Celebrant

Deacon

Sub-deacon

Master of Ceremonies

Acolytes

Thurifer

1.—The Priest who is to celebrate having spent some time in prayer, presents himself at the proper hour in the Sacristy and washes his hands; then aided by the Sacred Ministers, who are already vested, he also vests, using the appropriate prayers, vide p. 31.

When vested, he puts on his Biretta, and remains until it is time to enter the Church.

1.—The Deacon should arrive in the Sacristy at least a quarter of an hour before the time appointed for the Service. Having made a short prayer, he finds the Gospel in his Book and sets the markers in the Missal, washes his hands and proceeds to vest. In doing so, he may use the prayers, vide p. 31, saying, when putting on the Dalmatic: Clothe me, O Lord, with the garment of salvation and the vestment of joy, and encompass me alway with the Dalmatic of righteousness. He will not take the Maniple (or the folded Chasuble, if it be used), or put on his Biretta until the vesting of the Celebrant is completed.

He salutes the Celebrant on his arrival, and assisted by the Sub-deacon, proceeds to vest him; he then takes his Maniple (and folded Chasuble, if used) and puts on his Biretta.

1.—The Sub-deacon should arrive in the Sacristy at least a quarter of an hour before the time appointed for the Service.

Having made a short prayer, he finds the Epistle in his Book, washes his hands, prepares the Chalice and proceeds to vest. In doing so, he may use the prayers, vide p. 31, saying, when putting on the Tunicle: The Lord clothe me with the Tunicle of joy and with the garment of gladness. He will not take the Maniple (or the folded Chasuble, if it be used), or put on his Biretta until the vesting of the Celebrant is completed.

He salutes the Celebrant on his arrival and assists with the Deacon to vest him; he then takes his Maniple (and folded Chasuble, if used) and puts on his Biretta.

1.—The Master of Ceremonies having made a short prayer in the Church, should arrive in the Sacristy at least a quarter of an hour before the Service and put on his Cassock and Surplice. He will see that everything has been duly prepared or else he will do so himself, as described in the preliminary chapter, and will then remain in readiness to assist the Sacred Ministers to vest.

1.—A quarter of an hour before the Service, the Acolytes having made a short prayer in the Church, proceed to the Sacristy and vest in Cassock and Surplice. Then under the direction of the Master of Ceremonies, they assist in making the necessary preparations; one of them will proceed to light the candles on the Altar, (vide p. 2), while the other lights the Acolytes’ candles in the Sacristy.

They then remain in readiness, assisting the Sacred Ministers to vest if the Master of Ceremonies be not at hand.

1.—A quarter of an hour before the Service, the Thurifer having made a short prayer in the Church, proceeds to the Sacristy and vests in Cassock and Surplice. He prepares the fire for the Thurible and in the absence of the Acolytes will be in readiness to assist the Master of Ceremonies at the vesting of the Sacred Ministers.

2.—When all is in readiness, he uncovers and makes a reverence to the Cross of the Sacristy and an inclination to both of the Ministers, first to the Deacon and then to the Sub-deacon—who return it; he then replaces his Biretta and turning, follows the Deacon to the Altar, having his hands joined before his breast and his eyes cast down. If there is to be a Solemn Procession and the Celebrant be vested in Cope, he will walk between the Sacred Ministers, who will raise the borders of the Cope on either side. (For the ceremonies to be observed if it be necessary, on the way to the Altar, to pass the High Altar or an Altar at which the Blessed Sacrament is reserved or at which the Holy Eucharist is being celebrated, vide p. 32.)

If the Celebrant should pass through the Choir and there be Clergy there, he will salute them by an inclination of the head.

2.—When all is in readiness, he uncovers and makes a reverence to the Cross of the Sacristy and then returns the salutation of the Celebrant. He turns, covers his head, and with hands joined, follows the Sub-deacon. If there is to be a Solemn Procession and the Celebrant be vested in Cope, the Deacon will walk at his right hand and raise the border of the Cope. If it be necessary to salute any Altar in passing, he does so with the Celebrant, standing at his right.

If he pass through the Choir on the way to the Altar and there be Clergy there, he will salute them by an inclination of the head.

2.—When all is in readiness, he uncovers and makes a reverence to the Cross of the Sacristy and then returns the salutation of the Celebrant. He turns, covers his head and with hands joined, follows the Acolytes, or the Clergy if they have not already entered the Choir.

If there is to be a Solemn Procession and the Celebrant be vested in Cope, the Sub-deacon will walk at his left hand and raise the border of the Cope. If it be necessary to salute any Altar in passing, he does so with the Celebrant, standing at his left.

If he pass through the Choir on the way to the Altar and there be Clergy there, he will salute them by an inclination of the head.

2.—The preparations complete, he gives the signal for the entrance to the Church and precedes the Deacon and Sub-deacon, with his hands joined before his breast and with head uncovered, even if he be in Holy Orders.

2.—The preparations complete, the Acolytes take their Candlesticks and stand behind the Sacred Ministers; at the signal of the Master of Ceremonies, they make a reverence to the Cross of the Sacristy and to the Celebrant, and turning, follow the Thurifer into the Church, walking before the Choir if they be not already in the Church. They walk abreast and hold the Candlesticks with one hand at the knob near the middle and with the other at the foot. The hand which holds the upper part of the Candlestick, must always be on the outside.

2.—When the entrance to the Sanctuary is made solemnly with the Choir and Clergy, the Thurifer will first present the Thurible to the Celebrant to receive incense therein and then precede the Procession into the Church; if the Processional Cross be used he will walk immediately before the Cross-bearer.

The Thurifer will carry the Thurible with the right hand near the top of the chains, the thumb being passed through the large ring at the top and the middle finger through the small ring attached to the chain which raises the cover.

On less solemn occasions, the Thurifer enters the Sanctuary alone, timing his entrance so as to arrive at the right of the Master of Ceremonies, when the Celebrant ascends to the Altar after the preparatory prayers. When this is the case he carries the Thurible in the left hand near the top of the chains and this is the invariable rule, when the Thurible does not contain blessed incense. The Thurifer should carry the Incense-boat unless a sanctuary-boy be provided for that purpose. It should be held from below, close to the breast, in the right hand when the Thurible is carried in the left and in the left hand when the Thurible is carried in the right.

IV. From the Preparatory Prayers to the Offertory.

3.—On arriving at the steps of the Altar, he uncovers with his Ministers, gives his Biretta to the Deacon and then makes a profound inclination (or a genuflection, if the Blessed Sacrament be reserved in the Tabernacle); having the Deacon at his right and the Sub-deacon at his left, he makes the Sign of the Cross, saying In the Name, &c., and proceeds with the preparatory prayers as at a Low Celebration, but at the words you brethren he inclines first towards the Deacon and then towards the Sub-deacon.

3.—Arrived at the steps of the Altar, he moves to the right of the Celebrant, uncovers and gives his Biretta to the Master of Ceremonies, then, with both hands receives that of the Celebrant with the usual kiss (this and all other kisses are omitted in Requiems) and gives it also to the Master of Ceremonies. Then, with the Celebrant, he makes the proper reverence[3] to the Altar, makes the Sign of the Cross and says the preparatory prayers.

He inclines moderately towards the Celebrant, when saying, May Almighty God have mercy upon thee, &c., and profoundly towards the Altar, when saying the Confession. At the words you father he turns towards the Celebrant; he becomes erect and makes the Sign of the Cross when the Celebrant says May the Almighty and merciful Lord, &c., but again bows moderately at Wilt Thou not turn again, &c., and remains inclined until Let us pray, inclusively.

3.—Arrived at the steps of the Altar, he moves to the left of the Celebrant, uncovers and gives his Biretta to the Master of Ceremonies.

