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Unified Old Catholic Church

Book of Rites and Services

Table of Contents

Baptism of a Child..................................................................................................................................6

Baptism of a Mature Person................................................................................................................10

The Sacrament of Penance........................................................................................................14

The Sacrament of Confirmation...........................................................................................................15

The Sacrament of Marriage.................................................................................................................18

An Order for a Civil Wedding...............................................................................................................22

The Anointing of the Sick.....................................................................................................................26

Rites of Christian Burial - Adult............................................................................................................29

Rites of Christian Burial – Child............................................................................................................35

Blessings..............................................................................................................................................38

Holy Water......................................................................................................................................38

An Antimension...............................................................................................................................39

Paten and Chalice (Consecration)....................................................................................................39

A Tabernacle, Pyx, or Ciborium........................................................................................................41

A Monstrance OR Ostensorium.......................................................................................................42

A Reliquary......................................................................................................................................42

Of Oil-Stocks....................................................................................................................................42

Blessing of Sacred Vessels or Ornaments in General.......................................................................43

Altar-linens......................................................................................................................................43

A Corporal........................................................................................................................................44

A Pall................................................................................................................................................44

A Purificator.....................................................................................................................................44

Priestly Vestments...........................................................................................................................44

Solemn Blessing of a Cross..............................................................................................................45

Solemn Blessing of an Image...........................................................................................................46

Blessing of a Clerical Cassock...........................................................................................................46

The Old Catholic Rite Mass..................................................................................................................47

Ordinary of the Mass.......................................................................................................................47

Liturgy of the Word.........................................................................................................................49

The Nicene Creed............................................................................................................................50

The Canon on the Mass...................................................................................................................53

Unified Old Catholic Rite Mass............................................................................................................58

Introductory Rites............................................................................................................................58

Liturgy of the Word.........................................................................................................................59

The Liturgy of the Eucharist.............................................................................................................61

The Concluding Rites.......................................................................................................................64

Mass of the Pre-sanctified..........................................................................................................66

Distribution of Communion Outside of Mass......................................................................................70

Prefaces for Sundays and Some Holy Days..........................................................................................72

Proper Prayers throughout the Year...................................................................................................76

Sundays and Holy Days....................................................................................................................76

Votive Masses..................................................................................................................................92

The Ordinal..........................................................................................................................................95

Ordination of a Deacon....................................................................................................................96

Ordination of a Priest....................................................................................................................101

Ordination of a Bishop...................................................................................................................107

Baptism of a Child.Before commencing the baptism, the Priest should ensure they are familiar with the name which will be given to the child

If the child has received valid private baptism the Priest must not repeat baptism even conditionally, but may perform a service containing portions of the public ceremonial; if the validity is in doubt the form for conditional baptism must be employed, (p. 12.)

After the introductory address, or immediately before the baptism, a sponsors shall hold the child in their arms. If more than one sponsor is present, then one should hold the child and the other/s lay their right hand/s on the child during the actual administration of baptism.

When it seems fit, the following, or some other convenient address, shall precede the baptismal service.

BELOVED in the Lord, when the Saviour sent out his Apostles, he said to them, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” “The one who believes and is baptized will be saved”. Through baptism we are cleansed from our sins, made partakers in the redemption of Jesus Christ, brought into the family of the faithful and into the Church of Christ, and prepared to obtain a share in all the treasures of grace, whose management and administration Christ has entrusted his church.

It is in accordance with both the traditions of the faith and the mercy of the Lord, who lovingly called little children to come to him, that the children of Christian parents should be brought into the Christian family by baptism, and soon after their natural birth should be born again of water and the Holy Ghost.

Before baptism, the sponsors must make a confession of Christian faith on behalf of the child, and declare their readiness, at all times to withstand the devil, and sin, and its enticements. The duty of the parents (with the assistance of the sponsors) is to make sure that when the child is ready they are taught the truths of the Christian religion, and to avoid all evil

The Lord has appointed baptism with water, in the name of the Trinity, to be the outward sign of the inward grace which imparted through this sacrament; as the body is purified by water, so the soul is purified by Baptism.

It is this holy act that we area gathered here to perform and witness this day. I ask that we all join together in prayer for this child that the Lord now takes as his own and places among the elect. Pray that God may forever defend and strengthen them by his grace, that they may grow up to be a joy to their parents, and a faithful member of the Christian family.

Addressing the sponsors:

Do you desire to obtain eternal life in the Church of God through faith in Jesus Christ?I do

The Lord said: “And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” “And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus

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Christ whom you have sent.” “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.”

The priest then breaths of the child and says:

MAY the powers of darkness, which Christ conquered on the cross, be banished from your life, that you may behold the hope and glory that you may inherit amongst the Saints;

Let us pray:

Almighty and everlasting God, look down upon this child who you have called to the grace of regeneration by the Holy Ghost. Banish all darkness of their heart and send upon them the holy spirit of your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the same Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

The priest signs the forehead and chest of the child with the sign of the cross:

Receive on your forehead the sign of the holy cross +, to remind you that you openly profess faith in Christ crucified and glory in the promises of his cross.

I sign you in the chest with the sign of the holy cross +, to remind you that you love from your heart him who died on the cross for you and that you should take up your cross and follow him.

Let us pray:

Lord God, hear our prayers and from this day forward protect this your servant N., who we have marked with the sight of the cross, that they may continue in the Christian faith and serve him who gave up his life for us on the tree of the cross, Christ our Lord. Amen.

The priest places a little salt which has been signed with the sign of the cross in the child’s mouth)

N. receive this salt as an emblem of wisdom; may the Lord grant it to you that you may receive everlasting life.

Laying their right hand on the child the priest says:

Lord God, the author of all wisdom, look upon your servant N. and preserve them in fear of you, which is the beginning of wisdom, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us all sign ourselves with the sign of the holy cross in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and learn the words of the holy gospel according to St. Mark:

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them priest lays their hands on the child, and blessed them.

Peace be with you.

Let us together affirm our faith as it has been handed down since the time of the Apostles:

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I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, bow who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, risesuffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.


Do you affirm this as your faith and as the faith that you will endeavour to teach to N. when the time has come?

I so affirm and promise

Then as Jesus Christ taught us let us address the Lord in prayer:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

The priest then touches the ears and lips of the child with his finger saying:

Be opened. As the saviour gave the gift of hearing and speech to a man who was deaf and mute by the use of these words, and by touching his ears and tongue, so may he strengthen you through his grace that you will be ready and willing to hear his words and joyfully proclaim his praise.


Before I administer the sacrament of baptism I ask you, on behalf of N.:

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Do you renounce the devil?I renounce them

And all his works?I renounce them

And all his splendour?I renounce them

Anointing the child on the chest with the Oil of Catechumens the priest says:

For the war against evil, and for the practice of good you need strength from the one who redeemed us from our sins. Therefore I anoint you with the oil of salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

The priest pours water over the head of the child three times in the form of a cross

N. I baptise you in the name f the Father +, and of the Son +, and of the Holy Spirit +.

If the child is baptised conditionally

N., if you are not already baptised, I baptise you in the name of the Father +, and of the Son +, and of the Holy Spirit +.

Anointing the crown of the child with chrism the priest continues:

Almighty God, who has regenerated you by water and the Holy Spirit, anoint you with the chrism of Salvation through Jesus Christ out Lord. Amen.

Laying the end of their stole on the child:

N., Receive the white raiment of innocence. Preserve it pure or unspotted until the day of Jesus Christ, that you may enter into eternal life. Amen.

Presenting a candle to the sponsors the priest continues:

N. receive this light as an emblem of the faith which lives by love. Preserve the light of the knowledge of Christ and walk in this light; that when the Lord returns you may be like the wise virgins, who came with their lamps lit and entered the wedding feast. Amen.

The Lord be with youAnd also with you

Depart in peace with the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Baptism of a Mature Person

The instructions for the baptism of a mature person are the same as those as a child with the exception that:

Sponsors do not hold the individual but may place their right hand upon them at the time of baptism.

When it seems fit, the following, or some other convenient address, shall precede the baptismal service.

BELOVED in the Lord, when the Saviour sent out his Apostles, he said to them, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” “The one who believes and is baptized will be saved”. Through baptism we are cleansed from our sins, made partakers in the redemption of Jesus Christ, brought into the family of the faithful and into the Church of Christ, and prepared to obtain a share in all the treasures of grace, whose management and administration Christ has entrusted his church.

It is in accordance with both the traditions of the faith and the mercy of the Lord, who lovingly called all people to him, that we should welcome all into the Christian family by baptism, to be born again of water and the Holy Ghost.

Before baptism, the candidate must make a confession of Christian faith, and declare their readiness, at all times to withstand the devil, and sin, and its enticements.

The Lord has appointed baptism with water, in the name of the Trinity, to be the outward sign of the inward grace imparted through this sacrament; as the body is purified by water, so the soul is purified by Baptism.

It is this holy act that we area gathered to perform and witness this day. I ask that we all join together in prayer for N. that the Lord now takes as his own and places among the elect. Pray that God may forever defend and strengthen them by his grace that they may increase in righteousness and always be a faithful member of the Christian family.

Addressing the candidate:

Do you desire to obtain eternal life in the Church of God through faith in Jesus Christ?I do

The Lord said: “And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” “And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.”

The priest then breaths of the candidate and says:

May the powers of darkness, which Christ conquered on the cross, be banished from your life, that you may behold the hope and glory that you may inherit amongst the Saints.

Let us pray:

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Almighty and everlasting God, look down upon this your servant whom you have called to the grace of regeneration by the Holy Ghost. Banish all darkness from their heart and send upon them the holy spirit of your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the same Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

The priest signs the forehead and chest of the candidate with the sign of the cross:

Receive on your forehead the sign of the holy cross +, to remind you that you openly profess faith in Christ crucified and glory in the promises of his cross.

I sign you in the chest with the sign of the holy cross +, to remind you that you love from your heart him who died on the cross for you and that you should take up your cross and follow him.

Let us pray:

Lord God, hear our prayers and from this day forward protect this your servant N., who we have marked with the sight of the cross, that they may continue in the Christian faith and serve him who gave up his life for us on the tree of the cross, Christ our Lord. Amen.

The priest places a little salt which has been signed with the sign of the cross into the candidate’s mouth

N. receive this salt as an emblem of wisdom; may the Lord grant it to you that you may receive everlasting life.

Laying their right hand on the child the priest says:

Lord God, the author of all wisdom, look upon your servant N. and preserve them in fear of you, which is the beginning of wisdom, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us all sign ourselves with the sign of the holy cross in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and listen to the words of the holy gospel according to St. John:

Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Peace be with you.

Let us together affirm our faith as it has been handed down since the time of the Apostles:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, bow who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

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born of the Virgin Mary, risesuffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Addressing thecandidate:

Do you affirm this as your personal faith and promise to nurture it through prayer and study?I so affirm and promise

Then as Jesus Christ taught us let us address the Lord in prayer:


The priest then touches the ears and lips of the candidate with his finger saying:

Be opened. As the saviour gave the gift of hearing and speech to a man who was deaf and mute by the use of these words, and by touching his ears and tongue, so may he strengthen you through his grace that you will be ready and willing to hear his words and joyfully proclaim his praise.

Addressing the candidate:

N. before I administer the sacrament of baptism I ask you:

Do you renounce the devil?I renounce the devil

And all his works?I renounce them

And all his splendours?

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I renounce them

Anointing the candidate on the chest with the Oil of Catechumens the priest says:

For the war against evil, and for the practice of good you need strength from the one who redeemed us from our sins. Therefore I anoint you with the oil of salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

The priest pours water over the head of the candidate three times in the form of a cross

N. I baptise you in the name of the Father +, and of the Son +, and of the Holy Spirit +.

If the candidate is baptised conditionally

N., if you are not already baptised, I baptise you in the name of the Father +, and of the Son +, and of the Holy Spirit +.

Anointing the crown of the newly baptised with chrism the priest continues:

Almighty God, who has regenerated you by water and the Holy Spirit, anoint you with the chrism of Salvation through Jesus Christ out Lord. Amen.

Laying the end of their stole on the newly baptised:

N., Receive the white raiment of innocence. Preserve it pure or unspotted until the day of Jesus Christ, that you may enter into eternal life. Amen.

Presenting a candle to the newly baptised the priest continues:

N. receive this light as an emblem of the faith which lives by love. Preserve the light of the knowledge of Christ and walk in this light; that when the Lord returns you may be like the wise virgins, who came with their lamps lit and entered the wedding feast. Amen.

The Lord be with youAnd also with you

Depart in peace with the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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The Sacrament of Penance

Most souls seek the love and peace that comes from forgiveness for our wrongdoings. Before coming to confession find a quiet place to pray and contemplate your life. Focus on how much God loves you and how he wants to forgive you. Examine your thoughts, words and actions and try and recall all those wrongdoings you have committed.

When you feel ready approach the place set aside for confession and recall your sins before the priest who represents Christ to the penitent.

Kneel, make the sign of the cross and say:

Bless me Father for I have sinned.

The priest will offer you a blessing in these or other words:

The Lord be in your heart and on your lips, that you + may rightly confess your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Continue your confession saying:

It has been ____ since my last confession. I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever a Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to you, Father/Mother, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. I have…. (here mention those sins you have committed)

When you have finished confessing continue:

For these, and all my other sins I cannot now remember I am sorry, I regret them and their offense to God. Therefore I ask the Blessed Mary, ever a Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints to pray to the Lord our God for me. Father/Mother, I seek your guidance, God’s absolution and a penance to give to God to thank him for his mercy.

The priest will offer advice and a penance after which they will offer God’s forgiveness and absolution in these or other words:

Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath left power to His Church to absolve all sinners who truly repent and believe in Him, of His great mercy forgive you your offences: And by His authority committed to me, I Absolve you from all your sins, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Amen.

The Priest may add:

Go in Peace and pray for me.

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After confession be sure to thank God for his mercy and the forgiveness you have received. Faithfully perform the penance given as an offering to God. Go out into the world with a renewed spiritual strength and fight bravely against sin under the banner of Christ.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

The ordinary minister of this sacrament is the Bishop however this authority may lawfully be delegated to a priest.

It is most usual for the sacrament to take place within a Mass or in conjunction with a Baptism.

After an address to the candidates, the Bishop lays aside his mitre ; the candidates kneel down. The Bishop, folding his hands on his breast, turns towards the candidates and says:

May the Holy Ghost come down upon you, and the power of the Most Highest preserve you from sin. Amen.

The Bishop crossing himself says:

Our help is in the Name of the Lord.Who hath made heaven and earth.

Lord, hear my prayer.And let my prayer come unto thee.

The Lord be with you.And with thy spirit.

The Bishop extending their hands over the candidates:

Let us pray:

Almighty and everlasting God, who has promised to regenerate these your servants by water and the Holy Ghost, and has given to them forgiveness of all their sins, send down upon them your Holy Ghost in all his fullness, the Comforter from heaven.

Amen.

The spirit of wisdom and understanding.Amen.

The spirit of counsel and spiritual strength.Amen.

The spirit of knowledge and godliness.Amen.

Fill them with the spirit of respect and obedience for your word, and sign them with the sign of the cross + of Christ in your mercy so they may receive the gift life eternal, through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

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The Bishop puts their mitre on, and approaching the candidates, who are to be standing or kneeling, they anoint the forehead of each singly, in the form of a cross, with their right thumb dipped in the chrism. It should be ensured that the Bishop knows the name of each candidate for the anointing.The Bishop anoints each candidate saying;

N. I sign you with the sign of the cross +, and I confirm you with the chrism of salvation, in the Name of the Father +, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

At the first name the candidate is anointed, at the next the sign of the cross is made over the candidate.

Then the Bishop shall strike the candidate gently on the cheek, saying:

Peace be with you.

The oil is then wiped off the forehead with cotton wool

When all have been confirmed, the Bishop wipes his thumbs with bread-crumbs or salt, and washes his hands.

At the same time the following antiphon may be said by the Bishop, or some assistants, or the congregation:

Establish the thing, O God, that which you have wrought in us, for your temple’s sake at Jerusalem.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The Bishop (laying aside his mitre) says:

Show us your mercy, O Lord.And grant us thy salvation.

Lord, hear my prayer.And let my cry come unto you.


Let us pray:

O God, who gave your Apostles the Holy Spirit, and ordained that by them and their successors the Holy Spirit should be delivered to the rest of the faithful, look mercifully on this our humble service; and grant that the hearts of those whose foreheads we have anointed with the sacred chrism, and signed with the sign of the holy cross, may, by the same Holy Spirit descending upon them, and dwelling in them, be made the temple of his glory. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who with the Father and the same Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, world without end. Amen.

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Behold, thus shall every man be blessed that fears the Lord.

Turning to the persons confirmed the Bishop says:

May the Lord from out of Zion so bless you + that you may see the salvation of Jerusalem all the days of your life, and may have life everlasting.

Amen.

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The Sacrament of MarriageThe service may start with whatever music and entrance is considered appropriate by the priest performing the ceremony and the couple being married.

It is essential to the Law of the Church and the Gospel that two or three witnesses be present to confirm the marriage.

If the marriage be between a man and woman it is traditional for the groom to stand on the bride’s right.

Once the entrance is completed the priest addressed the couple in these or similar words:

You appear here before me as the servant of the Christian church, and before these witnesses, to promise your love and fidelity to one another in the Sacrament of Marriage, and to have your union consecrated by the blessing of the church.

