The Medieval Church in the Isles, Part 12: The Order of Its Medieval Mass

The following Mass is taken largely from the late medieval Sarum Mass as found in several 19th century Anglo-Catholic and one Roman Catholic translation as well as a 21st century Roman Catholic and a 21st century Orthodox translation, along with a 19th century translation of the York Mass.  Some elements which belonged were copied from PECUSA’s 1928 Book of Common Prayer online, with a few translated from Latin and Middle English by me.

One significant difference those familiar with songs or chants that are part of the Ordinary of the Mass is that the versions here are presented with their medieval tropes, or farcings (both terms for interpolations), which were largely driven by choral masses in cathedrals, monasteries, and collegiate churches.  In many places, the Propers were also troped or farced, but these fell out of use in the High Middle Ages.  But those of the Ordinary continued in the Isles until the English and Scottish Reformations, and in the rest of the Western church until the Council of Trent.

Rite of Aspersion

Not actually part of the Mass, this office was performed immediately before Solemn High Mass on almost all Sundays and certain other times during the church year.

The Priest stands at the step of the quire (or at the sanctuary gate) in alb and cope.  The Deacon and the Subdeacon are with him, holding his book.  There are also a Thurifer, Croyser, and Cerofers, all wearing albs and amices, along with the bearers of salt, water, and the Book, in surplices.

The Priest takes the salt from its bearer, saying,

I exorcise thee, O creature of salt, by the living God, + by the true God, + by the holy God, + by the God who commanded thee to be cast into the water by Elias the prophet, that the barreness of the same might be healed, that thou become salt for the preservation of them that believe, and be to all who take thee salvation of soul and body; and from the place wherein thou shalt be sprinkled let every delusion and wickedness of the Devil and all unclean spirits, when adjured, fly and depart, by him; who shall come to judge the quick and the dead, and the world by fire.  Amen.

Let us pray.

We humbly implore thy boundless lovingkindness, Almighty and everlasting God, that of thy bounty thou wouldst deign to ble+ss and sanc+tify this creature of salt, which thou hast given for the use of mankind; let it be unto all who take it healthy of mind and body; that whatsoever shall be touched or sprinkled with it be freed from all manner of uncleanness, and from all assaults of spiritual wickedness; through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Priest takes the water from its bearer, saying,

I exorcise thee, O creature of water, in the Name of God + the Father Almighty; and in the Name of Jesus Christ, + his son, our Lord; and in the power of the Holy + Ghost; that thou mayest become water exorcised for the chasing away of all the power of the enemy; that thou mayest have strength to cast out the enemy himself and his apostate angels, by the power of the same, our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall come to judge the quick and the dead, and the world by fire.  Amen.

Let us pray.

O God, who for the salvation of mankind hast hidden one of thy greatest sacraments in the element of water, graciously give ear when we call upon thee, and pour upon this element, prepared for divers purifications, the power of thy blessing; let thy creature serve in thy Mysteries, by divine grace be effectual for casting out devils and for driving away diseases, that on whatsoever in the houses or places of the faithful this water shall be sprinkled, it may be freed from all uncleanness, and delivered from hurt.  Let not the blast of pestilence nor disease remain there; let every enemy that lieth in wait depart; if there be ought which hath ill-will to the safety and quietness of the inhabitants, let it flee away at the sprinkling of this water, that they being saved by the invocation of thy holy Name, may be defended from all that rise up against them; through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Here let the Priest cast salt into the water in the form of a Cross, saying,

Let this become a mixture of salt and water, in the Name of the Father, + and of the Son, + and of the Holy Ghost. + Amen.

V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.

O God, Author of invincible might, King of a dominion which cannot be moved and ever a Conqueror, who puttest down the strength of all that rise up against thee, overcomest the rage of the adversary, and by thy power dost cast down his wickedness; we, O Lord, with fear, humbly entreat and implore thee mercifully to look upon this creature of salt and water; after thy loving-kindness graciously illumine and sanctify + it, that wheresoever it shall be sprinkled, by the invocation of thy holy Name all unclean spirits which lie in wait may be cast out, and the dread of the serpent be chased far away; and let the presence of the Holy Ghost vouchsafe to be with us who ask thy mercy in every place.  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Priest then sprinkles the Altar, the Ministers, and the Choir, north side first and south side second, while the anthem Asperges me is sung, except on Palm Sunday, and Easter Sunday through Pentecost.

(Antiphon) Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, O Lord, and I shall be clean: Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
       V.  Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy great goodness.
(Antiphon) Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, O Lord, and I shall be clean: Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
        V.  According to the multitude of they mercies do away mine offences.
(Antiphon) Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, O Lord, and I shall be clean: Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
        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.
(Antiphon) Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, O Lord, and I shall be clean: thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

* * * * *

From Easter Sunday through the Feast of the Trinity the anthem Vidi aquam shall be sung or said in place of the above.

(Antiphon) I saw water proceeding out of the temple, from the right side thereof, alleluia:  and all men, whithersoever the waters shall come, shall be healed, and shall say, alleluia, alleluia
        V.  O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious, because his mercy endureth forever.
(Antiphon) I saw water proceeding out of the temple, from the right side thereof, alleluia:  and all men, whithersoever the waters shall come, shall be healed, and shall say, alleluia, alleluia.
       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.
(Antiphon) I saw water proceeding out of the temple, from the right side thereof, alleluia:  and all men, whithersoever the waters shall come, shall be healed, and shall say, alleluia, alleluia.

* * * * * 

Leaving the chancel via the north entrance, the Priest shall proceed to bless all auxiliary altars, then the People, with the Ministers processing in the following order:  beadle or verger, asperger, croyser, two cerofers, thurifer, subdeacon, deacon, and priest.

In some places, the auxiliary altars were also censed at this time.

After aspersing the People, the procession shall end where it began, with the Priest saying or singing,

V.  O Lord, show thy mercy upon us.
(In Eastertide add, Alleluia.)
R.  And grant us thy salvation.
(In Eastertide add, Alleluia.)
V.  Oh Lord, hear my prayer.
R.  And let my cry come unto thee.
V.  the Lord be with you.
R.  And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.

Graciously hear us, O Lord, holy Father Almighty, everlasting God: and vouchsafe to send thine Angel from heaven, to guard, cherish, protect, visit, and defend all who are assembled in this thy holy temple; through Jesus Christ our Savior.  Amen.

[In cathedrals, the Bidding Prayers (always in the native tongue) were said here, but in parishes this was deferred until later in the Mass.]

On Sundays and other days at Solemn High Mass, with the rite of aspersion being finished, the Litany of the Saints was sung or said in procession here.

V.  Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Christ, have mercy upon us.
V.  Lord, have mercy upon us.

V.  O Christ, hear us.
R.  O Christ, graciously hear us.

V.  O God the Father of heaven,
R.  Have mercy upon us.
V.  O God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
R.  Have mercy upon us.
V.  O God the Holy Ghost,
R.  Have mercy upon us.
V.  O Holy Trinity, one God,
R.  Have mercy upon us.

V.  Holy Mary,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Holy Mother of God,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Holy Virgin of virgins,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Michael,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Gabriel,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Raphael,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Uriel,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  All ye holy Angels and Archangels,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  All ye holy orders of blessed Spirits,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint John Baptist,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Joseph,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  All ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Peter,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Paul,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Andrew,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint James,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint John,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Thomas,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint James,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Philip,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Bartholomew,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Matthew,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Simon,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Jude,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Matthias,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Barnabas,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Luke,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Mark,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  All ye holy Disciples of the Lord,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  All ye Holy Innocents,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Stephen,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Lawrence,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Vincent,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Fabian and Saint Sebastian,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint John and Saint Paul,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Gervase and Saint Protase,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  All ye holy Martyrs,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Sylvester,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Gregory,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Ambrose,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Augustine,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Jerome,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Martin,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Nicholas,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  All ye holy Bishops and Confessors,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  All ye holy Doctors,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Anthony,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Benedict,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Bernard,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Dominic,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Francis,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  All ye holy Priests and Levites,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  All ye holy Monks and Hermits,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Mary Magdalene,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Agatha,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Lucy,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Agnes,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Cecilia,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Katharine,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Anastasia,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  Saint Helena,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  All ye holy Virgins and Widows,
R.  Pray for us.
V.  All ye holy servants and handmaidens of God,
R.  Make intercession for us.