Then, with the Celebrant, he makes the proper reverence3 to the Altar, and the Sign of the Cross and says the preparatory prayers. He inclines moderately towards the Celebrant, when saying May Almighty God, have mercy upon thee, &c., and profoundly towards the Altar, when saying the Confession. At the words you father he turns towards the Celebrant; he becomes erect and makes the Sign of the Cross when the Celebrant says May the Almighty and merciful Lord, &c., but again bows moderately at Wilt Thou not turn again, &c., and remains inclined until Let us pray, inclusively.

3.—Arrived at the steps of the Altar, he moves to the right of the Deacon and receives from him, without kissing his Biretta and that of the Celebrant. Then making the proper reverence[4] to the Altar, he passes to the left of the Sub-deacon, receives his Biretta which together with the others he places on the Sedilia and then kneels at the lowest step on the Epistle side, facing the Gospel side, and responds in the usual way to the preparatory prayers, making the Signs of the Cross and customary inclinations.

3.—Arrived at the steps of Altar, they retire on either side of the Choir, turning so as to face each other; the Sacred Ministers having arrived at the steps, the Acolytes turn towards the Altar and make the proper reverence4 with them; they afterwards unite and proceed to the Credence where they deposit their Candlesticks, then kneel at the same place with their faces to the Altar, and join in the preliminary prayers.

3.—On reaching the Sanctuary, he makes the proper reverence,4 retires on one side to permit the Sacred Ministers to pass and then at once proceeds to the Epistle side and kneels on the pavement.

4.—Having ascended to the Altar and kissed it in the middle, he turns by his right and receiving the spoon from the Deacon, puts incense thrice into the Thurible, saying, Be thou blessed by Him in Whose honour thou art to be burned. Amen. He returns the spoon to the Deacon and then makes the Sign of the Cross over the Thurible, his left hand being placed on the Altar.

4.—Then, holding himself upright, he ascends with the Celebrant to the Altar, he receives the Incense-boat from the Master of Ceremonies, kisses the spoon and presents it to the Celebrant, kissing at the same time his hand and says, Bless, reverend father. Should the Celebrant be a Bishop, he says Bless, most reverend father. The incense being put into the Thurible, he receives the spoon from the Celebrant, kisses his hand and then the spoon, and returns the boat to the Master of Ceremonies. The blessing concluded, he takes the closed Thurible with his right hand by the top of the chains, and with his left, at the bottom near the cover; he presents it, first kissing the small holder at the top and then the right hand of the Celebrant, as he takes the lower part of the chains.

4.—Then, holding himself upright, he ascends with the Celebrant to the Altar, turns with him to the right, and assists at the blessing of the incense.

4-5.—He ascends to the predella with the Sacred Ministers, takes the Incense-boat from the Thurifer and presents it to the Deacon and returns it to the Thurifer after the incense has been blessed. He then goes to the Missal and removes it with its stand from the Altar, he proceeds to the lowest step and remains there till the Celebrant has incensed that side of the Altar and then replaces the Missal on the Altar. With the others, he salutes the Celebrant before and after he is incensed.

4-6.—When the Celebrant ascends to the Altar, the Acolytes rise and remain standing near the Credence, with hands joined before the breast or their arms folded within the sleeves of their Surplices.

4-5.—The Thurifer, with the Master of Ceremonies at his left, approaches the Altar at the close of the preliminary prayers and stands upon the predella near the Epistle side; he gives the Incense-boat to the Master of Ceremonies, holds the Thurible open before the Celebrant, till the incense has been put in and blessed; closes the Thurible; places the top of the chains in the right hand of the Deacon and the lower part near the cover in his left; receives the Incense-boat from the Master of Ceremonies and descends to the pavement, near the Credence. The Thurible when presented to receive incense, should be held in the left hand by the chains near the top; then, by means of the small ring at the top, the Thurifer raises, with his right hand, the cover high enough to permit the Celebrant to put in the incense without difficulty.

5.—Receiving the Thurible from the Deacon, he turns to the Altar and makes a profound inclination to the Cross (or a genuflection if the Blessed Sacrament be reserved in the Tabernacle). He incenses the Cross with three double swings (1, 2, 3) and again makes the due reverence to the Cross or to the Blessed Sacrament. He then proceeds to incense the Table of the Altar on the Epistle side with three swings (4, 5, 6), measuring in the act equal distances and walking in such a manner as to accompany each step with a swing of the Thurible—usually a swing is made towards each of the three Candlesticks. Arrived at the corner of the Altar, the Celebrant lowers his hand and incenses the lower part with one swing (7) and the upper, with another (8); then raising his hand and turning round, he incenses the Table of the Altar with three swings (9, 10, 11) as far as the centre, where having returned, he makes the proper reverence and then proceeds to incense the Gospel side with three swings (12, 13, 14) and the lower and upper parts of the Gospel corner with two swings (15, 16), as on the Epistle side. Without changing his position, he raises his hand and incenses the upper part of the Table, towards the centre of the Altar, with three swings (17, 18, 19); again lowering his hand, he incenses with three swings (20, 21, 22) the front part of the Altar on the Gospel side, walking as he does so towards the centre; arrived there, he makes the proper reverence and proceeding, incenses with three swings (23, 24, 25) the front of the Epistle side, as far as the corner.

All the movements of the Thurible in the incensing of the Altar will be single swings, with the exception of those to the Cross which should be double.

5.—While the Celebrant incenses the Altar, he stands at his right, raises the Chasuble with his left hand, the right being placed upon his breast, and makes, with the Celebrant, the proper reverence when they pass the centre of the Altar.

5.—After the blessing of the incense, he again turns to the Altar and while the Celebrant is making the incensings, he raises the Chasuble with his right hand, the left being placed upon his breast, and makes with the Celebrant, the proper reverence when they pass the centre of the Altar.

AT THE BLESSING OF INCENSE.

Note.—If the predella of the Altar be narrow, the positions given in the second diagram should be adopted.

NOTE.—THE POSITION OF THE LETTERS IN THE DIAGRAMS INDICATES THE DIRECTION IN WHICH THE RESPECTIVE MINISTERS SHOULD FACE.

6.—At the Epistle corner, he presents the Thurible to the Deacon and is himself incensed, standing with hands joined and facing south. After being incensed, he will turn to the Altar, make upon himself the Sign of the Cross and begin the Introit, proceeding with the Service as at a Low Celebration (vide p. 33), until he has sung the Collects for the Day, except that the Kyries are said at the Epistle corner and not at the centre of Altar.

6.—The incensing being finished, he receives the Thurible from the Celebrant, kissing his right hand placed upon the small holder; he takes the chains near the top with his left hand and the lower part near the cover with his right, he descends the steps at the Epistle corner to the pavement and turning, facing the north, incenses the Celebrant with three double swings, making an inclination before and after. He then gives the Thurible to the Thurifer and ascends to the step below the predella, where he stands a little to the right of the Celebrant, makes the Sign of the Cross simultaneously with him at the Introit, goes on his own step, with Celebrant, to the centre when he does so, returns with him to Epistle corner and stands behind him as before, where he remains with hands joined until the conclusion of the last Collect, when he mounts to the predella and assists at the right of the Celebrant, while he reads the Epistle, &c., turning the leaves for him as may be necessary.

6.—When the Celebrant returns the Thurible to the Deacon, he descends the steps by the shortest way, at the Epistle corner and standing on the pavement at the left of the Deacon, faces the Celebrant while he is incensed, saluting him before and after, with an inclination of the head. He proceeds to the second step below the predella at the Epistle side and standing behind the Deacon, a little to his right, makes the Sign of the Cross at the Introit simultaneously with the Celebrant and Deacon, with them goes on his own step to the centre, and returns to the Epistle corner where he remains, with hands joined, until the Collects.

6.—When the Celebrant has been incensed, he goes to the step below the predella and standing at the side of the Altar near the Book, indicates to the Celebrant with his hand, the beginning of the Introit and this he will always do when assisting the Celebrant at the Book, pointing out to him what to sing or read, turning the leaves, &c.

