A SIMPLE PRAYER BOOK

LONDON

CATHOLIC TRUTH SOCIETY

First published in 1886

Revised and reprinted from time to time

This edition was first issued in 1962

Total printing seven million eight hundred and fifty thousand copies

CATHOLIC TRUTH SOCIETY 38/40 Eccleston Square - London S.W.I

PROVINCIAL SOCIETIES

8 South King Street, Manchester     30 Manchester Street, Liverpool 213 Bristol Street, Birmingham

34 Charles Street, Cardiff 23 Ridley Place, Newcastle-on-Tyne 1

© 1961 by the Incorporated Catholic Truth Society,

London

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Usual Prayers

Morning Prayers

Night Prayers

Additional Prayers

Holy Mass

Prayers for Confession

Prayers for Holy Communion

Benediction

Litany of the Blessed Virgin

The Divine Praises

The Way of the Cross

The Holy Rosary

A Quarter of an Hour before the Blessed Sacrament

Summary of Christian Doctrine

Fasting and Abstinence

The Eucharistic Fast

The Church's Law concerning Marriage

NihU Obstat

Carolus Davis, S.T.L.

Censor deputatus Imprimatur

E. Morrogh Bernard

Vicarius Generalis

Westmonasterii, die 9a Octobris, 1961

USUAL PRAYERS

OUR FATHER

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.

HAIL MARY

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.

GLORY BE TO THE FATHER

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

I BELIEVE

I believe in God, the Father almighty. Creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord ; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, bom of the Virgin Mary ; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried ; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

I CONFESS

I confess to almighty God, to blessed Mary ever a virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the Saints, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed; through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech blessed Mary ever a virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints, to pray to the Lord our God for me. Amen.

AN ACT OF CONTRITION

0 my God, I am very sorry that I have offended Thee, because Thou art so good ; I will not sin again.

THE MEMORARE

Remember, 0 most loving Virgin Mary, that it is a thing unheard of, that anyone ever had recourse to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, and was left forsaken. Filled therefore with confidence in thy goodness I fly to thee, 0 Mother, Virgin of virgins. To thee I come, before thee I stand, a sorrowful sinner. Despise not my poor words, Q Mother of the Word of God, but graciously hear and grant my prayer

THE ANGELUS

To be said morning, noon, and night, to put us in mind that God the Son became man for our salvation.

V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary:

R. And she conceived of the Holy Ghost.

Hail Mary, etc.

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord:

R. Be it done unto me according to thy Word.

Hail Mary, etc.

V. And the Word was made Flesh:

R. And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary, etc.

V. Pray for us, 0 holy Mother of God.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, 0 Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may be brought by His passion and cross + to the glory of His resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

May the divine assistance remain always with us + and may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. R. Amen.

THE REGINA CAELI

0 Queen of heaven, rejoice ! Alleluia.

For He whom thou didst merit to bear. Alleluia,

Has risen as He said. Alleluia.

Pray for us to God. Alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, 0 Virgin Mary, Alleluia,

R. For the Lord has risen indeed. Alleluia.

Let us pray.

0 God, who gavest joy to the world through the resurrection of Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, grant that we may obtain, through His Virgin Mother, Mary, the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

THE HAIL HOLY QUEEN

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy; hail, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. 0 clement, 0 loving, 0 sweet Virgin Mary.

V. Pray for us, 0 holy Mother of God.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

GRACE BEFORE MEALS

Bless us, 0 Lord, and these Thy gifts which we are about to receive from Thy bounty. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

GRACE AFTER MEALS

We give Thee thanks, almighty God, for all Thy benefits, who livest and reignest, for ever and ever. ^ May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

MORNING PRAYERS

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

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be. I Believe.

0 my God, I believe in Thee, because Thou art Truth itself.

0 my God, I hope and trust in Thee, because of Thy promises to me.

0 my God, I love Thee above all things, because Thou art Thyself so good; teach me to love Thee daily more and more.

0 my God, I offer Thee all my thoughts, words, actions, and sufferings; and I beseech Thee to give me Thy grace that I may not offend Thee this day, but may faithfully serve Thee and do Thy holy will in all things.

I desire to gain all the indulgences that I can.

Holy Mary, be a mother to me.

All ye Angels and Saints of God, pray for me.

May our Lord + bless us and preserve us from all evil and bring us to life everlasting.

+ May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

During the day: Frequently remind yourself of the loving God by momentary acts of love. Keep away from what leads to sin. Be obedient. Always tell the truth. Do not steal. Do not let anyone lead you to do anything wrong. God is with you. Be afraid of none but God. If you are tempted to sin, make the sign of the Cross and say, "Lord, save me, or I perish." If you have fallen into sin, say, "My God, I am very sorry that I have offended Thee, I will not sin again."

NIGHT PRAYERS

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

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be. I Believe.

0 my God, I thank Thee for all the benefits which I have ever received from Thee, and especially this day.

Give me light to see what sins I have committed, and grant me grace to be truly sorry for them.

Here examine your conscience for the faults you have committed during the day.

0 my God, I am very sorry that I have offended Thee, because Thou art so good; I love Thee with all my heart, and with Thy help I will not sin again. I confess, etc.

Into Thy hands, 0 Lord, I commend my spirit; Lord Jesus, receive my soul.

Holy Mary, be a mother to me.

May our Blessed Lady, St Joseph, and all the Saints, pray for us to our Lord, that we may be preserved this night from sin and all evil. Amen.

0 my good Angel, whom God has appointed to be my guardian, watch over me during this night.

All ye Angels and Saints of God, pray for me.

May our Lord + bless us and preserve us from all evil, and bring us to life everlasting.

+ May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

ADDITIONAL PRAYERS

AN ACT OF FAITH

I firmly believe that there is one God; and that in this one God there are three Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; that the Son took to Himself the nature of man, from the Virgin Mary's womb, by the power of the Holy Ghost; and that in this our human nature He was crucified and died for us; that afterwards He rose again and ascended into heaven; from thence He shall come to repay the Just With everlasting glory, and the wicked with everlasting punishment. Moreover, I believe whatsoever else the Catholic Church proposes to be believed; and this because God, who is the sovereign Truth, who can neither deceive nor be deceived, has revealed all these things to this His Church.

AN ACT OP HOPE

0 my God, relying on Thy almighty power and on Thy infinite mercy and goodness, and because Thou art faithful to Thy promises, I trust in Thee that Thou wilt grant me forgiveness of my sins, through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son; and that Thou wilt give me the assistance of Thy grace, with which I may labour to continue to the end in the diligent exercise of all good works, and may deserve to obtain the glory which Thou has promised in heaven.

AN ACT OF CHARITY

0 Lord, my God, I love Thee with my whole heart, and above all things, because Thou, 0 God, art the sovereign good, and for Thine own infinite perfections art most worthy of all love; and for Thy sake I also love my neighbour as myself. I renounce every thought which is contrary to that love of one another, by which men are known to be the disciples of Thy Son; I forgive all who have in any way injured me, and I beg Thy grace and mercy for all the world.

AN ACT OF CONTRITION

0 my God, I am sorry and beg pardon for all my sins, and detest them above all things, because they deserve Thy dreadful punishments, because they have crucified my loving Saviour Jesus Christ, and, most of all, because they offend Thy infinite goodness ; and I firmly resolve, by the help of Thy grace, never to offend Thee again, and carefully to avoid the occasions of sin.

COMMENDATION

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, assist me in my last agony. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul in peace with you.

ACT OF RESIGNATION

0 Lord, my God, whatever manner of death is pleasing to Thee, with all its anguish, pains and sorrows, I now accept from Thy hand with a resigned and willing spirit.

(An indulgence of seven yews. A Plenary Indulgence at the hour of death^ if the dying person has devoutly made such an act at least once in his or her lifetime after having fulfilled the usual conditions.)

Note. The conditions for gaining a Plenary Indulgence are explained on pp. 81-82.

PRAYER TO THE HOLY GHOST

Come, 0 Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy Faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.

V. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created.

R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.

0 God, who hast taught the hearts of the Faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that by the gift of the same Spirit we may be always truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord.  R. Amen.

FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

Out of the depths I have cried to Thee, 0 Lord: Lord, hear my voice.

Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.

If Thou, 0 Lord, shalt observe iniquities. Lord, who shall endure it?

For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, 0 Lord. My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord

From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.

Because with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him plentiful redemption.

And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

V Eternal rest grant to them, 0 Lord.

R. And let perpetual light shine on them.

V.  May they rest in peace.

R. Amen.

V. 0 Lord, hear my prayer.

R. And let my cry come to Thee.

Lei us pray.

0 God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy servants departed the remission of all their sins, that through our pious supplication they may obtain that pardon which they have always desired; who livest and reignest for ever and ever.

R. Amen.

IN TEMPTATION

Lord, save me, or I perish. Keep me close to Thee by Thy grace, or I shall sin and fall away from Thee. Lord, I am very weak; give me grace and make my will strong, that I may not sin.

Jesus, help me; Mary, help me; my holy Angel, watch over me.

IN TROUBLE

In all things may the most holy, the most just, and the most lovable will of God be done, praised, and exalted above all for ever. Thy will be done, 0 Lord, Thy will be done. The Lord has given, the Lord has taken away;

blessed be the name of the Lord.

IN SICKNESS AND PAIN

Lord, Thy will be done; I take this for my sins. I offer up to Thee my sufferings, together with all that my Saviour has suffered for me; and I beg of Thee, through His sufferings, to have mercy on me. Free me from this illness and pain if Thou wilt, and if it be for my good. Thou lovest me too much to let me suffer unless it be for my good. Therefore, 0 Lord, I trust myself to Thee; do with me as Thou pleasest. In sickness and in health, I wish to love Thee always.

FOR PURITY

0 Jesus, most pure of heart! 0 spotless Lamb of God! help me that I may keep my heart and body pure, that all through my life I may never displease Thee by any wicked thing. Give me the blessing of the clean of heart.

ON GOING TO BED

Into Thy hands, 0 Lord, I commend my spirit: Lord Jesus, receive my soul. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ crucified, I lay me down to rest. Bless me, 0 Lord, and defend me; preserve me from a sudden and unprovided death and from all dangers, and bring me to life everlasting with Thee.

IN THANKSGIVING

My God, from my heart I thank Thee for the many blessings Thou hast given to me. I thank Thee for having created and baptized me, and for having placed me in Thy holy Catholic Church; and for having given me so many graces and mercies through the merits of Jesus Christ. And I thank Thee, dear Jesus, for having become a little child for my sake, to teach me to be holy and humble like Thee; and for having died upon the Cross that I might have pardon for my sins and get to heaven. Also I thank Thee for all Thy other mercies, most of all for those Thou hast given me today.