V.  Be favourable,
R.  Spare us, O Lord.
V.  Be favourable,
R.  Graciously hear us, O Lord.

V.  From all evil,
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.
V.  From all sin,
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.
V.  From thy wrath,
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.
V.  From a sudden and unprepared death,
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.
V.  From the snares of the devil,
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.
V.  From anger, and hatred, and all uncharitableness.
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.
V.  From the spirit of fornication.
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.
V.  From lightning and tempest.
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.
V.  From the peril of earthquake, fire, and flood.
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.
V.  From pestilence, famine, and battle.
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.
V.  From everlasting damnation.
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.
V.  By the mystery of thy holy Incarnation.
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.
V.  By thine Advent.
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.
V.  By thy Nativity.
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.
V.  By thy Baptism and holy Fasting.
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.
V.  By thy Cross and Passion.
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.
V.  By thy precious Death and Burial.
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.
V.  By thy holy Resurrection.
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.
V.  By thy glorious Ascension.
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.
V.  By the coming of the Holy Ghost the Comforter.
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.
V.  In the day of judgment.
R.  Good Lord, deliver us.

V.  We sinner beseech thee to hear us, that it may please thee to spare us,
R.  We beseech thee to hear us.
V.  That it may please thee to pardon us,
R.  We beseech thee to hear us.
V.  That it may please thee to bring us to true repentance,
R.  We beseech thee to hear us.
V.  That it may please thee to govern and preserve thy holy Church,
R.  We beseech thee to hear us.
V.  That it may please thee to keep the Bishops and all orders in the Church in holy religion,
R.  We beseech thee to hear us.
V.  That it may please thee to humble the enemies of holy Church,
R.  We beseech thee to hear us.
V.  That it may please thee to give true peace and concord to Christian rulers,
R.  We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
V.  That it may please thee to give peace and unity to all Christian people,
R.  We beseech thee to hear us.
V.  That it may please thee to strengthen and preserve us in thy holy service,
R.  We beseech thee to hear us.
V.  That it may please thee to lift our minds to heavenly desires,
R.  We beseech thee to hear us.
V.  That it may please thee to reward with eternal blessings all our benefactors,
R.  We beseech thee to hear us.
V.  That it may please thee to deliver our souls and the souls or our brethren, sistren, kinsfolk, and benefactors from everlasting damnation,
R.  We beseech thee to hear us.
V.  That it may please thee to give and preserve to our use the fruits of the earth,
R.  We beseech thee to hear us.
V.  That it may please thee to grant eternal rest to all thy Faithful Departed,
R.  We beseech thee to hear us.
V.  That it may please thee graciously to hear us,
R.  We beseech thee to hear us.
V.  O Son of God,
R.  We beseech thee to hear us.

V.  O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world.
R.  Spare us, good Lord.
V.  O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world.
R.  Graciously hear us, good Lord.
V.  O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world.
R.  Have mercy upon us.

V.  O Christ, hear us.
R.  O Christ, graciously hear us.

V.  Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Christ, have mercy upon us.
V.  Lord, have mercy upon us.

V. Our Father (then in secret as far as the Versicle…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 debts, As we forgive our debtors.)

V.  And lead us not into temptation.
R.  But deliver us from evil.
V.  Haste thee, O God, to deliver me;
R.  Make haste to help us, O Lord.
V.  Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul;
R.  Let them be turned backward and put to confusiong that wish me evil.
V.  Let them for their reward be soon brought to shame.
R.  That cry over me, there, there.
V.  But let all those that seek thee be joyful and glad in thee:
R.  And let all such as delight in thy salvation way always, the Lord be praised.
V.  As for me, I am poor and in misery:
R.  Haste thee unto me, O God.
V.  Thou art my helper and my Redeemer:
R.  O Lord, make no long tarrying.
V.  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.  My God, save thy servants,
R.  Who put their trust in thee.
V.  Be unto us, O Lord, a strong tower,
R.  From the face of the enemy.
V.  Let the enemy have no advantage of us,
R.  Nor the son of wickedness approach to afflict us.
V.  O Lord, deal not with us after our sins,
R.  Neither reward us after our iniquities.
V.  Let us pray for N. our Bishop:
R.  The Lord preserve him and keep him alive, and make him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not into the will of his enemies.
V.  Let us pray for our benefactors:
R.  Vouchsafe, O Lord, for thy Name’s sake, to reward with eternal life all them that do us good.  Amen.
V.  Let us pray for the Faithful Departed:
R.  Grant unto them, O Lord, eternal rest; and let perpetual light shine upon them.
V.  May they rest in peace.
R.  Amen.
V.  Let us pray for our absent brethren:
R.  My God, save thy servants, who put their trust in thee.
V.  Send them help, O Lord, from the sanctuary.
R.  And strengthen them out of Sion.

V.  O Lord, hear my prayer.
R.  And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray.

O God, whose nature and property is ever to have mercy and to forgive;  receive our humble petitions, and though we be tied and bound with the chain of our sins, yet let the pitifulness of thy great mercy loose us.

O Lord, we beseech thee mercifully to hear our prayers, and all those who confess their sins unto thee; that thou wouldst of thy goodness bestow upon us both pardon and peace.

Show us, O Lord, in thy clemency, thine unspeakable mercy; that thou mayest both set us free from out sins and rescue us from the punishments which by our sins we have deserved.

O God, who art offended by sin and reconciled by penitence; mercifully regard the prayers of thy people who call upon thee, and turn away the scourges of thy wrath, which for our sins we justly have deserved.

Almighty and Everlasting God, have mercy upon thy servant, N. our Bishop, and after thy great goodness direct him into the way of everlasting salvation; that by thy grace he may desire those things that are well pleasing to thee, and with all his strength perform the same.

O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; give unto thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments, and also that by thee, we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness.

Inflame, O Lord, our reins and our hearts with the fire of the Holy Ghost; that we may serve with a chaste body and please thee with a pure heart.

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all them that believe; grant unto the souls of thy servants and handmaidens the remission of all their sins; that devout supplication they may obtain the pardon they have always desired.

Prevent us, O Lord, we beseech thee, in all our doings with thy most gracious favour, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life.

Almighty and everlasting God, who art the Lord both of the quick and the dead, and hast mercy upon all whom thou foreknowest will be thine in faith and works: we humbly beseech thee that they for whom we have purposed to pour forth our prayers, both those whom this present world still holdeth in the flesh, and those whom the world to come hath already received set free from the body, may at intercession of all thy Saints, obtain pardon of all their sins by the pitifulness of thy great goodness.

Through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.  Amen.

V.  the Lord be with you.
R.  And with thy spirit.
V.  O Lord, hear my prayer.
R.  And let my cry come unto thee.

The Almighty and Merciful Lord graciously hear us.  Amen.

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

The Litany procession being finished, the Priest and Ministers shall return to the vestry.  As the Priest and Ministers put on their vestments, they shall chant the following hymn.

[In the Use of York, this Hymn was said or sung after the Offertory, when the Priest was preparing the Altar for the Sacrifice.]

Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, come
from thy bright heav’nly throne;
come, take possession of our souls,
and make them all thine own 

Thou who art called the Paraclete,
best gift of God above,
the living spring, the living fire,
sweet unction and true love.