6.—When the Deacon descends to the pavement, the Thurifer will stand at his right, bow with him to the Celebrant both before and after the latter is incensed; receive the Thurible with his right hand by the chains near the top and carrying the Incense-boat in his left, make the proper reverences and retire to the Sacristy. If the Gloria Patri of the Introit is being sung by the Choir, the Thurifer should remain with head inclined towards the Altar and not return to the Sacristy until the Sicut erat is begun. Having deposited the Thurible, &c., in the proper place, he returns to the Sanctuary and stands near the Credence or in any more convenient position.

7.—The Collects being sung, the Celebrant reads the Epistle, Gradual, Tract, &c., to himself, while the Sub-deacon is singing the Epistle.

7.—At the conclusion of the Epistle, which is read by the Celebrant in an undertone, the Deacon responds Thanks be to God and remains where he is, until the Sub-deacon presents himself for the Celebrant’s benediction after the Epistle.

7.—During the last Collect, he receives with both hands the Book of the Epistles, presented to him by the Master of Ceremonies, making a slight inclination as he does so; he rests the upper part of the Book upon his breast and holds it with the opening towards the left. He waits, turned towards the Altar, until the Celebrant has said the words Jesus Christ, in the conclusion of the last Collect or, if these words are not said in the conclusion, until the first words of the conclusion and then proceeds to the centre, makes the proper reverence at the lowest step, returns to his place behind the Celebrant and there sings the Epistle, holding the Book himself while doing so.

7.—When the Celebrant has begun the Collect, if there be but one, or the last, if there be more than one, the Master of Ceremonies will salute him and go to the Credence. He there takes with both hands the Book of Epistles, the opening being to his right, and presents it to the Sub-deacon, saluting him both before and after and then stations himself on his left hand, a little behind him. At the conclusion of the Collect, he inclines his head at the words Jesus Christ and then proceeds to the centre where, with the Sub-deacon, he makes the proper reverence to the Altar and returns to his former position. He points out the Epistle to the Sub-deacon and if it be necessary assists him to hold the Book. He makes the usual inclinations with the Sub-deacon and if he should genuflect, will do likewise. He will also turn the leaves of the Book, if it be necessary to do so.

7.—During the Epistle they never sit nor will they do so after it, unless there be a long Sequence and the Clergy proceed to sit down. If the Sub-deacon should have to genuflect when singing the Epistle, as on Palm Sunday, they will do the same.

7-8.—The Collects being concluded, he proceeds to the Sacristy to prepare the Thurible and returns with it to the Sanctuary. When the Celebrant has finished the Gospel, he approaches the Altar to receive incense as at the Introit. If there be a long Tract or Sequence to be sung he does not approach the Altar till near its conclusion and remains standing on the pavement, opposite the Epistle corner.

8.—The Sub-deacon having sung the Epistle and presented himself with the Book at the Epistle corner, the Celebrant places his left hand on the Altar and his right on the Book of the Epistles. The Sub-deacon having kissed it, he makes the Sign of the Cross over him, without saying anything. He proceeds to the centre, says the prayer Cleanse my heart, &c., and goes on to read the Gospel as at a Low Celebration (vide p. 34) but secretly, and at the conclusion he does not kiss the Book or say Through the words, &c.; he then returns to the centre.

NOTE.—If there be a long Tract or Sequence, the Celebrant having read it at the Altar, may proceed with the Sacred Ministers, to sit down while it is sung by the Choir, but must return to the Altar in sufficient time to say the prayer Cleanse my heart, &c., and to read the Gospel before the singing is concluded. They will go to the Sedilia by the shortest way and return by the longest, as at the Creed, vide Nos. 12—13.

8.—When the Sub-deacon presents himself for the Celebrant’s benediction, the Deacon retires a little; he then turns by his left and descends to the pavement and receives from the Master of Ceremonies the Book of the Gospels, which he carries before his breast with the opening to the left and elevated nearly to the height of his eyes. He proceeds to the centre and having made the proper reverence, ascends to the Altar and places the closed Book thereon in the middle, with the opening towards the Gospel side; he there remains till the Celebrant arrives for the blessing of the incense.

NOTE.—If there be a long Tract or Sequence, and the Celebrant should desire to sit down while it is sung by the Choir, the Deacon will accompany him, after the benediction of the Sub-deacon, in the manner prescribed in Nos. 12—13.

8.—Having sung the Epistle he closes the Book and holding it as before goes to the centre, makes the proper reverence at the lowest step and proceeds to the Epistle corner, where kneeling upon the predella, he kisses the hand of the Celebrant placed upon the Book and receives the benediction. He rises, returns the Book of Epistles to the Master of Ceremonies and then removes the Missal, with its stand, by the shortest way to the Gospel side of the Altar, observing to make the proper reverence as he passes the centre. Having arranged the Missal, he descends to the step below the predella and standing with his face towards the Epistle side, he responds to the Celebrant, making with him the Sign of the Cross and inclinations and turning over the leaves of the Book, if required. After responding at the conclusion of the Gospel, Praise be to Thee, O Christ, he ascends the predella and removes the Book to the centre, taking care, however, so to place it that there may be room to spread the Corporal.

NOTE.—If there be a long Tract or Sequence, and the Celebrant has not finished reading this, when the Sub-deacon presents himself for the benediction, he will not kneel down until the Celebrant has come to the conclusion. If the Celebrant should go to sit down while the Choir sing the Tract or Sequence, the Sub-deacon, having given the Book of Epistles to the Master of Ceremonies, will accompany the Celebrant and Deacon to the Sedilia, and defer the removal of the Missal to the Gospel side until they have returned to the Altar.

8.—The Epistle being sung, he proceeds to the centre, makes the proper reverence as before and then accompanies the Sub-deacon to the Epistle corner and stands behind him, a little to his right, while he kneels to receive the Celebrant’s blessing. He receives the Book from the Sub-deacon and places it on the Credence. When the Celebrant commences the Gospel, he takes the Book of Gospels from the Credence with both hands and presents it to the Deacon, saluting him both before and after and remains standing near the Credence till incense is about to be blessed, when he assists as at the Introit,

NOTE.—Should there be a long Tract or Sequence, and the Celebrant and Sacred Ministers sit down while it is sung by the Choir, the Master of Ceremonies will intimate to them when it is time they should return to the Altar, and when they have done so will present the Book of Gospels to the Deacon.

9.—He blesses incense as before, vide No. 4, and when the Deacon kneels down before him with the Book of the Gospels in his hands, he turns towards him and with joined hands, says The Lord be in thy heart and upon thy lips, that thou mayest worthily and fitly proclaim His Gospel: in the Name of the Father and of the Son and + of the Holy Ghost. Amen. In saying In the Name, &c., the Celebrant will make the Sign of the Cross over the Deacon with his right hand, holding his left extended upon his breast, and will then place his right hand extended upon the Book to be kissed.

9.—He assists at the blessing of the incense as at the Introit, then descends to the next step, kneels on the edge of the predella, and profoundly inclined, says Cleanse my heart, &c., (p. 34.) After the prayer he rises, takes the Book from the Altar and kneels upon the predella, turned towards the Celebrant, saying Give me, O Lord, Thy blessing. Having received the benediction, he kisses the hand of the Celebrant which is extended on the Book.

9.—At the blessing of the incense, he assists at the right of the Celebrant and then descends to the pavement and awaits the Deacon.

8-9.— When the Celebrant blesses the incense before the Gospel, the Acolytes take their Candlesticks and proceed to the centre of the Sanctuary. On Palm Sunday, the Acolytes carry palms in place of their Candlesticks.

10.—When the Deacon has descended the steps, the Celebrant goes to the Epistle side with hands joined and remains there turned towards the Altar until the Deacon commences the Gospel, when he turns towards him. At the announcement of the Gospel he makes the three Signs of the Cross as usual and at the Name of JESUS he bows towards the Cross.