PRAYER FOR THE POPE

0 almighty and eternal God, have mercy on Thy servant John, our Pope, and direct him according to Thy clemency into the way of everlasting salvation; that he may desire by Thy grace those things that are agreeable to Thee, and perform them with all his strength. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER FOR PEACE

Ant. Give peace, 0 Lord, in our days; for there is no other to fight for us, but only Thou, our God.

V. May peace be ours through Thy protection, 0 Lord.

R. And prosperity through Thy strong defence.

Let us pray.

0 God, from whom are holy desires, right counsels and just deeds, give to Thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that we may serve Thee with our whole hearts, and live quiet lives under Thy protection, free from the fear of our enemies. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

HOLY MASS

The first commandment of the Church binds all Catholics to hear Mass on all Sundays and Holydays of Obligation.

The Holydays of Obligation in England and Wales are:

(1) The Octave Day of Christmas, January 1st. (2) The Epiphany, January 6th. (3) Ascension Day, forty days after Easter Sunday. (4) Corpus Christi, the Thursday after Trinity Sunday. (5) SS. Peter and Paul, June 29th. (6) The Assumption, August 15th. (7) All Saints, November 1st. (8) Christmas Day, December 25th.

In Ireland the Feast of St Patrick, March 17th, and of the Immaculate Conception, December 8th, and in Scotland the Feast of St Joseph, March 19th, and of the Immaculate Conception, December 8th, are also Holydays of Obligation.

To miss Mass on Sunday or on a Holy day of Obligation through your own fault, is a mortal or grievous sin. To come in late, wilfully or through carelessness, when Mass has begun, is a sin. To miss Mass when you cannot help it, or when it would be very difficult for you to hear Mass, is not a sin. So, if you were to miss Mass because you were ill, or because you had to stay at home to mind a sick person or children, or because you were a long way from church, or if for some other reason you could not go, it would not be a sin. When you cannot go to Mass, say some prayers at home; but in no case may you join in the services of another religion.

If you are absent from any of the principal parts of Mass you do not fulfil the obligation. The three principal parts of the Mass are: (1) The Offertory, or offering of the bread and wine. (2) The Consecration (when the bread and wine are consecrated, that is to say, are changed into our Lord's Body and Blood). (3) The Priest's Communion.

SHORT INSTRUCTION ON THE MASS

Holy Mass is the most solemn act of the worship of God. It is now over nineteen hundred years since our Lord Jesus Christ hung for three long hours on the Cross on Mount Calvary, and then died on it for our salvation—that is, to save us from sin and hell. Mass is the same Sacrifice as that of Calvary; the manner only in which it is offered is different; so that when you assist at it, you may think you are standing with our Blessed Lady and St John at the foot of the Cross. The bread and wine are changed by the almighty words of Christ, spoken by the Priest at the Consecration, into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, who here presents again to His Father the Sacrifice which He offered on the Cross. The graces obtained for us by the shedding of our Lord's Blood on Calvary are given in an especial manner to those who hear Holy Mass devoutly.

You know that our Lord died once only, on Good Friday. But in the Mass His death on the Cross is commemorated by the separate consecration of the bread and wine, He cannot really die again. His Body and Blood cannot really be separated, for His glorious risen Body cannot suffer any more—it is immortal. But in the Mass the bread is first changed into our Lord's Body, and then the wine is changed into His Blood. Thus it looks as though the Body and Blood were separated, and this recalls the real separation, the real shedding of our Lord's Blood on Mount Calvary. Then He really died for us. In the Mass His death is represented, or "shown forth", as St Paul says. Both on Mount Calvary and in the Mass the victim is the same —the Body and Blood of Christ; and the Priest is the same—Christ our Lord, who offered Himself on Calvary obedient even to the death of the Cross, and who offers Himself in the Mass on the altar through His priests, who say the words of Consecration. So the Sacrifice of Calvary and the Mass are the same Sacrifice, only the manner in which they are offered is different. On Calvary our Lord's Blood was really shed, and He really died; in the Mass His Blood, which is really present, appears to be shed, and His death is represented. Thus our Lord offers Himself for us every time Mass is said.

PRAYER BEFORE MASS

0 God, to whom every heart is open, every desire known and from whom no secrets are hidden; purify the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily praise Thy holy name. Amen.

THE BEGINNING OF MASS

The Priest makes the sign of the Cross (make it with him), saying:

Priest. In nomine Patris, +et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

Introibo ad altare Dei.

Response.  Ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam.

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

I will go to the altar of God.

To God who giveth joy to my youth.

The following Psalm is omitted in Passiontide Masses and in Masses for the Dead.

Pr. Judica me, Deus, et discene causam meam de gente non sancta, ab homine iniquo et doloso erue me.

R. Quia tu es, Deus, fortitudo mea: quare me repulisti, et quare tristis incedo dum affligit me inimicus?

Judge me, 0 God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man.

For Thou art my strength, 0 God: why hast Thou cast me off, and why do I go sorrowful, whilst the enemy afflicteth me?

Pr. Emitte lucem tuam et veritatem tuam; ipsa me deduxerunt et adduxerunt in montem sanctum tuum et in tabernacula tua.

R. Et introibo ad altare Dei: ad Deum, qui laetificat juventutem meam.

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

And I will go to the altar of God: to God, who giveth joy to my youth.

Pr. Confitebor tibi in cithara, Deus, Deus meus: quare tristis es, anima mea, et quare conturbas me?

R. Spera in Deo, quoniam adhuc confitebor illi; salutare vultus mei et Deus meus.

To Thee, 0 God, my God, I will give praise upon the harp: why art thou sad, 0 my soul, and why dost thou disquiet me?

Hope in God, for I will still give praise to Him: the salvation of my countenance and my God.

Pr. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.

R. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

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

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

Pr. Introibo ad altare Dei.

R. Ad Deum qui laetficat juventutem meam,

I will go to the altar of God.

To God who giveth joy to my youth

(In Passiontide Masses and in Masses for the Dead, continue here.}

The Priest makes the sign of the Cross {make it with him).

Pr.+ Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini.

R. Qui fecit caelum et terram.

+ Our help is in the name of the Lord.

Who made heaven and earth.

Bowing own the Priest says the Confiteor

R. Misereatur tui omnipotens Deus, et, dimissis peccatis tuis, perducat te ad vitam aeternam.

Pr. Amen.

May almighty God have mercy on you and, forgiving your sins, bring you to everlasting life.

Amen.

The Server now bows down and repeats the Confiteor in the name of the people:

Confiteor Deo omnipotenti, beatae Mariae semper Virgini, beato Michaeli   Archangelo, beato Joanni Baptistae, sanctis Apostolis Petro et Paulo, omnibus sanctis, et tibi, pater, quia peccavi nimis cogitatione, verbo, et opere: mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. Ideo precor beatam Mariam semper Virginem, beatum Michaelem Archangelum, beatum Joannem Baptistam, sanctos Apostolos Petum et Paulum, omnes sanctos, et te, pater, orare pro me ad Dominum Deum nostrum.

I confess to almighty God, to blessed Mary ever a virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to you, father, that I have sinned   exceedingly   in thought, word, and deed; through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech blessed Mary ever a virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the  Baptist,   the  holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints, and you, father, to pray to the Lord our God for me.

The Priest now gives the Absolution, saying:'

Pr. Misereatur vestri omnipotens Deus, et, dimissis peccatis vestris, perducat vos ad vitam aeternam.

R. Amen.

Pr. Indulgentiam, + absolutionem, et remissionem peccatorum nostrorum tribuat nobis omnipotens et misericors Dominus.

R. Amen.

May almighty God have mercy on you and, forgiving your sins, bring you to everlasting life.

Amen.

May the almighty ^( and merciful Lord give us pardon, absolution, and forgiveness of our sins.

Amen.

Pr. Deus, tu conversus vivificabis nos.

R. Et plebs tua laetabitur in te.

Pr. Ostende nobis. Domine, misericordiam tuam.

R. Et salutare tuum da nobis.

Turn to us, 0 God, and Thou shalt bring us to life.

And Thy people shall rejoice in thee.

Show unto us, 0 Lord, Thy mercy.

And grant us Thy salvation.

Pr. Domine, exaudi orationem meam.

R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat

Pr. Dominus vobiscum.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

Pr. Oremus.

0 Lord, hear my prayer.

And let my cry come unto Thee.

The Lord be with you.

And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

The Priest goes up to the Altar, saying in a low voice:

Take away from us our sins, we beseech Thee, 0 Lord, that, with pure minds, we may be worthy to enter into the Holy of Holies; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

He kisses the Altar, in which the relics of the Saints are enclosed, saying:

We beseech Thee, 0 Lord, by the merits of Thy Saints whose relics are here, and of all the Saints, mercifully to forgive me all my sins. Amen.

Going to the right or Epistle side of the Altar the Priest reads

THE INTROIT*

Blessed be the holy Trinity, and undivided Unity: we will give glory to Him, because He has shown His mercy to us.

0 Lord, our Lord, how wonderful is Thy name in the whole earth! Glory be to the Father, etc.

* The Introit, Collect, Epistle, Gradual, Gospel, Offertory, Secret, Communion and Postcoromunion Prayers vary according to the day, those here given are taken from the Mass of Trinity Sunday.

Standing at the centre of the Altar the Priest begins the Kyrie eleison.

Pr. Kyrie eleison

R. Kyrie eleison

Pr. Kyrie eleison

Lord have mercy

Lord have mercy

Lord have mercy

R. Christe eleison

Pr. Christe eleison

R. Christe eleison

Christ have mercy

Christ have mercy

Christ have mercy

Pr. Kyrie eleison

R. Kyrie eleison

Pr. Kyrie eleison

Lord have mercy

Lord have mercy

Lord have mercy

THE GLORIA

The Gloria, -which follows, is omitted in the penitential seasons and in Masses for the Dead.

The Gloria begins with the hymn the angels sang on Christmas night, to honour the birth of our Lord. Let us give to God the glory which is due to Him, and let us humbly ask for ourselves that peace which the world cannot give, but which God can bring into our hearts, as the angels then foretold.

Gloria in excelsis Deo, , et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis.

Glory be toGod on high and on earth peace to men of good will.

Laudamus te; benedicimus te; adoramus te; glorificamus te.

We praise Thee; we bless Thee; we adore Thee; we glorify Thee.

Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam, Domine Deus, Rex caelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens.

We give Thee thanks for Thy great glory, 0 Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father almighty.

Domine Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe; Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris:

qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis; qui tollis peccata mundi, suscipe deprecationem nostram:

qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis.

