General Rules
Of the Priest's Private Prayers
The priest should thoroughly commit to memory certain parts of the mass-rite, viz., the Decalogue; the Exhortation beginning with the words, "Ye who do truly," etc.; the Confession; the Absolution; the "Comfortable Words"; the versicles, "Lift up your hearts," and "Let us give thanks unto our Lord God"; the prayer of "Humble Access"; the forms for the administration of the Communion; and the Blessing.
Assuming that he will not fail to use his privilege of saying, privately and so as not to interfere with the public order, certain suitable prayers before and at certain points in the mass, the priest will do well to commit to memory and make due use of the forms set forth in full in the Appendix (or other similar forms,) which should commend themselves to priests who make use of this book.
Of Standing, Walking, Etc.
Gravity and seriousness should characterize the conduct and behavior of the priest when he is engaged in celebrating the Holy Eucharist. When he approaches the altar, returns from it, or moves from one place to another, the priest should walk with solemn gait, hold his head erect, have his eyes cast down and be recollected but not self-conscious. In passing from one part of the altar to another, and when going up or coming down the steps of the altar, the priest should never move sideways nor backward, but should first turn himself so as to face in the direction in which he is to go, and then proceed. When coming down from the footpace to the level of the sanctuary (and not carrying the Blessed Sacrament), the priest should not turn his back directly upon the altar-cross, but, having bowed towards the cross, should turn himself by his left so as to bring his back towards the Epistle-side of the altar, or by his right so as to bring his back towards the Gospel-side, and then go