10.—He then rises, makes an inclination to the Celebrant, descends to the pavement, makes the proper reverence and follows or walks at the right hand of the Sub-deacon to the place where the Gospel is to be sung. Arrived there, he gives the Book open to the Sub-deacon, and with hands joined intones, The Lord be with you. When announcing the Gospel, he makes with the thumb of his right hand the Sign of the Cross at the beginning of the text, holding his left hand open upon the Book; he then makes the Sign of the Cross on his forehead, mouth and breast, his left hand being extended on the lower part of his breast. Taking the Thurible, he incenses the Book with three double swings, the first towards the middle, the second towards the right, (his left) and the third towards the left of the Book; he makes a profound inclination towards the Book before and after the incensing; he restores the Thurible to the Master of Ceremonies and then with joined hands, sings the Gospel, inclining his head or genuflecting towards the Book, when occasion requires.

10.—On the arrival of the Deacon, he makes with him the proper reverence to the Altar and then precedes him or walks at his left hand to the place where the Gospel is to be sung. Arrived there, he places himself between the Acolytes and turns so as to face the Epistle side; he receives with both hands the Book of Gospels and holds it opened before the breast, resting the top against his forehead or his breast, as may be most convenient to the Deacon. During the singing of the Gospel, he does not make the Sign of the Cross, or any inclination of the head, or genuflection, although the others may have to do so.

9-10.—When the Deacon descends to the pavement, he walks at his left and joins him in making the proper reverence to the Altar; he then places himself at the right of the Thurifer and with him leads the way to the place where the Gospel is to be sung. Arrived, he places himself on the right of the Deacon but a little behind him and after the announcement of the Gospel, presents the Thurible to him and receives it again after the incensing of the Book. Having returned the Thurible to the Thurifer, he assists at the right of the Deacon to turn the leaves if necessary. No inclination should be made at Glory be to Thee, O Lord, but a profound one before and after the incensing. During the Gospel, when the Deacon makes an inclination or a genuflection towards the Book, the Master of Ceremonies does the same but towards the Altar as a signal for the Celebrant to do likewise.

10.—When the Deacon and Master of Ceremonies begin to descend the steps, the Acolytes make the proper reverence and follow the Thurifer to the place where the Gospel is to be sung. Arrived, they pass the Thurifer and turning stand with their faces towards the Epistle side and in such a manner that the Sub-deacon may stand between them, the first Acolyte being on his right and the second on his left. During the singing of the Gospel they do not make the Sign of the Cross or any genuflection or inclination.

9-10.—The incense being blessed, he descends to the pavement, carrying the Thurible in his right hand and precedes the Acolytes to the centre where he will station himself at the left of the Master of Ceremonies. At the proper time, he makes the usual reverence to the Altar and goes to the place where the Gospel is to be sung, he allows the Acolytes and Sub-deacon to pass and stations himself to the left of the Deacon, a little behind him and facing the first Acolyte. When the Deacon has announced the Gospel, he closes the Thurible and gives it to the Master of Ceremonies. He makes with the Deacon a profound inclination before and after the incensing. When he has again received the Thurible, he holds it or may gently swing it while the Deacon is singing the Gospel. He makes the usual reverences during the Gospel.

11.—At the conclusion of the Gospel he remains in the same position and kisses the commencement of the text of the Gospel, when the Book is brought to him by the Sub-deacon, saying Through the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out. He is then incensed by the Deacon, with three swings and afterwards returns to the centre, where he intones the first words of the Creed I believe in One God, and continues it in an undertone with the Sacred Ministers. All the usual inclinations should be made as at a Low Celebration (vide p, 34).

11.—The Gospel finished, he points out the commencement of it to the Sub-deacon; then, standing below the steps at the Gospel corner, he receives the Thurible and incenses the Celebrant with the usual three swings. He returns the Thurible and ascends to the centre of the Altar, to the step behind the Celebrant. When the Celebrant intones the first words of the Creed, he makes an inclination of the head at the word God and ascends to his right to join him in the recitation of the remainder; he should be careful to make the usual inclinations, &c., simultaneously with the Celebrant.

11.—At the conclusion of the Gospel, he conveys the Book to the Celebrant by the shortest way, not making any reverence as he passes the centre of the Altar; he indicates with his right hand the commencement of the Gospel which has been sung, and presents it to the Celebrant to be kissed. He closes the Book, retires a little, salutes the Celebrant and descends to the pavement on the Epistle side, where he hands the Book to the Master of Ceremonies. He then returns to his usual place on the step behind the Deacon. When the Celebrant intones the first words of the Creed, he makes an inclination at the word God and ascends to his left (simultaneously with the Deacon) to join with him in the recitation of the remainder; he should be carefu1 to make the usual inclinations, &c., at the same time as the Celebrant.

11.—At the end of the Gospel, the Master of Ceremonies accompanies the Acolytes to the centre and makes with them the usual reverence. He then receives the Book of the Gospels from the Sub-deacon and places it on the Credence. He remains on the pavement, by the Epistle corner, while the Sacred Ministers recite the Creed and makes with them the usual inclinations, &c.

11.—The Gospel concluded, they go with the Master of Ceremonies to the middle of the Sanctuary, make the usual reverence and retire to the Credence where they replace their Candlesticks. During the Creed they stand, make the usual inclinations and Sign of the Cross and kneel on one knee when the Celebrant does so.

11.—The Gospel finished, he waits until the Sub-deacon has passed and then goes with the Deacon to the Gospel corner and standing at his right, presents him with the Thurible and makes with him an inclination to the Celebrant before and after the incensing. He receives the Thurible and returns with it to the Sacristy but if the Creed be immediately begun, he waits until after the Celebrant has intoned the opening words and then makes the proper reverence and retires. Having deposited the Thurible in the Sacristy, he returns to the Sanctuary and stands in his usual place.

During the Creed he makes the usual reverences, genuflecting upon one knee only when the Celebrant says And was Incarnate, &c., but upon both knees when the clause is sung by the Choir.

12.—If the singing of the Creed by the Choir be prolonged, it is permissible for the Celebrant and Sacred Ministers, when they have recited it, to proceed to the Sedilia to sit down.[5] Having made the proper reverence, they proceed by the shortest way, down the steps on the Epistle side. When seated, the Celebrant receives his Biretta from the Deacon and puts it on; while sitting, he places both hands on his knees, outside the Chasuble. When the Choir begin to sing And was Incarnate, he will uncover and incline himself until And was made Man inclusively, but on Christmas Day and on the Feast of the Annunciation he will kneel before the Sedilia, holding his Biretta in his hand. He will also uncover while the Choir sing together is worshipped.

12.—(a) When the Creed has been recited, if they go to sit down,6 the Deacon will proceed to the Sedilia, walking in advance of the Celebrant or at his left hand, if there be sufficient space on the predella. Arrived at the seat, he takes the Biretta of the Celebrant and tenders it to him with the usual kisses, first on the Biretta and then on the hand; he then takes his own and conjointly with the Sub-deacon, makes an inclination to the Celebrant, sits down and puts on his Biretta. While sitting, he places both hands on his knees, outside his Vestment and when he uncovers at And was Incarnate, he holds the Biretta on his right knee.

(b) After the Choir have sung And was made Man, he rises puts his Biretta on the seat and with hands joined, makes an inclination to the Celebrant, proceeds to the Credence and receives from the Master of Ceremonies or himself takes the Burse, which he carries with both hands, nearly level with his eyes, and so held that the opening shall be towards himself. He proceeds to the pavement, saluting the Celebrant as he passes before him, and arrived at the centre, he makes the proper reverence at the lowest step and then ascends to the Altar. He places the Burse on the Altar, removes the Corporal and places the Burse against the gradine or step on the Gospel side. He next, with both hands extends the Corporal in the usual manner and having made the proper reverence, returns to his seat by the shortest way. Simultaneously with the Sub-deacon, he salutes the Celebrant, and sits down and then puts on his Biretta. He will uncover while the Choir sing together is worshipped.