Thou who art sevenfold in thy grace,
finger of God’s right hand;
his promise, teaching little ones
to speak and understand. 

O guide our minds with thy blest light,
with love our hearts inflame;
and with thy strength, which ne’er decays,
confirm our mortal frame. 

Far from us drive our deadly foe;
true peace unto us bring;
and through all perils lead us safe
beneath thy sacred wing. 

Through thee may we the Father know,
through thee th’eternal Son,
and thee the Spirit of them both,
thrice-blessed three in One. 

All glory to the Father be,
with his coequal Son;
the same to thee, great Paraclete,
while endless ages run.  Amen.

V.  Send forth thy spirit, and they shall be created
R.  And thou shalt renew the fact of the earth. 

THE ENTRANCE RITE

[The original place for the Office of the Day, as the Introit was referred to in the Use of Sarum, came here, with the Choir beginning it as soon as the Priest and his Ministers entered the transept from the vestry.  Later, the Office was moved further down in the service and sung there, though in many places it was sung at both points.]

Office of the Day (Introit)

The Office (Introit) of the Day for Trinity Sunday is then sung.

(Office) Blessed by the Holy Trinity, and the Undivided Unity:  we will give thanks unto him, for the mercy he hath done unto us.
        V.  Let us bless the Father and the Son, together with the Holy Ghost.
(Office) Blessed by the Holy Trinity, and the Undivided Unity:  we will give thanks unto him, for the mercy he hath done unto us.
       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.
(Office) Blessed by the Holy Trinity, and the Undivided Unity:  we will give thanks unto him, for the mercy he hath done unto us.

In Eastertide, Alleluia is added at the end of the Office.

The Preparation of the Ministers

When some other liturgical service precedes the Mass, the following is omitted, and Mass begins with the second (or first in this case) singing of the Office.

This instruction would very probably include the preceding Litany of the Saints, if not the rite of aspersion as well, though maybe not.

The Priest says the following collect at the entrance to the rood screen.

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Ghost, that we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily magnify Thy Holy Name; through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

[This collect was adopted into the Church of England’s Book of Common Prayer as the Collect for Purity.]

(Antiphon) I will go unto the altar of God, * even unto the God of my joy and gladness.

Psalm 43. Judica me, Deus.

1.  Give sentence with me, O God, and defend my cause against the ungodly people * O deliver me from the deceitful and wicked man.
2.  For thou art the God of my strength * why hast thou put me from thee? And why go I so heavily, while the enemy oppresseth me?
3.  O send out thy light and thy truth * that they may lead me, and bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy dwelling;
4.  And that I may go unto the altar of God, even unto the God of my joy and gladness * and upon the harp will I give thanks unto thee, O God, my God.
5.  Why art thou so heavy, O my soul? * and why art thou so disquieted within me?
6.  O put thy trust in God * for I will yet give him thanks, which is the help of my countenance, and my God.
       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.

(Antiphon) I will go unto the altar of God, * even unto the God of my joy and gladness.

V.  Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Christ, have mercy upon us.
V.  Lord, have mercy upon us.

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 debts, As we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.  Amen.

Hail Mary, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee.  Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus Christ.

V.  And lead us not into temptation,
R.  But deliver us from evil.
V.  O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good,
R.  And his mercy endureth forever.

After which the Priest shall say to the Choir,

I confess to God, blessed Mary, to all the Saints, and to you, brethren, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, by my fault; therefore I beg holy Mary, all Saints, and you, to pray for me.

The Ministers shall reply,

May God Almighty have mercy upon you, pardon you all your sins; deliver you from evil; preserve and strenthen you in goodness; and bring you to everlasting life.

And the Priest shall say,

Amen.

Now the Ministers and Choir shall say,

I confess to God, blessed Mary, to all the Saints, and to you, brethren, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, by my fault; therefore I beg holy Mary, all the Saints, and you, to pray for me.

The Priest shall reply,

May God Almighty have mercy upon you, pardon you all your sins; deliver you from evil; preserve and strenthen you in goodness; and bring you to everlasting life.

And the Ministers and Choir shall say,

Amen.

Then the Priest shall say,

Absolution and remission of all your sins, space for true repentance, and amendment of life, grace and consolation of the Holy Spirit, may the Almighty and merciful Lord grant you.  Amen.

V.  O God, when thou art turned again, thou wilt quicken us.
R.  And they people shall rejoice in thee.
V.  O Lord, show us thy mercy.
R.  And grant us thy salvation.
V.  Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness.
R.  And let they saints rejoice.
V.  Turn us again, thou God of hosts.
R.  Show the light of thy countenance, and we shall be whole.
V.  Our help is in the Name of the Lord,
R.  Who hath made heaven and earth.
V.  Blessed be the Name of the Lord,
R.  From this time forth, now and for evermore.

The Priest shall then kiss the Deacon, and the Subdeacon, say,

Receive the kiss of peace and charity, that ye may worthily minister at the holy altar for the performance of divine offices.

This kiss of peace is always observed, throughout the year, except in Masses for the dead, and the three days next before Easter.

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
Let us pray.

Take away from us, we beseech thee, O Lord, all our iniquities, that we may be found worthy to enter the holy of holies with pure minds; through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

THE MASS OF THE CATACHUMENS
Missa catachumenorum

The Office (Introit) of the Day is then repeated.

(Office)  Blessed by the Holy Trinity, and the Undivided Unity: we will give thanks unto him, for the mercy he hath done unto us.
       V.  Let us bless the Father and the Son, together with the Holy Ghost.
(Office)  Blessed by the Holy Trinity, and the Undivided Unity: we will give thanks unto him, for the mercy he hath done unto us.
       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.
(Office)  Blessed by the Holy Trinity, and the Undivided Unity: we will give thanks unto him, for the mercy he hath done unto us.

Here follows the ninefold Kyrie responsively.

[In the actual practice of the Mass, the Kyrie was almost always farced (interpolated) with tropes (embellishments), with certain tropes assigned throughout the year, as was also the case in other parts of Western Europe.  The following, used at all the Principal Feasts, was unique to England and other parts of the British Isles.] 

O Divine Creator of all things,
Have mercy upon us.
Unto thee, O Christ, King of kings, rejoicing together, we pray thee,
Have mercy upon us.
To whom always be praise, virtue, peace, and dominion without end;
Have mercy upon us.
O Christ, Only-begotten Son, coeternal with thy loving Father,
Have mercy upon us.
Thou who didst save lost man, restoring him from death to life,
Have mercy upon us.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, that the sheep of thy pasture perish not,
Have mercy upon us.
O Spirit, the Comforter, we thy supplicants most humbly beseech thee,
Have mercy upon us.
O Lord, our strength and our salvation evermore,
Have mercy upon us.
O Supreme and only God, in thy compassion, grant us the gifts of life, and vouchsafe to
Have mercy upon us.

Then shall be sung the Gloria in excelsis, except in Advent, Shrovetide, and Lent, and Masses of the Dead.

[The following form of the Gloria includes many tropes, or farcings, first introduced at Salisbury Cathedral, which was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, but which became quite popular throughout the West.  They were omitted on ferias.]

        Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for Thy great glory.  O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty.
        O, Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; O Spirit and kind comforter of orphans; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, First-born of the Virgin Mother Mary, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.  Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer, to the glory of Mary.  Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy on us.
        For thou only are holy, sanctifying Mary; thou only art the Lord, ruling Mary; thou only art most high, crowning Mary, O Jesus Christ, with the Holy Ghost. In the glory of God the Father.  Amen.

V.  The Lord be with you.
R.  And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.

The Collects

Then the Priest shall say the Collect for the Day.  Other Collects may then follow, with the total number of Collects in odd numbers from one to seven.  When multiple Collects are said, there is only one Let us pray, and only one Through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Collect of the Day for Trinity Sunday

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast given us thy servants grace, by confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of thy Divine Majesty to worship the Unity; we beseech thee, that thou wouldest keep us steadfast in this faith, and evermore defend us from all adversities, who livest and reignest, one God, world without end.

