Preparation for Communion.

Communicants should prepare for the reception of Holy Communion:

1. By a good Confession, if necessary.

2. By fasting from all food and drink from midnight, unless in danger of death.

3. By devout prayer, both on the day before and on the day of Communion. It is a good rule to say the Office of Preparation on the day before.

Antiphon. Come, O Lord. Psalm 84.

O how amiable are Thy dwellings: Thou Lord of hosts!
My soul hath a desire and longing to enter into the courts of the Lord, my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
Yea, the sparrow hath found her an house, and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young: even Thy altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house: they will be always praising Thee.
Blessed is the man whose strength is, in Thee: in whose heart are Thy ways.
Who going through the vale of misery use it for a well: and the pools are filled with water.
They will go from strength to strength: and unto the God of gods appeareth every one of them in Sion.
O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: hearken, O God of Jacob.
Behold, O God our defender: and look upon the face of Thine Anointed.
For, one day in Thy courts: is better than a thousand.
I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God: than to dwell in the tents of ungodliness.
For the Lord God is a light and a defence; the Lord will give grace and worship, and no good thing shall He withhold from them that live a godly life.
O Lord God of hosts: blessed is the man that putteth his trust in Thee.
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. Come, O Lord, and visit us in peace, that we may rejoice before Thee with a perfect heart.

Lord have mercy upon us.
Christ have mercy upon us.
Lord have mercy upon us.

Our Father.
V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.
V. I said, Lord be merciful unto me.
R. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against Thee.
V. Turn Thee again, O Lord, at the last;
R. And be gracious unto Thy servants.
V. Let Thy merciful kindness, O Lord, be upon us.
R. As we do put our trust in Thee.
V. Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness.
R. And Thy Saints sing with joyfulness.
V. Cleanse Thou me from my secret faults.
R. Keep Thy servant also from presumptuous sins.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my crying come unto Thee.

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

Let us pray.

Most Gracious God, incline Thy merciful ears to our prayers and enlighten our hearts with the grace of the Holy Ghost, that we may worthily celebrate Thy Holy Mysteries, and love Thee with an everlasting love.

O Lord, we beseech Thee, may the Comforter Who proceedeth from Thee illuminate our minds and lead us as Thy Son hath promised, into all truth.

O Lord, we beseech Thee, may the power of the Holy Ghost be with us, and most mercifully cleanse and purge our hearts, and defend us from all adversities.

Cleanse our consciences, we beseech Thee, O Lord, by Thy visitation, that Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, when He cometh may find in us a mansion prepared for Himself; Through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the same Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who art about to come to me. Thy unworthy servant, in the Blessed Sacrament of Thy Body and Blood, prepare my heart. I beseech Thee, for Thyself. Grant me that repentance for my past sins, that faith in the atonement made for them by Thee upon the Cross, that perfect love to Thee and to all men which will fit me to receive Thee.

Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof, much less to receive Thee into myself: but since Thou didst not disdain to be laid in a manger, so vouchsafe to enter into my soul, unclean though it be through my many sins.

Lord, come to me that Thou mayst cleanse me.
Lord, come to me that Thou mayst heal me.
Lord, come to me that Thou mayst strengthen me;

and grant that, having received Thee, I may never more be separated from Thee but may continue Thine for ever till I see Thee face to face in Thy heavenly kingdom, where, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, Thou livest and reignest ever one God, world without end. Amen.

(End of Preparation.)

Before Mass.

Before the Sung Mass on Sundays only, the following is sung, and the Priest sprinkles the Altar and people with Holy Water.

The Asperges.

Think of your Baptismal grace and the need of purity for entering the Presence of God.

Antiphon: Thou shalt purge me, O Lord, with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Thou shalt wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
Ps. Have mercy upon me, O Lord: after Thy great goodness. Glory be, etc.

Repeat Antiphon.

P. O Lord shew Thy mercy upon us.
Ans. And grant us Thy salvation.
P. Lord hear my prayer.
Ans. And let my cry come unto Thee.
P. The Lord be with you.
Ans. And with Thy spirit.