In entering the condition of marriage you enter upon an inner union, and a partnership which embraces every condition of your lives, and is a contract which should you should intend to keep the whole duration of your lives. From this day forward you will participate in each other’s joy and sorrow. You will conscientiously fulfil the difficult and important duties which marriage brings with it. You will remain united together in true love, and not allow this true affection to be disturbed for any reason, but ever fasten its cords, and thereby render it ever purer and happier, that you may both continually work out your sanctification and moral improvement. All this you now promise before God, and you should intend to be bound by this promise till death do you part.

Marriage is a sacred step in the life of a couple, a time in which the stand in special need of the help and grace of God. Wherefore the Lord in his mercy and loving-kindness has promised his special grace to those who contract marriage with upright Christian intention. You profess your belief in this promise, your wish to become participators in this grace, by appearing here to obtain the blessing of the church on your union, after you have repeated your affirmation of consent.

Let us all then, unite in the prayer that God’s richest blessing may descend upon these two persons now about to be married and may perpetually be with them in their walk through life.

The priest asks those being married the following, both replying together:

Wherefore I ask you in the name of the Lord; Do you appear here of your own free will, and unconstrained, to repeat before me, in the presence of these witnesses, the declaration of your marriage vows, and to obtain the blessing of the church for the same?

I do.

The couple then make their vows to each other in the presence of those gathered. With the approval of the priest the couple may make write their own vows fitting for the occasion.

Taking their partners right hand in theirs (releasing between each vow) they Say:

I, N., take you, N., to my Husband/Wife, to have, and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness, and in health, till death do us part.

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Both having made their vows, their right hands still joined the Priest says:

I join you together in marriage, in the Name of the Father +, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

The priest then sprinkles them with holy water.

The ring/s are then presented to the priest, which they bless, saying:

Our help is in the name of the Lord.Who made heaven and earth.

O Lord, hear my prayer.And let my cry come unto Thee.


Let us pray:

BLESS, O Lord, these rings +, and grant your grace to those who shall wear them, that they may preserve their faith towards one another, may abide in your peace and will, and ever live in mutual love; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The priest then sprinkles the ring/s with holy water and hands them to the couple saying:

Take these rings, and wear them as an emblem of that love and fidelity which you will maintain towards one another by the grace of God. May your intention be blessed by God the Father +, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The ring/s are then exchanged with these words:

N. I take you to be my Christian wedded wife/husband, before the Lord God and his holy church.

This done, the Priest adds:

Confirm that, O God, which you have created in us.From thy holy temple, which is in Jerusalem.

Lord, have mercy on us.Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive them that trespass against us;

And lead us not into temptation.But deliver us from evil.

Save your servants.

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That trust in you, O my God.Send them help, O Lord, from the sanctuary.

And protect them out of Sion.Be to them, O Lord, a tower of strength.

From the face of the enemy.O Lord, hear my prayer.

And let my cry come unto Thee.


Let us pray:

We implore you, O Lord, look down upon these your servants, defend and bless them in the union they have entered, calling upon your holy name; and assist them that they may truly fulfil its obligations, and remain partakers of your mercy and grace, through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Addressing the couple the wedding concludes:

The blessing of Almighty God, the Father +, the Son, and the Holy Ghost descend upon you, and remain with you always.

Amen.

Go in peace, in the Love and service of the Lord.In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

The couple may leave the wedding in a fashion suitable to the occasion accompanied by suitable musical accompaniment if they so desire.

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An Order for a Civil Wedding

INTRODUCTION

Priest:

“Love is a mighty power, a great and complete good. Love alone lightens every burden, and makes rough places smooth. It bears every hardship as though it were nothing, and renders all bitterness sweet and acceptable. Nothing is sweeter than love, nothing stronger, nothing higher, nothing wider, nothing more pleasant, nothing fuller or better in heaven or earth; for love is born of God. Love flies, runs and leaps for joy. It is free and unrestrained. Love knows no limits, but ardently transcends all bounds. Love feels no burden, takes no account of toil, attempts things beyond its strength. Love sees nothing as impossible, for it feels able to achieve all things. It is strange and effective, while those who lack love faint and fail. Love is not fickle and sentimental, nor is it intent on vanities. Like a living flame and a burning torch, it surges upward and surely surmounts every obstacle

Friends, we gather here at this hour to witness and to celebrate the drawing together of two separate lives. We have come so that this man, N. , and this woman, N., (or this couple, N. and N.) may be joined in marriage. Two people in love do not live in isolation from the wider embraces of humanity. To achieve love is not to be absolved of social responsibility. So it is that the institution of marriage is ordained as a public recognition of the private experience of love, and as a sanctifying of both parties to its great purposes. At the same time it represents the desire of N. and N. to share their joy in each other with you, their family and their friends.

Priest to the couple:

Love is the most profound experience that can come to humankind. At its best it reduces our selfishness, deepens our personalities, and makes life far more meaningful. Its very nature is to want to give to another, and to feel joy in the joy of the other. Such love can call forth the best qualities in each of you.

Marriage is an estate that is to embody, nurture and protect all the warm and precious values that grow in human companionship and love. Marriage symbolizes the ultimate intimacy between two people. Therefore, it is not to be entered into lightly, but with certainty, with mutual respect, and with a sense of reverence which can include beauty, humor and joy.

A marriage that is to last will be continually growing. Yet the closeness which it assumes should not diminish but strengthen the individuality of each partner. The poet Rilke has written that, "Marriage is not a matter of creating a quick community of spirit by tearing down and destroying all boundaries, but rather a good marriage is that in which each appoints the other guardian of his solitude . . . once the realization is accepted that even between the closest people infinite distances exist, a marvelous living side by side can grow up, if they succeed in loving the expanse between them which gives them the possibility of always seeing each other as whole and before an immense sky."

Khalil Gibran echoed these sentiments in The Prophet, when he wrote:"Let there be spaces in your togetherness,And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.Love one another, but make not a bond of love:

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Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls,And stand together yet not too near together:For the pillars of the temple stand apart,And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow."

Thus it is out of the resonance between individuality and union, that love, whose incredible strength is equal only to its incredible fragility, is born and reborn.

Brandock Lovely has written that "Love is a respect for the preciousness and worth of a person. Love gives and love receives. Love cannot live in itself, it must be nurtured with a mutual and ultimate sharing, a giving and taking. Love is the noblest passion a man or a woman can feel, for it surpasses all lesser desires. Love is precious because it is an ethical commitment to another, which honors the duties of the promises here made, not only from a sense of obligation, but from the depths of the most divine sentiment we can enjoy.")

Today's celebration of human affection is the outward sign of a sacred and inward commitment, which religious societies may consecrate and states may legalize, but which neither can create or annul. Such union can only be created by loving purpose, be maintained by abiding will, and be renewed by human feelings and intentions. It is in this spirit that these two come now to be wed.

Declaration of Intention

Priest to first party:

N., do you take N. as your wife, promising to tenderly care for her, to respect her individuality, to cherish her as she is, to love her with fidelity? (I do.)

Priest to second party:

N, do you take N. to be your husband, promising to tenderly care for him, to respect his individuality, to cherish him as he is, to love him with fidelity? (I do.)

The Presentation (optional)

Who presents N. to be married to N.? Presenter: I do. (puts hand in the other party’s).

Declaration of Congregational Support

Will each one of you here today do all that is in your power to support and encourage N. and N. in fulfilling the promises they make here today - if so, please respond by saying, 'We will.'

Introduction and Exchange of Vows

The vows through which you accept each other as husband and wife contain no hidden power within themselves. It is to the extent that they express in words your intention and commitment that they have meaning. In a world where pressures pushing people apart sometimes seem stronger than those drawing people together, your commitment to each other will need to be creatively re-expressed in the coming days and years. The expression in today's vows is an important and visible milestone in your journey together. Priest to the couple:

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Please join both hands and face each other.

Priest to one party; N., Repeat after me.

I, N., take you, N., to be my wife/husband from this time onward, to join with you and to share all that is to come, to give and to receive, to speak and to listen, to inspire and to respond, and in all our life together to be loyal to you with all my being.

Priest to other part: N., repeat after me.

I, N., take you, N., to be my husband/wife from this time onward, to join with you and to share all that is to come, to give and to receive, to speak and to listen, to inspire and to respond; and in all our life together to be loyal to you with all my being.

BLESSING OF THE HANDS

Priest to couple: Give me your hands.

“These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. These are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch. And lastly, these are the hands that will wear the rings.”

Exchange of Rings

Rings are an ancient symbol, blessed and simple. Round they are, like the sun, like the eye, like the arms that embrace. Circles they are, for love that is given comes back round again. N. and N., may these rings remind you that your love, like the sun, illuminates; that your love, like the eye, must see clearly; and that your love, like the arms which embrace, is a grace upon this world.

Giving each other their rings they say:

As I give you this ring, I give you my love.

THE BLESSING

“As you have signified your love and commitment by the exchanging of vows and of rings, may your marriage bring you all the exquisite excitements a marriage should bring, and may life grant you also patience, tolerance, and understanding. May you always need one another -- not so much to fill your emptiness as to help you to know your fullness. A mountain needs a valley to be complete. The valley does not make the mountain less, but more. And the valley is more a valley because it has a

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mountain towering over it. So let it be with you and you. May you need one another, but not out of weakness. May you want one another, but not out of lack. May you entice one another, but not compel one another. May you embrace one another, but not out encircle one another. May you succeed in all-important ways with one another, and not fail in the little graces. May you look for things to praise, often say, "I love you!" and take no notice of small faults. If you have quarrels that push you apart, may both of you hope to have good sense enough to take the first step back. May you enter into the mystery that is the awareness of one another's presence -- no more physical than spiritual, warm and near when you are side by side, and warm and near when you are in separate rooms or even distant cities. May you have happiness, and may you find it making one another happy. May you have love, and may you find it loving one another.” Kiss: You may seal your vows with a kiss.

Pronouncement

Forasmuch as you N. and you N. have consented together in wedlock, and have pledged yourselves each to the other in the presence of God and the presence of this company, I do now pronounce you husband and wife. Let all others honor their decision and the threshold of their house.Presentation:

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you, for the first time as husband and wife/ a married couple: N. and N.

Benediction

May all blessings attend you,May joy pervade your lives together,May your home be forever a place of peace and true fulfillment.May the sun bring you new energy by day.May the moon softly restore you by night. May the rain wash away your worries.And may you live the days of your lives in peace, love, and happiness. Amen

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The Anointing of the SickIf the blessed anointing is not administered immediately after the personal confession or Communion of the ill then one of those present shall first repeat the general confession of sins.

I confess to Almighty God, to the Blessed Virgin Mary, 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 often and exceedingly, in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, my fault, my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech the Blessed Virgin Mary, 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 shall the Priest say:

ALMIGHTY God have mercy upon thee, forgive thee thy sins, and bring thee to everlasting life.Sick person (or one of those present):

Amen.

Priest (making the sign of the cross):

May the Almighty and merciful Lord grant you pardon, absolution, and remission of your sins.Sick person:

Amen.

Priest (laying his right hand on the head of the sick person):

O Lord God, who has spoken by your Apostle James, saying, “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him”; alleviate, we implore you, O our Redeemer, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, the sufferings of this your servant who is sick; heal their wounds, and forgive their sins, free them from all pains of body and mind, and mercifully restore them to full health inwardly and outwardly ; that, being recovered by the help of your mercy, they may again be able to work in your service ; who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, world without end.

Amen.

Then the Priest shall dip his thumb in the holy oil, and anoint the several parts of the body in the form of a cross, saying:

The eyes:

Through this holy anointing +, and through his most tender mercy, the Lord pardon whatever sins you have committed by seeing. Amen.

The ears:

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Through this holy anointing +, and through his most tender mercy, the Lord pardon whatever sins you have committed by hearing. Amen.

The lips:

Through this holy anointing +, and through his most tender mercy, the Lord pardon whatever sins you have committed with your mouth. Amen.

The hands (on the inside of the palms):

Through this holy anointing +, and through his most tender mercy, the Lord pardon whatever sins you have committed with your hands. Amen.

The feet:

Through this holy anointing +, and through his most tender mercy, the Lord pardon whatever sins you have committed in your walk through life. Amen.

The anointing of a single eye, ear, etc., is sufficient. If the priest believes it prudent the forehead only need be anointed with these words:

Through this holy anointing +, and through his most tender mercy, the Lord pardon whatever sins you have committed with the senses of your body, and with the thoughts and desires of your heart. Amen.

Directly after the anointing, the oil shall be wiped off with cotton wool or similar material, which shall afterwards be burned.

When the anointing is finished, the Priest says:

Lord, have mercy upon us.Christ, have mercy upon us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

O God, heal your servant.Because they hope in you.

Send him help, O Lord, from your sanctuary.And defend him from the heavenly Zion.

Be to him, O Lord, a tower of strength.Against the face of the enemy.

Lord, hear my prayer.

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And let my cry come up to you.The Lord be with you.

And with your spirit.

Let us pray:

Look down graciously, O Lord, upon this your servant labouring under severe bodily suffering, and refresh the soul which you have created; that being cured of their sickness, they may praise you as their Saviour; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty Father, eternal God, hear the prayer of faith where we call upon your name, and raise this sick man/woman/child up; that reinstated by you, they may be restored sound to their and your holy Church, and may long live safe within it; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Or (if there is little hope of the sick person’s recovery):

Almighty Father, eternal God, Lord of life and death, hear, as you have promised, our prayer of faith, and let it benefit this sick person; forgive them their sins, alleviate their sufferings, and assist them in this hour of trial; strengthen them and us with your grace, that with humility and resignation they may accept at your all-merciful hand whatsoever you impart, according to your divine wisdom; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Rites of Christian Burial - AdultWelcome at the Church

This office may take place at the deceased’s home, a funeral home, or before entering the Church before the service.

Let us pray for the soul of the departed. Grant him, Lord, eternal rest.And let everlasting light shine upon him.

Psalm 130:

Out of the depths I call to you, Lord; Lord, hear my cry!May your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.

If you, Lord, keep account of sins, Lord, who can stand?But with you is forgiveness and so you are revered.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits and I hope for his word.My soul looks for the Lord more than sentinels for daybreak.

More than sentinels for daybreak, let Israel hope in the Lord,For with the Lord is mercy, with him is plenteous redemption,

And he will redeem Israel from all its sins.


Lord, have mercy upon us.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

From everlasting death.Deliver his soul, O Lord.

May he rest in peace.Amen.

Lord, hear my prayer.And let my cry rise up to you.

The Lord be with you.And with your spirit.

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Let us pray:

We commend to you, O God, the soul of this your servant, that being summoned away from this world they may live with you, and that being cleansed from all spot of sin by the boundless merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, they may have a share in the heavenly vision, and may be numbered among your elect, through the same Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Eternal rest give unto him, O Lord.And let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace.Amen.

At the last words the Priest shall sprinkle the coffin with holy water.

Here follows the Requiem Mass (if one is being held) in the usual manner using the readings, collect and prefaces appropriate for the day or a requiem.

Rite of Burial Outside of the Mass

If no Requiem Mass is to be said the following may be used:


This day we come together to remember the life of N. a child of God who having run the race of this life with perseverance has passed beyond the veil to their heavenly reward.

Let us pray:

O God, whose nature is always to have mercy and to spare, we humbly present our prayers to you on behalf of the soul of your servant N., who you have called out of the world: we implore you not to deliver them into the hands of the enemy, nor to forget them for ever, but command them to be received by the holy angels, and to be carried into paradise; that, as they hoped and believed in you, they may obtain everlasting joys. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who with the Father and the same Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, world without end. Amen.

Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine on them. The just shall be in everlasting remembrance: he shall not fear the evil hearing.

Release, O Lord, the souls of all the faithful departed from every bond of sin. And by the help of thy grace may they deserve to escape the avenging judgment,

And enjoy the bliss of eternal light.

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 attend to thy holy Gospel. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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The following is taken from the holy gospel according to St. John.Glory be to you, O Lord.

Read John 11:21-27

Here a homily suitable for the occasion may be shared by the cleric performing the service.

After the homily or in its place a Eulogy or remembrances of the deceased may be shared by those selected by the family.

Absolution of the deceased

Standing at the foot of the casket, the priest says:

Enter not into judgment with your servant, O Lord, for in your sight shall no man living be justified, except you grant unto us remission of all our sins. Therefore, we implore you, let not the sentence of your judgment fall upon him/her, whom the faithful prayer of Christian people commends unto you: but by the succour of your grace let him/her, who, while he/she lived, was sealed with the sign of the Holy Trinity +, be found worthy to escape avenging judgment. Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The following responsorial is then sung or said:

Deliver me, O Lord, from everlasting death on that dreadful day: when the heavens and the earth shall be moved: when you shall come to judge the world by fire.

I quake with fear and I tremble, awaiting the day of account and the judgement to come.When the heavens and the earth shall be moved.

That day, the day of anger, of calamity and misery, that great day and most bitter.When Thou shalt come to judge the world by fire.

Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

Deliver me, O Lord, from everlasting death on that dreadful day: when the heavens and the earth shall be moved: when Thou shalt come to judge the world by fire.

Incense is set at this time. If the cleric has assistance the incense can be set during the preceding responsorial.

At the end of the responsorial is said or sung:

Lord have mercy.Lord have mercy.

Christ have mercy.Christ have mercy.

Lord have mercy.

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Lord have mercy.

Then the priest says in a loud voice:

Let us pray in silence for our brother/sister in Christ.

