The Catholic's pocket prayer-book/Ordinary of the Mass
Ordinary of the Mass.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
I will go unto the altar of God.
R. To God who giveth joy to my youth.
Psalm 42.
(Omitted in Masses for the Dead and in Passion time.)
P. Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man.
R. For thou art God, my strength, why hast Thou cast me off? and why do I go sorrowful whilst the enemy afflicteth me?
P. Send forth Thy light and Thy truth: they have conducted me, and brought me unto Thy holy hill, and into Thy tabernacles.
R. And I will go unto the altar of God: to God, who giveth joy to my youth.
P. To Thee, O God my God, I will give praise upon the harp: why art thou sad, O my soul? and why dost Thou disquiet me?
R. Hope in God, for I will still give praise to Him: the salvation of my countenance, and my God.
P. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
V. I will go unto the altar of God.
R. To God, who giveth joy to my youth.
V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R. Who hath made heaven and earth.
P. I confess to Almighty God, etc.
R. May Almighty God have mercy upon thee, forgive thee thy sins, and bring thee to life everlasting.
P. Amen.
R. I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to you, father, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed [here strike the breast thrice], through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints, and you, father, to pray to the Lord our God for me.
P. May Almighty God have mercy upon you, forgive you your sins, and bring you to life everlasting.
R. Amen.
P. May the Almighty and merciful Lord grant us pardon, absolution, and remission of our sins.
R. Amen.
V. Thou wilt turn again, O God, and quicken us.
R. And Thy people shall rejoice in Thee.
V. Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy.
R. And grant us Thy salvation.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Before the Kyrie.
Take away from us our iniquities, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that we may be worthy to enter with pure minds into the Holy of Holies; through, etc. Amen.
We beseech Thee, O Lord, by the merits of Thy Saints, whose relics are here, and of all the Saints, that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to forgive me all my sins. Amen.
The Kyrie Eleison.
| Kyrie eleison (three times). | Lord, have mercy upon us. |
| Christe eleison (three times). | Christ, have mercy upon us. |
| Kyrie eleison (three times). | Lord, have mercy upon us. |
The Gloria.
(Omitted in Lent and Advent and in Masses for the Dead.)
Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace to men of good will. We praise Thee: we bless Thee: we adore Thee: we glorify Thee. We give Thee thanks for Thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father almighty, O Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son: O God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us: Thou who takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayers: Thou who sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For Thou only art holy: Thou only art the Lord: Thou only, O Jesus Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
At the Collects.
We humbly beseech Thee, O Almighty and eternal God, mercifully to give ear to the prayers of Thy servant, which he offers to Thee in the name of Thy Church, and in behalf of us Thy people; accept them to the honor of Thy name, and the good of our souls, and grant us all those blessings which may any way contribute to our salvation: who livest and reignest, one God.
P. World without end.
R. Amen.
At the Epistle.
O my God, I thank Thee that Thou hast called me to the knowledge of Thy holy law, while so many of my fellow-creatures are left in darkness and ignorance. I desire to receive with all my heart Thy divine commandments, and to hear with reverence the lessons which Thou addressest to us by the mouth of Thy prophets and apostles. Give me grace, O my God, not only to know Thy will, but also to do it.
R. Thanks be to God.
At the Gradual.
How wonderful, O Lord, is Thy name through the whole earth! I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall be ever in my mouth. Be Thou my God and Protector: in Thee alone I put my trust: O let me never be confounded.
At the Gospel.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy Spirit.
V. The continuation (or beginning) of the holy Gospel according to N.
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
O Lord Jesus, who, according to Thy Father's will, hast declared unto the world the message of the Gospel; grant that we may receive it into our minds, embrace it with our wills, preserve it in our memory, and practice it in our lives, and, being united here with those elect sheep who hear Thy voice, may be numbered with them also at the last day at Thy right hand, and hear Thee say: "Come, ye blessed of my Father, possess you the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."
R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.
The Nicene Creed.
(Omitted in Masses for the Dead.)
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, born of the Father, before all ages. God of God: Light of Light: true God of true God: begotten, not made: consubstantial with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary: and was made man. [Here the people kneel down.] He was crucified also for us, suffered under Pontius Pilate, and was buried. 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.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and life-giver, 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. And one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
The Offertory.
Accept, O eternal Father, this offering which is here made to Thee by Thy minister, in the name of us all here present, and of Thy whole Church. It is as yet only bread and wine, but, by a miracle of Thy power and grace, will shortly become the body and blood of Thy beloved Son. He is our High-Priest, and He is our Victim. With Him and through Him we desire to approach to Thee this day, and by His hands to offer Thee this sacrifice, for Thine own honor, praise, and glory; in thanksgiving for all Thy benefits; in satisfaction for all our sins, and for obtaining conversion for all unbelievers, and mercy, grace, and salvation for all Thy faithful. And with this offering of Thine only-begotten Son we offer ourselves to Thee, begging that, through this sacrifice, we may be happily united to Thee, and that nothing in life or death may ever separate us any more from Thee. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In a contrite heart and humble spirit may we be accepted by Thee, O Lord; and let our sacrifice be pleasing in Thy sight, O Lord God.