0 Lord the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; 0 Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father:

do Thou who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us;

do Thou who takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer:

do Thou who sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us

Quoniam tu solus sanctus: tu solus Dominus:

tu solus altissimus, Jesu Christe,  cum  Sancto Spiritu, + in gloria Dei Patris. Amen.

For Thou alone art holy:

Thou only art the Lord:

Thou alone art most high, 0 Jesus Christ, with the Holy Ghost, +in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

At the end of the Gloria the Priest kisses the Altar, then turns to the people and says:

Pr. Dominus vobiscum.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

The Lord be with you

And with thy spirit.

This is a blessing the Priest and people wish each other many times during Mass, showing how they are united in offering the same Sacrifice. He goes to the Epistle side of the Altar and reads

THE COLLECT(S)

The Collect, which means 'gathered together', is so called because in it the Priest offers to God the united prayers of the faithful. Sometimes there are two or more Collects, as also Secret and Post Communion Prayers.

Pr. Oremus.

Let us pray.

Almighty, everlasting God, who hast granted that in confessing the true faith Thy servants should acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and should adore the Unity in the power of Thy majesty: grant, we beseech Thee, that by steadfastness in this same faith we may evermore be defended from all adversity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, lives and reigns. God.

The first and last Collects end with the words:

Pr. Per omnia seecula saeculorum.

R. Amen.

For ever and ever.

Amen.

THE EPISTLE

The Priest then reads a passage of Holy Scripture which is usually taken from one of the Epistles, or letters, of the Apostles to the faithful in different places.

epistle. Rom. 11 : 33-36. 0 the depth of the riches of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God! How incomprehensible are His judgments, and how unsearchable His ways! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been His counsellor? Or who hath first given to Him, and recompense shall be made him ? For of Him, and by Him, and in Him, are all things; to Him be glory for ever. Amen.

At the end of the Epistle:

R. Deo gratias.

Thanks be to God.

THE GRADUAL

Blessed art Thou, 0 Lord, who beholdest the depths, and sittest above the Cherubim.

Blessed art Thou, 0 Lord, in the firmament of heaven, and worthy of praise for ever.

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed art Thou, 0 Lord God of our fathers, and worthy of praise for ever. Alleluia.

The Server carries the Missal to the left or Gospel side of the Altar, and the Priest comes to the centre. He bows down and says the following prayer:

Cleanse my heart and my lips, 0 God almighty, who didst cleanse the lips of the prophet Isaias with a live coal: vouchsafe, of Thy gracious mercy, so to cleanse me, that I may worthily proclaim Thy holy Gospel. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pray, Lord, a blessing. The Lord be in my heart and on my lips, that I may worthily and in a becoming manner announce His holy Gospel. Amen.

THE GOSPEL

No longer prophets and Apostles speak to us but Jesus Christ, Himself. Make the sign of the Cross on your forehead to show that you believe the Gospel; on your lips to show that you will never deny it or speak against it; and on your heart because you love it and will follow it faithfully.

The Priest goes to the Gospel side of the Altar and says:

Pr. Dominus vobiscum.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

The Lord be with you

And with thy spirit.

Pr. + Sequentia Sancti Evangelii    secundum (Matthceum)

+The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to St (Matthew).

R. Gloria tibi Domine.

Glory be to Thee, 0 Lord.

gospel. Matt. 28 : 18-20. At that time: Jesus said to His disciples: All power is given to Me in heaven and in earth. Going, therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And, behold, I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.

At the end of the Gospel:

R'. Laus tibi, Christe.

Praise be to Thee, 0 Christ.

After reading the Gospel the Priest kisses the page on which it is written and says:

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

On Sundays and on greater feasts there follows

THE NICENE CREED

The Nicene Creed (that is, the Creed of the Council of Nicaea) is a profession of our Faith, in which are clearly stated several points of Catholic doctrine. We kneel with the Priest when he says Et homo factus est ('and was made man'), in grateful remembrance of our Lord coming down from heaven and taking flesh for us.

Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, factorem caeli et terrae, visibilium omnium et invisibilium.

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

Et in unum Dominum Jesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum, et ex Patre natum ante omnia saecula.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages

Deum de Deo; Lumen de Lumine; Deum verum de Deo vero; genitum non factum;    consubstantialem, Patri, per quern omnia facta sunt.

. God of God; Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; consubstantial with the Father, through whom all things were made.

Qui propter nos homines, et propter nostram saltem, descendit de caelis.

Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven

{Kneel here) Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto, ex Maria Virgine: et HOMO FACTUS EST.

(Kneel here) And took flesh by the Holy Ghost, of the Virgin Mary: and was made man.

Crucifixus etiam pro nobis; sub Pontio Pilato passus et sepultus est.

He was crucified also for us, suffered under Pontius Pilate, and was buried.

Et resurrexit tertia die secundum scripturas; et ascendit in caelum, sedet ad dexteram Patris; et iterum venturus est cum gloria judicare vivos et mortuos; cujus regni non erit finis.

The third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead; of His kingdom there shall be no end.

Et in Spiritum Sanctum Dominum et vivificantem, qui ex Patre Filioque procedit; qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur et conglorificatur: qui locutus est per prophetas.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and lifegiver, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who together with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified: who spake by the prophets.

Et unam sanctam catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam.

And I believe in one holy Catholic  and   apostolic Church.

Confiteor unum baptisma in remissionem peccatorum

I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins.

Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuorum, et vitam + venturi Sceculi. Amen.

And I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life + of the world to come. Amen.

After the Creed (or if there is no Creed, after the Gospel), the Priest kisses the Altar, turns to the people and says:

Pr. Dominus vobiscum.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo

Pr. Oremus.

The Lord be with you.

And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

THE OFFERTORY OR OFFERING

The Priest now takes the bread and wine which a few minutes later will be changed by the consecration into the Body and Blood of Christ. Then our Lord will offer Himself to God, and us with Him, in payment of the debts owed by us; infinite honour, infinite thanks, infinite reparation for sin, and also the loyal submission of our endless needs. To profit by this, we must associate ourselves as deliberately as we can with Christ acting thus on our behalf; so we now carefully offer ourselves, our life, our work, our joys and sorrows and those of all mankind.

A passage, usually from the Scriptures, is read first.

Blessed be God the Father, the only-begotten Son of God, and also the Holy Spirit; because He hath shown His mercy towards us.

The Priest unveils the chalice, then holds up with both hands a gilded plate (the paten) on which is the bread to be changed into our Lord's Body. As he does this he says:

Accept, 0 holy Father, almighty and eternal God, this unspotted host, which I, Thy unworthy servant, offer to Thee, my living and true God, for my many sins, my faults, and my carelessness. I offer it also for all here present, as well as for all faithful Christians, both living and dead, that it may gain eternal life for them and for me. Amen.

At the Epistle side of the Altar the Priest pours wine and water into the chalice. The water is first blessed with the words:

0 God, who in creating human nature, didst marvellously ennoble it, and hast still more marvellously renewed it; grant that, by the mystery of this water and wine, we may be made partakers of His divinity who vouchsafed to become partaker of our humanity, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord; who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

At the centre of the Altar the Priest offers to God the wine mixed with water.

We offer Thee, 0 Lord, the chalice of salvation, humbly begging Thy mercy that this sacrifice may rise before Thee with a pleasing fragrance, for our salvation, and for the salvation of the whole world. Amen.

Then, bowing low, he says:

Accept us, 0 Lord, who come to Thee with contrite and humble hearts; and grant that the sacrifice we offer this day in Thy sight may thus be pleasing to Thee, 0 Lord, God

Standing upright again, he blesses the bread and wine.

Come, 0 Sanctifier, almighty eternal God, and bless ^ this sacrifice prepared in Thy holy name.

The Priest goes to the Epistle side of the Altar and there washes his fingers. He says the following Psalm:

I will wash my hands among the innocent: and compass Thine altar: 0 Lord.

That I may hear the voice of Thy praise: and tell of all Thy wondrous works.

0 Lord, I have loved the beauty of Thy house: and the place where Thy glory dwelleth.

Destroy not my soul with the wicked, 0 God: nor my life with men of blood.

In whose hands are iniquities: their right hand is filled with gifts.

But I have walked in mine innocence: redeem me, and have mercy on me.

My foot hath stood in the straight way: in the churches

I will bless Thee, 0 Lord.

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

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

The Gloria Patri is said as the Priest returns to the centre; it is omitted in Passiontide Masses and in Masses for the Dead. At the centre the Priest bows down and says:           -

Receive, 0 Holy Trinity, this offering, which we make to Thee, in remembrance of the passion, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in honour of blessed Mary ever virgin, of blessed John the Baptist, of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, of these and of all the Saints; that it may avail to their honour and our salvation: and may they vouchsafe to intercede for us in heaven, whose memory we celebrate on earth.

Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

He then kisses the Altar, turns to the people and invites them to pray with him, saying the first two words of the next prayer aloud; he continues in a low voice, facing the Altar.

Orate, fratres, ut meum ac vestrum sacrificium acceptabile fiat apud Deum Patrem omnipotentem

Brethren, pray that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the Father almighty.

The Server answers in the name of the people:

Suscipiat Dominus sacrificium de manibus tuis, ad laudem et gloriam nominis sui, ad utilitatem quoque nostram totiusque Ecclesiae suae sanctae.

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

Pr. Amen.

Amen.

Then the Priest, in a low voice, says the prayer called

THE SECRET

Hallow, we beseech Thee, 0 Lord, our God, by the invocation of Thy holy name, the victim of this sacrifice: and through its means make of us too an eternal offering to Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, lives and reigns. God.

Pr. Per omnia saecula saeculorum.

R. Amen.

For ever and ever.

Amen.

These concluding words of the Secret are said aloud.

THE PREFACE

Pr. Dominus vobiscum.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

The Lord be with you

And with thy spirit.

Pr. Sursum corda.

R. Habemus ad Dominum.

Lift up your hearts

We have lifted them up to the Lord.

Pr. Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.

R. Dignum et justum est.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

This is right and just.

The Priest then reads the Preface.

It is truly meet and just, right and availing unto salvation, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks unto Thee, Lord, holy Father, almighty everlasting God: who with Thine only-begotten Son and the Holy Ghost art one God, one Lord; not in the oneness of a single person, but in the Trinity of one substance. For that which we believe from Thy revelation concerning Thy glory, that same we believe of Thy Son, that same of the Holy Ghost, without difference or separation. So that in confessing the true and everlasting Godhead, we shall adore distinction in persons, and oneness in being, and equality in majesty: which angels and archangels, the Cherubim too and the Seraphim do praise; day by day they cease not to cry out, saying, as with one voice:

THE SANCTUS

The bell is rung three times.