Meanwhile the priest goes round the casket, and sprinkles it thrice on each side, namely, at the feet, the middle, and the head, with holy water; returning to his place, he receives the censer and goes round the casket, incensing it in like manner.


From the gates of hell.Deliver their soul, O Lord.

May they rest in peace.Amen.

O Lord, hear my prayer.And let my cry come unto Thee.


Let us pray:

O heavenly Father, who in your Son Jesus Christ, has given us a true faith, and a sure hope: Help us, we pray, to live as those who believe and trust in the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection to life everlasting, and strengthen this faith and hope in us all the days of our life: through the love of thy Son, Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Amen.

At the Grave

Priest (making the sign of the cross over the grave):

May this resting-place be blessed for the day of resurrection, in the name of the Father J, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Let us pray:

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O God, by whose compassion the souls of the faithful rest in peace, graciously bless + this grave, and make the souls of those who shall be buried here partakers of everlasting joy, and of the company of thine elect, through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

While the body is lowered the fifty-first Psalm shall be said wholly or in part, or a hymn may be sung.

Here (or at the place mentioned below) one of the following may be read:

1. Beloved in the Lord, an open grave reminds us of that most certain and yet so often forgotten truth, that it is appointed to mankind once to die, and that, as the apostle adds, after death the judgment will follow. We know quite certainly that we too must die, but none of us knows when they will have to follow our departed brother/sister into eternity. Experience teaches us that for some persons death comes unexpectedly as a thief in the night. Therefore we must be careful, after the warning of Holy Scripture, that death does not overtake us as a thief. But an open grave reminds us also of other words of Holy Writ, that it is “a holy and good thought to pray for the dead.” Therefore let us pray for our departed brother/sister.

2. Beloved in the Lord, the Apostle Paul writes to the faithful at Thessalonica, “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” Sorrow at the death of a loved one is not forbidden, but we need not to sorrow as those who have no hope. For our Christian faith affords to us the certain knowledge that while death is indeed the end of this earthly life, it is also at the same time the door of a new and eternal existence, and that the dead in Christ will rise when he shall come again, as he himself is risen from the dead. So too we know that our brother/sister, whose corruptible body we have lowered into this grave, still lives, and is gone on before us to that place where we all must follow, each at our own time. And as we Christians know that the bond of union between us and our departed friends is not broken through death, so we think of them as living when we pray.

3. Beloved in the Lord, the Saviour said to mankind; “All that the Father gives me shall come to me, and those who come to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will, that of all which he has given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes on him, may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” Trusting in this promise of our divine Saviour, “who has abolished death, and has brought life and immortality to Light” let us pray with child-like confidence for our deceased brother/sister, and all the faithful departed.

Let us pray:

O God of love and pity, we earnestly plead to you for the soul of your servant N. which you have summoned out of this life. May he/she be taken by your holy angel, and carried to the heavenly homeland, in order that having hoped and believed in you, they may become a partaker of everlasting joy, through Christ our Lord. Amen.Or,

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O Lord, the God of pity, may the soul of thy servant N. whose body we are entrusting to the earth, arrive at the place of refreshment, at the blessedness of everlasting rest, and at the clearness of your heavenly light, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Priest (sprinkling the grave with holy water):

May God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, refresh your soul with the dew of his heavenly grace. Amen.Or,Eternal rest give unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

The Priest shall cast earth upon the coffin three times says:

Remember, man, that dust you are and to dust you will return.

The Priest shall make the sign of the cross over the grave, and say:

By the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who by his cross + has redeemed the world, and broken the power of death, may you rise again at the day of judgment to everlasting life. Amen.

Go in peace, confident in the promise of life eternal.In the name of Christ. Amen.

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Rites of Christian Burial – ChildIf a Requiem Mass is not to be offered for the departed the following may be used:

For this service the minster vests in a white stole.

Music, poems and other additions according to local custom or the wishes of the family are inserted where appropriate.

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.Now and for evermore.

Read Psalm 113 in a manner according to local custom

Let us pray:

Almighty and merciful God, who always seeks to show mercy to his children, grant eternal life to this child this day that he/she may be united with all the blessed children in paradise forever. Father we also ask that you assist those of us who remain here upon the earth to serve you with a pure heart, that like our loved one, we may return to your embrace; through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Here the cleric sprinkles the coffin with holy water whilst reciting:

I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord: he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever lives and believes in me, shall never die.

Jesus called them to him and said, “Suffer the little children to come to me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arms, and carry them in his bosom.

It is suitable to sing a hymn or play a suitable piece of music here; after which the service continues:

The Lord be with you.And with your Spirit.

Matthew 18:1-5 is read here and the cleric may share a few words.

This is a time which is suitable for a eulogy or those selected by the family to have time to speak. When completed:

Let us pray:


Lord, have mercy upon us

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Blessed are the pure in heart;For they shall see God.

Blessed be the name of the Lord;World without end.

Lord, hear our prayer;And let out cry rise up to you.

The following or other suitable prayers may be offered by the cleric or a person selected by the family:

Lord God, from whom human sadness is never hidden, you know the burden of grief that we feel at the loss of N.. As we mourn his/her passing from this life, comfort us with the knowledge that N.. now lives in your loving embrace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord God, ever caring and gentle we commit to your love this little one, quickened to life for so short a time. Enfold him/her in eternal life. We pray for his/her parents who are saddened by the loss of their child. Give them courage and help them in their pain and grief. May they all meet one dayin the joy and peace of your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Sprit, be with us all evermore. Amen.

A musical or some other tribute is appropriate here as the cleric accompanies the coffin from the church on its way to the place of burial.

At the graveside:

May this resting-place be blessed for the day of resurrection in the name of the Father +, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Let us pray:

O God, by whose compassion the souls of the faithful rest in peace, graciously bless this grave, and make the soul of N. who shall rest here a partaker of everlasting joy and of the company of your elect ; through Christ our Lord. Amen.


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Let us pray:

Almighty, everlasting God, lover of holy purity, who has mercifully vouchsafed to call the soul of this little one to the kingdom of heaven; promise also, O Lord, to deal so mercifully with us, that by the merits of your bitter passion, and by the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all your saints, we also may forever rejoice in the same kingdom with all the saints and elect.

Sprinkling holy water on the grave the priest says:

May God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit refresh your soul with the dew of his heavenly grace. Amen.

Casting dirt into the grave three times the priest says:

Remember, O man, that you are dust, and to dust you will return.

Making the sign of the cross over the grave the priest says:

By the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who by his cross + has redeemed the world, and broken the power of death, may you rise again at the day of judgment to everlasting life. Amen.

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BlessingsHoly Water

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Psalm 42: 1-5.

As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God.My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When can I enter and see the face of God?My tears have been my bread day and night, as they ask me every day, “Where is your God?”Those times I recall as I pour out my soul,When I would cross over to the shrine of the Mighty One, to the house of God,Amid loud cries of thanksgiving, with the multitude keeping festival.

The Priest or Deacon mixes a little salt with the water, and say:

The Lord said:“Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its flavour, with what will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.” Mindful of these words we mix this salt with the water, as a token that all who devoutly sprinkle themselves with this water, preserve within themselves the salt of Christian wisdom and strength, and should fill themselves with the spirit of peace and love. With this intention we consecrate the water, and sign it with the sign of the holy cross +, that the Almighty, who created it, of his boundless mercy may cleanse our hearts from all sin, may imbue them with the rich stream of his grace, and may satisfy their thirst after righteousness with the water of eternal life, through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Sprinkle me, O Lord, and I shall be clean.Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Let us pray.

ALMIGHTY Creator, Lord of heaven and earth, who in holy baptism made water an emblem of the cleansing of our souls; grant to all of us who use this water in enlightened piety and in a Christian spirit, the heavenly water of your grace, that in accordance with the promise of your Son our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, there may be within ourselves a well of living water springing up into everlasting life. This we pray through the merits of your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.

Amen.

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An Antimension

Which may be used in the celebration of Mass in place of an altar-stone or portable altar.

N.B. Reserved to a bishop but may be delegated to a priest.

The bishop (or a priest delegated for this), having ascertained the authenticity of the relics of holy martyrs to be used here, encloses them in a tiny sack which is sewn in the right corner of the antimension. Then the antimension is blessed, saying:

P: Our help is in the name of the Lord.All: Who made heaven and earth.P: The Lord be with you.All: And also with you.

Let us pray.

Lord, we humbly appeal to your sovereignty, asking that it please you to bless + this antimension, made ready by our lowly ministry to receive the offerings of your people. For on it we are to offer the holy Sacrifice to you, to the honor of the blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, and in particular to the honor of Saints N. and N., whose relics we have enclosed therein. Grant that by these sacred mysteries the bonds of our sins be loosed, our stains blotted out, pardon obtained and graces acquired, so that together with your holy elect we may merit the joys of everlasting life through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

It is sprinkled with holy water.

Paten and Chalice (Consecration)

{The consecration of a paten and of a chalice may be delegated to a priest, who follows the same rite given here for a bishop, omitting, however, the directions that do not pertain to a priest.

The consecration of a paten and chalice may take place on any day and at any convenient place.

The following are prepared: holy chrism and whatever materials are necessary for cleansing and wiping the chalice and paten as well as the bishop's hands. The chalice and paten should be placed on a table covered with a white-linen cloth or on the altar.

If several chalices and patens are to be consecrated the bishop performs the anointings successively on each of them, but the orations are said only once and in the plural form.

The bishop, standing says:

Celebrant: Our help is in the name of the Lord.

All: Who made heaven and earth.

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C: Let us pray, my dear brethren, that by the help of God's grace this paten (these patens) may be consecrated and hallowed for the purpose of breaking over it (them) the body of our Lord Jesus Christ, who suffered death on the cross for the salvation of us all.

Then is said:

C: The Lord be with you.All: And also with you.

Let us pray.

Almighty everlasting God, who instituted the laws of sacrifice, and ordered among other things that the sprinkled wheaten flour should be carried to the altar on plates of gold and silver; be pleased to bless, hallow, + and consecrate this paten (these patens), destined for the administration of the Eucharist of Jesus Christ, your Son, who for our salvation and that of all mankind chose to immolate Himself on the gibbet of the cross to you, God the Father, with whom He lives and reigns, forever and ever.

All: Amen.

The Bishop dips the thumb of the right hand into the holy chrism, anoints the paten from rim to rim in the form of a cross, and then rubs the holy chrism all over the upper side of the paten, while saying the following formula:

Lord God, may you deign to consecrate and to hallow this paten by this anointing and our blessing, + in Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you forever and ever.

All: Amen.

Then the Bishop proceeds to the blessing of the chalice, saying:

Let us pray, my dear brethren, that our Lord and God, by His heavenly grace and inspiration, may hallow this chalice (these chalices), about to be consecrated for use in His ministry, and that He may add the fullness of His divine favor to the consecration performed by us; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Then is said:


Let us pray.

O Lord our God, be pleased to bless + this chalice (these chalices), made by your devout people for your holy service. Bestow that same blessing which you bestowed on the hallowed chalice of your servant, Melchisedech. And what we cannot make worthy of your altars by our craft and metals, do you nonetheless make worthy by your blessing; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

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The Bishop dips the thumb of the right hand into the holy chrism and anoints each chalice on the inside from rim to rim in the form of a cross, while saying the following formula:

Lord God, may it please you to consecrate and to hallow this chalice by this anointing and our blessing, + in Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you forever and ever.

All: Amen.

Then is said the following over the chalice and paten (chalices and patens):


Let us pray.

Almighty everlasting God, we beg you to impart to our hands the virtue of your blessing, so that by our blessing + this vessel and paten (these vessels and patens) may be hallowed and become, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, a new sepulcher for the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

When the consecration is over a priest cleans the chalice and paten with crumbs of bread and purifies them thoroughly. These cleansing materials are put into the sacrarium.

A Tabernacle, Pyx, or Ciborium(for reserving the holy Eucharist)

The blessings of the sacred furnishings required in worship--vessels, utensils, vestments, linens, and the like may be done by a priest, however, when possible, should be done by a bishop.

P: Our help is in the name of the Lord. All: Who made heaven and earth. P: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you.

Let us pray.

Almighty everlasting God, we humbly entreat your sovereignty to consecrate with your blessing + this tabernacle (or ciborium or pyx) made to contain the body of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.


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A Monstrance OR Ostensorium(for exposition of the Blessed Sacrament)


Let us pray.

Almighty everlasting God, be pleased to bless + and to hallow + this vessel made to expose, for the faithful's adoration, the body of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. May all who in this life piously adore your only-begotten Word possess Him in the life to come as their everlasting recompense; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.


A Reliquary

P: Our help is in the name of the Lord All: Who made heaven and earth.P: The Lord be with you.All: And also with you.

Let us pray.

Lord, bless + this reliquary made to contain the holy remains of your saints; and grant that by the prayers of your saints all who devoutly venerate their relics may obtain pardon for sin and protection from every adversity; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.


Of Oil-Stocks

P: Our help is in the name of the Lord.All: Who made heaven and earth.P: The Lord be with you.All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray.

Most gracious Lord and Father, hear our prayers, and bless + and hallow + these vessels prepared for the sacred ministry of your Church; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Let us pray.

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Almighty everlasting God, by whom all unclean things are made clean, and in whom all things made clean retain their lustre, we humbly implore your sovereign power that these vessels and ornaments offered to you by your servants may be freed from contamination of every unclean spirit, and that by your blessing + they remain hallowed for the use and ministry of the holy altar and of your Church; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

They are sprinkled with holy water.

Blessing of Sacred Vessels or Ornaments in General


Let us pray.

Almighty everlasting God, by whom all unclean things are made clean, and in whom all things made clean retain their lustre, we humbly implore your sovereign power that these vessels and ornaments offered to you by your servants may be freed from contamination of every unclean spirit, and that by your blessing + they remain hallowed for the use and service of the holy altar and of your Church; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

They are sprinkled with holy water.

Altar-linens


Let us pray.

Lord God almighty, who for forty days instructed Moses, your servant, how to make linens and sacred appointments, which even Mary wove and made for the service of the Old Covenant; be pleased to bless + these linens (this linen) made to cover and envelop the altar of your glorious Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you forever and ever.

All: Amen.

They are (it is) sprinkled with holy water.

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A Corporal


Let us pray.

Most gracious Lord, whose power is indescribable, and whose mysteries are celebrated with wondrous ceremonies; grant, we pray, that by your kindness this linen may be hallowed by your blessing, + and serve for the consecration of the body and blood of your Son, our Lord and God Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you forever and

All: Amen.


A Pall


Let us pray.

Almighty everlasting God, be pleased to bless + this pall, which is to be used in covering the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns forever and ever.

All: Amen.


A Purificator


Let us pray.

Hearken to our prayers, O Lord, and be pleased to bless + this linen prepared for use in purifying the sacred chalice; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

It is sprinkled with holy water

Priestly Vestments(in general)

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P: Our help is in the name of the Lord, All: Who made heaven and earth.P: The Lord be with you.All: And also with you.

Let us pray.

Almighty everlasting God, who decreed through Moses, your servant, that the vesture of high-priest, priest, and Levite, used in fulfilling their ministry in your sight, should be worn to dignify and beautify the worship rendered to your holy name; mercifully heed our prayers, and be pleased, through our lowly ministry, to bless + these priestly vestments (this priestly vestment), bedewing them (it) with your grace, so that they (it) become hallowed and suitable for divine worship and the sacred mysteries. Let every bishop, priest, or deacon clothed in these sacred vestments (this sacred vestment) be strengthened and defended from all assault or temptation of wicked spirits; let them perform and celebrate your mysteries reverently and well; and let them always carry out their ministry in a devout and pleasing manner; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

They are (it is) sprinkled with holy water.

Solemn Blessing of a Cross

If a cross is to be exposed for public veneration, it should be solemnly blessed.


Let us pray.

Holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, be pleased to bless + this cross, that it may be a saving help to mankind. Let it be the support of faith, an encouragement to good works, the redemption of souls; and let it be consolation, protection, and a shield against the cruel darts of the enemy; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ, bless + this cross by which you snatched the world from Satan's grasp, and on which you overcame by your suffering the tempter to sin, who rejoiced in the first man's fall in eating of the forbidden tree. Here it is sprinkled with holy water. May this cross be hallowed in the name of the Father, + and of the Son, + and of the Holy + Spirit; and may all who kneel and pray before this cross in honor of our Lord find health in body and soul; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

After this the priest, kneeling before the cross, devoutly venerates and kisses it, and others may do likewise.

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Solemn Blessing of an Image(of our Lord Jesus Christ, the blessed Virgin Mary, or any saint)

If such images are exposed for public veneration they should be solemnly blessed.

P: Our help is in the name of the Lord.All: Who made heaven and earth.P. The Lord be with you.All: And also with you.

Let us pray.

Almighty everlasting God, who do not forbid us to carve or paint likenesses of your saints, in order that whenever we look at them with our bodily eyes we may call to mind their holy lives, and resolve to follow in their footsteps; may it please you to bless + and to hallow + this statue (or picture), which has been made in memory and honor of your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (or the blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ), (or blessed N., your apostle, or martyr, or pontiff, or confessor, or virgin). And grant that all who in its presence pay devout homage to your only-begotten Son (or the blessed Virgin, or the glorious apostle, or martyr, or pontiff, or confessor, or virgin) may by His (or his or her) merits (and intercession) obtain your grace in this life and everlasting glory in the life to come; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

The image is sprinkled with holy water.