Let us pray.

Hear us, O holy Lord, Almighty Father, Eternal God; and vouchsafe to send Thy holy Angel from heaven, to guard, cherish, protect, visit, and defend all that are assembled in this habitation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

From Easter to Whitsunday inclusive.

I beheld water which proceeded from the temple on the right side thereof, alleluia: and all they to whom that water came were healed everyone, and they say alleluia, alleluia.

Ps. O give thanks unto the Lord for He is gracious: and His mercy endureth forever. Glory be, etc. Repeat antiphon.

P. O Lord (as above)

PRIVATE PRAYERS BEFORE MASS.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Almighty Father, I come to offer Thee, through Jesus Christ, my Saviour, the sacrifice He made upon the Cross.

I desire to offer it for Thy honour and glory: in remembrance of my Saviour’s death: to thank Thee for all Thy love: to obtain pardon for my sins; and to gain blessings for all Christians, living and dead.

Especially this day I desire to plead this sacrifice for .......... (Here say the special thing you want to pray about.)

O Blessed Mary, Saint.......... my Patron, my Guardian Angel, pray for me.

Come Holy Ghost and help me to worship aright.

The Holy Mass with private prayers.

When the Service is fully sung there may not he found time for use of all the prayers, but they will be found useful for those attending, but not receiving, at a Low Mass.

The Celebrant first says the Preparation at the foot of the Altar steps. The Service properly begins with

THE INTROIT.

This is read aloud at Low Mass, and sung at High Mass.

The Altar is sometimes censed at the Introit, signifying the power of prayer and Christ’s merits.

THE KYRIE.

Kyrie eleison (or Lord, have mercy) (said aloud three times to God the Father.)

Christe eleison (or Christ, have mercy) (said aloud three times to God the Son.)

Kyrie eleison (or Lord, have mercy) (said aloud three times to God the Holy Ghost.)

THE GLORIA IN EXCELSIS.

On Sundays (except in Lent and Advent) and on all Feasts. When the Gloria in Excelsis is sung the Celebrant says it through privately, and then sits down. You may do the same.

Glory be to God on high, and in earth peace good will towards 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, Jesu Christ. O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father. That takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy upon us.
For Thou only art holy. Thou only art the Lord. Thou only O Jesu Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

The Celebrant now salutes the people, saying or singing:

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

Let us pray.

Then follow

THE COLLECTS.

followed by

THE EPISTLE.

at the end say
 
Thanks be to God.

The Epistle is followed by

THE GRADUAL. (said or sung)

The Celebrant now salutes the people

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

and announces

THE HOLY GOSPEL.

Before the Gospel is said or sung

Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

Incense is used in honour of the holy Gospel, at the end is said

Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

THE CREED.

On Sundays and certain Feasts only.

When the Creed is sung the Celebrant says it through privately, and then sits down. You may do the same. All kneel at the words, “And was incarnate, etc.” with the Priest and when they are sung in honour of the Incarnation.

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, (kneel) And was Incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary; And was made Man. (rise) And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, He suffered, and was buried. And the third day rose again, according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven; and sitteth on the fight 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 Holy 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.

THE OFFERTORY.

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

Let us pray.

The Celebrant reads the Offertory verse.

Think of the Birth and Presentation of our Lord.

While the priest offers the bread and wine, which will become Christ's Body arid Blood, say silently:

Receive, Holy Father, this bread and wine that we offer to Thee at the hand of Thy priest: and make them to become the Body and Blood of Thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
I also offer myself, both soul and body. Help me to serve Thee better, and to be more worthy -of Thy Love. Receive this offering which we make in memory of the Passion, Resurrection and Ascension of our Saviour, and in honour of Blessed Mary and all Thy Saints. And grant that while we remember them on earth, they may pray for us in Heaven. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Gifts, Altar and people are censed in preparation for and honour of the Sacrifice.

Think of the Wise men offering their gifts in worship.