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth.

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts.

Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua.

Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory.

Hosanna in excelsis.

Hosanna in the highest.

Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini.

Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in excelsis.

Hosanna in the highest.

THE CANON OF THE MASS

The word "Canon" here means "rule", and it is used for this part of the Mass because the prayers said during it are seldom changed. The angels gather round with awe and reverence; the Priest prays in a low tone, and all should be quiet and still, for the great moment is fast approaching when ourLord Jesus Christ will come down upon the altar.

The Priest, first raising his eyes to heaven, joins his hands and, bowing down over the Altar, begins in a low voice:

Therefore, most merciful Father, we humbly pray and beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, to accept and bless these gifts, these offerings, these holy and unblemished sacrifices, which, in union with Thy servant N. our Pope, our Bishop N., and all true believers and observers of the Catholic and apostolic Faith, we offer to Thee above all for Thy holy Catholic Church: deign to keep it in peace, safety, unity, and loyalty throughout the world.

COMMEMORATION OF THE LIVING

Remember, 0 Lord, Thy servants (the Priest pauses to make special mention of particular persons), and all here present whose faith and devotedness are known to Thee, for whom we offer to Thee, or who are offering to Thee, this sacrifice of praise for themselves and for all who are theirs; for the redemption of their souls, for their hope of salvation and safety, and who pay their homage to Thee, the eternal, living, and true God. In communion with, and venerating the memory, first, of the glorious and ever-virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ; and also of Thy blessed Apostles and Martyrs, Peter and Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Thaddeus, of Linus, Cletus, Clement, Xystus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Laurence Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian, and of all Thy Saints; by whose merits and prayers grant that we may be in all things strengthened by Thy protecting help. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Priest spreads his hands over the bread and wine;the bell is rung.

This offering, therefore, 0 Lord, from us Thy servants and from all Thy household, we beg of Thee, in reconciliation, to accept; and to arrange our lives in peace with Thee; and to command that we be snatched from everlasting damnation and be counted among the flock of those whom Thou hast chosen. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Priest joins his hands.

Do Thou, 0 God, deign to make this offering utterly blessed, assigned, approved, worthy, and acceptable: that it may become for us the Body and Blood of Thy dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

THE CONSECRATION

The bread and wine are about to be changed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ by the almighty words of Christ spoken by the Priest.

The Priest now takes the bread in his hands, saying:

Who, the day before He suffered, took bread into His holy and worshipful hands, and with eyes raised towards heaven, unto Thee, God, His Father almighty, giving thanks to Thee, He blessed, brake, and gave to His disciples, saying: Take, all of you, and eat of this,

FOR THIS IS MY BODY.

At once he genuflects, adoring the Body of our Lord: he rises, elevates the Sacred Host to be seen by the people and adores again. Meanwhile the bell is rung three times. Then he uncovers the chalice containing the wine, and, taking it into his hands, continues:

Similarly, after they had supped, taking also this excellent Chalice into His holy and worshipful hands, again giving thanks to Thee, He blessed and gave to His disciples, saying: Take, all of you, and drink of this,

FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD, OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL TESTAMENT: THE MYSTERY OF FAITH: WHICH SHALL BE SHED FOR YOU AND FOR MANY UNTO THE REMISSION OF SINS.

As often as you shall do these things, you shall do them in memory of Me.

The Priest genuflects, adoring the Precious Blood: he rises, elevates the chalice to be seen by the people and adores again. Meanwhile the bell is again rung three times. The Priest continues:

Wherefore, 0 Lord, we Thy servants and Thy holy people, mindful of the blessed passion of the same Christ Thy Son our Lord, of His resurrection from the dead, and of His glorious ascension into heaven, offer to Thy most excellent majesty, from Thy gifts bestowed upon us, a pure victim, a holy victim, an unblemished victim, the holy Bread of eternal life, and the Chalice of everlasting salvation.

And upon these do Thou deign to look with favour and kindliness, and to accept them as Thou didst deign to accept the gifts of Thy just servant Abel, and the sacrifice of our patriarch Abraham, and that which Thy high priest Melchisedech offered to Thee, a holy sacrifice, an unblemished victim.

Suppliantly we implore Thee, almighty God, bid these things be borne in the hands of Thy holy Angel up to Thine altar on high, before the sight of Thy divine majesty: that so many of us as, by this partaking at Thine altar, shall receive the most holy Body and Blood of Thy Son, may be filled with every heavenly blessing and grace. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

COMMEMORATION OF THE DEAD

Remember also, 0 Lord, Thy servants, N. and N., who are gone hence before us with the sign of faith, and sleep the sleep of peace. {The Priest pauses to pray for particular souls.) To these, 0 Lord, and to all who rest in Christ, graciously grant, we pray, a place of refreshment, light, and peace. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Priest says the first three words of the next prayer (Nobis quoque peccatoribus) aloud, striking his breast the rest is said in a low voice.

To us sinners also. Thy servants, who hope in the multitude of Thy mercies, deign to grant some lot and fellowship with Thy holy Apostles and Martyrs: with John, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicitas, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecily, Anastasia, and all Thy Saints: into whose company we beseech Thee to admit us, and measure not our deserts, but grant us Thy pardon. Through Christ our Lord.

By whom, 0 Lord, Thou dost ever create, sanctify, quicken, bless, and bestow upon us all these good things. Through +Him, and with + Him, and in +Him, is unto Thee, God the Father + almighty, in the unity of the Holy +Ghost, all honour and glory.

The concluding words are said in a loud voice.

Pr. Per omnia saecula saeculorum.

R. Amen.

For ever and ever.

Amen.

THE COMMUNION SERVICE

This begins with the solemn recitation of the Lord's Prayer.

Pr. Oremus.

Let us pray.

Praeceptis   salutaribus moniti, et divina institutione formati, audemus dicere:

We bear in mind the commands given for our salvation, and the divine lesson we have been taught, and make bold to say:

Pater noster, qui es in caelis: sanctificetur nomen tuum: adveniat regnum tuum: fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie: et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris.

Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that tres- pass against us.

Et ne nos inducas in tentationem,

And lead us not into temptation,

R. Sed libera nos a malo.

Pr. Amen.

But deliver us from evil.

Amen.

The Priest then says in a low voice:

Deliver us, we beseech Thee, 0 Lord, from all evils, past, present, and to come; and by the intercession of the blessed and glorious Mary, ever-virgin Mother of God, and of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and Andrew, and of all the Saints, mercifully grant peace in our days, that, aided by the riches of Thy mercy, we may be always free from sin, and secure against all disturbance.

THE BREAKING OF THE HOST

The Priest breaks the Host into three parts, saying:

Through the same Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost lives and reigns, God.

The last words of the prayer are said aloud:

Pr. Per omnia saecula saeculorum.

R. Amen.

For ever and ever.

Amen.

Pr. Pax + Domini sit +semper vobis+cum.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

The peace + of the Lord be+always with + you.

And with thy spirit.

He puts a small piece 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 who receive it an effectual means to eternal life. Amen.

The Priest genuflects and, striking his breast three times, says aloud:

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi: miserere nobis.

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

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi: miserere nobis.

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

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

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, give us peace.

In Masses for the Dead the words Give them rest and Give them eternal rest are said in place o/Have mercy on us and Give us peace, respectively. The Priest says the next three prayers in alow voice; the first of them is omitted on Maundy Thursday and in Masses for the Dead.

Lord Jesus Christ, who didst say to Thine Apostles: Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; consider not my sins, but the faith of Thy Church; and deign to keep her in peace and unity according to Thy will: who livest and reignest God for ever and ever. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who by the will of the Father, with the co-operation of the Holy Ghost, didst through Thy death give life to the world, deliver me through this Thy most holy Body and Blood from all my sins and from every evil thing; make me ever hold fast to Thy commandments, and never suffer me to be separated from Thee: who livest and reignest, with the same God the Father and the Holy Ghost, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May the receiving of Thy Body, 0 Lord Jesus Christ, which I, unworthy, presume to take, turn not to my judgment and condemnation, but profit me, by Thy loving-kindness, as a safeguard for soul and body, and as a remedy to be used: who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Priest takes the Sacred Host in his hands saying:

I will take the bread of heaven, and call upon the name of the Lord.

The Priest says the following prayer three times, striking his breast; the bell is rung each time.

Domine, non sum dignus ut intres sub tectum meum: sed tantum dic verbo, et sanabitur anima mea.

Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof: say but the word, and my soul will be healed.

THE PRIEST'S COMMUNION

Signing himself with the Sacred Host he says the following prayer, then bows down and gives himself Holy Communion.

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

After a short pause he says:

What shall I give to the Lord for all that He has given to me? I will take the Chalice of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. With praise will I call upon the Lord, and from my enemies I shall be saved.

Signing himself with the chalice he says the following prayer, then he consumes the Precious Blood.

May the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul to life everlasting. Amen.

THE COMMUNION OF THE FAITHFUL

If there are any who wish to go to Holy Communion, they now go up to the Altar-rails. The Priest turns towards the people and, holding the blessed Sacrament up for all to see, says:

Ecce Agnus Dei; ecce qui tollit peccata mundi.

Domine, non sum dignus ut intres sub tectum meum: sed tantum dic verbo, et sanabitur anima mea.

Behold the Lamb of God; behold Him who takes away the sins of the world.

Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof: say but the word, and my soul will be healed.

This prayer is said three times. (Strike your breast each time.)

The Priest now goes down the Altar steps and places the Blessed Sacrament on the tongue of each communicant, saying:

Corpus Domini nostri Jesu Christi custodiat animam tuam in vitam aeternam. Amen.

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

If you are not going to receive Holy Communion, make a spiritual Communion. While the Priest is giving Holy Communion, you may say:

My Jesus, I believe that Thou art truly and really present in the Sacrament of the Altar. I adore Thee; I love Thee; come into my heart. May the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul to life everlasting.

Communion over, the Priest returns to the Altar and replaces the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle.

THE ABLUTIONS

The Priest holds out the chalice to the Server, who pours wine into it while the Priest says:

Grant, 0 Lord, that what we have taken with our mouth we may receive with a pure mind; and from being a gift made here to us in time may it become an assistance for all eternity. Amen.

The Priest drinks the wine in the chalice, then goes to the Epistle side where the Server pours wine and water over his fingers into the chalice. As he does so the Priest says:

May Thy Body, 0 Lord, which I have received, and Thy Blood which I have drunk, cleave to my heart; and grant that no stain of sin may be left in me whom such pure and holy Sacraments have refreshed. Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.

Having drunk the wine and water, the Priest wipes the chalice and then covers it. At the Epistle side he reads

THE COMMUNION ANTIPHON

We bless the God of heaven, and before all living things we will praise Him; because He has shown His mercy to us.