Blessing of a Clerical Cassock

A candidate for holy orders, who has obtained permission to wear the clerical cassock, may wish to have this garment blessed. The clerical aspirant, holding the cassock folded over his outstretched arms, kneels before the priest.


Let us pray:

Lord Jesus Christ, who condescended to clothe yourself in our mortal nature, we beg you in your boundless goodness to bless + this cassock which the holy fathers have sanctioned as the garb for clerics, in token of the innocence and humility which should be theirs. Laying aside the vanity of secular garb, may these servants (this servant) of yours, who are (is) to wear the cassock, likewise put on you, and be recognized as men (a man) dedicated to your service. We ask this of you who are God, living and reigning forever and ever.All: Amen.

The cassock is sprinkled with holy water.

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The Old Catholic Rite MassOrdinary of the MassThe Priest standing at the foot of the Altar, says: + In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen I will go unto the Altar of God

Even unto the God of my joy and gladness. (In Mass for the Dead, and from Passion Sunday until Easter Eve inclusive [unless a Festival occur], the Psalm, Glory be, etc., and repetition of the Antiphon are left out.) Give sentence with me, O God, and defend my cause against ungodly people: O deliver me from the deceitful and wicked man.

For you are the God of my strength; why have you put me from you: and why do I go so heavily, while the enemy oppresses me?

O send out your light, and your truth that they may lead me: and bring me to your holy hill, and to your dwelling.

And that I may go up to the Altar of God, even up to the God of my joy and gladness, and upon the harp I will give thanks to you, O God, my God.

Why are you so heavy, O my soul: and why are you so disquieted within me?

O put your trust in God; for I will yet give Him thanks: Who is the help of my countenance, and my God.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen

I will go unto the Altar of God Even unto the God of my joy and gladness. Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

The priest’s confession is followed by that of the congregation.

I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever a Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I ask the Blessed Mary, ever a Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, and you, brothers and sisters, to pray to the Lord our God for me.

May Almighty God be merciful to you, and, forgiving your sins, bring you to everlasting life.

Amen

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

May Almighty God be merciful to you, and forgiving your sins bring you to life everlasting. Amen. May the Almighty and merciful Lord grant us pardon + absolution, and remission of our sins. Amen. You, O Lord, being turned towards us, will enliven us. And your people will rejoice in you. Show us, O Lord, your mercy.

And grant us your salvation. O Lord, hear my prayer. And let my cry come unto you. The Lord be with you. And with your spirit.

When the Priest goes up to the altar, he says:

Let us pray: Take away from us our iniquities, we ask, O Lord, that we may be worthy to enter with pure minds into your Holy of Holies. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen. The priest bows before the altar, saying: We ask, O Lord, by the merits of (the priest kisses the altar +) all the saints, that you will promise to forgive me all my sins, Amen.

Here, at Solemn Masses, the Priest, before reading the INTROIT, blesses the incense, saying: May you be blessed by Him, in whose honour thou shalt be burnt. Amen. And receiving the thurible from the deacon, he incenses the altar. He then reads the INTROIT, which , being variable, must be sought for in its proper place. The following may be used in place of another: Blessed be the Holy Trinity, and undivided Unity; we will praise Him because He hath shown his mercy to us. Psalm viii. O Lord, our God, how wonderful is Thy name; even to the utmost boundaries of the earth.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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Lord, have mercy on usLord, have mercy on us

Lord, have mercy on us Christ, have mercy on us

Christ, have mercy on us Christ, have mercy on us Lord, have mercy on us

Lord, have mercy on us Lord, have mercy on us

Omitted in Masses for the Dead, also in Lent, Advent, etc unless the Mass be of a saint.

Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace to men of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you. We give you thanks for Thy great glory. O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Al mighty. O Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son. O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Who takes away the sins of the world, receive our prayers. Who sits at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For Thou you alone are holy, you alone are Lord, you alone are the most high, O Jesus Christ, together with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

The Lord be with you And with thy spirit. The priest or the priest and people may here pray the collect. If the priest prays the collect on behalf of the congregation the people answer Amen at the conclusion.

Liturgy of the WordThe person/people appointed perform the set readings of the day

A Reading from the Book of _____________The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

A Reading from ___________________The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Psalm appointed for today is from Psalm ___The Response is: ____________________________________

The cleric reading the gospel processes, as appropriate, into the midst of the congregation.

Cleanse my heart and my lips, O Almighty God, who cleansed the lips of the prophet Isaiah with a burning coal, and grant, through your gracious mercy, my purification, that I may worthily attend to your holy Gospel. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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May the Lord be in my heart, and on my lips, that I may worthily, and in a becoming manner, attend to His holy Gospel. Amen. The Lord be with you And with your spirit The continuation (or beginning) of the holy Gospel according to......... Glory be to Thee, O Lord The gospel is read after which is said: For the Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ. Then the Priest says in a low voice: May our sins be blotted out by the words of the Gospel.

Here, especially on Sundays and Holy Days, a homily may be delivered

The Nicene CreedThe creed is omitted in Masses for the dead, also in Lent and Advent, and on weekdays, unless the day is a feast day

Let us together affirm our faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, and born of the Father before all ages; God of God, light of light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; consubstantial to the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven all kneel or bow deeply and became 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, sits at the right hand of the Father; and He is to 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, who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who together with the Father and the Son, is 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 expect the resurrection of the dead+, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Lord be with youAnd with your spirit

Let us pray:

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The priest prays the offertory appropriate to the day

Raising the host of the paten slightly:

Accept, O Holy Father, Almighty and eternal God, this unspotted Host, which I your unworthy servant offer to you, my living and true God; for my innumerable sins, offences 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 unto life everlasting, Amen.

When the Priest puts the Wine and Water into the Chalice, he says: O God + who, in creating human nature, has wonderfully dignified it, and still more wonderfully reformed it; grant that by the mystery of this Water and Wine, we may be made partakers of His divine nature, who became a partaker of our nature, namely, Jesus Christ, our Lord, your Son, who with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit is One God, now and forever. Amen.

Raising the chalice slightly:

We offer to you, O Lord, the Chalice of Salvation, asking your clemency that it may ascend before your divine Majesty, as a sweet odour, for our salvation, and for that of the whole world. Amen.

The Priest bows before the altar saying: Accept us O Lord, in the spirit of humility, and contrition of heart; and grant that the sacrifice we offer this day in your sight, may be pleasing to you, O Lord God. The priest blesses the Bread and Wine saying: Come, O Almighty and eternal God, the sanctifier, and bless + this sacrifice prepared for the glory of your holy name. Here, in Solemn Masses, the priest blesses the incense, saying: May the Lord, by the intercession of blessed Michael the archangel, standing at the right hand of the Altar of Incense, and of all his elect bless + this incense, and receive it as an odour of sweetness. Amen. Incensing the Bread and Wine, the priest says: May this incense which you have blessed, O Lord, ascend to you, and may your mercy descend upon us. Incensing the altar, they say: Let my prayer, O Lord, be directed as incense in your sight: the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, and a door round my lips. Incline not my heart to evil words, to make excuses in sins.

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Censing the congregation, they say: May the Lord enkindle within us the fire of His love, and the flame of everlasting charity. Amen.

Washing their hands the priest says: I will wash my hands in innocence, O Lord, and so will I go to your altar. That I may show the voice of thanksgiving; and tell of all your wondrous works. Lord, I have loved the habitation of your house: and the place where your honour dwells. O shut not up my soul with the sinners: nor my life with the bloodthirsty; in whose hands is wickedness: and their right hand is full of gifts, But as for me, I will walk innocently: O deliver me and be merciful to me. My foot stands right, I will praise the Lord in the congregations. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Bowing in the middle of the altar, the priest says: Receive, O Holy Trinity, this oblation which we make to you in memory of the Passion, Resurrection and Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in honour of the blessed Mary ever a Virgin, of blessed John Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul; and all the saints; that it may be available to their honour, and our salvation; and that they may intercede for us in heaven, whose memory we celebrate on earth. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen Then turning towards the people, they says: Brethren and sisters, pray that my sacrifice, and yours may be acceptable to God the Father Almighty

May the Lord receive the sacrifice from your hands, to the praise and glory of His own name, and to our benefit, and that of all His holy church.

The Lord be with youAnd with thy spirit

Lift up your hearts We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

It is meet and just

There are many prefaces for various seasons and feasts; the daily preface is below: It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, that we should always and in all places, give thanks to you, O holy Lord, Father Almighty eternal God. Through Christ, our Lord; by whom the angels praise your majesty, the dominations adore, the powers tremble before it, the heavens, the heavenly virtues, and blessed seraphim, with common jubilee glorify it. Together with whom we implore you that we may be admitted to join our humble voices, saying:

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Holy, holy, holy Lord God of Hosts. Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

The Canon on the Mass

We therefore humbly pray and implore you, most merciful Father, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, that you will accept and + bless these gifts, these + presents, these + holy unspotted sacrifices, which in the first place we offer you for your holy Catholic Church, grant it peace, and preserve, unite and govern it throughout the world; together with your servant N., our Presiding Bishop, all our Bishops, as also all believers and professors of the Catholic and Apostolic faith.

Be mindful, O Lord, of your servants, men and women N and N. ( Here he prays silently for those for whom he intends to pray) And of all here present whose faith and devotion are known by you, from 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 for which they now pay their vows to you, the eternal, living, and true God. Communicating with, and honouring in the first place, the memory of the ever-glorious Virgin Mary, Mother of our Lord and God Jesus Christ; as also of the blessed Apostles and Martyrs, Peter and Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Thaddeus, Linus, Cletus, Clement, Xystus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence, Chrysognous, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian, and of all your saints, through whose merits and prayers grant that we may be always defended by the help of your protection. Through the same Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Spreading their hands over the oblation, the priest says: We therefore implore you, O Lord, to accept this oblation of our servitude, as also of your whole family; and to order our days in your peace, to preserve us from eternal damnation, and rank us in the number of your elect. Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Which oblation you, O God, in all respects bless + approve + ratify + and accept; that it may be made for us the + body and blood + of Thy most beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Who the day before He suffered, took bread in His holy and venerable hands, and with His eyes lifted up towards heaven to you, Almighty God His Father, giving thanks, he bles+sed, brake and gave to His disciples saying: Take and eat ye all of this FOR THIS IS MY BODY Kneeling, the Priest adores and then elevates the sacred Host In like manner, after He had supped, taking also this excellent chalice into His holy and venerable hands, giving you thanks, He bles+sed and gave it to His disciples, saying : Take and drink you all of this, FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL TESTAMENT, THEMYSTERY OF FAITH; WHICH SHALL BE SHED FOR YOU AND FOR MANY, FOR THEREMISSION OF SINS. As often as you do these things, you shall do them in remembrance of Me.

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We offer you, Father, this acceptable and unbloody sacrifice, and we call upon you to send down your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts. Make this Bread the Precious Body of Christ. (+ make the sign of the Cross above the consecrated host) And make this chalice the Precious Blood of Christ (+ and make the sign of the cross over the chalice.)

Amen, Amen, Amen. Here, also kneeling, the priest rises and elevates the Chalice.

Wherefore, O Lord, we your servants, and holy people, calling to mind the blessed Passion of the same Christ your Son our Lord, His resurrection from the dead, and glorious ascension into heaven, offer unto your most excellent Majesty the gifts you have bestowed upon us, a pure + Host, a + holy Host, an unspotted + Host, the Holy + Bread of eternal life, and Chalice + of everlasting salvation. Upon which we ask you to look, with a favourable and serene countenance, and to accept them, as you were graciously pleased to accept the gifts of your just servant Abel, and the sacrifice of our Patriarch Abraham, and that which your high-priest Melchisedech offered toyou, a holy sacrifice and unspotted victim.

Here, bowing profoundly, the priest says:

We most humbly implore you, Almighty God, to command these things to be carried by the hands of your holy angel to the altar on high, in the sight of your divine Majesty; that as many as shall partake (prieest kisses the altar) of the most sacred Body + and Blood+ of your Son at this altar, may be filled with every heavenly grace + and blessing. Through the same Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Extending and closing their hands, the priest says: Be mindful, O Lord, of your servants, N, and N, who are gone before us in the sign of Faith, and rest in the sleep of peace. (Here particular mention is silently made of such of the dead as he wishes to pray for) To these, O Lord, and to all that sleep in Christ, grant, we implore you, a place of refreshment, light and peace, through the same Christ our Lord.

Amen. Here, striking his breast, the Priest says: Also, to us sinners, your servants, confident in the multitude of your mercies, grant us fellowship with your holy Apostles and Martyrs; with John, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabus, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicitas, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecily, Anastasia and with all your saints: into whose company we ask you to admit us, not because of our own merit, but because of your gracious pardon. Through Christ our Lord, by whom, O Lord, you create, sanctify +, quicken +, bless+ and give us all these good things.

Uncovering the Chalice, the priest genuflects, and, taking the Host, signs the Cross with it over the Chalice, saying:

By + Him, and with + Him, is to you, God the Father, Almighty, in the unity of the Holy+Ghost

The priest slightly elevates the Chalice, holding the Host over it, they say:

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all honour and glory. For ever and ever. Amen.

The priest covers the Chalice, genuflects, and says: Let us pray: Instructed by your saving precepts, and following your divine directions, we presume to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive them that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation.

But deliver us from evil

Amen. Deliver us, we implore you, O Lord, from all evils, past , present, and to come; and by the intercession of the blessed and ever glorious Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and of the holy apostles Peter and Paul and of Andrew and all the Saints + (Here the priest makes the sign of the cross with the paten, then takes the host in his hands) mercifully grant peace in our days, that through the assistance of your mercy, we may be always free from sin, and secure from all disturbance. (Here he breaks the Host). Through the same Jesus Christ, you Son Our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God. World without end. R. Amen The peace + of the +Lord be + always with you.

And with thy spirit The prieest puts a particle of the Host into the Chalice, saying: May this mixture and consecration of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be to us that receive it effectual to eternal life.

Amen. Then genuflecting, bowing, and striking their breast, the priest says:

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,

have mercy on us Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,

give us peace In Masses for the Dead the responses are give them rest twice, and last, give them eternal rest O Lord, Jesus Christ, who said to the apostles, peace I leave you, my peace I give unto you, regard not our sins, but the faith of your Church; and grant her that peace and unity which are agreeable to your will, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Amen.

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O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, who, according to the will of the Father, has by your death, through the cooperation of the Holy Ghost, given life to the world, deliver us by this your most sacred Body and Blood from all our iniquities, and from all evils; and make us always adhere to your commandments, and never suffer us to be separated from you; who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Let our partaking of your Body, O Lord Jesus Christ, which we are unworthy to receive, turn to our judgement and condemnation; but through your mercy, may it be a safeguard and remedy, both to soul and body: who with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

The priest genuflects then taking the Host in their left hand says: We will take the bread of heaven, and call upon the name of the Lord. Striking their breast with humility and devotion, the priest and people say three times:

Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed.

Receiving the Host the priest says: May the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul to life everlasting. Amen. Before taking the Chalice, the priest says: What shall I render to the Lord for all the things that He has rendered to me? I will take the Chalice of salvation, and will call upon the name of the Lord. Praising, I will call upon the Lord, and I shall be saved from my enemies. Receiving the Chalice, the priest says: May the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul to life everlasting, Amen.

All are welcome at the Altar of Christ, if you so desire come forward. The following words will be used when distributing Communion:

May the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve your soul to everlasting life. Amen.

May the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve your soul to everlasting life. Amen. Before making the ablutions the priest and people say:

Grant, O Lord, that what we have taken with our mouth, we may receive with a pure mind, that of a temporal gift it may become to us an eternal remedy.

After the ablutions to priest says:

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May your body, O Lord, which I have received, and your Blood which I have drunk, cleave to my heart; and grant that no stain of sin may remain in me who has been fed with this pure and holy sacrament, who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, for ever and ever. Amen. Let us pray: The Post-communion prayer appropriate for the day is inserted here The Lord be with you And with your spirit Go, you are dismissed; or Let us bless the Lord, Thanks be to God In Masses for the Dead: May they rest in peace. Amen. Bowing before the altar, the Priest says: Let the performance of our homage be pleasing to you, O holy Trinity, and grant that the sacrifice which I, though unworthy, have offered up in the sight of your majesty, may be acceptable to you, and through your mercy be a propitiation for me, and for all those for whom it has been offered. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord, who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, for ever and ever. The priest blesses the people saying:

May Almighty God + the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost bless you.Amen.

The Lord be with you

And with thy spirit The beginning of the Gospel according to St. John.

Glory be to you, O Lord 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 shined in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to give testimony of the light, that all men might believe through Him. He was not the light, but was to give testimony of the light. That was the true light, which enlightens every man that comes into this world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came to His own, and His own received him not. But as many as received Him, to them He gave power to be made 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. And THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, as it were the glory of the only - begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Thanks be to God.

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Unified Old Catholic Rite MassIntroductory Rites

A processional hymn may be sung here.The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

And also with you.

From Easter through to Pentecost this may be used:

Alleluia, Christ is risen!The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

In Lent and other penitential seasons this may be used:

Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins;His mercy endures forever.

Let us pray:

Almighty God, Heavenly Father, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you, no secrets are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify Your holy name. Amen.

The people sit or kneel:

Brothers and Sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, that we may prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

A brief pause for silence follows

Let us confess our sins to God and our neighbor.