[In the Sundays After Trinity to Advent, the above Collect of the Day was said as a Memorial to the Holy Trinity, followed by the Memorial for All Saints to make an odd number.  For ferias after Trinity, the collects were (1) of the Day, (2) of the Blessed Virgin Mary, (3) of All Saints, (4) for the Universal Church, and  (5) for Peace.]

[To cite another example of why there would be multiple collects; if Trinity Sunday fell on 9 June, the date for St. Columba of Iona, the collect for that day instead became the Memorial of St. Columba.  In addition, the Priest would have to add another to make it three instead of two; the Collect for All Saints was the one specified for this.  Otherwise just the one Collect of the Day for the Principal Feast would be said.]

Memorial for Saint Columba of Iona

We pray thee, O Lord, inspire our hearts with the desire of heavenly glory: and grant that we, bringing our sheaves with us, may thither attain where the holy Abbot Columba shineth like a star before thee.

(Antiphon) Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred: * and come into the land which I will give thee.

V.  His seed shall be mighty upon the earth.
R.  The generation of the faithful shall be blessed.

Memorial of All Saints

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of all holy and heavenly Powers, blessed Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Evangelists, Martyrs, Confessors, Virgins, and all thy others Saints, may gladden us in every place; and whilst we call to rememberance their good works, let us also have a sense of their protection.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.  Amen.

The Secrets and Post-Communion prayers are the same in number as that of the Collects said here.

[Though there were a few exceptions, such as all three Masses on Christmas Day and certain days of Lent, the Readings at Mass in the Use of Sarum followed the same pattern as the Use of Rome, with only an Epistle (or Lesson) and a Gospel.  When a reading from the Old Testament preceded those two, the Gradual came between the Lesson and the Epistle, as I have shown here, as it did when three lessons were the rule.]

The Lesson

After taking his place at the chancel step or at the lectern, the Lector or Acolyte appointed to read the Lesson shall say,  

[This Lesson is actually the Lesson (Epistle for Trinity Sunday in the Use of Sarum, but I have placed it here to show the older form at this point in the Mass.]

The reading from the Revelation of St. John the Divine.

        After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven:  and the first voice which I beard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be here after. And immediately I was in the spirit:  and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.  And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone:  and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.   And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.  And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.  And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal:  and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.  And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast† had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.  And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within:  and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.  And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power:  for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Finished, the Reader shall say, 

Here endeth the Lesson. 

And the Choir shall reply,

Thanks be to God.

The Gradual

The Choir shall then sing the Gradual.

[This is the Gradual Proper for the Feast of the Holy Trinity, given here in its original form with the antiphon sung three times.  In later practice, the middle repetition was dropped.  Also, the Gradual by that time came between the Epistle and the Gospel, immediately followed by the Alleluia and the Sequence, or by the Tract.]

(Gradual) Blessed art thou, O Lord, * who beholdest the depths, and sittest upon the Cherubim.
        V.  O ye heavens, bless ye God, * for the mercy he hath shewn unto us.
(Gradual) Blessed art thou, O Lord, * who beholdest the depths, and sittest upon the Cherubim.
        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.  (Gradual) Blessed art thou, O Lord, * who beholdest the depths, and sittest upon the Cherubim.

The Epistle

After taking his place at the chancel step or at the lectern, the Subdeacon shall say, 

The reading of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans.

[This Epistle is taken from the lessons of a Votive Mass for the Holy Trinity in the Sarum Missal.]

        O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!  For who hath known the mind of the Lord?  Or who hath been his counsellor?  Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?  For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever.  Amen.

Finished, the Subdeacon shall say,

Here endeth the Epistle.

And the Choir shall respond,

Thanks be to God.

The Alleluia

If there is no Sequence, the Alleluia is repeated.  It is not said when there is a Tract, except on the Vigils of Easter and Whitsunday, nor at Masses or Offices of the Dead.  In addition, from Easter Sunday through Ember Friday after Whitsunday, there were two Alleluias with Verses.

The Cantor shall sing,

Alleluia!

And the Choir shall reply,

Alleluia!

Then the Cantor shall sing the verse,

V.  Blessed art thou, O Lord God of our fathers * thy Name is worthy to be praised and glorified for evermore.

The Sequence

If one be appointed, the Sequence is sung immediately after the Alleluia.

[This is the Sequence appointed from Trinity Sunday.]

Blessed be the Holy Trinity
Glory coequal, Godhead coeternal
The Father God, the Son begotten, ever
Above all with the Holy Ghost abiding
Always one Wil have all the Persons Three
And never with each other are at a variance
For God is one, not into three divided
So the right faith, which Christ set forth, confesses
This is the faith which doth abolish sin
This is the unclouded country doth restore
Where heavenly hosts chant their sweet symphony
Christ’s footsteps clad in robes of white they follow
And after this world’s strife is o’er, put on
The change of raiment after which they yearn
Let us, too, whom the grace of God enlightens
Pay, as in duty bound, our debts to heaven
That so for us may after death abide
Communion with that celestial band
And when the final sentence is awarded
We may have entrance to the courts above
Where light beams forth conspicuous, enkindled
By that undying flame, the Lord our God
Our everlasting Vision, our salvation
Which lighteth up the holy angels’ breasts
While upon Christ alone they fix their eyes
Such thirst will saints in soul and body feel
When for their holy deeds a prize eternal
Shall by the Judge of all have been awarded

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

On Sundays of Shrovetide, on Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays of Lent, and in Masses for the Dead, a Tract takes the place of a Sequence after the Gradual.

The following Tract is from the First Sunday of Lent.

(Tract)  For he shall give his angels charge over thee * too keep thee in all thy ways.
        V.  I will say unto the Lord, thou art my hope, and my stronghold * my God, in him will I trust.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

The Gospel

After taking his place on the chancel step or at the pulpit, the Deacon shall say,

The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to John.

And the Choir shall respond,

Glory be to thee, O Lord.

        There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whoso ever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Finished, the Deacon shall say, 

The Gospel of the Lord.

And the Choir shall respond,

Praise be to thee, O Christ.

And the Priest shall say,

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

On the principal Mass of all Sundays, in the Octaves of Christmas, Easter, and Whitsunday, feast of the Apostles and Evangelists, in feasts of the Holy Cross, in the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, in both feasts of St. Michael the Archangel, in all commemorations of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and in the feast of a saint to whom the altar is dedicated, the creed commonly known as the Nicene is then said.  It is omitted at all other times.

[The so-called Nicene Creed as we have it is more appropriately called the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed.  The Western version of the creed sent out by the Council of Constantinople in 381 contains three interpolations from the Constantinopolitan revised version of the original issued by the Council of Nicaea in 325, here marked with italics.]

        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; Begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of very God; Begotten, not made; Being of one substance 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 ¹ the Virgin Mary, And was made man: And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried: And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures: And ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of the Father: And he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.
        And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord, and Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the Prophets: And I believe one Catholic and Apostolic Church: I acknowledge 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.

[¹ The other two phrases in italics are interpolations into the original text, but here the text was changed from ‘and’ to ‘of’.]

Here followeth the Sermon or Homily by the Bishop, Priest or other Person appointed, such as the Canon Predicant.

After which follow the Bidding Prayers, led by the Deacon in the language of the People, provided that the Litany of Saints hath not been already said.

[The following Bidding Prayers are adapted from several pre-Reformation versions written in the 16th century, largely the Use of York.  Both the Sarum Missal and the York Missal specify that the Bidding Prayers be said after the Offertory, but those instructions were largely for Mass at the cathedral and at collegiate churches; in parish churches the Bidding Prayers were said here.]

