THE SACRIFICE OF THE HOLY MASS

Liturgy of the Word Comment: The congregation sits so that it may comfortably and effectively listen to and absorb the word of God proclaimed by the readers.

First Reading - Old Testament, or NT letters

L: Reads from Scripture, after which is said:

The word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm - Often sung

The psalmist or cantor sings or says the Psalm, with the people making the response.

Second Reading

If there is to be a Second Reading, a reader reads it from the ambo, as above. To indicate the end of the reading, the reader acclaims:

L: (Reads from Scripture then says)

The word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Comment: The congregation stands, at the time of the proclamation of the Gospel, for whereas in the first two readings the word of God is communicated in the words of the prophets and apostles of the Old and New Testaments, in the Gospel it is the Word of God Himself, our Lord Jesus Christ, who speaks to the assembly. Alleluia

Comment: The congregation remains standing, the Alleluia is often sung and has a short sentence of the Gospel message interweaved in the song. There follows the Alleluia or another chant laid down by the rubrics, as the liturgical time requires. Meanwhile, if incense is used, the Priest puts some into the thurible. After this, the Deacon who is to proclaim the Gospel, bowing profoundly before the Priest, asks for the blessing, saying in a low voice: Your blessing, Father. The Priest says in a low voice: May the Lord be in your heart and on your lips, that you may proclaim his Gospel worthily and well, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Deacon signs himself and replies: Amen. If, however, a Deacon is not present, the Priest, bowing before the altar, says quietly: Cleanse my heart and my lips, almighty God, that I may worthily proclaim your holy Gospel. Gospel Comment: The congregation remains standingThe Deacon, or the Priest, then proceeds to the ambo, accompanied, if appropriate, by ministers with incense and candles. Then he says:

P (or Deacon): The Lord be with you.

C: And with your spirit.

P (or Deacon): A reading from the holy Gospel according to N.

C: Glory to you, Lord.

P: (Reads from Scripture then says) The Gospel of the Lord.

C: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Then he kisses the book, saying quietly: Through the words of the Gospel may our sins be wiped away.

Homily (the Priest presents a teaching on the readings) Comment: The congregation sits to listen to the homily preached by a Priest or Deacon on all Sundays and Holidays of Obligation; on other days, it is recommended. The congregaton remains sitting during the period of silence after the homily

Profession of Faith Comment: The congregation stands to profess its faith and exercise its baptismal priesthood by offering prayers and petitions on behalf of the Church and the world. The Liturgy of the Word concludes with this Prayer of the Faithful.At the end of the Homily, the Symbol or Profession of Faith or Creed, when prescribed, is either sung or said:

Nicene Creed Apostles Creed

A: I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, At the words that follow up to and including and became man, all bow. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Instead of the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed, especially during Lent and Easter Time, the baptismal Symbol of the Roman Church, known as the Apostles’ Creed, may be used.

A: I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, At the words that follow, up to and including the Virgin Mary, all bow.

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

General Intercessions Then follows the Universal Prayer, that is, the Prayer of the Faithful or Bidding Prayers.