12.—(a) When the Creed has been recited, if they go to sit down,6 the Sub-deacon will proceed to the Sedilia, walking in advance of the Deacon or at the right hand of the Celebrant, if there be sufficient space on the predella. Arrived at the seat, he takes his Biretta and conjointly with the Deacon, makes an inclination to the Celebrant, sits down and puts on his Biretta. While sitting, he places both hands on his knees, outside his Vestment and when he uncovers at And was Incarnate, he holds the Biretta on his right knee.

(b) After the Choir have sung And was made Man, he rises with the Deacon, and holding his Biretta in his hands remains standing while the Deacon conveys the Burse to the Altar. He joins with him in saluting the Celebrant and on his return, sits down simultaneously with him and then puts on his Biretta. He will uncover while the Choir sing together is worshipped.

12.—Should the Sacred Ministers sit down while the Choir sing the Creed, he precedes them to the Sedilia and stands at the right of the Deacon, turned towards them. He intimates to the Sacred Ministers, by bowing to them, to uncover when the Choir have sung the words, came down from Heaven till after And was made Man inclusive, again when the words together is worshipped are sung and lastly, at the end of the Creed, if about to return to the Altar. During the singing of And was Incarnate, &c., he himself kneels with the other Assistants, turned towards the Altar, and afterwards, rising, he goes with the Deacon to the Credence and with both hands, gives him the Burse, with the opening towards the Deacon, to carry to the Altar.

During the Sermon he may occupy any convenient place in the Sanctuary or if one of the Sacred Ministers be the preacher he will accompany him to the pulpit. If the Celebrant be the preacher, he may preach from the Gospel side of the Altar or if he go to the pulpit, the Master of Ceremonies, according to many authors, should first assist him to remove the Chasuble and Maniple.

12.—If the Sacred Ministers sit down after reciting the Creed, the Acolytes will arrange the Vestments of the Deacon and Sub-deacon and may then sit, but they must kneel on both knees when the Choir sing And was Incarnate, &c., and stand while the Deacon carries the Burse, to the Altar. When the Deacon approaches the Credence to receive the Burse, the Acolytes should raise the Humeral Veil so that the Master of Ceremonies may take it more easily. During the Sermon they sit.

12.—If the Sacred Ministers sit down after having recited the Creed, the Thurifer may do so but he must stand while the Deacon carries the Burse to the Altar. He sits during the Sermon.

V. From the Offertory to the Canon.

13.—At the conclusion of the Creed[6] or of the Sermon, if there be one, the Celebrant uncovers and presents his Biretta to the Deacon before rising, he then returns to the Altar by the longest way; arrived at the foot of the steps he salutes the Deacon and Sub-deacon, makes the proper reverence to the Altar, and then ascends to the predella, kisses the Altar in the middle, says The Lord be with you and reads the Offertory as usual (vide No. iv. p. 34).

13.—(a) Towards the end of the Creed or of the Sermon, if there be one, he uncovers, then rises and places his Biretta on the seat, he receives the Biretta of the Celebrant, first kissing his hand and then the Biretta and places it also on the seat. He proceeds with the Celebrant to the Altar by the longest way, either preceding him or walking at his right hand, as the space may permit. Arrived at the foot of the Altar, he joins with the others in making the proper reverence and then ascends to the Altar, taking his place behind the Celebrant on the step next below the predella.

(b) When the Celebrant says Let us pray, the Deacon makes an inclination of the head and ascends to his right.

13.—(a) Towards the end of the Creed or of the Sermon, if there be one, he uncovers, then rises and places his Biretta on the seat. He accompanies the Celebrant and Deacon to the Altar, going by the longest way, either preceding the Deacon or walking at the left hand of the Celebrant, as the space may permit. Arrived at the foot of the Altar, he joins with the others in making the proper reverence and then ascends to the Altar, taking his place behind the Deacon, on the next step below.

(b) When the Celebrant says Let us pray, the Sub-deacon makes an inclination of the head and proceeds to the Credence. He receives the Humeral Veil over his shoulders from the Master of Ceremonies, then removes the small Veil from the Chalice and hands it to the second Acolyte. He takes the Chalice by the knob with his left hand (uncovered) and covers it with the portion of the Humeral Veil which hangs on his right side and then places his right hand (uncovered) on the top. He proceeds to the predella by the shortest way, standing at the right of the Deacon who uncovers the Chalice and removes the Pall and the Paten.

13-14.—After the Creed or after the Sermon, if there be one, when the Sacred Ministers have returned to the Altar, he accompanies the Sub-deacon to the Credence, takes the Humeral Veil and places it on the shoulders of the Sub-deacon, in such a manner that it hangs a little lower on the right side. He returns with the Sub-deacon to the Altar, and at the same time carries the Ciborium with the small breads, if it be required, and presents it to the Deacon before he takes the Paten from the Sub-deacon.[7]

13-16.—At the end of the Creed or of the Sermon, if there be one, when the Sub-deacon takes the Chalice he hands the Veil to the second Acolyte, who folds it and places it upon the Credence. At the same time, the first Acolyte takes the Cruets and accompanying the Sub-deacon to the Altar, he places them thereon, presents them to the Sub-deacon as usual (vide p. 45) and afterwards replaces them on the Credence.8

13-15.—Towards the end of the Creed or of the Sermon, if there be one, he proceeds to the Sacristy to prepare the Thurible and then returns with it to the Sanctuary. He receives incense in the usual manner and presents the Thurible to the Deacon and then proceeds to the Epistle side, near the Credence, where he remains during the incensing of the Altar.

14.—Having read the Offertory, he receives from the Deacon the Paten, with the Host, and offers it as usual (vide p. 35); depositing the Host on the Corporal, he places the Paten on the Epistle side, at a little distance from the Corporal; he blesses the water when presented to him by the Sub-deacon, saying the prayer O God, Who didst wonderfully create, &c., (p. 35) and then receives the Chalice from the Deacon and offers it, saying with him, We offer unto Thee, &c., (p. 36).

14.—(a) When the Sub-deacon brings the Chalice, the Deacon uncovers it and removes the Pall, which he places to the right of the Corporal. He then takes the Paten with the Breads and presents it to the Celebrant, first kissing the Paten and then the hand of the Celebrant. While the Celebrant offers the Host, the Deacon should support his right arm with his left hand. If there be a Ciborium, the Deacon receives it from the Master of Ceremonies, places it on the Corporal and uncovers it before presenting the Paten and when the Celebrant offers the large Host, the Deacon holds the Ciborium with his right hand somewhat elevated above the Corporal. He then covers it and places it on the Corporal behind the place where the Chalice will stand. The Deacon takes the Chalice from the Sub-deacon with his left hand and receives the Wine Cruet with his right; he pours in the wine and the Sub-deacon the water. Having removed with the Purificator, any drops that may remain on the sides of the Chalice, he takes the Chalice under the cup with his right hand and by the foot with his left and with the usual kisses, presents it to the Celebrant. He sustains with his hand either the foot of the Chalice or the right arm of the Celebrant and places his left upon his breast, while he says with the Celebrant, the prayer We offer unto Thee, &c., (p. 36).

(b) He then covers the Chalice with the Pall, places the Paten in the right hand of the Sub-deacon in such a manner that the concave side is turned towards him and covers it with the end of the Humeral Veil which hangs on that side.

14.—(a) The Sub-deacon cleanses the Chalice with the Purificator and then at the proper time presents it to the Deacon with his right hand, with the Purificator arranged under the Cup and over the foot of the Chalice. He takes the Cruets from the Acolyte and presents that with the wine to the Deacon with his right hand, receiving it again in his left hand. When the Deacon has poured the wine into the Chalice, the Sub-deacon presents the Water Cruet to the Celebrant and says, with an inclination of the head, Bless, reverend father. The Celebrant having blessed the water, the Sub-deacon pours a little into the Chalice and then restores the Cruets to the Acolyte.