After a laudable custom of our Mother the Holy Church, ye shall kneel down, moving your hearts unto Almighty God, and make your special prayers for the Three Estates (in Scotland: ‘for the Community of the Realm’), concerning all Christian People, for the Spirituality, for the Temporality, for the Commoners, and for the souls in Purgatory.

Let us pray unto Almighty God, and to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and to the whole glorious company of heaven:  for the whole state of Christ’s Church and the peace of the realm; for all who are true to the King and to the Crown; for our father the Pope and all his true cardinals.  Amen.

Let us pray for the Bishop of this see, for all other Bishops and Archbishops, Abbots, Priors, Monks and Nuns, Canons and Canonesses, Friars, Beguines, Beghards, and all manner of men and women of religion, that God give them perseverance in honest and clean religious living.  Amen.

Let us pray for all Parsons, Vicars, and other Parish Priests of this church who hath the cure of its people’s souls, whith the ministers of Christ’s Church, both religious and secular, that God give them grace to teach their subjects every curat in their degrees, and their subjects to learn so well that both teachers and students come to bliss everlasting.  Amen.

Let us pray for all priests and clerks who read or sing in this church or in any other, and for all through whom God’s service in Holy Church is maintained and upheld.  Amen.

Let us pray for unity and peace of all Christian realms, especially for this realm, and for the king and the queen, and the peers and the lords and all good commoners of this land, that they may have heed good counsel to govern the land to the profit and welfare of the realm and salvation of their souls, gainstanding and refraining of our enemy’s power and malice.  Amen.

Let us pray for those who honoured this church or any other with book, bell, vestment, chalice, altar-cloth or towel, or any other ornament.  Amen.

Let us pray bequeath anything to the right maintenance and upholding of the work of this church, and for all those who furnish any light in this church, whether torch, taper, or lamp by which the worship of Godis better maintained and kept.  Amen.

Let us pray for all true travellers, and for all tillers of the earth, that they may truly and duly do their duty to God and Holy Church, as they be bound to do.  Amen.

Let us also pray for all our good parishioners, wheresoever they may be on water or on land, that God of his goodness save them from all perils and bring them safely to where they would be in health of body and soul and also of goods.  Amen.

Let us pray for all manner of fruits sown upon the ground, that Almighty God in his great pity and mercy may send such wedderings (weather) that they may come to the sustenance of man.  Amen.

Let us pray for all those in debt or deadly sin, that God in his great mercy give them grace to come out thereof,  and the sooner by our prayer.  Amen.

Let us also pray for all those sick or diseased in body or in soul, that the Almighty would send them the thing most profitable both bodily and spiritually.  Amen.

Let us pray for and pilgrims, and palmers, that have taken the road to Rome, or to Jerusalem, or to any other place, that Almighty God may give them grace to go safe, and to come back safe, and give us grace to have part of their prayers, and they part of ours.  Amen.

Let us pray for the recovery of the True Cross from the lands of the heathen into the hands of Christian People.  Amen.

Let us pray for all pregnant women (“women that be in our ladies’ bonds”), that the Almighty God may comfort and send them grace, the child to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, and the mother purification.  Amen.

Let us pray for those in good living, that God maintain them and give them good perseverance in their goodness.  Amen.

Let us pray for the good man and woman that this day gaveth bread to make the holy loaf; for them and for us and for all them that hath need of good prayers.  Amen.

Let us pray that these prayers may be heard and sped the sooner by your prayers, through Our Lady St. Mary and her Son, Jesus.  Amen.

THE MASS OF THE FAITHFUL
Missa fidelium 

The Offertory

The Sermon or Homily, or else the Bidding Prayers, ended, the Priest shall begin the Missa fidelium with the Offertory.

V.  The Lord be with you.
R.  And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.

The Offertory is sung or said at least once in the Use of Sarum and at least twice in the Use of York, but repetitions may have continued while the alms and oblation were being collected from the Congregation.  In Advent and Lent, the Offertory is followed by a Verse.

[The Offertory Proper for the Feast of the Holy Trinity.]

Blessed be God the Father, and the Only-Begotten Son of God, as likewise the Holy Ghost; for the mercy he hath done unto us.

After laying the paten with the host atop the chalice, the Priest shall bow briefly, then elevate both, saying,

Receive, O Holy Trinity, this oblation which I, an unworthy sinner, offer in thine honour, and that of Blessed Mary, and of all thy Saints, for my sins and offences; for the health and salvation of the living; and for the repose of all the faithful departed.  May this Sacrifice be acceptable to Almighty God; in the Name of the Father, + and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

The Priest then takes the thurible and censes the sacrifice three times in the form of a cross, then the space between himself and the altar, saying the following.

Let my prayer be set forth, O Lord, as incense in the site of thy majesty.

After this, the Deacon censes the Priest, the Subdeacon brings him the missal to kiss, and the Thurifer censes the Choir in order of rank, with the Subdeacon behind him offering the missal for each to kiss, starting on the decani (south) side, then the cantoris (north) side.

While this is being done, the Priest shall wash his hands at the right side of the Altar, saying,

Cleanse me, O Lord, for all pollution of mind and body, that being cleanse I may be able to perform the holy work of the Lord.

When the Deacon and Subdeacon finish the censing of the Choir and return to their places, the Priest shall step to the Altar and bow, saying,

In the spirit of humility and with contrite heart, let us be accepted of thee, O Lord, and let our sacrifice be in such wise in thy sight that it may this day be accepted by thee, and be pleasing to thee, O Lord my God.

Raising himself up, the Priest kisses the altar to the right of the sacrifice, afterwards rising up, and signing himself, saying,

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

Then, turning to the People, the Priest shall say, in a low voice,

Brethren and sistren, pray for me, that this sacrifice, yours equally with mine, may be accepted by the Lord our God.

The Clerks answer privately,

The grace of the Holy Ghost illumine thy heart and lips, and the Lord graciously accept this sacrifice of praise at thy hands for our sins and offences.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

[The above response was that of the Use of Sarum; in the Use of York, the Choir responded with Verses 1-3 of Psalm 20.]

        The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble: * the Name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
        Send thee help from the sanctuary: * and strengthen thee our of Sion.
        Remember thy offerings.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Turning again to the Altar, the Priest says the Secret Prayers, according to the number of Collects said before the Epistle.

[The Secret of the Holy Trinity]

Sanctify, we beseech thee, O Lord God, Holy Trinity, by the invocation of thy holy Name, the offering of this oblation; and through it perfect us to be an eternal gift presented unto thee.

[The Secret of St. Columba]

We beseech thee, O Lord, that thy holy Abbot Columba may intercede for us: that this sacrifice which we offer and present upon thy holy altar may be profitable unto us for our salvation.

[The Secret of All Saints]

O Lord, graciously accept the oblations that we present, and at the intercession of the holy and glorious Blessed Virgin Mary, with all thy saints, defend us from all dangers.

Through Jesus Christ thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the Unity of the Holy Ghost,

And the Priest shall finish his doxology in a loud voice.

World without end.  Amen.

[The usual doxology at the end of the Secret Prayers was Forever and ever.]

V.  The Lord be with you.
R.  And with they spirit.
V.  Lift up your hearts.
R.  We lift them up unto the Lord.
V.  Let us give thanks unto the Lord our God.
R.  It is meet and right so to do.

It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God;

Here followeth the Proper Preface.