Come, O Almighty and eternal God, the Sanctifier, and bless this sacrifice prepared for Thy holy name.
At the Lavabo.
I will wash my hands among the innocent; and will compass Thy altar, O Lord.
That I may hear the voice of Thy praise, and tell of all Thy wondrous works.
I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of Thy house, and the place where Thy glory dwelleth.
Take not away my soul, O God, with the wicked, nor my life with bloody men.
In whose hands are iniquities: their right hand is filled with gifts.
But as for me I have walked in my innocence; redeem me, and have mercy on me.
My foot hath stood in the direct way, in the churches I will bless Thee, O Lord.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
After the Lavabo.
Most holy and adorable Trinity, vouchsafe to receive this our sacrifice, in remembrance of our Saviour's passion, resurrection and glorious ascension: and grant it may sensibly work in our souls the effects of these mysteries. Let those Saints whose memory we celebrate not forget us in heaven. They found help in this divine mystery. Grant, O Lord, it may likewise contribute to our salvation.
P. Brethren, pray that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the Father Almighty.
R. May the Lord receive the sacrifice from thy hands, to the praise and glory of His name, to our benefit, and to that of His holy Church.
At the Secret Prayer.
Sanctify, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God, by the invocation of Thy holy name, this host we offer unto Thee, and perfect us thereby an eternal oblation to Thyself. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of God the Holy Ghost.
P. World without end.
R. Amen.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
V. Lift up your hearts.
R. We have them lifted up unto the Lord.
V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
R. It is meet and just.
It is truly meet and just, right and salutary, that we should always, and in all places, give thanks to Thee, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God. Through Christ our Lord, through whom the angels praise Thy Majesty, the dominations adore, the powers do hold in awe the heavens, and the virtues of the heavens, and the blessed seraphim, do celebrate with united joy. In union with whom we beseech Thee that Thou wouldst command our voices also to be admitted with suppliant confession, saying: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth. Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
The Canon.
Most merciful Father, who hast given us Thy only Son to be our daily sacrifice, we beseech Thee, in the name of this holy Victim, incline Thy ear to our prayers, and favor our desires. Thou who art the Pastor of all pastors, protect, unite, and govern Thy Holy Church throughout the world; pour forth Thy blessings on his present holiness, and on that prelate who has a particular charge over us.
At the Memento.
I offer Thee, O eternal Father, with this Thy minister at the altar, this oblation of the body and blood of Thy only Son, to Thy honor and glory; in remembrance of my Saviour's passion, in thanksgiving for Thy benefits, in satisfaction for all my sins, and for the obtaining of Thy grace, whereby I may be enabled to live virtuously, and die happily. I desire Thee likewise to accept it, O God, for my parents, friends, and benefactors; and for N. N. grant them all blessings, spiritual and temporal; for those I have any ways injured in word or deed; for all my enemies; for the conversion of sinners, and enlightening all that sit in darkness. Pour forth Thy blessings on all, according to their different necessities; through the merits of Thy only Son our Lord.
(Here we may add our particular necessities, as likewise those of our friends, etc.)
Give ear, we beseech Thee, to the prayers of Thy servant, who is here appointed to make this oblation in our behalf, and grant that it may be effectual for the obtaining of those blessings which he asks for us. Be Thou, O Lord, the eternal bond of all our friendships and societies. And as Thou hast vouchsafed to join us, not only in communion with Thy faithful here below, but also with those who are now triumphing in heaven, with the Martyrs and Apostles, and Thy blessed Virgin Mother; be Thou the sacred bond to fasten and preserve us therein for ever.
At the Elevation of the Host.
Most adorable body, I adore Thee with all the powers of my soul. Lord, who hast given Thyself entire to us, grant we may become entirely Thine.
The same eternal Word, who brought all things at first out of nothing; He that said: "Let there be light," and there was light; "Let the earth bring forth its fruits," and it was so: the same eternal Word now says, This is My body; and speaks it from the highest heavens, at this very moment, by the voice of His servant.
At the Elevation of the Chalice.
Most adorable blood, that washest away all our sins, I adore Thee. Happy we, if we can return our life and blood for Thine.
After the Elevation.
It is now, O Lord, with grateful hearts we call to mind the sacred mysteries of Thy passion and death, Thy resurrection and ascension. Here is Thy body that was broken; here is Thy blood that was shed for us, of which these exterior signs are but the figures, and yet in reality contain the substance. It is now we truly offer Thee, O Lord, that pure and Holy Victim which Thou hast been pleased to give us; of which all the other sacrifices were but so many types and figures. As with a favorable eye Thou hast regarded the sacrifices of Abel, of Abraham, and Melchisedec, look likewise on ours; for however weak our faith may be, yet our sacrifice is greater than theirs, and the only one worthy of Thy heavenly altar.