A collection of Alms is made so that you may take your part in offering something to God.

Think of what you can offer to God in the coming week: of obedience to Him and things done for Him and for others.

The Priest says to you Brethren, pray, etc., you answer him:

The Lord receive this sacrifice at thy hands to the praise and honour of His Name: to our benefit, and that of all His Holy Church.

DEVOTIONS WHEN RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION. Jesus said: “he that eateth My Flesh and drinketh My Blood hath eternal life; he dwelleth in Me and I in him.” O Lord Jesu Christ, King of everlasting glory, behold I desire to come unto Thee, and to receive Thy Body and Blood in this Heavenly Sacrament, to Thy honour and glory, and for the good of my soul; I desire to receive Thee because it is Thy desire, and Thou hast so ordained; I desire to come to Thee that I may be united to Thee, that I may henceforth abide in Thee and Thou in me, and that nothing in life or death may ever separate me from Thee.

While the priest says what are called the Secret Prayers, think of all you owe to God, and thank Him in your own words.

When the priest speaks aloud, stop your own prayers, and join in

THE PREFACE.

P. The Lord be with you,
Ans. And with Thy spirit.
P. Lift up your hearts.
Ans. We lift them up unto the Lord.
P. Let us give thanks unto Lord God.
Ans. It is meet and right so to do.

The Celebrant now says or sings the Preface, after which is said or sung

THE SANCTUS.

Think of the Angels worshipping Him.

All. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts; heaven and earth are full of Thy glory: Glory be to Thee, O Lord most High.

THE BENEDICTUS.

Think of our Lord entering Jerusalem for His Passion.

All. Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

THE CANON.

The Celebrant at once begins the prayer and action which enshrines the Consecration. This is said in silence.

While he prays quietly, think of all living Christians, especially those you wish to pray for, and pray in your own words. Also, you should always pray for the good of the Catholic Church throughout the world: the chief Bishop, and your own Bishop. You can say:—

Remember, O God, Thy servants who are here present, and all for whom this great Sacrifice is offered. Bless, O Lord, Thy whole Church, and my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and friends, (especially . . . ). Give us all Thy grace to fear, love, and serve Thee, now and for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

When the server rings the bell, stop your own prayers.

The bread and wine are about to become the Lord’s Body and Blood. Think only of this with all your might.

THE CONSECRATION.

When the bell is rung again, open your eyes and look up while the priest holds up for you to see first Christ’s Body, and then the Chalice of Christ’s Blood: say each time silently: MY LORD AND MY GOD.

Now the Consecration is completed, now the Body and Blood of Christ are present under the form of Bread and Wine, and where His Body and Blood are there is JESUS CHRIST Himself. Think of Jesus on the Cross. Adore Him saying—

Jesu, my Lord, I Thee adore,
O make me love Thee more and more.

(1) Jesus my God. Jesus my Saviour. Jesus God and Man. All thanks and praise and glory be to Thee.

(2) Eternal Father, accept this Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, once offered on the Cross, and now offered upon our Altar.

I offer It in Worship of Thee; and in Thanksgiving for Thy love and mercy.

Look upon His face, and not upon our sins; and for His sake, hear us.

(3) Then:—Think of your sins, and ask for forgiveness.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who by the will of the Father, and the power of the Holy Ghost, didst give life to the world by Thy death, deliver me by this Thy sacred Body and Blood from all my sins, make me ever to obey Thy Commandments, and suffer me never to be separated from Thee; Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.

WHEN RECEIVING. Come, Lord Jesus, come into my soul, come with all Thy gifts and graces, and give me the grace I specially need—(here say what grace you need). Lord, come to me that Thou mayest cleanse me. Lord, come to me that Thou mayest heal me. Lord, come to me that Thou mayest strengthen me. Lord, come to me as Thou didst come to Blessed Mary. O come to my heart, Lord Jesus; There is room in my heart for Thee.

(4) Think of all the dead (especially.............. ), and pray that God may have mercy on them.