I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, (striking the breast thrice saying ) through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, our father Saint Dominic, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

May almighty God + have mercy on us and lead us, + congregation with our sins forgiven, to eternal life.

Amen.

When appointed the following hymn is sung or said:

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Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King,almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

(bow) Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God,you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us;you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. (rise)

For you alone are the Holy One,you alone are the Lord,you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.With hands joined the priest says:

Priest: Let us pray.

All pray in silence with the Priest for a moment.Then all together pray the Collect of the day

Liturgy of the Word

A Reading from the Book of _____________The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.A Reading from ___________________The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Psalm appointed for today is from Psalm ___The Response is: ____________________________________A hymn or anthem may be sung while the deacon (or priest) processes the Gospel into the congregation (accompanied, if approrpaite, by ministers with incense and candles).There they say:The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to… At the same time, he makes the Sign of the Cross on the book and on his forehead, lips, and breast.The Gospel is read after which is said:

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The Gospel of the Lord.Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Here the priest offers a homily if suitable. After the homily:

Let us stand and confess our faith.

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

(bow) We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. (rise) For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the + resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayer is offered with intercession for:

The Universal Church, its members, and its missionThe Nation and all in authorityThe welfare of the worldThe concerns of the local communityThose who suffer and those in any trouble

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The departed (with commemoration of a saint when appropriate)

The Liturgy of the Eucharist

Uncovering the paten and taking it in their hands, raising it slightly, the priest says:

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for we have received from your abundance the bread we offer you, fruit of the earth and work of human hands: it will become for us the bread of life.

Blessed be God forever.

Preparing the chalice with the water and the wine, the priest takes the chalice and raises it slightly, saying:

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for we have received from your abundance the wine we offer you, fruit of the vine and work of human hands: it will become our spiritual drink.

Blessed be God forever.

The Priest says quietly:

Lord God, we ask you to receive us and be pleased with the sacrifice we offer you with humble and contrite hearts.

Any special intentions for the Mass are said here in the same manner as the above.

(OPTIONAL) Washing his hands the priest says:

Lord wash away my iniquity; cleanse me from my sins.

Aloud the priest continues:

Pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.

The people standing respond:

May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his holy Church. Amen.


Lift up your hearts.We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.It is right to give God thanks and praise.

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The Priest, with hands extended, continues the Preface appropriate to the day the people joining them and saying:

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. + Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Remove zuchetto

You are indeed Holy, O Lord, the fount of all holiness.

Make holy, therefore, these gifts, we pray, by sending down your Spirit upon them like the dewfall, so that they may become for us the + Body and + Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

At the time he was betrayed and entered willingly into his Passion, he took bread and, giving thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT OF IT, FOR THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU.

The priest shows the Host to the people so that Christ may be adored*; return it to the paten on the Altar * and adores Christ by a profound bow or genuflection *. A bell may be rung thrice; once at each of the points indicated by *

In a similar way, when supper was ended, he took the chalice and, once more giving thanks, he gave it to his disciples, saying:

TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT, FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD, THE BLOOD OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL COVENANT, WHICH WILL BE POURED OUT FOR YOU AND FOR MANY FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS. DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.

The priest shows the chalice to the people so that Christ may be adored*; returns it to the Altar * and adores Christ by a profound bow or genuflection *. A bell may be rung thrice; once at each of the points indicated by *

Therefore, O Lord, as we celebrate the memorial of the blessed Passion, the Resurrection from the dead, and the glorious Ascension into heaven of Christ, your Son, our Lord, we, your servants and your holy people, offer to your glorious majesty from the gifts that you have given us, this pure victim, this holy victim, this spotless victim, the holy Bread of eternal lifeand the Chalice of everlasting salvation.

Hands hovering over the elements

Be pleased to look upon these offerings with a serene and kindly countenance, and to accept them, as once you were pleased to accept the gifts of your servant Abel the just, the sacrifice of Abraham, our father in faith, and the offering of your high priest Melchizedek, a holy sacrifice, a spotless victim.

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In humble prayer we ask you, almighty God: command that these gifts be borne by the hands of your holy Angel to your altar on high in the sight of your divine majesty, so that all of us, who through this participation at the altar receive the most holy Body and Blood of your Son, may be filled with every grace and heavenly blessing.

To us, also, your servants, who, though sinners, hope in your abundant mercies, graciously grant some share and fellowship with your holy Apostles, Martyrs, Saint Dominic, St. Francis, St. Ignatius, and all your saints. Admit us, we beseech you, into their company, not weighing our merits, but granting us your pardon, through Christ our Lord.

Through him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever.

Amen

The mystery of faith:Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

And now as our Saviour has taught us we are bold to say:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil:

Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, sustained by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope, the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. AmenLord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles, Peace I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will.

Amen.

The peace of the Lord be with you always.And with your spirit.

Let us offer each other the sign of peace.

Those present exchange a sign of peace.

After the peace the priest breaks the hose, during which the following is said or sung:

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Christ Our Passover is sacrificed for us! Therefore let us keep the feast! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

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Holding the elements high the priest says:

Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.

Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the words and my soul shall be healed.

Showing the people the gifts the priest says:

The gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you and feed on Him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

All are welcome at the Altar of Christ, if you so desire come forward. The following words will be used when distributing Communion:

The Body of ChristAmen.

If the Blood of Christ is administered:

The Blood of ChristAmen.

Zuchetto may be returned to head here

The Concluding Rites

The Lord be with you.And also with you.

Let us pray:

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living membersof your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Priest continues:

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the Power of God cast into hell, Satan and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

May almighty God bless you: the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.Amen.

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Then the deacon, or the Priest himself, says:

Go forth, the Mass is ended.

Or: Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

Or: Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

Or: Go in peace.

Thanks be to God.

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Mass of the Pre-sanctifiedThis service, sometimes called a Deacon’s Mass is often performed when a priest is not available to perform the consecration at a Mass. The service can also be used with appropriate alterations on Good Friday when a Mass with consecration is forbidden by tradition.

The service may open with a Hymn/Anthem/Psalm according to the customs of the congregation

The Opening Acclamation

The people standing, the Celebrant says:

Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

The Celebrant and people may say:

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Collect of the Day

The Celebrant says to the people:

The Lord be with you.And also with you.

Let us pray:

The celebrant no reads the collect of the day

The Lessons (The people sit.)

The First Lesson

Psalm

The Second Lesson

A Gradual Hymn/Anthem/Psalm is usually placed here

The GospelThe celebrant reads the Gospel of the day according to the usual rubrics

The Sermon

After the sermon:

The Nicene Creed (All Standing)

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Let us affirm our faith through the words of the Creed:

We believe in one God,the Father, the Almighty,maker of heaven and earth,of all that is, seen and unseen.We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,the only Son of God,eternally begotten of the Father,God from God, Light from Light,true God from true God,begotten, not made,of one Being with the Father.Through him all things were made.For us and for our salvationhe came down from heaven:by the power of the Holy Spirithe became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,and was made man.For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;he suffered death and was buried.On the third day he rose againin accordance with the Scriptures;he ascended into heavenand is seated at the right hand of the Father.He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,and his kingdom will have no end.We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,who proceeds from the Father and the Son.With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.He has spoken through the Prophets.We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.We look for the resurrection of the dead,and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Prayers of the People

Prayers are offered according to local custom after which the celebrant concludes with:

Lord, let your loving kindness be upon them; Who put their trust in you.

The celebrant announces the confession:

We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.

Silence may be kept; then all pray:

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I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, (striking the breast thrice saying) through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

If the celebrant is a priest they may declare absolution in the usual manner, if another minister this:

May Almighty God be merciful to us, and, forgiving our sins, bring us to everlasting life.

The Peace (All stand)

The celebrant says:

The peace of the Lord be always with you.And also with you.

Then the Ministers and People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

An Offertory Hymn/Anthem/Psalm may be inserted here

Presentation of the Offerings

If the people have offered anything to the service of the Lord it is collected here and placed near the Altar accompanied by this prayer:

Blessed are you Lord God for through your mercy we have these gifts to offer you for the service of your people and our Holy Mother the Church.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

People and Celebrant:

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 thosewho trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil.For thine is the kingdom,and the power, and the glory,for ever and ever. Amen.

The Invitation to Communion

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Facing the people, the Celebrant says the following Invitation:

The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving. All baptized Christians of any age or denomination are welcome to receive Holy Communion at the Lord’s Table.

After Communion, the Celebrant says:

Let us pray:

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us go forth in the name of Christ.Thanks be to God.

A closing hymn/anthem/psalm may be inserted here according to local custom

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Distribution of Communion Outside of MassAll say the confession together; in the case of the sick unless a private confession of the sick person has immediately preceded, the sick person themselves, or one of those present, shall say the general confession:

I confess to Almighty God, to the Blessed Virgin Mary, 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 often and exceedingly, in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, my fault, my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech the Blessed Virgin Mary, 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.

or:

I confess to God Almighty and to all his beloved saints, to thee the priest of the Lord, and to you, my brethren, that I have sinned often and exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, my fault, my most grievous fault. I repent of all my sins, because that by them I have made myself unworthy of the love of God. Trusting in the Lord, who by his cross hath redeemed the world, I humbly entreat the merciful God for forgiveness and remission of my sins.

The priest (turning himself toward the communicants):

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

May the Almighty and merciful Lord grant you pardon +, absolution, and remission of your sins.Amen.

The priest (elevating the consecrated host on the ciborium or the paten):

Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world.Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world.Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world.

O Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only speak the word and my soul shall be healed.

At the administration of the Communion:

The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve your soul unto everlasting life. Amen.

If communion is being distributed to the sick this is used instead of the preceding:

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Brother/sister, receive the viaticum of the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which can conduct you to everlasting life.

Amen.

After distribution the priest adds:

O sacred banquet, in which Christ is received, the memory of his passion is brought to our remembrance, our souls are filled with grace, and a pledge of eternal glory is given unto us. (During Easter-tide, Alleluia.)

You have given us Bread from heaven. (Alleluia.)Which contains in itself all sweetness. (Alleluia.)

Lord, hear my prayer.And let my cry come unto you.


Let us pray:

O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament hast left us a memorial of your passion, grant us so to venerate the sacred mysteries of your Body and Blood, that we may ever feel within ourselves the fruit of your redemption ; who lives and reigns with the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

After the Priest has placed the ciborium in the tabernacle, they give the blessing: THE Blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son +, and the Holy Ghost, be upon you, and remain with you forever. Amen.

Go in the peace of the LordThanks be to God Almighty

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Prefaces for Sundays and Some Holy DaysThe following collection of prefaces are not exhaustive but are suitable for use at the appropriate place within the liturgy of the Mass. Worshipping communities are free to use extra (or other) resources at their discretion.

Festivals without a proper preface and Masses for the Dead

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, Holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. We give you thanks because you are the source of light and life; you made us in your image, and called us to new life through your Only Begotten Son. Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the eternal hymn of your glory, as we acclaim:

On Trinity Sunday, and every other Sunday in the year that has no proper Preface

Who together with your only begotten Son and the Holy Ghost are one God and one Lord: not in a singularity of one Person, but in a Trinity of one substance. For what we believe of your glory, as you have revealed, the same we believe of your Son, and of the Holy Ghost, without any difference or distinction. So that in the confession of the true and eternal Deity, we adore a distinction in the Persons, a unity in the essence, and an equality in the Majesty. Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the eternal hymn of your glory, as we acclaim:

Or

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, at all times to acclaim you, O Lord. Who, with your only-begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, are one God, one Lord, and a Trinity of Persons in Unity of Substance. That which we believe of your glory, O Father, the same we believe of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, without any difference or deviation. Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the eternal hymn of your glory, as we acclaim:

Advent

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, Holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. Because you sent your beloved Son to redeem us from sin and death, and to make us heirs of everlasting life; that when he shall come again in power and great triumph to judge the world, we may without shame or fear rejoice to behold his appearing. Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the eternal hymn of your glory, as we acclaim:

From Christmas-Day till Epiphany; on Corpus Christi; and on our Lord’s Transfiguration

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, Holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. Since by the mystery of the Word made flesh, a new ray of your glory has appeared to the eyes of our souls; that while we behold God visibly as the Christ Child, we may be carried by Him to the love of things invisible.

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Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the eternal hymn of your glory, as we acclaim:

Epiphany and its Season

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, Holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. For today you have revealed the mystery of salvation through your only begotten Son who appeared clothed in mortal flesh to repair us by the glory of his immortal nature. Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the eternal hymn of your glory, as we acclaim:

Purification and Annunciation

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, Holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. For in the Mystery of the Word made flesh, you have caused a new light to shine in our hearts, to give the knowledge of your glory in the face of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the eternal hymn of your glory, as we acclaim:

In Lent till Passion Sunday (i.e. 5th Sunday in Lent)

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, Holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. Who by accepting our offering of a penitential spirit and a contrite heart extinguishes our vices, elevates our understanding, and bestows on us the blessings of heaven. Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the eternal hymn of your glory, as we acclaim:

From Passion Sunday till Maundy Thursday, and other times recalling the passion

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, Holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. Who has appointed the salvation of mankind to be wrought on the wood of the cross; that from a place of death and sorrow our greatest hope and joy may be realised. Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the eternal hymn of your glory, as we acclaim:

Maundy Thursday

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, Holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. We give you thanks because when his hour had come, in his great love your son, Jesus Christ gave this supper to his disciples, that we might proclaim his death, and receive the blessings of heaven by partaking of his flesh and his blood. Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the eternal hymn of your glory, as we acclaim:

Holy Saturday

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It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, to publish your praise, O Lord, at all times; but chiefly and more gloriously on this night, when Christ our paschal Lamb is sacrificed. For he is the true Lamb, that has taken away the sins of the world. Who by dying destroyed our death, and by rising again restored us to life. Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the eternal hymn of your glory, as we acclaim:

From Holy Saturday till the Ascension

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, to praise you, O Lord, at all times, but chiefly [on this night, or day, or] when Christ our Passover was sacrificed for us. For He is the true Lamb who has taken away the sins of the world, who by dying destroyed death, and by rising again restored us to life everlasting. Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the eternal hymn of your glory, as we acclaim:

From Ascension Day till Pentecost Eve

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, at all times to acclaim you, O Lord, through Christ our Lord. Who after His resurrection appeared openly to all His disciples, and in their presence ascended into heaven, to make us partakers of His divine nature. Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the eternal hymn of your glory, as we acclaim:

From Pentecost Eve till Trinity Sunday; and in Masses of the Holy Ghost

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, at all times to acclaim you, O Lord, through Christ our Lord. Who having ascended to the heavens to sit at your right hand, sent down the promised Holy Spirit upon your children. Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the eternal hymn of your glory, as we acclaim:

On Festivals of the Blessed Virgin Mary (excluding the Purification)

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, at all times to acclaim you, O Lord, through Christ our Lord. For we should praise, bless, and glorify you on the __________ of blessed Mary, ever Virgin. Who by the overshadowing of the Holy Ghost conceived your only begotten Son, bringing forth the eternal light of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the eternal hymn of your glory, as we acclaim:

All Saints Day

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, at all times to acclaim you, O Lord, through Christ our Lord. In the multitude of your saints, you have encircled us with a great cloud of witnesses that we, aided by their prayers, may run with perseverance the race before us; and, together with them, may receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the eternal hymn of your glory, as we acclaim:

On the Festivals of Saints

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, at all times to acclaim you, O Lord, through Christ our Lord. We give you thanks for the work of your grace in the life of Saint ______________, may we

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through their intercession and example be lead in the way of holiness and keep before us the vision of your glory. Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the eternal hymn of your glory, as we acclaim:

Festivals of the Apostles

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, at all times to acclaim you, O Lord, through Christ our Lord. We give you thanks for _________ who was sent into the world as an apostle and evangelist to preach the gospel and provide for us an example of service and devotion to you. Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the eternal hymn of your glory, as we acclaim:

Festivals of Martyrs

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, at all times to acclaim you, O Lord, through Christ our Lord. For the blood of your blessed Martyr __________, poured out like Christ's to glorify your name, shows forth your marvellous works, by which in our weakness you perfect your power and on the feeble bestow strength to bear you witness, through Christ our Lord. Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the eternal hymn of your glory, as we acclaim:

For the Dead

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, at all times to acclaim you, O Lord, through Christ our Lord. In Him, Who rose from the dead, our hope of resurrection dawned. The sadness of death gives way to the bright promise of immortality. Lord, for your faithful people life is changed, not ended. When the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death we gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven. Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, we sing the eternal hymn of your glory, as we acclaim:

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Proper Prayers throughout the Year

This collection of propers is not exhaustive but is suitable to be used on Sundays throughout the year. Worshipping communities are free to use extra (or other) resources at their discretion.

In particular this collection does not include materials relating to all Saints Days and Festivals. This is due to a variety of ecclesial communities using different liturgical calendars while this resource is meant to be general in nature.

The paragraphs below follow the following pattern: first collect, then the Post-Communion prayer.