In the centre the Priest kisses the Altar, turns to the people, and says:

Pr. Dominus vobiscum

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

The Lord be with you.

And with thy spirit.

He goes to the Epistle side and reads

THE POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER(S)

Pr. Oremus.

Let us pray.

Grant, 0 Lord our God, that the reception of this Sacrament, and the confession of the holy and eternal Trinity and of its undivided Unity, may profit us to the salvation of body and soul. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who, with Thee and the Holy Ghost lives and reigns, God.

The first and last of these prayers end with the words

Pr. Per omnia saecula saeculorum.

R. Amen.

For ever and ever.

Amen.

The Priest kisses the Altar in the centre, turns to the people and says:

Pr. Dominus vobiscum.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

Pr. Ite, missa est.

R. Deo gratias.

The Lord be with you.

And with thy spirit.

Go, the Mass is ended.

Thanks be to God.

But in Masses for the Dead, instead of saying Ite, missa est facing the people, he turns back to the Altar and says:

Pr. Requiescant in pace

. R. Amen.

May they rest in peace.

Amen.

Bowing down before the Altar the Priest says:

May my humble service, 0 Holy Trinity, be pleasing to Thee: and grant that the sacrifice which I, though unworthy, have offered in the sight of Thy majesty, may be accepted by Thee, and through Thy mercy be a source of forgiveness for myself and for all those for whom it has been offered. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

He then kisses the Altar.

THE BLESSING This is omitted in Masses for the Dead.

The Priest turns and blesses the people with the sign of the Cross, saying:

Benedicat vos omnipotens Deus, Pater, et Filius, + et Spiritus Sanctus.

R. Amen.

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

Amen.

THE LAST GOSPEL

This is omitted in Masses for the Dead, if followed by the Absolutions.

The people stand, and the Priest at the Gospel side says:

Pr. Dominus vobiscum

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

The Lord be with you.

And with thy spirit.

Pr. +Initium sancti Evangelii secundum Joannem.

R. Gloria tibi, Domine.

+ The beginning of the holy Gospel according to St John.

Glory be to Thee, 0 Lord.

In principio erat Verbum, et Verbum erat apud Deum, et Deus erat Verbum. Hoc erat in principio apud Deum.

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.

Omnia per ipsum facta sunt, et sine ipso factum est nihil quod factum est

All things were made by Him: and without Him was made nothing that was made.

In ipso vita erat, et vita erat lux hominum, et lux in tenebris lucet, et tenebrae eam non comprehenderunt.

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men; and the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Fuit homo missus a Deo, cut nomen erat Joannes. Hic venit in testimonium, ut testimonium perhiberet de lumine, ut omnes crederent per ilium.

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.

Non erat ille lux, sed ut testimonium perhiberet de lumine: Erat lux vera quas illuminat omnem hominem venientem in hunc mundum.

He was not the light, but came to give testimony of the light. That was the true light, which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world.

In mundo erat, et mundus per ipsum factus est, et mundus eum non cognovit. In propria venit, et sui eum non receperunt.

He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.

Quotquot autem receperunt eum, dedit eis potestatem fflios Dei fieri his qui credunt in nomine ejus, qui non ex sanguinibus, neque ex voluntate carnis, neque ex voluntate viri, sed ex Deo nati sunt.

But as many as received Him, He gave them 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.

{Here all kneel) et verbum caro factum est, et habitavit in nobis: et vidimus gloriam ejus, gloriam quasi Unigeniti a Patre, plenum gratias et veritatis.

(Here all kneel) 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.

R. Deo gratias.

Thanks be to God.

PRAYERS AFTER LOW MASS

By direction of Pope Pius XI these prayers are to be offered for the conversion of Russia.

Hail Mary, etc., three times.

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy; hail, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.

Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

0 clement, 0 loving, 0 sweet Virgin Mary.

V. Pray for us, 0 holy Mother of God.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.

0 God, our refuge and our strength, look down in mercy on Thy people who cry to Thee; and by the intercession of the glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Saint Joseph her spouse, of Thy blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the Saints, in mercy and goodness hear our prayers for the conversion of sinners, and for the liberty and exaltation of our holy mother the Church. Through the same Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

Holy Michael, Archangel, defend us in the day of battle;

be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray: and do thou, Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God thrust down to hell Satan, and all wicked spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls.

R. Amen.

The following ejaculation is said three times:

V. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

R. Have mercy on us.

PRAYER FOR THE SOVEREIGN

(Said or sung after the principal Mass on Sundays)

V. Domine, salvam fac Reginam nostram Elisabeth.

R.. Et exaudi nos in die qua invocaverimus te.

0 Lord, save Elizabeth, our Queen.

And hear us in the day when we shall call upon Thee.

Oremus.

Qusssumus, omnipotens Deus, ut famula tua Elisabeth, Regina nostra, quae tua miseratione suscepit regni gubernacula, virtutum etiam omnium percipiat   incrementa, quibus decenter ornata, et vitiorum monstra devitare (hostes superare), et ad te qui via, veritas, et vita es cum consorte et prole regia, gratiosa valeat pervenire. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, we pray Thee for Thy servant Elizabeth, our Queen, now by Thy mercy reigning over us. Adorn her yet more with every virtue; remove all evil from her path (and vanquish her enemies); that with her Consort and all the Royal Family she may come at last in grace to Thee, who art the Way, the Truth,   and  the  Life. Through Christ our Lord.

R/. Amen

Amen.

PRAYERS FOR CONFESSION

BEFORE CONFESSION

0 most merciful God, I most humbly thank Thee for all Thy mercies unto me; and particularly at this time, for Thy forbearance and long-suffering with me, notwithstanding my many and grievous sins. It is of Thy great mercy that I have not fallen into greater and more grievous sins than those which I have committed, and that I have not been cut off and cast into hell.

0 my God, although I have been so ungrateful to Thee in times past, yet now I beseech Thee to accept me, returning to Thee with an earnest desire to repent, and to devote myself to Thee, my Lord and my God, and to praise Thy holy name for ever.

Grant me, I beseech Thee, perfect contrition for my sins, that I may detest them with the deepest sorrow of heart. Send forth Thy light into my soul, and discover to me all those sins which I ought to confess at this time. Assist me by Thy grace, that I may be able to declare them to the priest, fully, humbly, and with a contrite heart, and so obtain perfect remission of them all through Thine infinite goodness. Amen.

0 most gracious Virgin Mary, beloved Mother of Jesus Christ my Redeemer, intercede for me with Him. Obtain for me the full remission of my sins and perfect amendment of life to the salvation of my soul, and the glory of His name.

Now examine your conscience, to find out your sins and how often you have committed them.

We are obliged to confess all mortal sins, and therefore, as far as we can remember, the number of times we have committed them : we are not obliged to confess venial sins, therefore we need not be unduly anxious to confess them all, or the exact number of times.

The examination of conscience may be made by reading through the Ten Commandments and the Commandments of the Church* and finding out how far we have deliberately and in a serious way broken them (mortal sin), how far, for one reason or another, we have failed to keep them in their perfection (venial sin) ; or by examining how far we have sinned directly against God, or indirectly by not fulfilling our duties towards our neighbour or towards ourselves, thus :

Have I without sufficient reason missed my Easter Duties or Mass on any Sunday or Holyday of Obligation, or eaten meat on a day of abstinence, or not observed the fast ?

Have I used the name of God in vain, in anger, or carelessly?

Have I neglected my daily prayers or said them badly?

Have I been careless in my preparation for, or thanksgiving after, receiving the Sacraments?

Have I been wanting in gratitude to God, or in confidence in God, or in resignation to His holy will?

Have I been dishonest by stealing or cheating, or not paying proper wages, or bills, or debts, or not doing the work well for which I am paid or which it is my duty to do?

Have I bsen uncharitable by thought, word, or deed, or omission?

Have I told lies, to injure anyone or to excuse myself?

Have I revealed secrets I was bound to keep, or read other people's letters?

Have I contributed to the support of the Church in proportion to my means?

Have I been disobedient, rude, or sulky to those in authority over me ?

Have I been harsh, overbearing, or sarcastic to those under my authority?

Have I brooded over injuries, or refused to forgive?

Have I been angry, envious, or jealous?

Have I despised others, or given scandal, or bad example?

Have I been vain, proud, selfish, or self-seeking?

Have I been immodest or impure in thought, word, or deed with myself or with others?

Have I been greedy or intemperate in eating or drinking?

Have I given way to depression or self-pity?

For married people.

Have I failed to show love, respect, and good example towards my partner ?

Have I neglected my duty to my children in regard to their religious instruction, to their training in good habits, and to their schooling?

Have I sinned against the duties of married life?

God is very good. He made you and gave you your soul and body, and everything that you have. He loves you very much. He was made man for you and died upon the Cross, with great nails in His hands and feet, and a crown of thorns upon His head, that you might lead a holy life on earth and be rewarded by infinite happiness with Him in heaven. But God is also just. He hates sin, because by sin you dishonour Him and separate yourself from Him. When you sin you offend this good God who loves you so much.

Try now to be sorry for your sins and make up your mind not to sin any more.

ACTS OF CONTRITION

0 Lord Jesus Christ, lover of our souls, who, for the great love wherewith Thou hast loved us, wouldst not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live; I grieve from the bottom of my heart that I have offended Thee, my most loving Lord and Redeemer, unto whom all sin is infinitely displeasing; who hast so loved me that Thou didst shed Thy Blood for me, and endure the bitter torments of a most cruel death. 0 my God, 0 infinite Goodness, would that I had never offended Thee! Pardon me, 0 Lord Jesus, most humbly imploring Thy mercy. Have pity upon a sinner, for whom Thy Blood pleads before the face of the Father.

0 most merciful and forgiving Lord, for the love of Thee I forgive all who have ever offended me. I firmly resolve to forsake and flee from all sins, and to avoid the occasions of them; and to confess, in bitterness of spirit, all those sins which I have committed against Thy divine goodness, and to love Thee, 0 my God, for Thine own sake, above all things, for ever. Grant me grace to do so, 0 most gracious Lord Jesus.

0 my God, I am very sorry that I have offended Thee, because Thou art so good; and I will not sin again. My Lord and my God, I sincerely acknowledge myself a vile and wretched sinner unworthy to appear in Thy presence; but do Thou have mercy on me, and save me. Most loving Father, I have sinned against heaven and before Thee, and am unworthy to be called Thy child; make me as one of Thy servants, and may I for the future be ever faithful to Thee. I am now resolved, with the help of Thy grace, to be more watchful over myself, to amend my faults and fulfil Thy law. Look down on me with the eyes of mercy, 0 God, and blot out my sins.