Have mercy, O Lord, on the souls of all the faithful departed (especially.............. ), in the place of refreshment, light, and peace, and in Thy mercy, pardon every sin committed by them in thought, word, and deed, Thou Who art the Resurrection and Life, and Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.

“Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord,
And may light perpetual shine upon them.”

(5) If you have come to Mass to pray for, or if the Priest has asked you to pray for any special thing, do it now.

Join quietly with the priest in the OUR FATHER, saying aloud at the end:

But deliver us from evil.

P. The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
Ans. And with thy spirit.

Almighty and everlasting God, grant that I may worthily receive within me the Body and Blood of Thy only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and give me, and all who this day receive Him, forgiveness of our sins, and strength to serve and please Thee better: through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Word Incarnate, Divine Jesus, true God and Man, I believe that Thou art here present: I adore Thee with humility, I love Thee with all my heart; and as Thou comest for love of me, I consecrate myself to Thee.

Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst come under my roof: but speak the word only and my soul shall be healed.

As you go up to the Altar, genuflect in worship, and say—

My Lord and my God, Thou art really and truly coming to me.

Think of the Resurrection of our Lord, and His appearance to His Apostles, and say—

THE AGNUS DEI.

O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. (Twice.)
O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

The bell then rings thrice when the Celebrant is about to receive the Blessed Sacrament.

THE COMMUNION.

During his Communion think of the Ascension of our Lord, and say—

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, refresh me.
Water from the Side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O Good Jesu, hear me.
Within Thy Wounds hide me.
Let me not be separated from Thee.
From the wicked enemy defend me.
In the hour of my death call me,
And bid me come to Thee.
That with Thy Saints I may praise Thee,
For all eternity. Amen.

WHEN RECEIVING. THE CONFESSION BEFORE COMMUNION. I confess to God Almighty, to Blessed Mary ever Virgin, to Blessed Michael the Archangel, to Blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints and to thee father, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my grievous fault. Therefore I beg Blessed Mary ever Virgin, Blessed Michael the Archangel, Blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Saints and thee, father, to pray to the Lord our God for me. or Almighty God, Bather of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things. Judge of all men; we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we, from time to time, most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed, against Thy Divine Majesty, provoking most justly Thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us; the burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; for Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake forgive us all that is past; and grant that we. may ever hereafter serve arid please Thee in newness of life to the honour and glory of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

When Holy Communion is given, after the Confession and Absolution the Priest, holding up the Blessed Sacrament, says—

Behold the Lamb of God: behold Him that taketh away the sins of the world!

Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof; but speak the word only and my soul shall be healed.

WHEN RECEIVING. When you get back to your seat, kneel down and thank Him. Think of His presence in your heart. O Lord Jesus, everlasting God, be merciful to me a sinner, who have received Thy sacred Body and Blood; make me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me; cleanse and defend me from all my sins, and from all snares of the devil; that I may come to Thine everlasting kingdom. Amen. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy Name. I give Thee most hearty thanks, O Father, Who hast fed me with the most precious Body and Blood of Thy dear Son, and I pray Thee that this Holy Communion may be my strength to fight against all that is wrong, and the means of always keeping me close to Thee; for His dear sake. Amen. If you have any more time, pray in your own words. O Lord, make my soul perceive the sweetness of Thy Presence, make it taste and see how gracious Thou art, that filled with Thy love, it may seek nothing out of Thee wherein to rejoice, for Thou, O Lord, art the joy of my heart, and my portion for ever. Amen.

The Celebrant then gives

THE BLESSING.

Or at Masses for the dead

V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.

THE LAST GOSPEL.

This is usually the Gospel for Christmas Day, read in honour of the Incarnation, but on certain days, there is a special Last Gospel.