Sundays and Holy DaysFirst Sunday in Advent

O God, who was pleased that your Word, when the angel delivered his message, should take flesh in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary, hear our humble prayers, and grant that we who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her prayers. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May we receive, O Lord, your mercy in the midst of your temple, that with due honour we may prepare for the approaching solemnity of our reparation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Second Sunday in Advent

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of our Redeemer. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Being filled, O Lord, with this spiritual food, we humbly entreat you to teach us, by partaking of this mystery, to despise earthly things, and to seek after heavenly things. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Third Sunday in Advent

Stir up, O Lord, our hearts to prepare the way of your only-begotten Son; that by his coming we may be enabled to serve you with pure hearts and minds. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

We implore, O Lord, your mercy, that these divine helps having cleansed us from sin, may prepare us for the birth of your Son. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Fourth Sunday in Advent

We ask you, Almighty God, to purify our consciences by your daily visitation, that when your Son Jesus Christ comes he may find in us a mansion prepared for himself. Through our Lord Jesus Christ,

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your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Having received what has been offered to you, O Lord, grant, we implore you, that the more frequently we partake of these sacred mysteries, the more our devotion may increase. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Christmas Eve

O God, who makes us rejoice in the yearly expectation of the feast of our redemption: grant that we who cheerfully receive your only begotten Son as a Redeemer, may behold, without fear, the same Lord Jesus Christ coming as our Judge. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Grant us, we implore you, O Lord, relief by celebrating the birth of your only Son, whose sacred mysteries are our meat and drink. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Christmas

On this solemn Festival it is traditional to offer three Masses, to honour the threefold nativity of Christ:

1. His eternal generation and nativity, born from all eternity and before all time of his Father 2. His nativity and generation in time according to his human nature, being born of the Blessed

Virgin Mary3. His spiritual birth by grace in the souls of the just

First Mass of Christmas (Midnight Mass)

O God, who has illuminated this most sacred night by the brightness of him who is the true light; grant that we who have known the mysteries of this light on earth, may likewise come to the enjoyment of it in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Grant, we implore you, O Lord our God, that we who celebrate with joy the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, may, by a worthy conduct of life, come to be united with him. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Second Mass of Christmas (Dawn/Early Morning Mass)

Grant that we, Almighty God, being enlightened by the new light of your Word becoming flesh, show through our thoughts, words and deeds the effects of that faith which shines within our hearts and minds. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May we, O Lord, always receive new light from this sacrament, which renews within us the memory of that wonderful birth, which destroyed the old man. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Third Mass of Christmas (Midday or before)

Grant, Almighty God, that we who groan under the old captivity of sin, may be freed from it through the birth of your only-begotten Son. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Almighty God, grant that, as the Saviour of the world, who was born this day, procured for us a divine birth, he may also bestow on us immortality. Through the same Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

St Stephen, the First Martyr

Grant, O Lord, that we may imitate him whose memory we celebrate; as St Stephen prayed for those who persecuted him so may we likewise raise our voices on high for those who persecute your people. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May the mysteries we have received, O Lord, be a help to us, and by the intercession of the blessed martyr Stephen, strengthen us with your perpetual protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

St John the Evangelist

O Lord, in your mercy enlighten your Church, that being taught by blessed John, your Apostle and Evangelist, we may come to your eternal rewards. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Being refreshed, O Lord, with this heavenly meat and drink, we humbly implore, that we may be assisted by his prayers, on whose feast we have received these sacred mysteries. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy Innocents

O God, whose praise the Holy Martyrs and the Innocents, proclaimed this day, not in word, but by dying, crush all our sinful attitudes, that we may show, in our actions, the faith which we profess with our lips. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Now we have partaken, O Lord, of the votive offerings, grant we implore, that by the prayers of your saints, they may procure us the helps of this present life, and those of that which is to come. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Sunday after Christmas (Sunday in the Octave of Christmas – before Epiphany)

Almighty and eternal God, create in us a new spirit to seek after your divine will, that, in the name of your Son, we may abound in works of charity and holiness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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May the efficacy of this sacrament, O Lord, cleanse us from our sins, and obtain for us the accomplishment of our just desires. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Octave of Christmas – Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

O God, who by the fruitful virginity of blessed Mary, has given mankind the rewards of eternal salvation; grant that we may experience her intercession, through whom we merited to receive the Author of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May this communion, O Lord, cleanse us from sin, and by the intercession of blessed Mary, the virgin-mother of God, make us partakers of your heavenly remedy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Epiphany

O God, who made the resting place of the Christ Child known to the gentile by a star, mercifully grant that we, who know you through faith, may come to see the glory of your Majesty. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Grant, we implore, O almighty God, that our minds may be so purified, as to understand what we celebrate on this great solemnity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

According to your divine mercy, O lord, accept the vows of your people, who pour their prayers out to you; that we may know the path which leads to salvation and walk it with love in our hearts. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Grant, we humbly implore, O Almighty God, that those whom you refresh with your sacraments, may, by a life well pleasing to you, worthily serve you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Almighty and eternal God, ruler of heaven and earth, hear the prayers of your people and grant that we may know peace on our time. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May the magnitude of your power, O Lord, be increased in us, that being fed with your divine sacraments, we may, through your bounty, be prepared to receive what they promise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Almighty and eternal God, look upon you’re the weaknesses of the human condition with mercy and stretch out your loving hands to protect us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

We implore, O Lord, that we, to whom you have promised the use of these great mysteries, may be made truly worthy to receive their benefits. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lord, you know the fragility of your creation, look upon it with mercy and grant us good health of soul and body, that whatever we suffer may be overcome with your assistance. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May the gifts of which we have partaken, O God, detach us from all earthly pleasures, and ever refresh and strengthen us with heavenly food. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lord, Preserve your family through your constant mercy, that we, who rely on the support of your heavenly grace, may always be defended from the attacks and snares of the adversary. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

We implore, O Almighty God, that we may receive the gift of that salvation, of which we have received the promise in these sacred mysteries. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Almighty God, grant that we may always seek after what is reasonable and just and be inspired by your spirit to only do what is acceptable in your sight. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Being fed, O Lord, with heavenly food, we implore that we may always hunger after them, as they preserve our life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mercifully hear, we beseech thee, O Lord, the prayers of thy people; that we who are justly afflicted for our sins, may be mercifully delivered for the glory of thy name. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May your faithful, O God, be strengthened by your gifts; that by receiving them, they may ever hunger after them, and hungering after them, they may have their desires satisfied in everlasting

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possession of them. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Ash Wednesday

Almighty and eternal God, you have dominion over the living and the dead, and show mercy to all your children. We ask that all those for whom we pray, living and dead, may receive your mercy and the intercession of the Saints so that they may obtain pardon and a remission for their sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May the mysteries we have received, O Lord, afford us help, that our fasting may be acceptable to thee, and become a remedy to us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Sunday in Lent

Lord, you always have a care for the purification of your children, grant that all those who enter this season of abstinence with a holy intent may receive your blessing. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May the holy oblation, O Lord, of thy sacrament, give us a new life, that by laying aside the old man it may bring us to the participation of this saving mystery. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Second Sunday in Lent

Lord, you see how fragile your children are, preserve us inside and out, that our bodies may be free from all ailments, and our souls purified. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Grant, we humbly ask, O almighty God, that those whom you have refreshed with your sacraments, may worthily serve you in the conduct of their lives. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Third Sunday in Lent

Almighty God, be attentive to the prayers of your children, defend us always through the might of your majesty. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Mercifully deliver us, O Lord, from all guilt and from all danger, since you admit us to be partakers of this great mystery. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Fourth Sunday in Lent

Almighty God, grant that those of us who are afflicted through our own wrongdoings may receive the comfort of your divine grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Grant, O merciful God, that we may sincerely respect, and receive with faith your holy mysteries, with which you daily feed us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Fifth Sunday in Lent/ Passion Sunday

Almighty God, look down on your people with mercy to guard and guide us, body and soul, that we may be worthy of redemption. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Help us, O Lord our God, and forever protect those whom you have refreshed with your sacred mysteries. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Friday of Sorrows (Friday of the 5th Week of Lent)

O God, in whose passion, according to Simeon’s prophecy, the sword of grief pierced the sweet soul of glorious Mary, the Virgin mother; grant in your mercy that we, who with honour commemorate her sorrows and sufferings, may be helped by the glorious merits and prayers of all the saints that faithfully stood by the cross, so as to partake of the happy fruits of the passion. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Grant, O Lord Jesus Christ, that the sacrifice we have partaken of, while with devotion we celebrate the suffering of your blessed Virgin mother, may, through your mercy, obtain for us the effect of every beneficial good. Who lives and reigns with the father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Palm Sunday

Almighty and eternal God, who sent your Son to become man and suffer on a cross grant that we may follow his example in life and partake in the blessings of His resurrection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May our vices, O Lord, be destroyed, and our righteous desires fulfilled by the efficacy of these mysteries. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy (Maundy) Thursday

Almighty Father, who’s dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may thankfully receive the same and in doing so renew in us the promise of life eternal. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

We implore, O Lord our God, that being nourished with this life-giving food, we may receive by your grace, in immortal glory, what we celebrate in this mortal life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Holy Saturday

O God, who makes this most sacred night memorable by the solemnity of the resurrection of our Lord: preserve in your children the spirit of adoption given to us by you: that being renewed in body and soul, they may serve you with purity of heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Post-communion of Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday

Almighty God, who on this day, through your only-begotten Son’s victory over death opened for us the path to eternity turn your ear of mercy towards us. May we be led by your spirit to walk in holiness and repentance and at the last day be found worthy of the glories of redemption. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Pour out on us, O Lord, the spirit of your love; that those whom you have filled with the paschal sacrament, may, by your goodness, live in perfect harmony. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Second Sunday of Easter (Low Sunday)

Almighty God, grant that we, who have celebrated the solemnity of Easter, may by the assistance of your divine grace, make the effects of that glorious event present in the actions of our daily lives. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord our God, that the sacred mysteries thou hast given us to preserve the grace of our redemption, may be our present and future remedy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Third Sunday of Easter

Lord God, who by the sacrifice of your Son has raised up a fallen world, grant to your people perpetual joy, that they whom you have delivered from the danger of everlasting death may arrive at an eternal happiness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God, that receiving from thee the grace of life, we may always glory in thy gift. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Lord God, who shows the light of truth to those who go astray, that they may return to the path of righteousness: grant that all who profess the Christian faith may forsake whatever is contrary to that profession, and walk in the light of truth and holiness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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May the sacrament we have received, O Lord, supply us with the spiritual food of the soul, and all necessary helps of the body. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Lord God, who makes the faithful to be of one mind: grant that your people may love what you command, and desire those things which you have promised, that amidst the uncertainties of life, we may place our faith in these true joys. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Help us, O Lord our God, that our sins may be forgiven, and that we may be delivered from all dangers by the sacrament, which we have received with faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Lord God, from who all that is good flows, grant through your grace, that we may know what is right and by your inspiration put it into practice. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Grant, O Lord, by the power of the heavenly nourishment we have received, that we may desire what is right, and obtain our desire. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Almighty and eternal God, inspire your servants with true devotion, and grant that we may serve your divine majesty with sincere hearts. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May the sacrament we have received, O Lord, supply us with the spiritual food of the soul, and all necessary helps of the body. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Ascension Day

Almighty God, grant that we who believe that your only Son, our redeemer, who ascended into heaven this day, may have our hearts always fixed on heavenly things. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Grant, O Almighty and most merciful God, that we may obtain the invisible effects of the visible mysteries we have received. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday in the Octave of Ascension

Almighty and eternal God, inspire your servants with true devotion, and grant that we may serve your divine Majesty with sincere hearts. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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O Lord, grant that we may be forever thankful for the sacred gifts with which we have been filled. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Pentecost

Lord God, who by the light of the Holy Ghost instructs the hearts of the faithful: grant that by the direction of that same Holy Spirit we may relish that which is right and always enjoy his presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May the pouring of the Holy Ghost into our hearts cleanse them, O Lord, and render them fruitful by the indwelling of his grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Trinity Sunday

Almighty and everlasting God, who has granted to your children, in the confession of faith, knowledge of the blessed Trinity, and in the power of majesty, we adore that Unity: we ask that you defend us from all incorrect belief and preserve us in the paths of holiness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May the receiving of this sacrament, O Lord, our God, avail us to the salvation of body and soul: together with the confession of an everlasting Holy Trinity, and of the undivided unity thereof. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)

Lord God, who in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar has left us a perpetual memorial of Christ’s passion; grant that we may approach this sacred mystery with reverence, that in our souls we may always bear the fruit of the redemption. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Grant us, O Lord, the everlasting possession of your presence, as a pledge of which we have received your body and blood. Who lives and reigns with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

9th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lord God, who gave the Holy Ghost to your apostles, hear the prayers of your people, that we may enjoy a happy peace, and by your grace receive the true git of faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Having received, O Lord, this sacred oblation, grant, that by frequenting these mysteries we may hasten our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Lord God, grant us a constant love of your holy name; may we always remember that you never withdraw your protection from those who love you with a contrite heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May your sacred mysteries, O Lord, which we have received, give us Iife: and cleansing us from our sins, make us worthy of your eternal mercy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Lord God, the protector of those whose hope rests in you, increase your protection before us that under your inspiration we may pass through the blessings of this world to the joys of eternal life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May the mysteries we have received, both purify and defend us, O Lord, by the efficacy of what they contain. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen


Lord God, grant that through your inspiration and guidance the world may be governed in peace so that your Children may worship you in safety. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May the mysteries we have received, both purify and defend us, O Lord, by the efficacy of what they contain. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Lord God, may your Spirit kindle in us a pure love for holy things, that in loving you we may receive those blessings which are beyond our hearts highest desires. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Grant, O Lord, that we, who you have fed with this heavenly sacrifice, may be cleansed from our hidden sins, and delivered from the snares of our enemies. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Lord God, implant in our hearts a love of your holy name, and grant to us an increase of faith, that you may improve in us that which is good and create in us a clean spirit. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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We are filled, O Lord, with your gifts: grant, therefore, we beseech you, that we may be cleansed by their efficacy, and strengthened by their aid. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Lord God, we pray that you will remove those obstacles in our lives that keep us from your grace that we may walk with boldness upon the path of salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Grant, O Lord, that the healing efficacy of these mysteries may, through your mercy, free us from all our sins, and bring us to the practice of what is right. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Lord God, enlighten our minds that they may always seek after holy things leading us to that crown which shall never fade. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May this heavenly mystery, O Lord, renew us both in soul and body: that we may find in ourselves the effects of what we celebrate. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Lord God, may the ears of your mercy be open to the prayers of your children that we may succeed in our righteous desires. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May our participation in this sacrament, O Lord, both purify us, and unite us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Lord God, whose nature is always to show mercy, increase your goodness towards your children that we may be partakers of all your heavenly blessings. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

We implore you, O Lord, our God, that in your mercy you will never deprive of your help, those whom you continually strengthen by these divine mysteries. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Almighty and eternal God, pour forth your mercy upon us to both pardon our transgressions and grant those blessings of which we are deserving. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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May we receive, by the participation of these mysteries, help in body and mind: that in the salvation of both we may enjoy the full effect of this heavenly remedy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Almighty and merciful God, from whom all blessings flow, grant that we may run on, without stumbling, to obtain those promises you have made to your children. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May the sacred participation of these mysteries, O Lord, give us life, and be to us both an penance and protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Almighty and merciful God, may we receive from your bounty an increase of faith, hope, and love so that we may walk firmly upon the paths that lead to salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May these heavenly mysteries, O Lord, which we have received, advance our eternal redemption. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lord God, preserve your Church through your constant mercy and nourish us through your Spirit so that we may run with perseverance the race that leads to salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May these thy mysteries, O God, continually purify us and strengthen us, and procure us eternal salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lord God, may your continual love purify and defend your Church which we ask may always be guided by your Spirit as we likewise wish to be guided. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May the efficacy of these divine mysteries, O Lord, possess both our souls and bodies: that their effects, not our own emotions, may always take the lead us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Lord God, may we always thirst over that which is right and just in your sight under the influence of your grace and mercy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Mercifully, O Lord, we implore you, purify our souls, and renew them by these holy mysteries; that we may receive help through them, both while we are in these mortal bodies and hereafter. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Lord God Almighty, we ask that the adversary may always be far from us and that we may follow you, the one true God, with a clean heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May our vices be cured, O Almighty God, and an eternal remedy procured for us by these sacred mysteries. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Lord God, may the influence of your mercy direct our souls, for only with your help can we do what is pleasing in your sight. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Being fed, O Lord, with this holy sacrifice, we give you thanks, humbly imploring your mercy, that you will make us worthy of what we have received. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Lord God, defend us from all adversity so that being free in body and in spirit we may serve you completely. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May the healing effects of these mysteries, O Lord, mercifully free us from our perverseness, and make us always obedient to your commandments. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Lord God, grant your servants both forgiveness and peace so that we may be freed from guilt and serve you with a clear conscience. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

That we may be worthy of thy sacred gifts, O Lord: grant, we beseech thee, we may always obey thy commandments. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Lord God, preserve your children that we may be freed from adversity and serve you by our spiritual and corporal acts of mercy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Having received the food of immortality, we implore you, O Lord, that what we have taken with our mouths we may receive with pure souls. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Lord God, our refuge and our strength, fountain of all goodness, hear our prayers and grant the righteous desires of our heart asked in faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Having received, O Lord, the sacred mysteries, we humbly implore, that what you have ordered us to do in remembrance of your son, may be a help to our weakness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lord God, pardon the sins of your people that we may be delivered from all harm by your grace and mercy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

We implore you, O Almighty God, that you will not leave exposed to the dangers of this life, those whom you have joyfully made partakers of this divine food. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lord God, grant us a constant love of your holy name; may we always remember that you never withdraw your protection from those who love you with a contrite heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May your sacred mysteries, O Lord, which we have received, give us Iife: and cleansing us from our sins, make us worthy of your eternal mercy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Last Sunday in Ordinary Time

Stir up, O Lord, the hearts of your people that we may become more zealous to walk in the light of your ways and receive from you the grace that we desire. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Grant, we implore, O Lord, that to whatever vice our souls are subject they may be cured by the virtue of the sacrament we have received. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

If there are more than 33 Sundays in Ordinary Time a collect and post communion prayer may be selected from a Sunday earlier in Ordinary Time.