(b) He receives the Paten from the Deacon with his right hand uncovered, and when the Deacon has covered it with the Veil, places it upon his breast, where he retains it when walking, while being incensed, when he kneels, when responding to the Brethren pray and when he joins the Celebrant in reciting the Sanctus. At other times, he holds the Paten lifted to the level of his eyes, having his left hand under his right elbow, and allowing the Veil to hang down on his left side.

15. —Having said the prayers In the spirit of humility and Come, O Sanctifier (p. 36), he puts incense into the Thurible, saying At the intercession of Blessed Michael the Archangel, standing at the right hand of the Altar of Incense, and of all His Elect, may the Lord vouchsafe to bless this incense and receive it as an odour of sweetness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen; and at the word bless he makes over it the Sign of the Cross. He receives the Thurible, and without making any reverence, incenses the Oblations, making over the Host and the Chalice three Signs of the Cross with the Thurible, saying at the first, May this incense; at the second, which Thou hast blessed; and at the third, ascend to Thee, O Lord. He then makes with the Thurible three circles round the Host and Chalice, the first two from right to left and the third from left to right, saying at the first, and may there descend upon us; at the second and third, Thy mercy.

15.—When the Celebrant has said the prayer Come, O Sanctifier, the Deacon assists at the blessing of the incense in the usual manner (vide No. 4). When the Celebrant incenses the Oblations, he raises the Chasuble with his left hand, and places his right on the foot of the Chalice.

15-16.—Holding the Paten upon his breast, he turns by his left and descends by the shortest way to the pavement and proceeds to the centre, where having made the proper reverence, he continues standing, facing the Altar.

15-17.—When the Sub-deacon descends to the pavement, he signs to the Thurifer to approach and then assists at the blessing of the incense as before. After the blessing of the incense, he retires to the Epistle corner and when the Celebrant incenses the Cross, he passes to the Gospel side, making the proper reverence in passing the centre and then removes the Missal and its stand from the Altar; he descends to the pavement and remains till the Celebrant has incensed that side, when he replaces the Missal on the Altar. He remains near the Missal, at the left of the Celebrant, and turns the leaves when necessary with his left hand. He kneels at the Gospel corner below the predella during the Confession and Absolution.

16.—The Oblations being incensed, the Celebrant makes the usual reverence and incenses the Cross and Altar, as before the Introit but as he does so he recites Psalm cxli. 2., arranging the words to each swing as follows:

1. Let my prayer
2. O Lord
3. be set forth
4. in Thy Sight
5. as
6. the incense
7. and let the lifting up
8. of my
9. hands
10. be an evening
11. Sacrifice.
12. Set
13. a watch
14. O Lord
15. before
16. my mouth
17. and keep
18. the door
19. of my lips
20. O
21. let not
22. my heart
23. be inclined
24. to any
25. evil thing.

16.—He makes the proper reverence at the same time as the Celebrant, and before the Celebrant incenses the Cross, he removes the Chalice to the Epistle side of the Corporal, replacing it again in the centre at the conclusion. He again makes the proper reverence, continues with the Celebrant during the incensing of the Altar and then incenses the Celebrant, as at the Introit.

16. — When the Deacon incenses the Celebrant, he stands at his left hand but a little behind.

17.— Returning the Thurible to the Deacon, the Celebrant says May the Lord enkindle in us the fire of His love and the flame of everlasting charity, Amen; and then is himself incensed by the Deacon; he washes his fingers and returns to the centre of the Altar, where he says the prayer Receive, O Holy Trinity, and proceeds with the Service as usual (vide p. 36).

17.—(a) After incensing the Celebrant, he proceeds to incense the Clergy and Choir, observing in doing so the following order:—i. He proceeds to the centre and makes the proper reverence at the lowest step. ii. If there be Clergy in the stalls he will then go to each in turn, in the order of their dignity, and incense each with one double swing or, if they be numerous, they may be incensed collectively (vide p. 52). iii. Then he will incense the Choir, first on one side and then on the other, with a single swing of the Thurible, iv. He returns to the Sanctuary and after making the proper reverence at the lowest step, goes to the right of the Sub-deacon towards the side, salutes the Sub-deacon and incenses him with two double swings. v. He returns the Thurible to the Thurifer, ascends to the highest step behind the Celebrant, turns towards Thurifer and is himself incensed by him with two double swings.

(b) He again turns to the Altar and remains behind the Celebrant until the Exhortation Ye that do truly, when he goes to the Epistle corner. He kneels on the step below the predella to say the Confession and remains in the same position until after the Absolution, when he rises and turns towards the Gospel side.

(c) After the Comfortable Words, he proceeds to the centre and stands upon the step below the Celebrant, facing the Altar as before. He bows his head, with the Celebrant, at the words our Lord God.

17.—(a) He turns towards the Deacon when he comes to incense him, and returns his salute before and after, he then again turns to the Altar.

(b) At the Exhortation Ye that do truly, he goes to the Gospel corner. He there kneels, on the step below the Deacon, during the Confession and remains in the same position until after the Absolution, when he rises and turns towards the Epistle side.

(c) After the Comfortable Words, he proceeds to the centre and stands upon the steps below the Deacon, facing the Altar as before. He bows his head, with the Celebrant, at the words our Lord God.

17.—After the Deacon has incensed the Celebrant, the first Acolyte takes the finger napkin and the second, the Water Cruet and the dish and proceed together to the highest step for the washing of the fingers of the Celebrant, bowing both before and after. Having replaced the Cruet, &c., on the Credence they mutually salute each other and the Thurifer before and after being incensed. They remain standing in their usual place, except during the Confession and Absolution when they kneel. At the Comfortable Words if there be no Torch-bearers, they accompany the Thurifer to the Sacristy, and return with him at the Preface carrying their torches.

17.—He accompanies the Deacon, in the same position, to incense the Clergy, Choir and Sub-deacon, making simultaneously with him the salutations and the proper reverences to the Altar. He then receives the Thurible and when the Deacon has arrived at his place behind the Celebrant, incenses him with two double swings.

Afterwards, he incenses the Acolytes with one swing for each and lastly, presenting himself at the entrance of the Chancel, he incenses the people with three swings (vide p. 52). He afterwards carries the Thurible to its proper place and then returns to the Sanctuary where he stands in his usual place (kneeling during the Confession and Absolution) until the Comfortable Words. At the Comfortable Words he proceeds to the centre, where he is joined by the Torch-bearers (vide p. 77), with them makes the usual reverence and retires to the Sacristy to prepare the Thurible.

18.—He sings the Sursum corda and Preface and then recites the Sanctus in an undertone with the Sacred Ministers. He should use the solemn tone for the Preface on all Sundays, on all Double and Semi-double Feasts and at Solemn Votive Celebrations and the ferial tone on Simple Feasts, on Ferias and at ordinary Votive Celebrations and Requiems. If the Benedictus be sung immediately after the Sanctus, it will be found convenient to proceed with the Te igitur (p. 37), especially if the music be elaborate.

18.—At the words evermore praising Thee and saying, he moves a little to the right, joins with the Sub-deacon in making the proper reverence and then ascends to the right of the Celebrant to recite the Sanctus with him, inclining moderately. He makes the Sign of the Cross at the Benedictus and then passes to the left of the Celebrant but first making the proper reverence on the predella; he turns the leaves of the Book, if it be required, with his left hand. (During the Prayer of Humble Access, the Deacon will kneel on the right of the Celebrant.)

18.—At the words evermore praising Thee and saying, he moves a little to the left, joins with the Deacon in making the proper reverence and then ascends to the left of the Celebrant to recite the Sanctus with him, inclining moderately. He does not make the Sign of the Cross at the Benedictus but, if it be necessary, turns with his left hand the leaves of the Missal. He then returns to his place at the lowest step and kneels there during the Prayer of Humble Access, rising at its conclusion.