[The Preface for the Feast of the Holy Trinity; this preface was used for Sundays from Trinity Sunday through the Fourth Sunday of Advent inclusive, from the First Sunday After Epiphany (Sunday After the Octave) through Quinquagesima Sunday, for all Masses of the Holy Trinity (such as votives), and Nuptial Masses]

Who, with thine only-begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, art one God, one Lord, in Trinity of Persons and in Unity of Substance.  For that which we believe of thy glory, O Father, the same we believe of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, without any difference of inequality, so that in the confession of very and eternal Deity, both the distinction of Persons, and the unity of essence, and the equality of majesty is to be worshipped; whom the Angels and the Archangels praise, the Cherubim also with the Seraphim, who cease not to cry out with one voice saying,

* * * * *

[The Preface for ferias.]

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom Angels praise thy majesty, Dominions adore, Powers tremble, the heavens, and the heavenly hosts, and the blessed Seraphim unit in one glad voice extolling thee; together with whom, we pray thee, that thou wouldst command that our voices have entrance, humbly confessing thee, and saying,

* * * * *

Here shall be sung the Anthem known as Sanctus, followed by the one known as Benedictus qui venit.

[The following is a farced form of the Sanctus and Benedictus qui venit which was popular in England and France, and appropriate to the Feast of the Holy Trinity.  The trope into the Benedictus “the Son or Mary” is an approved option in the Sarum Missal.]

Holy Father, from whom all things be
Holy Son, by whom all things be
Holy Ghost, in whom all things be
Lord God of hosts
Glory be to thee forever and ever
Heaven and earth are full of thy glory
Hosanna in the highest
To whom be all praise, glory, and honor everlasting
Blessed + is the Son of Mary that cometh in the Name of the Lord
Hosanna in the highest

The Canon of the Mass

Therefore, most merciful Father, through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, we beseech thee, that Thou wouldst accept and bless these gifts + these presents + these holy + and unspotted Sacrifices which in the first place we offer unto thee firstly for thy Holy Catholic Church, that thou wouldst vouchsafe to her grant peace, and to preserve, unite and govern throughout the world; together with Thy servants N., our Pope, N., our Bishop, and N., our King; as also all orthodox believers, of the Catholic and Apostolic faith.

Be mindful, O Lord, of thy servants and handmaidens N. and N., and all here present, whose faith and devotion are known to thee, for whom we offer, or who themselves offer, to thee this sacrifice of praise, for themselves and all who belong to them, for the redemption of their souls, for the hope of health and salvation, and who no pray their vows to thee, the eternal living and true God.

In communion with and commemorating, in the first place, the glorious Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, thy blessed Apostles and Martyrs Peter and Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Thaddeus, Linus, Cletus, Clement, Sixtus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Laurence, Chrysogynous, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian, and all thy Saints, by whose merits and prayers grant that we may always be defended by thy protection; through the same Christ our Lord.  Amen.

We beseech thee, O Lord, graciously to accept this oblation of our service and of thy whole family; dispose our days in peace, preserve us from everlasting damnation, and number us among thine elect; through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Which oblation, do thou, Almighty God, vouchsafe in all respects to ble+ss, ap+prove rati+fy, and make reasonable and acceptable, that it may become to us the Bo+dy and the Blo+od of thy dearly beloved Son our Lord Jesus Christ.

Who in the night before he suffered, took bread into his holy and venerable hands, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, to thee, O God, his Almighty Father, gave thanks unto thee, bles+sed, brake it, and gave it to his disciples, saying,

Take, and eat ye all of this, for this is my Body.

Likewise, after supper, he took the cup into his holy and venerable hands, and and having given thanks unto thee, he bles+sed it, and gave it to his disciples, saying,

Take, and drink ye all of this, for this is cup is my Blood of the new and everlasting testament, the mystery of faith, which will be shed for you and for many, for the remission of sins.  As oft as ye do these things, ye shall do them in memory of me.

Wherefore also, O Lord, we thy servants, together with thy holy people, calling to mind both the blessed Passion of the same Christ, thy Son, our Lord God, and also his Resurrection from the dead, together with his glorious Ascension into heaven, offer thy most excellent majesty of thy gifts and bounties, a pu+re offering, a ho+ly offering, a spot+less offering, the holy br+ead of eternal life, and the cha+lice of everlasting salvation.

Upon which do thou vouchsafe to look with with a favourable and gracious countenance, and to accept them as thou didst vouchsafe to accept the gift of thy righteous servant Abel, the sacrifice of our patriarch Abraham, and the holy sacrifice, the pure oblation, which thy high priest Melchizedek offered unto thee.

We most humbly beseech thee, Almighty God, command these gifts to be borne by the hands of thy holy angel to thy altar on high, in the presence of the divine majesty, that as manyof us as shall, by partaking at this Altar receive the most sacred bo+dy and bl+ood of thy Son may be fulfilled with all heavenly bene+diction and grace; through the same Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Remember also, O Lord, the souls of thy servants and handmaidens N. and N., who have gone before us with the sign of faith, and sleep the sleep of peace; to them, O Lord, and to all who rest in Christ, we pray thee that thou wouldst grant them a place of refreshment, light, and peace; through the same Christ our Lord.  Amen.

To us also, thy sinful servants, who hope in the multitudes of they mercies, vouchsafe to grant some part and fellowship with thy holy apostles and martyrs, with John, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicitas, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Caecilia, Anastasia, and with all thy saints, into whose company do thou admit us, we beseech thee, not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences; through Christ our Lord, by whom, O Lord, thou dost ever create, sanc+tify, quick+en, ble+ss, and bestowest upon us all good things.

Through + whom, and with + whom, and in + whom, all honour and glory be unto thee, god the Father Almighty, in the Unity of the Holy + Ghost, forever and ever.  AMEN.

Pater noster

Instructed by thy saving precepts, and following thy divine institution, we are bold to say,

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 debts, As we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation,

And the Choir, or the People, shall say,

But deliver us from evil.

And the Priest shall say,

Amen.

The Priest continues,

[The following is known as the Embolismus, a farcing or trope of the Pater noster that made it into the missal.]

Deliver us, we beseech thee, O Lord, from all evils, past, present, and future, and at the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of thy holy Apostles Peter, and Paul, and Andrew, with all thy Saints, graciously give us peace in our days, that aided by thy lovingkindness, we may be ever free from sin, and secure from all disquietude;

The Fraction

Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord,

As he says this, the Priest shall make the first fraction.

Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God,

Here he shall make the second fraction.

World without end.

After which the Choir (or the People) shall reply,

Amen.

* * * * *

Here, on ferial days, at feasts of three lessons, and within such octaves as are celebrated with Rulers of the Choir, from the Sunday After the Octave of the Epiphany up to Maundy Thursday, and from the First Sunday after Trinity to the Vigil of the Nativity (but never on Sundays or major feasts), the Priest, his Ministers, and the Choir say the following together, without note, kneeling.

Prayers in Prostration

(Antiphon)  Thine is the power, and the kingdom, O Lord; thou art above the nations:  Give peace in our time, O Lord.

Psalm 79. Deus, venerunt.

1.  O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; * thy holy temple have they defiled, and made Jerusalem an heap of stones.
2.  The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the air, * and the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the land.
3.  Their blood have they shed like water on every side of Jerusalem, * and there was no man to bury them.
4.  We are become an open shame to our enemies, * a very scorn and derision unto them that are round about us.
5.  LORD, how long wilt thou be angry? * shall thy jealousy burn like fire for ever?
6.  Pour out thine indignation upon the heathen that have not known thee; * and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy Name.
7.  For they have devoured Jacob, * and laid waste his dwelling-place.
8.  O remember not our old sins, but have mercy upon us, and that soon; * for we are come to great misery.
9.  Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy Name: * O deliver us, and be merciful unto our sins, for thy Name’s sake.
10.  Wherefore do the heathen say, * Where is now their God?
11.  O let the vengeance of thy servants’ blood that is shed, * be openly showed upon the heathen, in our sight.
12.  O let the sorrowful sighing of the prisoners come before thee; * according to the greatness of thy power, preserve thou those that are appointed to die.
13.  And for the blasphemy wherewith our neighbours have blasphemed thee, * reward thou them, O Lord, sevenfold into their bosom.
14.  So we, that are thy people, and sheep of thy pasture, shall give thee thanks for ever, * and will alway be showing forth thy praise from generation to generation.
        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. 