Martyr and Bishop

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Almighty God, grant that we, who celebrate the festival of blessed N. your martyr and bishop, may, by their intercession, be strengthened in the love of thy name. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Grant, we implore, O Lord our God, that as we rejoice on the feasts of your saints in this life, so we may enjoy their sight forever in the world which is to come. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Martyrs

O God, by whose favour we celebrate the festival of thy holy martyr(s) N. (and N.), grant we may enjoy their fellowship in eternal bliss. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, by the intercession of thy holy martyr(s) N. (and N.) that what we have taken with our mouths, we may receive with a pure soul. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Confessor and Bishop

O Almighty God, grant that the venerable solemnity of blessed N. your confessor and bishop, may improve our devotion, and strengthen in us the hopes of salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Almighty God, grant that while we thank you for what we have partaken of we may, by the intercession of blessed N. your confessor and bishop, receive still greater favours. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Doctors of the Church

O God, who gave blessed N. to your people for a minister of eternal salvation: grant, that he/she who was the instructor of our life here on earth, may become our intercessor in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Let blessed N., O Lord, your great doctor, become our advocate, that this thy holy sacrifice may procure our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Abbots

May the intercession, O Lord, of the blessed abbot N. recommend us to you: that what we cannot hope for through our own merits, we may obtain by his prayers. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May the receiving of this sacrament, and the intercession of blessed N. the abbot, protect us, O Lord; that we may both imitate the virtues of his life, and experience the help of his intercession. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Virgin and Martyr

O God, who amongst other miracles of your power, has bestowed the crown of martyrdom, both on men and women; mercifully grant that we, who solemnize the festival of blessed N. your virgin and martyr, may, by following her example, come to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May the mysteries we have received, O Lord, be a help to us, and, by the intercession of blessed N. your virgin and martyr, cause us to enjoy her continual protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Virgin or Holy Women

Give ear to us, O God our Saviour, that as we celebrate with joy the solemnity of blessed N. your vigin/daughter, so we may improve in the affection of piety. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Lord God, you have fed your family with these sacred oblations: ever therefore comfort us with the intercession of N., whose feast we celebrate. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Anniversary of the Dedication of a Church

O God, who renews every year the day of the consecration of this your holy temple, and brings us always in health to the celebration of these sacred mysteries: hear the prayers of your people, and grant that whosoever shall come here to ask any blessing of you, may rejoice in obtaining all their righteous requests. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

O God, who, out of living and choice stones, prepares an eternal abode for your majesty, help your people at their prayers; that as your Church is corporally enlarged, so it may be spiritually increased. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Votive Masses

Of the Blessed Trinity

O God, whose mercies are without number, and the treasure of whose goodness is infinite, we give you thanks for the blessings you have bestowed on us: always imploring your divine Majesty, that as you grant what we ask, you may continue to favour us, that by them we may be prepared for receiving the rewards of eternal happiness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

God, who suffers not those who hope in you to be greatly afflicted, but mercifully attends to their petitions; we give you thanks for having heard our prayers, humbly imploring you, that by what we have received, we may be delivered from all adversity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Of the Holy Ghost

As for Pentecost

Of the Blessed Sacrament

As on Corpus Christi

Of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Grant, O Lord, we implore, that we your servants may enjoy constant health of body and mind, and by the glorious intercession of blessed Mary, ever a virgin, be delivered from all temporal afflictions, and come to those joys that are eternal. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Having received, O Lord, what is to advance our salvation; grant we may always be protected by the patronage of blessed Mary, ever a Virgin, in whose honour we have offered this sacrifice to your majesty. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Nuptial Mass

Hear us, O Almighty and merciful God, that what we according to our office perform, may be abundantly sanctified by your blessing. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Mercifully accompany, O Lord, that which your providence has instituted; and preserve in life-long peace those whom you have joined together. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

For the Sick

Almighty and everlasting God, the eternal salvation of those that believe in you: hear us on behalf of your servants who are sick, for whom we humbly crave the help of your mercy, that their health being restored to them, they may render thanks to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

O Lord, the singular aid of human weakness, show the power of your help to your sick servant: that being assisted by your mercy, they may come in health again to praise your name. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

If the person who the Mass is for is close to death use the following:

Almighty and merciful God, who has prepared for mankind the means of salvation, and the rewards of eternal life: look down, in your mercy, on your servant now labouring under the calamity of sickness, and be a comfort of their soul, which you created: that, at the hour of death, it may be presented to you, by the hands of the angels, without spot. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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We implore your mercy, Almighty God, that you will strengthen your servant with your grace through the efficacy of these mysteries. May the enemy not prevail against them at the hour of their death, instead may they pass to eternal life with your angels. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Mass for the Dead

O God, whose nature is always to have mercy, we humbly present our prayers to you on behalf of the soul of your servant N.: whom we implore you to not to deliver it into the hands of the enemy, nor to forget forever: but command them to be received by the holy angels, and to be carried into paradise: that as they believed and hoped in you, they may be delivered from the pains of hell, and inherit everlasting life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Grant, we implore, O Almighty God, that the soul of your servant, who has departed this life, being purified and freed from sin by this sacrifice, may obtain both forgiveness and eternal rest. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Anniversary Mass for one Departed

O God, the Lord of mercy, give to the soul (souls) of your servant (servants) whose anniversary we commemorate, a place of comfort, happy rest, and the light of glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Grant, we implore, O Lord, that the soul (souls) of your servant (servants) the anniversary of whose death we commemorate, being purified by this sacrifice, may obtain both pardon and eternal rest. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Mass for a Departed Cleric

O God, by whose favour your servants were raised to the dignity of bishop/deacon/priest, and thus honoured with the apostolic functions: grant, we implore you, that they may be admitted to the eternal fellowship of thy apostles in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Grant, O Lord, by your merciful clemency, which we have implored on behalf of the souls of your servants, bishops/Priests/Deacons, that by your mercy they may eternally enjoy your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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The Ordinal

It has long been the tradition of the Old and Independent Catholic movements to use the liturgies of the Latin Rites of ordination to ensure the proper intent, form, and matter of the sacraments. For this reason the materials located in this section are taken from the Latin Rite of the Roman Church.

It should be noted that the liturgies in the following section are not altered to be gender inclusive however this is of course totally permissible within various Churches of the Old/Independent catholic movement. In providing the liturgies in the form below there is no intent to suggest that women have no place within the threefold ministry. Rather it is simply a matter of simplicity and a time saving device.

Ed.

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Ordination of a Deacon

The Ordination Mass begins as usual with the ordination of a deacon beginning after the gospel.

The bishop, wearing his miter, sits at the chair.

Calling of the Deacon

The person selected by the Bishop (a Cleric if available) addresses the candidate:

Presenter: Let N., who is to be ordained deacon, come forward.

The candidate answers: Present, and goes to the bishop, before whom he makes a sign of reverence.

Presentation of the Candidate

When the candidate is in their place before the bishop, the person designated by the bishop says:

Presenter: Most Reverend Father, Holy Mother Church asks you to ordain this man, our brother, for service as deacon.

Bishop: Do you judge him to be worthy?

Presenter: After inquiry among the people of Christ and upon recommendation of the Church I testify that he has been found worthy.

Election by the Bishop and Consent of the People

Bishop: We rely on the help of the Lord God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, and we choose this man, our brother, for the order of deacons.

All: Thanks be to God.

Homily

Bishop: This man, your relative and friend, is now to be raised to the order of deacons. Consider carefully the ministry to which he is to be promoted.

He will draw new strength from the gift of the Holy Spirit. He will help the bishops and the body of priests as a minister of the word, of the altar, and of charity. He will make himself a servant of all. As a minister of the altar he will proclaim the Gospel, prepare the sacrifice, and give the Lord's body and blood to the community of believers.

It will also be his duty, at the bishop's discretion, to bring God's word to believer and unbeliever alike, to preside over public prayer, to baptize, to assist at marriages and bless them, to give viaticum to the dying, and to lead the rites of burial. Once he is consecrated by the laying on of hands that comes to us from the apostles and is bound more closely to the altar, he will perform works of charity in the name of the bishop. From the way he goes about these duties, may you recognize him as a disciple of Jesus, who came to serve, not to be served.

Then addressing the candidate:

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My son, you are being raised to the order of deacons. The Lord has set an example for you to follow.As a deacon you will serve Jesus Christ, who was known among his disciples as the one who served others. Do the will of God generously. Serve God and mankind in love and joy. Look upon all unchastity and avarice as worship of false gods; for no man can serve two masters. Like the men the apostles chose for works of charity, you should be a man of good reputation, filled with wisdom and the Holy Spirit. Show before God and mankind that you are above every suspicion of blame, a true minister of Christ and of God's mysteries, a man firmly rooted in faith. Never turn away from the hope which the Gospel offers; now you must not only listen to God's word but also preach it. Hold the mystery of faith with a clear conscience. Express in action what you proclaim by word of mouth. Then the people of Christ, brought to life by the Spirit, will be an offering God accepts. Finally, on the last day, when you go to meet the Lord, you will hear him say: "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord."

May the Lord help you to persevere in this commitment.

Candidate: Amen.

Examination of the Candidate

The candidate stands before the bishop who questions him:

Bishop: My son, before you are ordained a deacon, you must declare before the people your intention to undertake this office.

Are you willing to be ordained for the Church's ministry by the laying on of hands and the gift of the Holy Spirit?

Candidate: I am.

Bishop: Are you resolved to discharge the office of deacon with humility and love in order to assist the bishop and the priests and to serve the people of Christ?

Candidate: I am.

Bishop: Are you resolved to hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience as the Apostle urges, and to proclaim this faith in word and action as it is taught by the Gospel and the Church's tradition?

Candidate: I am.

Bishop: Are you resolved to maintain and deepen a spirit of prayer appropriate to your way of life and, in keeping with what is required of you, to celebrate faithfully the liturgy of the hours for the Church and for the whole world?

Candidate: I am.

Bishop: Are you resolved to shape your way of life always according to the example of Christ, whose body and blood you will give to the people?

Candidate: I am, with the help of God.

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Promise of Obedience

The Candidate goes to the bishop and, kneeling before him, places his joined hands between those of the bishop.

Bishop: Do you promise respect and obedience to me and my successors?

Candidate: I do.

Bishop: May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment.

If the ordination is being carried out on behalf of the prelate having apostolic charge of the candidate these words are used:

Bishop: Do you promise respect and obedience to your Bishop N. and their successors?

Candidate: I do.


Invitation to Prayer

All stand, and the bishop, without his miter, invites the people to pray:

Bishop: My dear people, let us pray that the all-powerful Father will pour out his blessing on this servant of his, whom he receives into the holy order of deacons.

Let us pray.

Litany of the Saints

Then candidate kneels while the Litany is played/read/chanted.

After the Litany, the bishop alone stands and, with his hands joined, says:

Bishop: Lord God, hear our petitions and give your help to this act of our ministry. We judge this man worthy to serve as deacon and we ask you to bless him and make him holy. Grant this through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

Let us stand.

Laying on of Hands

All stand. The candidate goes to the bishop and kneels before him. The bishop lays his hands on their head, in silence.

Prayer of Consecration

The candidate kneels before the bishop. With his hands extended the Bishop says aloud the prayer of consecration.

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Bishop: Almighty God, be present with us by your power. You are the source of all honor, you assign to each his rank, you give to each his ministry. You remain unchanged, but you watch over all creation and make it new through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord: he is your Word, you power, and your wisdom. You foresee all things in your eternal providence and make due provision for every age. You make the Church, Christ's body, grow to its full stature as a new and greater temple. You enrich it with every kind of grace and perfect it with a diversity of members to serve the whole body in a wonderful pattern of unity.

You established a threefold ministry of worship and service for the glory of your name. As ministers of your tabernacle you chose the sons of Levi and gave your blessing as their everlasting inheritance. In the first days of your Church under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit the apostles of your Son appointed seven men of good repute to assist them in the daily ministry, so that they themselves might be more free for prayer and preaching. By prayer and the laying on of hands the apostles entrusted to those chosen men the ministry of serving at tables.

Lord, look with favor on this servant of yours, whom we now dedicate to the office of deacon, to minister at your holy altar.

Lord, send forth upon him the Holy Spirit, that he may be strengthened by the gift of your sevenfold grace to carry out faithfully the work of the ministry. May he excel in every virtue: in love that is sincere, in concern for the sick and the poor, in unassuming authority, in self-discipline, and in holiness of life. May his conduct exemplify your commandments and lead your people to imitate his purity of life. May he remain strong and steadfast in Christ, giving to the world the witness of a pure conscience. May he in this life imitate your Son, who came, not to be served but to serve, and one day reign with him in heaven.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Investiture with Stole

After the prayer of consecration, the bishop, wearing his miter, sits, and the newly ordained stand and puts a deacon's stole on.

Presentation of the Book of the Gospels

Vested as a deacon, the newly ordained goes to the bishop and kneels before him. The bishop places the Book of the Gospels in the hands of the newly ordained and says:

Bishop: Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you now are. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.

Kiss of Peace

Lastly, the bishop stands and gives the kiss of peace to the new deacon, saying:

Bishop: Peace be with you.

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Candidate: And also with you.

The Peace is exchanged.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

The Order of Mass is followed with these changes:

a. The new deacon brings the offerings for the celebration to the bishop and assists him at the altar.

b. In Eucharistic Prayer, the special form of Father, accept this offering is said: Father accept this offering from your whole family and from the one you have chosen for the order of deacons. Protect the gifts you have given him, and let him yield a harvest worthy of you. [Through Christ our Lord. Amen.]

c. The new deacon receives communion under both kinds and if necessary assist the bishop in ministering the cup. In any event he assists the bishop in giving communion to the people.

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Ordination of a Priest

The introductory rites and the Liturgy of the Word up to an including the Gospel reading occur as normal. After the Gospel the Ordination begins.

The bishop, wearing his miter, sits at the chair.

Calling of the Priest

The person selected by the Bishop (a Deacon if available) addresses the candidate:

Presenter: Let N., who is to be ordained a priest, come forward.

The candidate answers: Present, and goes to the bishop, before whom he makes a sign of reverence.

Presentation of the Candidate

When the candidate is in their place before the bishop, the person designated by the bishop says:

Presenter: Most Reverend Father, Holy Mother Church asks you to ordain this man, our brother, to the responsibility of the priesthood.

Bishop: Do you judge him to be worthy?

Presenter: After inquiry among the people of Christ and upon recommendation of the Church I testify that he has been found worthy.

Election by the Bishop and Consent of the People

Bishop: We rely on the help of the Lord God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, and we choose this man, our brother, for the Order of the Priesthood.

All: Thanks be to God.

Homily

Bishop: Beloved brothers and sisters: because this our son, who is your relative and friend, is now to be advanced to the Order of priests, consider carefully the nature of the rank the

Church to which he is about to be raised. It is true that God has made his entire holy people a royal priesthood in Christ. Nevertheless, our great Priest himself, Jesus Christ, chose certain disciples to

carry out publicly in His name, and on behalf of mankind, a priestly office in the Church. For Christ was

sent by the Father and he in turn sent Apostles into the world, so that through them and their successors, the Bishops, he might continue to exercise his office of Teacher, Priest, and Shepherd.Indeed, priests are established co-workers of the Order of Bishops, with whom they are joined in thepriestly office and with whom they are called to the service the people of God.

After mature deliberation, this, our brother, is now to be ordained to the priesthood in

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the Order of the presbyterate so as to serve Christ the Teacher, Priest, and Shepherd, by whose ministry his body, that is, the Church, is built and grows into the people God, a holy temple.

In being configured to Christ the eternal High Priest and joined to the priesthood of the Bishops, they will be consecrated as true priests of the New Testament, to preach the Gospel, to shepherd God's people, and to celebrate the sacred Liturgy, especially the Lord’s sacrifice.

Now, dear son, you are to be raised to the Order of the Priesthood. For your part you will exercise the sacred duty of teaching the name of Christ the Teacher. Impart to everyone the word of God which you have received with joy. Meditating on the law of the Lord, see you believe what you read, that you teach what you believe, and that you practice what you teach.

In this way, let what you teach be nourishment for the people of God. Let the holiness of your life be a delightful fragrance to Christ's faithful, so that by word and example you may build up the house which is God's Church.

Likewise you will exercise in Christ the office of sanctifying. For by your ministry the spiritual sacrifice of the faithful will be made perfect, being united to the sacrifice of Christ, which will be offered through your hands in an unbloody way on altar, in union with the faithful, in the celebration of the sacraments. Understand, therefore, what you do and imitate what you celebrate. As celebrants of the mystery of the Lord's death and resurrection, strive to put to death whatever in your members is sinful and to walk in newness of life.

Remember, when you gather others into the people of God through Baptism, and when you forgive sins in the name of Christ and the Church the sacrament of Penance; when you comfort the sick with holy oil and celebrate the sacred rites, when you offer prayers of praise and thanks to throughout the hours of the day, not only for the people of God but for the world — remember then that you are taken from among the people and appointed on their behalf for those things that pertain to God. Therefore, carry out the ministry of Christ the Priest with constant joy and genuine love, attending not to your own concerns but to those of Jesus Christ.