Almighty God, who art infinitely good, look not on our sins, but on the infinite ransom paid for them. And now, whilst it is offered on our altars here below, do Thou receive it on Thy altar above; here from our hands, but there, from the angel of Thy great council, that eternal Priest, who is himself both priest and Victim, all in Thee, as Thou art all in him. Bless all those who here partake of this holy sacrifice.
At the Memento for the Dead.
I offer Thee again, O Lord, this holy sacrifice of the body and blood of Thy only Son in behalf of the faithful departed, and, in particular for the souls of N. N., for my parents, relations, benefactors, and neighbors; likewise of such as I have anyways injured, or been the occasion of their sins; of such as have injured me, and been my enemies; of such as die in war, or have none to pray for them, etc. For these and all others, as many as are yet in the state of penance, waiting for their discharge, we beseech Thee to hear us. Grant them rest, O Lord, and eternal salvation; admit them to the company of Thy blessed Saints.
At the Nobis quoque peccatoribus.
Vouchsafe to grant the same one day to us, poor and miserable sinners as we are, and judge us not according to our demerits; but, through the infinite multitude of Thy mercies in which we hope, liberally extend to us Thy grace and pardon. We ask it of Thee in the name of Thy dear Son, and in that form of prayer which He himself has taught us—He who liveth and reigneth with Thee.
V. Forever and ever.
R. Amen.
Instructed by Thy saving precepts, and following Thy divine institution, we presume to say:
Our Father who art in heaven: hallowed by 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.
R. But deliver us from evil.
P. Amen.
Deliver us from those evils which we labor under at present; from past evils, which can be nothing but our manifold sins; and from the evils to come, which will be the just chastisement of our offences, if our prayers and those more powerful ones of Thy Saints, who intercede for us, intercept not Thy justice, or excite not Thy bounty; through Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth.
P. World without end.
R. Amen.
V. May the peace of the Lord be always with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
At the Pax Domini.
Thy body was broken and Thy blood shed for us: grant that the commemoration of this holy mystery may obtain for us peace, and that those who receive it may find everlasting rest.
O Lord our God, pure and spotless Victim, who only canst satisfy the justice of an offended God; vouchsafe to make me a partaker of the merits of Thy sacrifice. What lessons of humility, meekness, charity, and patience dost Thou not give me! Impress these virtues upon my heart, that it may be to Thee a pleasant habitation, wherein Thou mayest repose as in an abode of peace.
The Agnus Dei.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. (Repeat the above.)
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, grant us Thy peace.
After the Agnus Dei.
In saying to Thy Apostles, My peace I leave you, My peace I give you; Thou hast promised, O Lord, to all Thy Church, that peace which the world cannot give: peace with Thee, and peace with ourselves. Let nothing, O Lord, ever interupt this holy peace; let nothing separate us from Thee, to whom we heartily desire to be united, through this blessed sacrament of peace and reconciliation. Let this food of angels strengthen us in every Christian duty, so as never more to yield under temptations, or fall into our common weaknesses. But, alas! who does not tremble at this holy table? since it is true, as we are differently disposed, we may receive either life or death; and that the unworthy receiver draws upon himself not a blessing, but Thy just wrath. Help us, therefore, O Lord, and so prepare us by Thy grace, that in this holy mystery we may find the effectual remedy of all our evils.
At the Domine, non sum dignus.
Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; say but the word, and my soul shall be healed. (Three times.)
After which the Priest says:
May the body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul to life everlasting. Amen.
At the Communion.
King of kings, Lord of lords, whom the heavens and the earth cannot contain, how great is Thy goodness, thus to become our sacrifice and our food! Thou art the food of life, O good Jesus; and it is by Thy power and grace my soul must live to Thee. Communicate, then, to me, at present, Thy divine blessing, and let my weak and hungry soul be now comforted and strengthened by this heavenly food; that it may be an effectual remedy of all my weaknesses; and make me faithful in Thy service for ever.
Grant, O merciful Jesus, that, whenever I shall receive this precious body and blood, they may forever abide in me, and become a heavenly nourishment to my soul.
At the Post-Communion.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
We give Thee thanks, O God, for Thy mercy, in admitting us to have a part in offering this, sacrifice to Thy holy name. Accept it now to Thy glory, and be ever mindful of our weakness.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
V. Go, the mass is ended.
R. Thanks be to God.
Most holy and adorable Trinity, without beginning, and without end; it is through Thee and by Thee we began this sacrifice; and by Thee we ought to finish it. Vouchsafe, therefore, to accept it; and as Thou art an abyss of majesty hidden from us, be Thou also an abyss of pity and mercy to us.
The Benediction.
May Almighty God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, bless you. Amen.
The Gospel according to St. John.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
P. The beginning of the holy Gospel according to St. John.
R. Glory be to thee, O Lord.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God: the same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him, and without Him was made nothing that was made: in Him was life, and the life was the light of men: and the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness to give testimony of the light, that all men might believe through him. He was not the Light, but was to give testimony of the Light. That was the true Light which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world.
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew Him not. He came into His own, and His own received Him not. 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. And the Word was made flesh [here the people kneel down], 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. Thanks be to God.
