Saint Clare Parish

 714 Myrth Avenue   Essex, Maryland 21221

 

Home Page + Introduction + Liturgy of the Word + Liturgy of the Eucharist + Concluding Rite + Items used at Mass

Introductory Rites The section of the Mass preceding the Liturgy of the Word that confers a quality of preparation and introduction on the Eucharistic Sacrifice. The intent is that the assembled group unite as a community properly prepared to hear God's Word and celebrate the Eucharist. Includes the following: Entrance Antiphon Greeting Penitential Rite (Rite of Blessing & Sprinkling) Kyrie (Lord, Have Mercy) Gloria (Glory to God) Opening Prayer Liturgy of the Word Liturgy of the Word - The major part of the Mass between the Opening Prayer and the preparation of the Gifts during which the Word of God is proclaimed, responded to, authoritatively explained, accepted and held fast, and appealed to. Includes the following: First Reading Responsorial Psalm Second Reading Gospel Acclamation (Alleluia) Gospel Reading Homily Silence Profession of Faith (Nicene Creed) or (Apostles' Creed - Children Only) General Intercessions (Prayer of the Faithful) Church Public Authorities Salvation of the World (Oppressed) Local Community Liturgy of the Eucharist The major part of the Mass after the Liturgy of the Word and ending before the Concluding Rite. This part corresponds to the words and actions of Christ at the Last Supper. Christ took bread and the cup, gave thanks, broke, and gave them to His disciples saying: "Take and eat; this is My Body. Take and drink; This is the cup of My Blood. Do this in memory of Me." Preparation of the Gifts (Presentation) The priest prepares the altar and the gifts, prays over the bread and wine, and helps the assembly get ready for the tremendous Sacrifice that will take place in an unbloody manner. Includes the following: Offertory Song Preparation of the Altar Preparation of the Bread Preparation of the Wine Washing of Hands Invitation to Prayer Prayer over the Gifts Eucharistic Prayer The center and high point of the Mass that makes Christ present for us in His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. During it, the entire assembly joins Christ in acknowledging the works of God and in offering the Sacrifice. Includes the following: Introductory Dialogue Preface Sanctus Eucharistic Prayer Thanksgiving Acclamation Epiclesis - Ask God to consecrate the Host & Wine Institution - Narrative and Consecration Anamnesis - Command of Christ through the Apostles Offering Intercessions Final Doxology Memorial Acclamation Great Amen Communion Rite It is part when God gives a gift to Him. In both cases the gift is the same Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world. Includes the following: The Lord's Prayer Rite of Peace (Sign of Peace) Fraction Rite Breaking of the Bread Commingling Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) Personal Prayer Communion Silent Prayer Prayer after Communion Concluding Rite Immediately after the Communion Rite, should there be any announcements, these are made, but should be kept brief. Then just as the people were greeted at the beginning of the Mass, so now the president greets the people again and blesses them in one of three forms, the simple one, or at his discretion a more solemn Blessing, particularly at various seasons or on specific feast days, or a Prayers over the people. Includes the following: Blessing Dismissal

Items used at Mass Books + Objects + Vestments Books Book of the Gospels Contains only the Gospel readings. It is used on more solemn occasions and is carried by the deacon if it is used. Hymnal/Missalette Contains all the parts of the mass for a specific season in the liturgical year including instructions on when to stand, sit, or kneel. Lectionary Contains the scripture readings for Mass. It is carried in the procession by the lector and placed on the ambo. Sacramentary Contains the opening prayer, prayer over the gifts, prayer after communion, and solemn blessings. Eucharistic prayers and prefaces for all of the masses including most special occasions. Objects Chalice The large cup used at Mass used to hold the wine which becomes the Blood of Christ. Paten A saucer-like disk which holds the bread which becomes the Body of Christ. Ciborium A vessel used to hold the Hosts which will be used for communion. Some are cup-like and others are bowl/plate like. They are also used to reserve the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle. Decanter or Flagon The bottle or pitcher like vessel used to hold the wine which will be consecrated at mass for the communion of the people. It is brought forth with the gifts. Communion Cups Chalice like vessels used at communion when the people receive from the cup. They are kept on the Credence Table and brought to the Altar at communion time. Corporal A white linen cloth on which are placed the vessels containing the bread and wine during Mass which will become the Body and Blood of Christ. Pall The stiff, square, white cover that is placed over the paten when it is on the chalice. Purificator A white cloth use to cleanse the chalice. It resembles a napkin.

Vestments Alb A long white garment which can be used by all liturgical ministers. It is a reminder of the baptismal garment worn when the new Christian "put on Christ." Cincture A long cord used for fastening some albs at the waist. It holds the loose-fitting type of alb in place and is used to adjust it to proper length. It is usually white, although the liturgical color of the day may be used. Stole A long cloth "scarf." According to the manner in which it worn it is the mark of the Office of the priest or deacon. A priest wears it around the neck, letting it hang down in front. A deacon wears it over his left shoulder, fastening it at his right side. Color follows the same rules as for the Chasuble. Chasuble The sleeveless outer garment, slipped over the head, hanging down from the shoulders covering the alb and stole of the priest. It is the proper Mass vestment for the main celebrant and its color varies according to the feast. Green Worn during "Ordinary Time." Ordinary does not mean ordinary in the sense of common or normal. Ordinary means counting, as in the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Red Worn on Passion (Palm) Sunday, Good Friday, Pentecost Sunday, and on the Feast Days of Martyrs including the Apostles and Evangelists. White Worn during the Christmas and Easter seasons and celebrations of Mary, the Angels, the Saints who were not martyrs, All Saints, Birth of John the Baptist, Chair of Peter, Conversion of Paul, St. John the Evangelist and is the preferred color for Masses for the dead.. Violet Worn during Advent and Lent or at Masses for the dead. Rose Worn on the 3rd Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) and the 4th Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday). Black Worn at Masses for the dead. Dalmatic A loose-fitting robe with open sides and wide sleeves worn by a deacon on more solemn feasts. It takes its color from the liturgical feast as listed above. Cassock A long black garment worn by Altar Servers under the Surplice. Also worn by Diocesan Priests (Black), Monsignors (Rose), Bishops (Violet), Cardinals (Red), and the Pope (White). Surplice This is a wide-sleeved garment, slipped over the head, covering the shoulders, and coming down below the hips. It is worn over the cassock. Cope A cape-like garment which is put over the shoulders and hangs to the ankles, it is open in the front and worn by a priest or deacon in processions at Benediction and in other services. Benediction Veil Also called the humeral veil. This is a long narrow shawl-like vestment used at Benediction.