Sanctification of women & men given expression in symbols perceptible by the senses

Principle actions: taking, blessing, giving, sending Ritual promulgated as actions of the whole Church Actions should not need to be explained

Gestures and Postures

Through outward gestures we express inner participation

We worship God with our bodies and feelings

People are called as members of organic whole, not individuals

Actions performed together express unity (e.g. Sign of the Cross)

Gestures and Postures

Some actions performed by individuals (e.g. priest praying with extended hands

Western common understandings: standing to greet risen Lord; sitting to listen; kneeling as gesture of submission and adoration

Notes on other gestures: bowing, kissing, genuflecting, striking the breast

Words

Verbal communication corresponds to text, acoustics, form of celebration, and language

Scripture of “exceptional importance”

Presidential prayers (Eucharistic prayer of “primary importance”)

Common prayers and other texts (e.g. Creed, Lord’s prayer)

Words

Sung texts: psalm response; acclamations; parts of Eucharistic prayer (e.g. Preface)

Invitations and introductions (by priest or deacon)

Private prayers (by priest or deacon, inaudible)

Liturgical Music

Accentuates solemnity of occasion and fosters common faith

Closely bound to liturgical texts (not to be altered)

Inclusion of styles from every period, culture, region

Important factors to consider: quality of composition; ability to express text; ease with which it can be remembered and sung

Liturgical music may accompany action (e.g. procession)

Liturgical Music

Primary source should be Scripture and texts of the liturgy

Music provided in Roman Missal; local composition used when suitable

Variety of musical form

Outside Advent, Lent, Easter Triduum, and Masses for the Dead, instrumental music may be employed

Liturgical Music

Organ to be accorded “pride of place”; other instruments may be used

Not every liturgy celebrated with the same degree of solemnity

Liturgical music should reflect nature of season or occasion

Liturgical Music

Selection of music begins with texts

Priority given to parts of Mass rather than hymns, i.e. Responsorial Psalm, Gospel and Eucharistic acclamations, dialogue between priest and people

Silence

Another form of communication between God and people

Both individual and communal aspects

Not simply a pause, but a time for hearing, assimilating, and responding

When?: during penitential rite, before Opening Prayer, after readings and homily, after Communion

Materials and Objects

Recognizable as food and drink

Free from foreign substance

Bread and Wine


Should be made of noble metals

Distinguishable as used only for liturgy

Should not break easily

Contained in one vessel and covered

Difference between ciboria and chalices

Vessels for (generous) washing of hands

Sacred Vessels


Table of sacrifice and thanksgiving meal

Fixed altars made of stone or wood

Covered with white cloth

Candles placed on or near

Only objects for Mass on altar (e.g. not flowers)

Altar


“Table of God’s Word”

Used exclusively for proclamation of Scriptures (not announcements)

Design: elevated, fixed, “noble,” harmonious with altar

Ambo


Christ present in the presider; chair a sign of his office; positioned where he can be seen; not to resemble a throne

Leads the prayers standing at the chair

Movement from chair to ambo to altar should signify different parts of Mass

Chair


Symbol of cost of salvation; should be visible before, during, and after celebration

May be carried in procession or fixed; caution not to duplicate crosses

Instructions on the covering of crosses (and images) during Lent

Cross


Communicate God’s presence to us in word

Two books of God’s word: Lectionary & Book of the Gospels (use)

Other books, e.g. Roman Missal (use)

Pamphlets and leaflets never to be used in exercise of liturgical roles

Books


Serve functions of festal clothing and insignia of function or ministry

Alb common to all ministers

Chasuble reserved to priest

Deacon’s vestments

Color appropriate to celebration in U.S.

Vesture


Ancient sign of respect and honor and prayer

Used in amounts sufficient to been seen and smelled

Times of use: e.g. beginning, Gospel proclamation, preparation of altar

Incense

Adapting the Celebration to

To Particular Circumstances

Sunday celebration “preeminent” Local and national feasts and observances to be observed (e.g.

January 22 – day of penance for abortion) Celebrations of culturally and ethnically mixed groups

deserve attention Notes on liturgies with special groups, e.g. children, the sick Guidelines for receiving Communion: for Catholics; for

fellow Christians; for those not receiving Communion; for non-Christians

Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours Guidelines using the Directory for Masses with Children

II. Introductory Rites

Entrance Procession

Everyone able to sing Opening Song

Order of Procession: incense, cross & candles, liturgical ministers, deacon or lector with Book of the Gospels, priest

Act of reverence at altar


Greeting

Sign of the Cross and opening dialogue

Introduction of the Mass of the day, introduction of visitors


Act of Penance

Formula from Roman Missal or other version

Option of Rite of Sprinkling

Gloria: should be sung (not during Advent or Lent)


Opening Prayer (Collect)

Completes the Introductory Rites

May be sung or recited

Preceded by moments of silence

III. Liturgy of the Word

Close relationship between Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist

We have “communion” both with the Word and with the Eucharist

Human words must not “obscure” the divine word

Call for study of the Introduction to the Lectionary


Biblical Readings

May not be omitted, shortened, or replaced by other texts

Preference for the longer version

Proclamation of the Gospel is preeminent

Prayerful silence, possible brief introduction

Option for readings to be sung


Responsorial Psalm

“All respond” as it is the prayer of the Church

Preferred form is responsorial

Can be proclaimed when singing is impossible

Seasonal psalms permitted in U.S.