When the Last Gospel is announced, stand and say

R. Glory be to thee, O Lord.

At the end say

R. Thanks be to God.

After Low Mass are often said these prayers—

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy; hall our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

WHEN RECEIVING. After the Last Gospel, kneel down and say— Grant, O Lord, that what has been taken Outwardly with the lips, may with a pure heart inwardly be received, and that the Gift vouchsafed in this life, may be for the salvation in the life to come. May Thy Body, O Lord, Which has been eaten, and Thy Blood which has been drunk, cleave to the souls of those who have received them; and grant that no stain of sin may remain in those Who have been refreshed With this most pure and Holy Sacrament. Amen. Pardon, O Lord, all my wandering thoughts at this time of prayer and praise, and all my other sins, give me help and strength to live as Thy true child, and what I have done wrong forgive for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

Let us pray.

O God our refuge and our strength look down in mercy on Thy people who cry unto Thee: and at the intercession of the glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Saint Joseph her spouse, of Thy blessed Apostles Peter and Paul and of all the Saints, in mercy and goodness hear our prayers for the conversion of sinners, and for the liberty and exaltation of our holy Mother, the Church. Through the same Christ out Lord. Amen.

Holy Michael Archangel, defend us in the day of battle: be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray: and do thou, Prince of the heavenly Host, by the power of God thrust down to hell Satan and all wicked spirits, who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. (Thrice).

Before leaving you may say to Jesus in the Tabernacle—

O Sacrament most Holy!
O Mystery Divine!
All praise and all thanksgiving
Be every moment Thine.

THE DIVINE PRAISES.

Blessed be God.
Blessed be His holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most Holy.
Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be the Name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be St. Joseph her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints.

THANKSGIVING AFTER COMMUNION.

To be said before leaving the Church if possible, or during the day.

Nunc Dimittis.

Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace: according to Thy word.
For mine eyes have seen: Thy salvation:
Which Thou hast prepared; before the face of all people;
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.

Lord have mercy upon us.
Christ have mercy upon us.
Lord have mercy upon us.

Our Father.

V. All Thy works praise Thee, O Lord,
R. And Thy Saints give thanks unto Thee.
V. Thy Saints shall be joyful in glory.
R. They shall rejoice in their beds.
V. Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us,
R. But unto Thy Name give the praise.
V. O Lord hear my prayer.
R. And let my crying come unto Thee.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

O God, Who for Thy three servants didst quench the flames of fire; mercifully grant that the flames of sin may not kindle upon us, Thy servants.

Prevent us, O Lord, 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.

Purify me, O God, with the fire of Thy Holy Spirit, that I may serve Thee with a clean heart, pure mind, and chaste body, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O Lord, make my soul perceive the sweetness of Thy Presence, make it taste and see how gracious Thou art, that filled with Thy love it may seek nothing out of Thee wherein to rejoice; for Thou, O Lord, art the joy of my heart, and my portion for ever. Amen.

Thou hast said, O my God, that they who trust in Thee shall never be confounded. I put my whole trust and confidence in Thy mercy, and I hope that having received Thee here on earth I may at length behold Thee face to face in heaven. Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.

O Eternal Father, I beseech Thee, of Thy boundless mercy, and by the Life and Death of Thy dear Son, enable me to persevere unto the end, and die in Thy favour.

THE ANGELUS.

Said morning, noon and night as a pious memorial of the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.

V. The angel of the Lord announced unto Mary.
R. And she conceived by the Holy Ghost.

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it unto me according to thy word.

Hail, Mary, etc.

V. And the Word was made flesh.
R. And dwelt among us.

Hail, Mary, etc.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.

We beseech Thee, O Lord, pour Thy grace into our hearts, that as we have known the Incarnation of Thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by His Cross and Passion we may be brought unto the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

IN EASTERTIDE.

Joy to thee, O Queen of Heaven. Alleluya.
He, Whom thou wast meet to bear, Alleluya,
As He promised, hath arisen. Alleluya.
Pour for us to God thy prayer. Alleluya.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluya.
R. For the Lord hath risen indeed. Alleluya.

Let us pray.

O God. Who, by the Resurrection of Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, didst vouchsafe to give joy to the whole world; grant, we beseech Thee, that through His Mother, the Virgin Mary, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.