Psalm 67. Deus misereatur.

1.  God, be merciful unto us, and bless us, * and show us the light of his countenance, and be merciful unto us;
2.  That thy way may be known upon earth, * thy saving health among all nations.
3.  Let the peoples praise thee, O God; * yea, let all the peoples praise thee.
4.  O let the nations rejoice and be glad; * for thou shalt judge the folk righteously, and govern the nations upon earth.
5.  Let the peoples praise thee, O God; * let all the peoples praise thee.
6.  Then shall the earth bring forth her increase; * and God, even our own God, shall give us his blessing.
7.  God shall bless us; * and all the ends of the world shall fear him.
        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. 

Psalm 21. Domine, in virtute tua.

1.  The King shall rejoice in thy strength, O LORD; * exceeding glad shall he be of thy salvation.
2.  Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, * and hast not denied him the request of his lips.
3.  For thou shalt prevent him with the blessings of goodness, * and shalt set a crown of pure gold upon his head.
4.  He asked life of thee; and thou gavest him a long life, * even for ever and ever.
5.  His honour is great in thy salvation; * glory and great worship shalt thou lay upon him.
6.  For thou shalt give him everlasting felicity, * and make him glad with the joy of thy countenance.
7.  And why? because the King putteth his trust in the LORD; * and in the mercy of the Most Highest he shall not miscarry.
8.  All thine enemies shall feel thine hand; * thy right hand shall find out them that hate thee.
9.  Thou shalt make them like a fiery oven in time of thy wrath: * the LORD shall destroy them in his displeasure, and the fire shall consume them.
10.  Their fruit shalt thou root out of the earth, * and their seed from among the children of men.
11.  For they intended mischief against thee, * and imagined such a device as they are not able to perform.
12.  Therefore shalt thou put them to flight, * and the strings of thy bow shalt thou make ready against the face of them.
13.  Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength; * so will we sing, and praise thy power.
        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. 

(Antiphon)  Thine is the power, and the kingdom, O Lord; thou art above the nations:  Give peace in our time, O Lord.

V.  Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Christ, have mercy upon us.
V.  Lord, have mercy upon us.

V. Our Father (then in secret as far as the Versicle…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 debts, As we forgive our debtors.)

V.  And lead us not into temptation.
R.  But deliver us from evil.
V.  Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered.
R.  Let them also that hate him flee before him.
V.  Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us.
R.  But unto thy Name give the glory.
V.  Let us pray for the afflicted and for captives.
R.  Deliver Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
V.  Send them help O Lord, from thy Sanctuary.
R.  And strengthen them out of Sion.
V.  Be unto us, O Lord, a strong tower.
R.  From the face of the enemy.
V.  O Lord, save the King.
R.  And mercifully hear us when we call upon thee.
V.  O Lord, hear our prayer.
R.  And let our cry come unto thee

V.  The Lord be with you.
R.  And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.

O God, who in thy wondrous Providence orderest all things: we humbly pray that, rescuing the land which thine Only-begotten Son hath consecrated with his own Blood out of the hands of the enemies of the Cross of Christ, by mercifully directing the prayers of the faithful who are instant for its deliverance into the way of eternal peace; through Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.  Amen.

Govern, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy servant, our Bishop, and at the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of all Thy Saints, multiply upon him the gifts of thy grace, that he, being delivered from all offences, and not being left destitute of temporal help, may rejoice in thy never failing ordinances; through Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.  Amen.

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, to thy servant N. our King, health of mind and body that he, cleaving to a good work, may ever be protected by thy mighty protection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.  Amen.

* * * * *

Continuing from the Fraction, or from the prayers immediately above,

V.  The peace of the Lord + be al+ways with + you.
A.  And with thy Spirit.

The Agnus Dei

Here shall the Choir sing the Agnus Dei.

[The version below is a farced version popular in England, with the tropes in italics.]

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

King of eternal glory, who grantest forgiveness,

Have mercy, have mercy, have mercy upon us.

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

Who wast born of a Virgin and made man,

Have mercy, have mercy, have mercy upon us.

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

Father eternal, who givest peace,

Grant us, grant us, grant us, grant us thy peace.

The Priest shall then put the third [and smallest] portion of the host into the chalice, saying,

May this most ho+ly union of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, be unto me and all who receive it, health of mind and body, and salutary preparation for worthily attaining unto everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

O Lord, holy Father, Almighty Everlasting God, grant that I may so worthily receive this most holy Body and Blood of thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, that I may thereby be found fit to obtain remission of all my sins, and to be filled with thy Holy Spirit, and to have thy peace; for thou only art God, and there is none other beside thee, whose kingdom and glorious dominion abideth for ever, world without end.  Amen.

Here the Priest shall kiss the corporals on the right side, and the top of the chalice, and afterwards the Deacon, saying,

V.  Peace be to thee and to the Church of God.
R.  And with thy spirit.

The Deacon passes the peace to the Subdeacon, and both they to the Ministers and Choir, while the Priest says the following prayers in secret.

O God the Father, fountain and source of all goodness, who, moved by thy lovingkindness hast willed that thine Only-begotten One should descend to this lower world for our sakes, and take flesh, which I unworthy here hold in my hands, I adore thee, I glorify thee, I laud thee with the whole intention of my mind and heart, and I beseech thee thee that thou wouldst not forsake us thy servants but that thou wouldst forgive our sins; so that we may be enabled to serve thee, the One True God, with pure heart and chaste body; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who, by the will of the Father and the cooperation of the Holy Ghost, hast given life to the world by thy death; deliver me, I beseech thee, by this thy most Holy Body and Blood, from all my iniquities and from every ill; and make me ever obedient to thy commandments, and suffer me not to be separated from thee, O Saviour of the world; who with the Father and the same Holy Ghost, livest and reignest ever One God, world without end.  Amen.

Let not the Sacrament of thy Body and Blood, O Lord Jesus Christ, which I, although unworthy, receive, be unto me for judgement and condemnation, but may it through thy goodness, profitable to my salvation in both body and soul.  Amen.

Taking the Body in his hands, the Priest shall say,

Hail for evermore, most holy flesh of Christ, to me before all things and above all things, the greatest sweetness.  The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ be unto me a sinner, the way and the life; in the Na+me of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.  Amen.

[The above is from the Sarum Missal; the York Missal has him say here:  The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ be unto me an everlasting remedy unto eternal life.  Amen.]

He shall then receive the Body.  After, let him take the chalice, saying,

Hail for evermore, heavenly drink, to me before all things and above all things, the greatest sweetness.  The Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be profitable unto me for an eternal remedy unto everlasting life; in the Na+me of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  Amen.

[From the Sarum Missal; the York Missal has here:  The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve me unto everlasting life.  Amen.]

He shall then receive the Blood, and after say the following prayer.

I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, Almighty everlasting God, who hast refreshed me with the most sacred Body and Blood of Thy dear Son,  our Lord Jesus Christ; I pray that this Sacrament of our salvation, which I, an unworthy sinner, have partaken, turn not to judgement nor for condemnation according to my deserts, but  profitable to the preservation of my body and soul unto everlasting life.  Amen.

[From the Sarum Missal; the York Missal has here:  The Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be preserve my body and soul unto everlasting life.  Amen.]

[There is no recorded method for the houselling (an archaic English term meaning ‘to administer Holy Communion’) to the People in any missal of the Late Middle Ages (nor, for that matter, to the Ministers and Choir), not in the Use of Sarum, nor in the Use of York, nor in the Use of Rome.  A large reason for this was that by then few laity ever communicated, and then only rarely.  The formula in the Church of England’s 1549 Book of Common Prayer is closer to the formula for the Priest’s Communion in the Use of York than to its counterpart in the Use of Sarum.  The form here also derives from the Use of York.]