18.—At the last words of the Preface, he retires a little and descends to the pavement, makes the proper reverence in the centre and proceeds to the Epistle side where he remains[8] standing till the Prayer of Humble Access when he kneels.

18.—Unless engaged as Torch-bearers, the Acolytes remain standing at the Credence during the Preface and Sanctus, the first Acolyte ringing the bell thrice, at the latter.9 They kneel as soon as the Sanctus is ended.

18.—At the Preface, he re-enters the Sanctuary with the Torch-bearers; if there be more than two, precedes them; but if only two, going between them. After the usual reverence in the centre, he retires to the Epistle corner and kneels on the pavement at the right of the Master of Ceremonies.

VI. From the Canon to the Communion of the People.

19.—Standing erect in the middle of the Altar, the Celebrant extends and slightly raises his hands, raising his eyes at the same time, and then immediately lowering them; he rejoins his hands and places then upon the edge of the Altar and inclining profoundly, commences the Canon and proceeds with the Service as far as his own Communion, in precisely the same manner as at a Low Celebration (vide pp. 37—41), with the exception that the necessary coverings and uncoverings of the Chalice and Ciborium will be made by the Deacon or Sub-deacon. It is desirable when the Chalice is being covered and uncovered, that the Celebrant should take the precaution of placing his left hand upon the foot.

19.—(a) When the Celebrant begins the words Hear us, O merciful Father, he passes to his right and if there be a Ciborium, uncovers it and places it in advance of the Chalice, to the right of the Host on the Corporal, and then kneels upon the predella. When the Celebrant makes the Elevation, he raises the Chasuble with his left hand and after the Celebrant has genuflected, rises simultaneously with him, covers the Ciborium (if there be one) and replaces it behind the Chalice. He then uncovers the Chalice and again kneels, raises the Chasuble at the Elevation, as before, and when the Celebrant has lowered the Chalice, rises to cover it and then makes the genuflection with him. He then goes to the left of the Celebrant, genuflecting on his arrival and not in the centre. He turns the leaves of the Book with his left hand and with the Celebrant makes the Sign of the Cross upon himself at the words heavenly Bene+diction and strikes his breast at the words To us also Thy sinful servants. At the conclusion of this prayer, at the words By Whom, O Lord, Thou dost ever create, he genuflects and then passes to the right of the Celebrant, uncovers the Chalice and genuflects with him. When the Celebrant makes the Sign of the Cross with the Host, he places two fingers of his right hand upon the foot of the Chalice. When the Celebrant replaces the Chalice, after the words all honour and glory, the Deacon covers it and again genuflects with the Celebrant. He remains till the Celebrant commences the LORD’s Prayer, then makes a genuflection and retires to the highest step behind the Celebrant. At the words forgive us our trespasses, he genuflects with the Sub-deacon, and ascends with him to the Epistle side.[9]

(b) He receives the Paten from the Sub-deacon with his right hand, passes it to the left, and cleanses it with the Purificator held in the right hand; he holds it with both hands with the Purificator, near the Corporal, the concave part turned towards the Celebrant; he presents it with both hands to the Celebrant, kissing first the Paten and then his hand, and places the Purificator on the Altar to the right of the Corporal. He makes the Sign of the Cross upon himself at the same time as the Celebrant does so with the Paten, then uncovers the Chalice, genuflects with the Celebrant, and after the Particle of the Host has been placed in the Chalice covers it and again genuflects. Inclined towards the Blessed Sacrament, he says the Agnus Dei with the Celebrant, striking his breast simultaneously with him.

(c) After the Prayer for Unity, he genuflects and passes to the left of the Celebrant, again genuflects on arriving and remains in the same place until after the Celebrant has made his Communion: he inclines towards the Blessed Sacrament and strikes his breast when the Celebrant says Lord, I am not worthy, &c., and inclines profoundly while the Celebrant is making his Communion.

19.—(a) When the Celebrant commences the words Hear us, O merciful Father, he kneels at the same time as the Deacon and remains kneeling until after the Elevation of the Chalice and the Celebrant and Deacon have made the genuflection. He then rises and remains standing in the same position until the words forgive us our trespasses in the LORD’s Prayer when he genuflects with the Deacon and ascends at his right to the Epistle side.

(b) The Deacon having uncovered the Paten, he presents it to him and the Veil is removed from his shoulders by the Acolytes or Thurifer; he genuflects and returns to his former position behind the Celebrant, where without making another genuflection, he stands with hands joined. He makes the Sign of the Cross upon himself at the same time as the Celebrant does so with the Paten and when the Celebrant says The Peace of the Lord be always with you, he genuflects, ascends to his left and makes another genuflection at the same time as the Celebrant and Deacon. Inclined towards the Blessed Sacrament, he says the Agnus Dei with the Celebrant, striking his breast simultaneously with him. After the third Agnus Dei, he genuflects and retires to his former position.

(c) After the Prayer for Unity, he genuflects at the same time as the Deacon and then ascends to the right of the Celebrant, where he again genuflects. At the Lord, I am not worthy, &c., he inclines towards the Blessed Sacrament and strikes his breast. During the Communion of the Celebrant, he will incline profoundly and when the Celebrant commences to separate his hands after receiving the Sacred Host, he uncovers the Chalice, and genuflects with the Celebrant, he inclines profoundly while the Celebrant receives the Precious Blood and remains so until the Chalice is replaced upon the Altar, when he again covers it.

19-20.—He puts incense into the Thurible when the Thurifer presents it to him and if the Acolytes are holding torches, rings the bell thrice at each Elevation; he will make a profound inclination with the Thurifer before and after each Elevation. He then rises and remains inclined towards the Altar until the words To us also Thy sinful servants when he strikes his breast and then passes to the centre where he makes a genuflection behind the Sub-deacon and remains at his left until the Deacon has quitted the left of the Celebrant when he ascends to the Altar and assists at the Book as before; he should arrive in time to genuflect conjointly with the Celebrant and Deacon. He remains till the Agnus Dei, taking care to make a genuflection whenever the Celebrant does so. Just before the Agnus Dei he retires a little to allow the Sub-deacon to ascend to the left of the Celebrant, he genuflects at the same time as the Sacred Ministers and then descends to the pavement, genuflects in the centre and passes to his usual place at the Epistle side.

19-20.—The first Acolyte rings the bell thrice at each Elevation: the first time, when the Celebrant is about to make the Elevation, the second, when the Blessed Sacrament is elevated and the third time, when It is replaced on the Altar. During the Elevations, both Acolytes should make a profound inclination, they afterwards rise and remain standing till the end of the Service, except during the Benediction. At the LORD’s Prayer, when the Sub-deacon ascends to the predella, the first Acolyte proceeds to the Epistle corner and removes from the shoulders of the Sub-deacon the Humeral Veil, which he folds and places on the Credence but first genuflects at the same time as the Sub-deacon. Both Acolytes strike their breasts at the Agnus Dei and at Lord, I am not worthy, &c., simultaneously with the Sacred Ministers and both stand profoundly inclined while the Celebrant is communicating.

19-23.—When the Celebrant has commenced the Prayer of Consecration, he opens the Thurible and presents it to the Master of Ceremonies, who puts in the incense.

The Thurifer closes the Thurible and when the Celebrant elevates the Sacred Host and the Chalice, incenses each with three double swings, making both before and after each Elevation a profound inclination.

The Elevation over, the Thurifer joins the Torch-bearers and after making a genuflection in the centre, returns to the Sacristy. If the Torch-bearers remain till the Communion, he returns alone. Having deposited his Thurible, he again proceeds to the Sanctuary and after genuflecting in the centre, retires to his usual place, where he remains till the end of the Service. If there be no Torch-bearers and the Acolytes are engaged in holding torches at the Communion, the Thurifer will remove the Veil from the shoulders of the Sub-deacon when he has presented the Paten to the Deacon and he will also minister the Cruets at the Ablutions and carry the Chalice Veil from the Credence to the Gospel side of the Altar, if from any cause the Acolytes be absent at the moment.