Having made your act of contrition in any form of words you like (" 0 my God, I am sorry for all my sins " is quite sufficient) say the "I confess"  before entering the confessional.

AT CONFESSION

On entering the confessional say at once, " Bless me, Father, for I have sinned." Then : " I went to confession last....... ago. Since then I accuse myself of.........

For these, and all other sins I cannot now remember, I am sincerely sorry and humbly beg pardon of God, and penance and absolution of you. Father."

Listen attentively to the advice of the Priest and make a fervent act of contrition while he gives you absolution. He makes the sign of the Cross at the words: " I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." He adds the following prayer :

" May the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merits of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of all the Saints, whatever good you have done and whatever evil you have suffered, gain for you a remission of your sins, an increase of grace, and the reward of life everlasting. Amen."

AFTER CONFESSION

First of all say your penance, then make your thanksgiving. 0 almighty and most merciful God, who, according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies, hast been pleased once more to receive me, after so many times going astray from Thee, and to admit me to this sacrament of forgiveness, I give Thee thanks with all the powers of my soul for this and all other mercies, graces, and blessings bestowed on me; and casting myself at Thy sacred feet, I offer myself to be henceforth for ever Thine. Let nothing in life or death ever separate me from Thee. I renounce with my whole soul all the sins of my past life. I renew my promises made in baptism, and from this moment I give myself eternally to Thy love and service. Grant that for the time to come I may hate sin more than death itself, and avoid all such occasions and company as have unhappily brought me to it. This I resolve to do by the aid of Thy divine grace, without which I can do nothing. I beg Thy blessing on these my resolutions, for, 0 Lord, without Thee I am nothing but misery and sin. Supply also by Thy mercy whatever defects have been in this my confession, and give me grace to be now and always a true penitent ; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son. Amen.

Mary, Mother of God, be a mother to me!

PRAYERS FOR HOLY COMMUNION

1. Say these Prayers slowly, a few words at a time.

2. It is well to stop after every few words, that they may sink into the heart.

3. Each Prayer may be said several times.

BEFORE HOLY COMMUNION

prayer for help. 0 my God, help me to make a good Communion. Mary, my dearest mother, pray to Jesus for me. My dear Angel Guardian, lead me to the Altar of God.

act of faith. 0 God, because Thou has said it, I believe that I shall receive the Sacred Body of Jesus Christ to eat, and His Precious Blood to drink. My God, I believe this with all my heart.

act of humility. My God, I confess that I am a poor sinner; I am not worthy to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus, on account of my sins. Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; say but the word, and my soul will be healed.

act of sorrow. My God, I detest all the sins of my life. I am sorry for them, because they have offended Thee, my God, who art so good. I resolve never to commit sin any more. My good God, pity me, have mercy on me, forgive me.

act of adoration. 0 Jesus, great God, present on the Altar, I bow down before Thee, I adore Thee.

act of love and desire. Sweet Jesus, I love Thee. I desire with all my heart to receive Thee. Most sweet Jesus, come into my poor soul, and give me Thy Flesh to eat and Thy Blood to drink. Give me Thy whole Self, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, that I may live for ever with Thee.

IN RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION

1. In going to the Altar-rails, and returning to your place, keep your hands joined, your eyes cast down, and your thoughts on Jesus Christ.

2. At the Altar-rails, take the communion-plate and hold it under your chin (unless it is held by the server),

3. Hold your head straight up and motionless, keep your eyes closed, your mouth well open, and your tongue out, resting on your under-lip. Then, with great reverence, receive the Sacred Host, saying in your heart, with all the faith of St Thomas : " My Lord and my God." Your soul is God's temple. Jesus is now really present in it. Keep away all earthly thoughts and enjoy His presence.

AFTER HOLY COMMUNION

act of faith. 0 Jesus, I believe that I have received Thy Flesh to eat and Thy Blood to drink, because Thou hast said it, and Thy word is true.

act of adoration. 0 Jesus, my God, my Creator, I adore Thee, because from Thy hands I came and with Thee I am to be happy for ever.

act of humility. 0 Jesus, I am not worthy to receive Thee, and yet Thou hast come to me that my poor heart may learn of Thee to be meek and humble.

act of love. Sweet Jesus, I love Thee; I love Thee with all my heart. Thou knowest that I love Thee, and wish to love Thee daily more and more.

act of thanksgiving. My good Jesus, I thank Thee with all my heart. How good, how kind Thou art to me, sweet Jesus ! Blessed be Jesus in the most holy Sacrament of the Altar.

act of offering. 0 Jesus, receive my poor offering. Jesus, Thou has given Thyself to me, and now let me give myself to Thee :—                   '

I give Thee my body, that it may be chaste and pure. I give Thee my soul, that it may be free from sin. I give Thee my heart, that it may always love Thee. I give Thee every breath that I shall breathe, and especially my last; I give Thee myself in life and in death, that I may be Thine for ever and ever.

Remember the words of Jesus: " Ask and you shall receive" and

PRAY FOR OTHERS

0 Jesus, have mercy on Thy holy Church; take care of it.

0 Jesus, have pity on poor sinners, and save them from hell.

0 Jesus, bless my father, my mother, my brothers and sisters, and all I ought to pray for, as Thy Heart knows how to bless them.

0 Jesus, have pity on the poor souls in purgatory and give them eternal rest.

PRAY FOR YOURSELF

0 Jesus, wash away my sins with Thy Precious Blood.

0 Jesus, the struggle against temptation is not yet finished. My Jesus, when temptation comes near me, make me strong against it. In the moment of temptation may I always say: " My Jesus, mercy ! Mary, help ! "

0 Jesus, may I lead a good life; may I die a happy death. May I receive Thee before I die. May I say when I am dying: " Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul."

Listen now for a moment to Jesus Christ ; perhaps He has something to say to you. Answer Jesus in your heart, and tell Him all your troubles. Then say :

Sweet Jesus, I am going away for a time, but I trust not without Thee. Thou art with me by Thy grace. I will never leave Thee by mortal sin. I do not fear to do so, though I am weak, because I have such a hope in Thee. Give me grace to persevere. Amen.

ANIMA CHRISTI

Soul of Christ, be my sanctification,

Body of Christ, be my salvation,

Blood of Christ, fill all my veins,

Water from the side of Christ, wash out my stains.

May Christ's Passion strengthen me,

0 good Jesu, hear me.

In Thy wounds I fain would hide,

Never to be parted from Thy side.

Guard me when my foes assail me,

Call me when my life shall fail me.

Command me then to come to Thee,

That I for all eternity

With Thy saints may praise Thee. Amen.

(Cardinal Newman)

PRAYER BEFORE A CRUCIFIX

Behold, 0 kind and most sweet Jesus, T cast myself on my knees in Thy sight, and with the most fervent desire of my soul, I pray and beseech Thee that Thou wouldst impress upon my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity, with a true repentance for my sins, and a firm desire of amendment, while with deep affection and grief of soul I ponder within myself and mentally contemplate Thy five most precious wounds; having before my eyes that which David spake in prophecy of Thee, 0 good Jesus: 'They pierced My hands and My feet; they have numbered all My bones.'

Say once the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be to the Father for the Pope's intentions.

A plenary indulgence is attached to the recitation of this prayer before a figure of Christ crucified, subject to Confession, Communion and prayers for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff. One Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be to the Father are sufficient.

BENEDICTION

When the Priest opens the tabernacle the following Hymn is sung:

0 salutaris hostia,

Quae caeli pandis ostium;

Bella premunt hostilia,

Da robur, fer auxilium.

0 saving Victim, opening wide

The gate of heaven to man below ;

Our foes press on from every side ;

Thine aid supply. Thy strength bestow.

Uni Trinoque Domino

Sit sempiterna gloria,

Qui vitam sine termino

Nobis donet in patria.

To Thy great name be endless praise,

Immortal Godhead, one in three;

0 grant us endless length of days

In our true native land with Thee.

Amen.

Amen.

After which sometimes follows:

THE LITANY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN

Kyrie eleison.

Kyrie eleison.

Christe eleison.

Christe eleison.

Kyrie eleison.

Kyrie eleison.

Christe audi nos

Christe exaudi nos.

Lord have mercy.

Lord have mercy.

Christ have mercy.

Christ have mercy.

Lord have mercy.

Lord have mercy.

Christ hear us.

Christ graciously hear us.

Pater de caelis Deus,

Fili Redemptor mundi Deus,

Spintus Sancte Deus,

Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus

Miserere

Nobis

God the Father of Heaven,

God the Son, Redeemer of the world,

God the Holy Ghost,

Holy Trinity, one God,

Have

Mercy

On

us

Sancta Maria,

Sancta Dei Genitrix,

Sancta Virgo virginum,

Mater Christi,

Mater divinae gratia;

Mater purissima,

Mater castissima,

Mater inviolata,

Ora

Pro

Nobis

Holy Mary,

Holy Mother of God,

Holy Virgin of virgins,

Mother of Christ,

Mother of divine grace,

Mother most pure,

Mother most chaste,

Mother inviolate,

Pray

For

us

Mater intemerata,

Mater amabilis,

Mater admirabilis,

Mater boni consilii,

Mater Creatoris,

Mater Salvatoris,

Virgo prudentissima,

Virgo veneranda,

Ora

Pro

Nobis

Mother undefiled,

Mother most amiable,

Mother most admirable,

Mother of good counsel,

Mother of our Creator,

Mother of our Saviour,

Virgin most prudent,

Virgin most venerable,

Pray

For

us

Virgo praedicanda,

Virgo potens,

Virgo clemens,

Virgo fidelis,

Speculum justitiae,

Sedes sapientiae,

Causa nostrae laetitiae,

Vas spirituale,

Ora

Pro

Nobis

Virgin most renowned,

Virgin most powerful,

Virgin most merciful,

Virgin most faithful,

Mirror of justice,

Seat of wisdom,

Cause of our joy,

Spiritual vessel,

Pray

For

us

Vas honorabile,

Vas insigne devotionis,

Rosa mystica,

Turris Davidica,

Turris eburnea,

Domus aurea,

Foederis arca,

Janua caeli,

Ora

Pro

Nobis

Vessel of honour,

Singular vessel of devotion,

Mystical rose,

Tower of David,

Tower of ivory,

House of gold,

Ark of the covenant,

Gate of heaven,

Pray

For

us

Stella matutina,

Salus infirmorum,

Refugium peccatorum,

Consolatrix afflictorum,

Auxilium Christianorum,

Regina Angelorum,

Regina Patriarcharum,

Regina Prophetarum,

Regina Apostolorum,

Ora

Pro

Nobis

Morning star,

Health of the sick

Refuge of sinners,

Comfort of the afflicted,

Help of Christians,

Queen of Angels,

Queen of Patriarchs,

Queen of Prophets,

Queen of Apostles,

Pray

For

us

Regina Martyrum,

Regina Confessorum,

Regina Virginum,

Regina Sanctorum omnium,

Regina sine labe originali concepta,

Regina in caelum assumpta,

Regina sacratissimi Rosarii,

Regina pacis,

Ora

Pro

Nobis

Queen of Martyrs,

Queen of Confessors,

Queen of Virgins,

Queen of all Saints,

Queen conceived without original sin,

Queen assumed into heaven,

Queen of the most holy Rosary,

Queen of peace,

Pray

For

us

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi,

parce nobis, Domine.