Finally, dear son, exercising for your part the office of Christ, Head and Shepherd, while united with the Bishop and subject to them, strive to bring the faithful together into one family, so that you may lead them to God the Father through Christ in Holy Spirit. Keep always before your eyes the example of the Good Shepherd who came not to be served but to serve, and who came to seek and save what was lost.


The candidate stands before the bishop who questions him:

Bishop: My son, before you enter the Order of the Priesthood you must declare before the people your intention to undertake this office. Do you resolve, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to discharge without fail the office of priesthood in the presbyteral rank, as a worthy fellow worker with the Order of Bishops in caring for the Lord’s flock??

Candidate: I do.

Bishop: Do you resolve to exercise the ministry of the word worthily wisely, preaching the Gospel and teaching the Catholic faith?

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Candidate: I do.

Bishop: Do you resolve to celebrate faithfully and reverently, in accord with the Church's tradition, the mysteries of Christ, especially the sacrifice of the Eucharist and the sacrament of Reconciliation, for the glory of God and the sanctification of the Christian people?

Candidate: I do.

Bishop: Do you resolve to implore with us God's mercy upon the people entrusted to your care by observing the command to pray without ceasing?

Candidate: I do.

Bishop: Do you resolve to be united more closely every day to Christ the High Priest, who offered himself for us to the Father as a pure sacrifice, and with him to consecrate yourselves to God for the salvation of all?

Candidate: I do, with the help of God.

Promise of Obedience

The Candidate goes to the bishop and, kneeling before him, places his joined hands between those of the bishop.

Bishop: Do you promise respect and obedience to me and my successors?

Candidate: I do.


If the ordination is being carried out on behalf of the prelate having apostolic charge of the candidate these words are used:

Bishop: Do you promise respect and obedience to your Bishop N. and their successors?

Candidate: I do.



All stand, and the bishop, without his miter, invites the people to pray:

Bishop: My dear people, let us pray that the all-powerful Father will pour out his blessing on this servant of his, whom he has chosen for the office of priest.

Let us pray.


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Then candidate prostrates themselves on the floor while the Litany is played/read/chanted.

After the Litany, the bishop alone stands and, with his hands joined, says:

Bishop: Hear us we beseech you, Lord our God, and pour out on these servants of yours the blessings of the Holy Spirit and the power of priestly grace, that those whom in the sight of your mercy we offer to be consecrated, may be surrounded by your rich and unfailing gifts. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen

Let us stand.

Laying on of Hands

All stand. The candidate goes to the bishop and kneels before him. The bishop lays his hands on their head, in silence.


The candidate kneels before the bishop. With his hands extended over the candidate, he says aloud the prayer of consecration.

Bishop: Draw near, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God, author of human dignity: it is you who apportion all graces. Through you everything progresses; through you all things are made to stand firm. To form a priestly people you appoint ministers of Christ your Son by the power of the Holy Spirit, arranging them in different orders.

Already in the earlier covenant offices arose, established through mystical rites: when you set Moses and Aaron over your people to govern and sanctify them, you chose men next in rank and dignity to accompany them and assist them in their task.

So too in the desert you implanted the spirit of Moses in the hearts of seventy wise men; and with their help he ruled your people with greater ease.

So also upon the sons of Aaron you poured an abundant share of their father's plenty, that the number of the priests prescribed by the Law might be sufficient for the sacrifices of the tabernacle, which were a shadow of the good things to come.

But in these last days, Holy Father, you sent your Son into the world, Jesus, who is Apostle and High Priest of our confession. Through the Holy Spirit he offered himself to you as a spotless victim; and he made his Apostles, consecrated in the truth, sharers in his mission. You provided them also with companions to proclaim and carry out the work of salvation throughout the whole world.

And now we beseech you, Lord, in our weakness, to grant us these helpers that we need to exercise the priesthood that comes from the Apostles.

Grant, we pray, Almighty Father, to this, your servant, the dignity of priesthood; renew deep within him the Spirit of holiness; may they henceforth possess this office which comes from you, O God, and is next in rank to the office of Bishop; and by the example of their manner of life, may they instil right conduct.

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May he be a worthy co-worker with our Order, so that by their preaching and through the grace of the Holy Spirit the words of the Gospel may bear fruit in human hearts and reach even to the ends of the earth.

Together with us, may they be faithful stewards of your mysteries, so that your people may be renewed in the waters of rebirth and nourished from your altar; so that sinners may be reconciled and the sick raised up. May they be joined with us, Lord, in imploring your mercy for the people entrusted to their care and for all the world.

And so may the full number of the nations, gathered together in Christ, be transformed into your one people and made perfect in your Kingdom.

Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Anointing of Hands and Handing over of the Bread and Wine After the prayer of consecration, the bishop, wearing his miter, sits, and the newly ordained stands re-arranges his stole and dons the chasuble.

He then kneels and the Bishop anoints his palms saying:

Bishop: The Lord Jesus Christ, whom the Father anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, guard and preserve you, that you may sanctify the Christian people and offer sacrifice to God.

The paten and chalice containing the bread and wine for the mass are brought forward and handed to the newly ordained:

Bishop: Receive the oblation of the holy people, to be offered to God, understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate, and conform your life to the mystery of the Lord’s cross.

Kiss of Peace

Lastly, the bishop stands and gives the kiss of peace to the new deacon, saying:

Bishop: Peace be with you.Candidate: And also with you.




a. The preparation of the chalice is omitted.b. In Eucharistic Prayer, the special form of Father, accept this offering is said: Father accept

this offering from your whole family and from the one you have chosen for the order of

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priests. Protect the gifts you have given him, and let him yield a harvest worthy of you. [Through Christ our Lord. Amen.]

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Ordination of a Bishop

The liturgy of the word takes place according to the rubrics. The profession of faith is not said, nor are the general intercessions.

The ordination of a bishop begins after the gospel. While all stand, the hymn Veni, Creator Spiritus is sung, or another hymn similar to it, depending on local custom.

The principal consecrator and the consecrating bishops, wearing their miters, go to the seats prepared for the ordination and sit.

The bishop-elect is led by his assisting priests to the chair of the principal consecrator, before whom he makes a sign of reverence.

Presentation of the Bishop-Elect

One of the priests addresses the principal consecrator:

Most Reverend Father, the church of N. asks you to ordain this priest, N., for service as bishop.

If the bishop-elect is not to be ordained as a residential bishop:

Most Reverend Father, our holy mother the Catholic Church asks you to ordain this priest, N., for service as a bishop.

Letter of Election

Addressing the presenting priest:

Principal Consecrator: Do we have a clear mandate from the people of Holy Mother Church to ordain this priest a Bishop?

Presenter: We do, the Synod/People of N. have sent you an epistle requesting you ordain this priest a Bishop for their service.

Principal Consecrator: Let it be read.

All sit while the epistle is read. When completed the people reply:

All: Thanks be to God

Homily

Then the principal consecrator, while all are sitting, briefly addresses the clergy, people, and the bishop-elect on the duties of a bishop.

Principal consecrator: Consider carefully the position in the Church to while our brother is about to be raised. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who was sent by the Father to redeem the human race, in turn sent twelve apostles into the world. These men were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel and gather every race and people into a single flock to be guided and governed

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in the way of holiness. Because this service was to continue to the end of time, the apostles selected others to help them. By the laying on of hands which confers the sacrament of orders in its fullness, the apostles passed on the gift of the Holy Spirit which they themselves had received from Christ. In that way, by a succession of bishops unbroken from one generation to the next, the powers conferred in the beginning were handed down, and the work of the Savior lives and grows in our time.

In the person of the bishop, with his priests around him, Jesus Christ, the Lord, who became High Priest for ever, is present among you. Through the ministry of the bishop, Christ himself continues to proclaim the Gospel and to confer the mysteries of faith on those who believe. Through the fatherly action of the bishop, Christ adds new members to his body. Through the bishop's wisdom and prudence, Christ guides you in your earthly pilgrimage toward eternal happiness.

Gladly and gratefully, therefore, receive our brother whom we are about to accept into the college of bishops by the laying on of hands. Respect him as a minister of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God. He has been entrusted with the task of witnessing to the truth of the Gospel and fostering a spirit of justice and holiness. Remember the words of Christ spoken to the apostles: "Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me, and those who reject me reject the one who sent me."

He then addresses the bishop-elect:

You, dear brother, have been chosen by the Lord. Remember that you are chosen from among men and appointed to act for men and women in relation to God. The title of bishop is not one of honor but of function, and therefore a bishop should strive to serve rather than to rule. Such is the counsel of the Master: the greater should behave as if he were the least, and the leader as if he were the one who serves. Proclaim the message whether it is welcome or unwelcome; correct error with unfailing patience and teaching. Pray and offer sacrifice for the people committed to your care and so draw every kind of grace for them from the overflowing holiness of Christ.

As a steward of the mysteries of Christ in the church entrusted to you, be a faithful overseer and guardian. Since you are chosen by the Father to rule over his family, always be mindful of the Good Shepherd, who knows his sheep and is known by them and who did not hesitate to lay down his life for them.

As a father and a brother, love all those whom God places in your care. Love the priests and deacons who share with you the ministry of Christ. Love the poor and infirm, strangers and the homeless. Encourage the faithful to work with you in your apostolic task; listen willingly to what they have to say. Never relax your concern for those who do not yet belong to the one fold of Christ; they too are commended to you in the Lord. Never forget that in the Catholic Church, made one by the bond of Christian love, you are incorporated into the college of bishops. You should therefore have a constant concern for all the churches and gladly come to the aid and support of churches in need. Attend to the whole flock in which the Holy Spirit appoints you an overseer of the Church of God -- in the name of the Father, whose image you personify in the Church -- and in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, whose role of Teacher, Priest, and Shepherd you undertake -- and in the name of the Holy Spirit, who gives life to the Church of Christ and supports our weakness with his strength.


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The bishop-elect then rises and stands in front of the principal consecrator, who questions him: An age-old custom of the Fathers decrees that a bishop-elect is to be questioned before the people on his resolve to uphold the faith and to discharge his duties faithfully.

Consecrator: My brother, are you resolved by the grace of the Holy Spirit to discharge to the end of your life the office of the apostles entrusted to us, which we now pass on to you by the laying on of hands?

Bishop-elect: I am.

Consecrator: Are you resolved to be faithful and constant in proclaiming the Gospel of Christ?

Bishop-elect: I am.

Consecrator: Are you resolved to maintain the deposit of faith, entire and incorrupt, as handed down by the apostles and professed by the Church everywhere and at all times?

Bishop-elect: I am.

Consecrator: Are you resolved to build up the Church as the body of Christ?

Bishop-elect: I am.

Consecrator: Are you resolved as a devoted father to sustain the people of God and to guide them on the way of salvation in cooperation with the priests and deacons who share your ministry?

Bishop-elect: I am.

Consecrator: Are you resolved to show kindness and compassion in the name of the Lord to the poor and to strangers and to all who are in need?

Bishop-elect: I am.

Consecrator: Are you resolved as a good shepherd to seek out the sheep who stray and to gather them into the fold of the Lord?

Bishop-elect: I am.

Consecrator: Are you resolved to pray for the people of God without ceasing, and to carry out the duties of one who has the fullness of the priesthood so as to afford no grounds for reproach?

Bishop-elect: I am, with the help of God.

Consecrator: May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment.


Then all stand, and the bishop, without his miter, invites the people to pray:

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Consecrator: My dear people, let us pray that almighty God in his goodness will pour out his grace upon this man whom he has chosen to provide for the needs of the Church.

Let us pray.


The bishop-elect prostrates himself and, the Litany is played/read/chanted.

After the Litany, the Consecrator alone stands and, with his hands joined, says:

Consecrator: Lord, be moved by our prayers. Anoint your servant with the fullness of priestly grace, and bless him with spiritual power in all its richness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

Let us stand.

Laying on of Hands

All rise. The principal consecrator and the consecrating bishops stand at their places, facing the people. The bishop-elect rises, goes to the principal consecrator, and kneels before him.

The principal consecrator lays his hands upon the head of the bishop-elect, in silence. After him, all the other bishops present do the same.

Book of the Gospels

Then the principal consecrator places the open Book of the Gospels upon the head of the bishop-elect; two deacons, standing at either side of the bishop-elect, hold the Book of the Gospels above his head until the prayer of consecration is completed.


Next the principal consecrator, with his hands extended over the bishop-elect says:

Consecrator: God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Father of mercies and God of all consolation, you dwell in heaven, yet look with compassion on all that is humble. You know all things before they came to be; by your gracious word you have established the plan of your Church.

From the beginning you chose the descendants of Abraham to be your holy nation. You established rulers and priests, and did not leave your sanctuary without ministers to serve you. From the creation of the world you have been pleased to be glorified by those whom you have chosen.

The following part of the prayer is recited by all the consecrating bishops, with hands joined:

So now pour out upon this chosen one the power that is from you, the governing Spirit whom you gave to your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, the Spirit given by him to his holy apostles, who founded the Church in every place to be your temple for the unceasing glory and praise of your name

Then the principal consecrator continues alone:

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Father, you know all hearts. You have chosen your servant for the office of bishop. May he be a shepherd to your holy flock, and a high priest blameless in your sight, ministering to you night and day; may he always gain the blessing of your favor and offer the gifts of your holy Church. Through the Spirit who gives the grace of high priesthood grant him the power to forgive sins as you have commanded, to assign ministries as you have decreed, and to loose every bond by the authority which you gave to your apostles. May he be pleasing to you by his gentleness and purity of heart, presenting a fragrant offering to you, through Jesus Christ, your Son, through whom glory and power and honor are yours with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, now and forever.

All: Amen.

Anointing of the Bishop’s Head The principal consecrator puts on a linen gremial, takes the chrism, and anoints the head of the bishop, who kneels before him:

Consecrator: God has brought you to share the high priesthood of Christ. May he pour out on you the oil of mystical anointing and enrich you with spiritual blessings.

The principal consecrator washes his hands.

Presentation of the Book of the Gospels

He then hands the Book of the Gospels to the newly ordained bishop, saying:

Consecrator: Receive the Gospel and preach the word of God with unfailing patience and sound teaching.

Afterward the deacon takes the Book of the Gospels and returns it to its place.

Investiture with Ring, Miter and Pastoral Staff

The principal consecrator places the ring on the ring finger of the new bishop's right hand, saying:

Consecrator: Take this ring, the seal of your fidelity. With faith and love protect the bride of God, his holy Church.

Then the principal consecrator places the miter on the head of the new bishop, in silence.

Lastly he gives the pastoral staff to the bishop, and says:

Consecrator: Take this staff as a sign of your pastoral office: keep watch over the whole flock in which the Holy Spirit has appointed you to shepherd the Church of God.

Seating of the Bishop

All stand.

If the ordination takes place at the bishop's chair and if the new bishop is in his own church, the principal consecrator invites him to occupy the chair; in that case the principal consecrator sits at the right of the newly ordained bishop.

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If the new bishop is not in his own church, he is invited by the principal consecrator to take the first place among the concelebrating bishops.

If the ordination does not take place at the bishop's chair, the principal consecrator leads the newly ordained bishop to the chair or to a place prepared for him, and the consecrating bishops follow them.

Kiss of Peace

The newly ordained then sets aside his staff and receives the kiss of peace from the principal consecrator and all the other bishops:

Consecrator: Peace be with you.Bishop-elect: And also with you.




The rite of the Mass is followed with this change:

Depending on the Rite of the Mass used in the Eucharistic Prayer, the special form of Father, accept this offering is said: Father accept this offering from your whole family and from the one you have chosen for the order of bishops. Protect the gifts you have given him, and let him yield a harvest worthy of you. [Through Christ our Lord. Amen.]

Concluding Rites

Hymn of Thanksgiving and Blessing

At the conclusion of the prayer after communion, the hymn Te Deum is sung, or another hymn similar to it, depending on the local custom. Meanwhile, the newly ordained bishop is led by the consecrating bishops through the church, and he blesses the congregation.

After the hymn, the new bishop may stand at the altar or at the chair with staff and miter and address the people briefly.

Solemn Blessing

The following blessing may be used in place of the usual blessing.

If the newly ordained bishop is the celebrant, he says:

Lord God, you care for your people with kindness, you rule them with love. Give you Spirit of wisdom to the bishops you have made teachers and pastors. By advancing in holiness may the flock become the eternal joy of the shepherds. R. Amen.

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Lord God, by your power you allot us the number of our days and the measure of our years. Look favourably upon the service we perform for you, and give true, lasting peace in our time. R. Amen.

Lord God, now that you have raised me to the order of bishops, may I please you in the performance of my office. Unite the hearts of people and bishop, so that the shepherd may not be without the support of his flock, or the flock without the loving concern of its shepherd. R. Amen.

May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit. R. Amen.

If the principal consecrator presides over the Eucharistic liturgy, he says:

May the Lord bless and keep you. He chose to make you a bishop for his people: may you know happiness in this present life and share unending joy. R. Amen.

The Lord has gathered his people and clergy in unity. By his care and your stewardship may they be governed happily for many years. R. Amen.

May they be obedient to God's law, free from hardships, rich in every blessing, and loyally assist you in your ministry. May they be blessed with peace and calm in this life and come to share with you the fellowship of the citizens of heaven. R. Amen.

May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit. R. Amen.

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