When communicating the Ministers, then the Choir, the Priest shall using the following Words of Administration for the Body.

The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ be unto thee an everlasting remedy unto eternal life.

And the Words of Administration for the Blood.

The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve thee unto everlasting life.

When the Priest hath finished administering Holy Communion to the Choir, he shall give the chalice to the Deacon, and the two shall proceed to the chancel step where they shall administer the same to all those who would receive, using the Words of Administration above.

The Ablutions

The administration of Holy Communion finished, the Priest shall go to the right side of the Altar with the chalice between his hands, the forefinger and thumb over the rim with tips touching.  The Subdeacon shall then pour both water and wine over the touching fingers, after which the Priest shall say,

What we have partaken of with our mouths, O Lord, may we receive with a pure heart, and from a temporal gift may it be to us and everlasting remedy.

The Subdeacon shall then pour wine alone over the Priest’s fingers, after which the Priest shall say,

Let this Communion, O Lord, cleanse us from every sin, and makes us partakers of heavenly healing.

After consuming the contents of the chalice, the Priest shall say,

Let us adore the sign of the Cross, by means of which we receive the Sacrament of salvation.

The Subdeacon shall then pour water alone over the fingers of the Priest once again, who shall  afterwards consume it.

The Communion

The Priest and his Ministers shall then sing the Communion (verse), with the Choir picking up after the first few words.  The Communion verse varies by day and by season.

[This is the Communion for Trinity Sunday.]

We will bless the God of heaven, and give thanks unto him in the sight of all that live; for the mercy he hath done unto us.

The Post-Communion

The Priest shall then say the Post-Communion collects, in the same number and order as the collects before the lessons.

V.  The Lord be with you.
R.  And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.

May the receiving of this Sacrament, O Lord our God, and the confession of the everlasting Holy Trinity, and of the undivided Unity of the same, be profitable to us, for the salvation of body and soul.

O Lord, we pray thee that this holy Sacrament which we have now received and the prayers of thy holy Abbot, blessed Columba may effectually defend us: that we may both imitate the example of his conversation, and perceive the succour of his intercession.

Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, that we who have received the heavenly Sacrament, reverencing the memory of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all thy Saints, may by the aid of their prayers attain in eternal joy that which we have celebrated upon earth; world with end.  Amen.

The Priest, turning to the People, shall say,

V.  The Lord be with you.
R.  And with thy spirit.

Then shall the Deacon say,

V.  Go, the Mass is ended.
R.  Thanks be unto God.

At Masses in which there is no Gloria in excelsis, the Deacon shall this instead.

V.  Let us bless the Lord.
R.  Thanks be to God.

At Masses for the Dead, the Deacon shall say,

V.  May they rest in peace.
R.  Amen.

The the Priest shall say,

V.  May God Almighty, the Father +, Son, and Holy Ghost, bless you.
R.  Amen.

The Last Gospel

Standing on the chancel step, the Priest shall say the following.

The beginning of the Gospel according to John.

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 not any thing made that was made.  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.  There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.  That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.  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.  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to be come the Sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were 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, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

* * * * *

[On ferias in the late medieval Irish Church, the following was said in place of the Last Gospel, in memory of the faithful departed.]

(Antiphon)  If thou, O Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss, * O Lord, who may abide it?

Psalm 130.  De profundis.

1.  Out of the depth have I called unto thee, O Lord; * Lord, hear my voice.
2.  O let thine ears consider well * the voice of my complaint.
3.  If thou, O Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss, * O Lord, who may abide it?
4.  For there is mercy with thee, * therefore shalt thou be feared.
5.  I look for the Lord; my soul doth wait for him; * in his word is my trust.
6.  My soul fleeth unto the Lord before the morning watch; * I say, before the morning watch.
7.  O Israel, trust in the Lord; for with the Lord, there is mercy, * and with him is plenteous redemption.
8.  And he shall redeem Israel * from all his sins.

(Antiphon)  If thou, O Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss, * O Lord, who may abide it?

V.  Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord.
R.  And let light perpetual shine upon them.
V.  From the gates of Hell.
R.  Deliver their souls, O Lord.
V.  May they rest in peace.
R.  Amen.

Redeem thy servants and handmaidens, we beseech thee, O Lord, our relations, our neighbours, our friends, our benefactors, as well as the souls of all the faithful departed, from all the chains of their sins, that in the glory of the Resurrection they may be raised up to life, and breathe again among thy Saints and Elect; through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

* * * * *

The Blessing of the Bread

On Sundays, parishioners would bring bread to be blessed both for those attending Mass to consume (they were urged, but not required, to do so immediately after the blessing), likely in substitution of receiving the actual Communion, as well as for those who were unable to attend.  Still practiced in France and Quebec, where it is known as pain benit, in Quebec this blessing was moved to take place immediately after the Asperges.

V.  Blessed be the Name of the Lord.
R.  From this time forth for evermore.
V.  Let us bless the Lord.
R.  Thanks be to God.
V.  The Lord be with you.
R.  And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.

Bless, O Lord, this creature of bread, as thou didst bless the five loaves in the wilderness, that all who partake thereof may receive health both of body and soul.  In the Name + of the Father, and + of the Son, and of the Holy + Ghost.  Amen.

After this, holy water shall be sprinkled over the bread, and it shall be distributed.

Thanksgiving After Mass

To be said by the Priest and Ministers in the vestry.

(Antiphon)  Let us sing the Song of the Three Children, which they sang in the fiery furnace, giving thanks unto the Lord.

Song of the Three Children. Benedicite, omnia opera.

62.  O ye Priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
63.  O ye Servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
64.  O ye Spirits and Souls of the Righteous, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
65.  O ye holy and humble Men of heart, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
66.  O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

Psalm 100. Jubilate Deo.

1.  O be joyful in the LORD, all ye lands: * serve the LORD with gladness, and come before his presence with a song.
2.  Be ye sure that the LORD he is God; it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; * we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
3.  O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; * be thankful unto him, and speak good of his Name.
4.  For the LORD is gracious, his mercy is everlasting; * and his truth endureth from generation to generation.

Song of Simeon. Nunc dimittis.

29.  Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, * according to thy word.
30.  For mine eyes have seen * thy salvation,
31.  Which thou hast prepared * before the face of all people;
32.  To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, * and to be the glory of thy people Israel.
        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. 

(Antiphon)  Let us sing the Song of the Three Children, which they sang in the fiery furnace, giving thanks unto the Lord.

V.  Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Christ, have mercy upon us.
V.  Lord, have mercy upon us.

V. Our Father (then in secret as far as the Versicle…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 debts, As we forgive our debtors.)

V.  And lead us not into temptation.
R.  But deliver us from evil.
V.  Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
R.  Let us praise and magnify him forever.
V.  Blessed art thou, O Lord, in the firmament of heaven, praised and exalted above all forever.
R.  The Holy Trinity bless us and keep us.  Amen.
V.  Enter not into judgement with thy servant, O Lord.
R.  For in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
V.  Turn us, O Lord God of hosts.
R.  Shew the light of thy countenance, and we shall be whole.
V.  O Lord, hear my prayer.
R.  And let my cry come unto thee.
V.  The Lord be with you.
R.  And with they spirit.
Let us pray.

O Lord, who for the Three Children didst quench the flames of fire, mercifully grant that we thy servants may not be consumed by the flame of our sins.

Kindle in our reins and our hearts, O Lord, the fire of the Holy Ghost, that we may serve thee with a chaste body, and please thee with a pure heart.

Prevent us, O Lord, we beseech thee, in all our doings with they favour, that all our works may be begun, continued, and ended in thee.

Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.