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

spare us, 0 Lord.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis pecata mundi,

exaudi nos, Domine.

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

graciously hear us, 0 Lord.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi,

Miserere nobis.

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

have mercy on us.

V. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genitrix.

R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.

Pray for us, 0 holy Mother of God.

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Oremus.

Concede nos famulos tuos, quaesumus, Domine Deus, perpetua mentis et corporis sanitate gaudere: et gloriosa  beatae Mariae simper virgmis intercessione, a presenti liberari tristitia, et sterna perfrui laetitia. Per Christum Dominum nostrum

Let us pray.

Grant that we Thy servants, Lord, may enjoy unfailing health of mind and body, and through the prayers of the ever blessed Virgin Mary in her glory, free us from our sorrows in this world and give us eternal happiness in the next. Through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen

Amen.

PRAYER FOR ENGLAND

0 Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our most gentle Queen and Mother, look down in mercy upon England, thy Dowry, and upon us all who greatly hope and trust in thee. By thee it was that Jesus, our Saviour and hope, was given unto the world; and He has given thee to us that we may hope still more. Plead for us thy children, whom thou didst receive and accept at the foot of the Cross, 0 sorrowful Mother. Intercede for our separated brethren, that with us in the one true fold they may be united to the Chief Shepherd, the Vicar of thy Son. Pray for us all, dear Mother, that by faith fruitful in good works we may all deserve, to see and praise God, together with thee in our heavenly home. Amen.

Then the following Hymn is sung, all present bowing down at the words Veneremur cemui:

Tantum ergo Sacramentum

Veneremur cernui :

Et antiquum documentum

Novo cedat ritui:

Praestet fides supplementum

Sensuum defectui.

Down in adoration falling

Lo, the Sacred Host we hail:

Lo, o'er ancient forms de-parting

Newer rites of grace prevail ;

Faith for all defects supplying,

Where the feebler senses fail.

Genitori, Genitoque

Laus et jubilatio,

Salus, honor, virtus quoque

Sit et benedictio;

Precedenti ab utroque

Compar sit laudatio.

Amen.

To the everlasting Father,

And the Son who reigns on high,

With the Holy Ghost proceeding

Forth from both eternally,

Be salvation, honour, blessing,

Might and endless majesty.

Amen.

V. Panem de caelo praestitisti eis. (T.P. Alleluia),

R. Omne delectamentum in se habentem. (T.P.  Alleluia).

Thou has given them bread from heaven. (P.T. Alleluia).

Having all sweetness in itself. (P.T. Alleluia).

Oremus.

Deus, qui nobis sub Sacramento mirabili passionis tuae memoriam reliquisti: tribue, quaesumus, ita nos Corporis et Sanguinis tui sacra mysteria venerari; ut redemptionis tuae fructum in nobis jugiter sentiamus; qui vivis et regnas in secula saeculorum.

R. Amen.

Let us pray.

0 God, who in this wonderful Sacrament hast left us a memorial of Thy passion; grant that we may so reverence the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and Blood, that we may ever enjoy within ourselves the fruit of Thy redemption: who livest and reignest for ever and ever.

Amen.

Now, bowing down in adoration, receive the Benediction of the most Holy Sacrament.

Then are said:

THE DIVINE PRAISES

Blessed be God.

Blessed be His holy Name.

Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.

Blessed be the Name of Jesus.

Blessed be His most Sacred Heart.

Blessed be His most Precious Blood.

Blessed be Jesus in the most holy Sacrament of the Altar.

Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.

Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception.

Blessed be her glorious Assumption.

Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.

Blessed be St Joseph, her spouse most chaste.

Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints.

While the Priest replaces the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle, the following Antiphon and Psalm are sung:

Ant.   Adoremus   in aeternum sanctissimum Sacramentum.

Ps. Laudate Dominum, omnes gentes; laudate eum, omnes populi.

Quoniam confirmata est super nos misericordia ejus; et veritas Domini manet in aeternum

Ant. Let us adore for ever the most holy Sacrament.

Ps. 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations; praise Him, all ye people

For His mercy is confirmed upon us; and the truth of the Lord remaineth forever.

Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.

sicut erat in principio,et nunc, et semper, et in secula saeculorum.

Amen.

Ant.. Adoremus in aeternum sanctissimum Sacramentum.

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

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

Amen.

Ant. Let us adore for ever the most holy Sacrament.

THE WAY OF THE CROSS

The Way of the Cross is a devotion to the Sacred Passion, in which we accompany, in spirit, our Blessed Lord in His sorrowful journey from the house of Pilate to Calvary, and recall to mind, with sorrow and love, all that took place from the time when He was condemned to death to His being laid in the tomb. There are fourteen Stations, or stopping places, in this Way of the Cross, at which something took place which it is well for us to call to mind and to think over. At each station we may say the Our Father and the Hail Mary, and think, with love and sorrow for our sins, on the suffering of our Lord represented to us at the station.

A plenary indulgence is attached to this devotion: no special prayers are laid down as necessary, but to gain the indulgence we must be in a state of grace and must visit each station in order, reflecting devoutly on what is represented.

You may say at each station:

0 Jesus, who for love of me

Didst bear Thy Cross to Calvary,

In Thy sweet mercy grant to me

To suffer and to die with Thee.

THE FOURTEEN STATIONS

I. Jesus is condemned to death.

II. Jesus receives the Cross.

III. Jesus falls the first time under His Cross.

IV. Jesus is met by His Blessed Mother.

V. The Cross is laid upon Simon of Cyrene.

VI. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.

VII. Jesus falls the second time.

VIII. The women of Jerusalem mourn for our Lord.

IX. Jesus falls the third time.

X. Jesus is stripped of His garments.

XI. Jesus is nailed to the Cross.

XII. Jesus dies on the Cross.

XIII. Jesus is taken down from the Cross.

XIV. Jesus is placed in the sepulchre.

THE HOLY ROSARY

The Holy Rosary is composed of fifteen decades, each decade consisting of the Our Father, ten Hail Marys, and the Glory be to the Father, and each being recited in honour of some mystery in the life of our Lord and of His Blessed Mother. During each decade we should call to mind the mystery which it is intended to honour, and pray that we may learn to practise the virtue specially taught us by that mystery.

Many indulgences can be gained by saying the Rosary devoutly. A plenary indulgence may be gained as often as the faithful, after Confession and Communion, recite a third part of the Rosary before the Blessed Sacrament.

I. THE FIVE JOYFUL MYSTERIES

1. The Annunciation.

2. The Visitation.

3. The Nativity.

4. The Presentation in the Temple.

5. The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple.

II. THE FIVE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES

1. The Prayer and Agony in the Garden.

2. The Scourging at the Pillar.

3. The Crowning with Thorns.

4. The Carrying of the Cross.

5. The Crucifixion and Death of our Lord.

III. THE FIVE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES

I. The Resurrection.

2. The Ascension of Christ into Heaven.

3. The Descent of the Holy Ghost on the Apostles.

4. The Assumption.

5. The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Heaven and the Glory of all the Saints.

Then is said:

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy; hail, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. 0 clement, 0 loving, 0 sweet Virgin Mary.

V. Pray for us, 0 holy Mother of God.

R". That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.

0 God, whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life; grant, we beseech Thee, that meditating, on these Mysteries, in the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may both imitate what they contain, and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

A QUARTER OF AN HOUR BEFORE THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

To please Me, dear child, it is not necessary to know much ; all that is required is to love Me much, to be deeply sorry for ever having offended Me and desirous of being ever faithful to Me in future. Speak to Me now as you would to your dearest friend.

Tell Me all that now fills your mind and heart. Are there any you wish to commend to Me? Tell Me their names, and tell Me what you would wish Me to do for them. Do not fear, ask for much; I love generous hearts, which, forgetting themselves, wish well to others.

Speak to Me of the poor you wish to comfort; tell Me of the sick that you would wish to see relieved. Ask of Me something for those who have been unkind to you, or who have crossed you. Ask much for them all; commend them with all your heart to Me.

And ask Me many graces for yourself. Are there not many graces you would wish to name that would make you happier in yourself, more useful and pleasing to others, more worthy of the love of Me, the dearest Lord, Master, and Spouse of your soul? Tell Me the whole list of the favours you want of Me. Tell Me them with humility, knowing how poor you are without them, how unable to gain them by yourself; ask for them with much love, that they may make you more pleasing to Me. With all a child's simplicity, tell Me how self-seeking you are, how proud, vain, irritable, how cowardly in sacrifice, how lazy in work, uncertain in your good resolutions, and then ask Me to bless and crown your efforts. Poor child fear not, blush not at the sight of so many failings ; there are Saints in heaven who had the faults you have ; they came to Me lovingly, they prayed earnestly to Me, and My grace has made them good and holy in My sight. You should be Mine, body and soul ; fear not, therefore, to ask of Me gifts of body and mind, health, judgment, memory, and success—ask for them for My sake ; that God may be glorified in all things. I can grant everything, and never refuse to give what may make a soul dearer to Me and better able to fulfil the will of God.

Have you no plans for the future which occupy, perhaps distress, your mind? Tell Me your hopes, your fears. Is it about your future state? your position among My creatures? some good you wish to bring to others? In what shall I help and bless your good will?

And for Me you must have—have you not? —some zeal, some wish to do good to the souls of others. Some, perhaps, who love and care for you, have ceased, almost, to know or care for Me. Shall I give you strength, wisdom and tact, to bring these poor ones close to My heart again ? Have you failed in the past? Tell Me how you acted;

I will show you why you did not gain all you expected; rely on Me, I will help you, and will guide you to lead others to Me.

And what crosses have you. My dear child? Have they been many and heavy ones ? Has some one caused you pain? Some one wounded your self-love? slighted you? injured you? Lay your head upon My breast, and tell Me how you suffered. Have you felt that some have been ungrateful to you, and unfeeling towards you? Tell Me all, and in the warmth of My heart you will find strength to forgive and even to forget that they have ever wished to pain you.