Songs or hymns not to be used in place of responsorial psalm


Gospel Acclamation

Normally an alleluia except in Lent

Accompanied by a Gospel procession

Deacon asks for a blessing from priest if he proclaims Gospel

All stand during procession

If proclamation is not sung, it is omitted

Note on the Sequence (Easter and Pentecost are not optional)


Gospel Reading

Distinct from other readings (e.g. proclamation reserved to deacon or priest other than the presiding priest)

Never omitted

The signs of the cross in preparation

Encouragement to sing the “dialogue”


Homily

Integral part of the liturgy, based on texts of Mass or other rites

Intended to make application of the Word to daily life

Should be carefully prepared and of appropriate length and style

Never to be omitted on Sundays or holydays without serious reason

Recommended on weekdays


Homily

Reserved to priest or deacon

Lay person may preach homily for Masses with Children, though not called a “homily”

Homily delivered from ambo or presiding chair

Sign of the cross before and after not advised

Period of silence follows

Dismissal of catechumens


Profession of Faith

Recited by priest and people together on Sundays and solemnities

Normal form is the Nicene Creed (Apostles Creed only other option)

Profession of faith replaced by renewal of baptismal promises at Easter Vigil (Easter), or Confirmation/Baptism Masses

Can be omitted in RCIA rites during Mass


Prayer of the Faithful (Universal Prayer)

Intercessions for all humanity

Although intercessions can be concrete, they should “look beyond the concerns of the local congregation and to the needs of the whole Church and the wider world.”

The priest directs the prayer from chair, intentions are proposed by deacon or other minister, and the faithful respond in silence or verbal prayer

Addressed to the congregation, not to God

Carry tone of petition not praise or thanksgiving

Option for singing the prayers

Those proposing the prayers return to chairs after concluding prayer

IV. Liturgy of the Eucharist

Preparation of the Gifts

Gifts of bread and wine presented by the faithful, along with other offerings, e.g. money

Preparation of the altar: all things necessary brought from side table by ministers or members of congregation

Presentation of the gifts: in procession; “token” gifts discouraged; accompanied by music, sung or instrumental


Preparation of the Gifts

Placing of gifts on altar, usually in silence

Mixing of wine and water (function of the deacon)

Incensing of gifts an option

Washing of hands, ceremonial rather of need

Prayer over the offerings


Eucharistic Prayer

Center and summit of the entire celebration

Theology of thanksgiving, recollection of salvation history, remembrance of Last Supper, Pascal mystery of the Lord, invocation of the Holy Spirit upon the Church

Approved texts for use in U.S.


Eucharistic Prayer (elements)

Dialogue between priest and congregation

Preface (a prayer of thanksgiving)

Holy, Holy, Holy acclamation

Epiclesis (calling upon the Holy Spirit)

Institution Narrative and Consecration

Memorial acclamation


Eucharistic Prayer (elements)

Anamnesis and offering (memorial)

Intercessions

Doxology


Communion Rite

culmination of the Eucharist

Preparation flows from Eucharistic Prayer directly to Communion (Lord’s prayer; sign of peace; breaking of the bread)

Should not be given elaborate musical treatment


The Lord’s Prayer

Proper prayer in preparation for Communion

When sung, sung by everyone


The Sign of Peace

In Roman tradition takes place after the Lord’s Prayer

Expresses biblical concept of total well-being

Acknowledges presence of Christ in our neighbor

Priest should remain in the sanctuary

No song or commentary should accompany the sign


Breaking of the Bread

Essential characteristic of Christ sharing meals with us

Bread should have the appearance of food and easily recognized as broken

Faithful should not ordinarily be given Communion from the tabernacle

Priest normally the one to break the bread

Lamb of God is sung or said during the rite and repeated until the action is completed

Extraordinary ministers approach altar after priest has received Communion


Communion

Private preparation of the priest (inaudible)

Invitation to Holy Communion

Distribution of Holy Communion (desirable to share chalice; Communion procession is the norm

Various options for Communion song

When deacon is present, he administers the cup to the faithful

Extraordinary ministers do not self-communicate


Communion

Receiving in hand or on tongue the prerogative of the communicant

Faithful not permitted to take up consecrated bread or sacred chalice themselves and then offer Communion to others

One hand should rest on the palm of the other

Intinction should not be used as a means of avoiding Communion in the hand

Communicant has option not to receive from chalice

Sign of reverence before receiving each form


Communion Song

Communion accompanied by a psalm or hymn, simple enough to be sung by all present

Begins while the priest is receiving Communion

Several songs may be used if necessary; silence or instrumental music also permitted

Eucharistic songs composed for adoration not appropriate for Communion songs


Purification of Vessels

Purification should be done reverently, briefly, and inconspicuously

May be purified after Mass

Done by priest, deacon, or instituted acolyte

Pouring of Precious Blood into the ground or sacrarium is prohibited


Period of Silence/Song of Praise

Appropriate following Communion

Not to be interrupted by announcements or second collection

Song of praise may be used as an alternative or addition to silence


Prayer after Communion

Brings Communion rite to a close; may be sung or said by the priest

V. Concluding Rite

Meant to give people a sense of abiding mission.

Announcements

May precede the concluding rite

Should be brief enough for the congregation to remain standing

Made from a place other than the ambo

Greeting

V. Concluding Rite

Blessing

Refer first and foremost to God

Solemn blessing forms encouraged for Sunday use

Trinitarian form

Dismissal

Done by deacon if present

Concludes with Alleluia during Easter season

Priest and deacons kiss the altar

All make profound bow and genuflect when appropriate

Procession accompanied by song, instrumental, or silence

Produced by Rev. Craig Forner

Archdiocese of San Francisco

For Catechetical Use Only

Not for Sale or Commercial Purposes

introduction to the order of mass

Spiritual

communion ministers

gathered assembly choir

conscience participation

incense priest

unique roles

sick ministers approach

participation choir

participation role of