And what fears have you. My child? My providence shall comfort you. My love sustain you. I am never away from you, never can abandon you. Are some growing cold in the interest and love they had for you? Pray to Me for them; I will restore them to you if it be better for you and your sanctification.

Have you not some happiness to make known to Me? What has happened since you came to Me last, to console you, to gladden and give you joy. What was it? a mark of true friendship you received? a success unexpected and almost unhoped for? a fear suddenly taken away from you ? and did you remember the while, that in all it was My will. My love, that brought all that your heart has been so glad to have? It was My hand, My dear child, that guided and prepared all for you. Look to Me now, My child, and say: “Dear Jesus, I thank You."

You will soon leave Me now; what promises can you make Me? Let them be sincere ones, humble ones, full of love and desire to please Me. Tell Me how carefully you will avoid every occasion of sin, drive from you all that leads to harm, and shun the world-the great deceiver of souls.

Promise to be kind to the poor; loving, for My sake, to friends ; forgiving to your enemies, and charitable to all, not in word alone and actions, but in your very thoughts. When you have little love for your neighbour, whom you see, you are forgetting Me who am hidden from you.

Love all My Saints; seek the help of your holy patrons. I love to glorify them by giving you much through them. Love, above all. My own sweet glorious Mother—she is your mother; Love her, speak to her often, and she will bring you to Me, and for her sake, I will love and bless you more each day.

Return soon to Me again, but come with your heart empty of the world, for I have many more favours to give, more than you can know of; bring your heart so that I may fill it with many gifts of My love.

My peace be with you.

SUMMARY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE

I. We are bound to know and to believe: (1) That there is one supreme, eternal, infinite God, the Creator of heaven and earth; and that the good will be rewarded by Him for ever in heaven, and the wicked, who die unrepentant, will be punished for ever in hell. (2) That ia God there are three Persons, co-eternal, co-equal: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. (3) That God the Son, the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity, was made Man, and died upon the Cross to save us.

n. We are bound also to know and to believe the Apostles' Creed; to have a knowledge of the Commandments of God and of the Church, and of the Holy Sacraments; and to know the Lord's Prayer and the Hail Mary.

II. We are bound, moreover, to believe whatever God teaches us by His holy Church, who in her teaching cannot deceive us nor be deceived. Her teaching is among other ways, infallibly made known to us by the Pope "when he speaks ex cathedra — that is, when discharging the office of Pastor and teacher of all Christians, he defines, by virtue of his supreme apostolic authority, a doctrine regarding faith or morals, to be held by the universal Church."

THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS

1. BAPTISM: by which we are made Christians, children of God, members of His holy Church, and heirs of heaven.

2. CONFIRMATION: by which we receive the Holy Ghost, to make us strong and perfect Christians, and soldiers of Christ.

3. THE HOLY EUCHARIST: which is really and truly and substantially the Body and Blood, the Soul and Divinity, of Jesus Christ, under the appearances of bread and wine. The Holy Eucharist is not only a Sacrament, in which we receive our divine Lord for the food and nourishment of our souls, and in which He is really present to be adored upon the altar; it is also a Sacrifice, the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass, in which, at the time of consecration, the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, and in which He is offered up for us to His eternal Father.

4. PENANCE: by which the sins committed after Baptism are forgiven.

5. EXTREME UNCTION: which, in dangerous illness, and in preparation for death, comforts the soul, remits sin, and restores health if God sees this to be expedient.

6. HOLY ORDER: by which Bishops, Priests, and other Ministers of the Church receive power and grace to perform their sacred duties.

7.MATRIMONY: which is the Sacrament of Christian Marriage.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF GOD

1. Thou shalt not have strange gods before Me. Thou shall not make to thyself any graven thing; nor the likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, nor of those things that are in the waters under the earth. Thou shalt not adore them nor serve them.

2. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

3. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath-day.

4. Honour thy father and thy mother.

5. Thou shalt not kill.

6. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

7. Thou shalt not steal.

8. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

9. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife.

10. Thou shall not covet thy neighbour's goods.

THE SIX CHIEF COMMANDMENTS OF THE CHURCH

1. To keep the Sundays and Holydays of Obligation holy, by hearing Mass and resting from servile works.

2. To keep the days of Fasting and Abstinence appointed by the Church.

3. To go to Confession at least once a year.

4. To receive the Blessed Sacrament at least once a year, at Easter or thereabouts.

5. To contribute to the support of our pastors.

6. Not to marry within certain degrees of kindred, nor to solemnize marriage at the forbidden times.

THE THREE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES: Faith, Hope, and Charity.

THE FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance.

THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, the Fear of the Lord.

THE TWELVE FRUITS OF THE HOLY GHOST: Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Benignity, Goodness, Longanimity, Mildness, Faith, Modesty, Continency, Chastity.

THE SEVEN CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY : To feed the hungry; to give drink to the thirsty; to clothe the naked; to harbour the harbourless; to visit the sick; to visit the imprisoned; to bury the dead.

THE SEVEN SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY: To counsel the doubtful; to instruct the ignorant; to admonish sinners; to comfort the afflicted; to forgive offences;

to bear wrongs patiently; to pray for the living and the dead.

THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS: Pride, Covetousness, Lust, Anger, Gluttony, Envy, Sloth.

THE OPPOSITE VIRTUES: Humility, Liberality, Chastity, Meekness, Temperance, Brotherly Love, Diligence.

INDULGENCES

An indulgence is a remission granted by the Church to those who are free from the guilt of mortal sin, of the whole, or of apart, of the temporal punishment due for sins already forgiven.

Explanation. (1) By temporal punishment, as distinguished from eternal punishment, is meant punishment which is due for sin, and which will come to an end, either in this world, or in the next world in purgatory. The repentance for sin may be so great as to obtain from God the remission both of the guilt and of all punishment; but often through imperfection of our repentance some punishment remains due for sin after the guilt has been removed. (2) Indulgences are granted on the condition of the performance of certain specified good works; and they cannot be gained by anyone who is not free from the guilt of all grievous sins. (3) The Church, in granting an indulgence, offers to God, for the remission of the temporal punishment deserved for our sins, the infinite superabundant merits of our Lord, and also, in Him and through Him (though only secondarily), the merits of the Blessed Virgin and the Saints. (4) A plenary indulgence is a remission of the whole of the punishment due for forgiven sins; a partial indulgence is a remission of some part of that punishment. An indulgence granted as plenary will, if there be an obstacle to its full effect, be only partially obtained. In the early ages of the Church 'canonical penances,' as they were called, were inflicted for sin; and an indulgence of forty days, for example, represents a remission of as much of the temporal punishment as would have been remitted by means of forty days of such canonical penance.

The usual conditions for gaming a plenary indulgence are, in addition to the good work to which it is attached: (1) Confession within the eight days before or after, except for those who usually confess twice a month, or communicate at least five times a week. The one confession suffices for several indulgences. (2) Communion any time from the day before to eight days after. The one Communion suffices for several indulgences attached to the same day. (3) Visit to a church is sometimes required. (4) Prayer for the Pope's intention. One Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be, or other prayers of similar length, suffices, except for a toties quoties plenary, e.g. the Portiuncula, and the All Souls Day indulgence, when these three prayers must be repeated six times at each visit.

All indulgences, unless the contrary is expressly stated, may be applied to the Holy Souls in Purgatory.

FASTING AND ABSTINENCE

The present regulations require:

Abstinence on all Fridays (except Holydays of Obligation and December 26th);

Fast and Abstinence on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, the vigil of the Immaculate Conception (December 7th), and Christmas Eve (unless otherwise announced).

A vigil which falls on a Sunday is not observed; when the vigil of the Immaculate Conception or of Christmas falls on a Saturday, there is fasting but not abstinence.

THE EUCHARISTIC FAST

By a decree which came into force on 25th March, : 1957, the following rules replace those hitherto in force. They apply at whatever time of day Holy Communion is given.

1) Water may be taken at any time.

2) Solid food may be taken up to three hours before Holy Communion.

3) Alcoholic drinks, with or without food, may be taken up to three hours before Holy Communion.

4) Non-alcoholic drinks may be taken up to one hour before Holy Communion.

5 > The Sick (not necessarily bedridden) may also take genuine medicines, solid or liquid, as well as non-alcoholic drinks at any time before Holy Communion. [3 issuing the new Decree the Holy Father fervently exhorts the Faithful, who are in a position to do so, to observe the old form of Eucharistic Fast before Holy Communion, but there is no obligation to do so.

THE CHURCH'S LAW CONCERNING MARRIAGE

(1) Marriage between Catholics, or between a Catholic and a non-Catholic, must be celebrated before a Bishop, or Priest duly authorized, and two witnesses. Such marriages if otherwise celebrated—e.g. before the Registrar, an unauthorized Catholic priest, or any minister of the non-Catholic sects—may be binding legal contracts under civil law, but they are null and void before God, and the parties are not in the sight of God really husband and wife.

(2) Catholics who apostatize, either formally or equivalently, are not thereby withdrawn from the Church's jurisdiction in this matter.

(3) These rules have nothing to do with marriages between non-Catholics, neither of whom has been baptized in the Catholic Church.

(4) As ecclesiastical law requires the publication of banns in the church, persons intending to marry should give notice to the parish priest at least one month before the date proposed for the marriage.

(5) The solemn celebration of marriages is forbidden from Ash Wednesday till after Easter, and from the 1st Sunday in Advent till the day after Christmas Day.

MIXED MARRIAGES

A 'mixed marriage' (that is a marriage between a Catholic and one who, though baptized, does not profess the Catholic Faith) is strictly forbidden, nor will the Church even tolerate it unless in a special case there be a grave reason and the following be fulfilled:

(1) That all the children who may be bom of the marriage shall be baptized, and brought up, in the Catholic Faith.

(2) That the Catholic party shall have full liberty for the practice of the Catholic religion.

(3) That the Catholic party shall pray, and do everything he or she reasonably can, for the conversion of the other to the Catholic Faith.

(4) That no religious marriage ceremony shall take place elsewhere than in the Catholic Church.

PRINTED AT THE BURLEIGH PRESS, LEWIMS MEAD, BRISTOL

Table of Contents

Usual Prayers

Morning Prayers

Night Prayers

Additional Prayers

Holy Mass

Prayers for Confession

Prayers for Holy Communion

Benediction

Litany of the Blessed Virgin

The Divine Praises

The Way of the Cross

The Holy Rosary

A Quarter of an Hour before the Blessed Sacrament

Summary of Christian Doctrine

Fasting and Abstinence

The Eucharistic Fast

The Church's Law concerning Marriage

pp. 81-82