The Torch-bearers.

Two, four, six or eight Torch-bearers should be provided, according to the dignity of the solemnity, to bear torches at the Elevation. If there be places for them within the Sanctuary, they should enter, walking two and two, after the Acolytes at the commencement of the Service. They will stand in their appointed place, except when the Acolytes kneel or sit, when they should do likewise. At the Comfortable Words they leave the Sanctuary with the Thurifer and return with him at the Preface, carrying their torches lighted. They hold their torches in the middle, those on the right in their right hand and the others in their left.

After making the usual reverence in pairs, they separate and kneel on the floor either directly in front of the Altar or on either side facing each other, as the space will admit. At the Elevation they slightly raise their torches but are themselves profoundly inclined. After the Elevation they rise, unite in pairs in the centre, make a genuflection and retire to the Sacristy where they extinguish their torches and then return to the Sanctuary or go to their usual places. But if there is to be a Communion of the people and also in Requiems, the Torch-bearers will remain with their torches till after the first Ablution, when they rise and having genuflected, retire as directed above. If there be Communicants, it is convenient and more reverent that while they are being communicated the Torch-bearers should kneel on either side of the Sanctuary, facing each other, and not in their usual place, facing the Altar.

20.—Having received the Precious Blood, if Communion has to be given to the people, the Celebrant replaces the Chalice on the Corporal and the Deacon brings forward the Ciborium, which he uncovers, they then genuflect together. Rising, the Celebrant presents the Chalice to the Deacon and takes the Ciborium himself: they turn together (the Celebrant by his right and the Deacon by his left hand) and the Celebrant says Behold the Lamb of God, &c., as usual (p. 41); they descend the steps together and proceed to communicate the faithful in the ordinary manner.

20.—After the Communion of the Celebrant, the Deacon genuflects at the same time as the Sub-deacon and changes places with him, he brings forward the Ciborium and uncovers it and the Chalice and then genuflects with the Celebrant. Rising, he receives the Chalice from the Celebrant and remains turned towards him until he is about to descend the steps when he turns by his left hand and they descend the steps together and proceed to communicate the faithful in the ordinary way.

20.—He makes a genuflection at the same time as the Deacon and changes places with him. When the Deacon has uncovered the Ciborium, he makes a genuflection with the Celebrant and Deacon and retires a little to the left, he turns by his right when the Celebrant does so, but remains turned towards him until he descends the steps where he accompanies him to communicate the faithful. Arrived at the place where the Communion is given, the Sub-deacon receives the Paten or Ciborium and holds it a little under the Sacred Particle, accompanying the Celebrant’s hands while he gives Communion (the Deacon being engaged with the Chalice).

VII. From the Communion to the End of the Service.

21.—When all have been communicated, the Celebrant returns to the Altar with the Sacred Ministers, replaces the Ciborium upon the Corporal, genuflects, then receives the Chalice from the Deacon and deposits it on the Corporal.

When the Deacon has covered the Chalice and Ciborium they once more genuflect together[10] and the Celebrant proceeds with the Service (vide p. 42).

21.—After the Communion of the people, the Deacon returns with the Celebrant to the Altar, restores to him the Chalice, covers it and the Ciborium, genuflects with the Celebrant,11 and then retires to the highest step behind him, where he remains until the Gloria in Excelsis.

21.—After the Communion of the people, the Sub-deacon having restored the Paten or Ciborium to the Celebrant, accompanies him to the Altar, walking at his left hand; he joins with him and the Deacon in making the genuflections and after the second, retires11 to the step behind the Deacon where he remains until the Gloria in Excelsis.

21.—After the Communion of the people and the Sacred Ministers have returned to the Altar, the Master of Ceremonies passes to the centre, genuflects and ascends to the Celebrant’s left, genuflecting again on arrival, and assists at the Book as before.[11]

21.—During and after the Communion of the people the Acolytes remain standing in their usual place near the Credence.12

22.—At the Gloria in Excelsis, the Celebrant sings the opening words and then recites the remainder in an undertone with the Sacred Ministers, making with them the usual inclinations, &c. [If the Ablutions have been taken immediately after the Communion, it is permissible for the Celebrant and Sacred Ministers after they have recited the Gloria in Excelsis, to proceed to sit down while it is being sung by the Choir. If this be done the same order will be followed as at the Creed, but if the Ablutions be deferred till after the Blessing, the Sacred Ministers must remain standing at the Altar, until the Choir have finished singing.]

22.—When the Celebrant intones Glory be to God on high, he bows his head, simultaneously with the Sub-deacon, and at the word God, genuflects and ascends to the right of the Celebrant to join with him in the recitation of the remainder. He makes with him the usual inclinations and the Sign of the Cross at the conclusion.

22.—When the Celebrant intones Glory be to God on high, he bows his head, simultaneously with the Deacon and at the word God, genuflects and ascends to the left of the Celebrant to join with him in the recitation of the remainder. He makes with him the usual inclinations and the Sign of the Cross at the conclusion.

22.—At the Gloria in Excelsis he retires from the predella but remains at the Gospel corner. He makes, with the Sacred Ministers, the usual inclinations and the Sign of the Cross at the conclusion.

22.—At the Gloria in Excelsis, both Acolytes make the usual inclinations and the Sign of the Cross at the conclusion.

23.—After the Blessing, the Celebrant consumes the remains of the Sacred Species and takes the Ablutions, as usual (vide p. 43), except that he remains in the centre throughout and after the last Ablution, cleanses the Chalice a little with the Purificator and then consigns it to the Sub-deacon, proceeding at once to the Epistle corner to read the Communion. He returns to the middle, kisses the Altar, says The Lord be with you turned to the people, then returns to the Epistle corner, says the Post-Communions, goes once more to the centre and proceeds to the Gospel corner for the Last Gospel (vide p. 44).

23.—The Gloria in Excelsis concluded, he kneels upon the edge of the predella to receive the Benediction, during which he inclines and crosses himself. After this, he rises and having genuflected, proceeds to the left of the Celebrant, where he again genuflects on arrival. After the Celebrant has taken the last Ablution he carries the Book to the Epistle side, genuflecting on passing the centre, at the same time as the Sub-deacon, and then proceeds to the highest step behind the Celebrant on the Epistle side and follows him in going to the centre and returning to the Book. After the Post-Communions, he accompanies the Celebrant to the Gospel side and there, standing at his left, assists at the Last Gospel, making the Signs of the Cross at the commencement and the genuflection at the words And the Word was made flesh.

23.—The Gloria in Excelsis concluded, he kneels upon the edge of the predella to receive the Benediction, during which he inclines and crosses himself. After this, he rises and having genuflected proceeds to the right of the Celebrant, where he uncovers the Ciborium and Chalice and again genuflects at the same time as the Celebrant. He receives the Cruets from the Acolyte and ministers the wine and water for the Ablutions; he returns the Cruets to the Acolyte and places the Purificator on the Celebrant’s fingers. He then changes places with the Deacon, genuflecting on passing the centre, behind the Deacon and simultaneously with him. Arrived at the Gospel side, he cleanses the Chalice with the Purificator and places upon it in the ordinary manner, the Purificator, the Paten, the Pall and the Veil. He then folds the Corporal, puts it into the Burse and places this on the Chalice which he conveys to the Credence, carrying it in his left hand with the right extended upon the Burse. He afterwards returns to his place behind the Deacon: if it be the centre, he makes the proper reverence on arrival but if it be at the Epistle corner, he omits it.

He accompanies the Celebrant to the centre and to the Gospel side and standing at the left of the Deacon assists at the Last Gospel, making the Signs of the Cross at the commencement and the genuflection at the words And the Word was made flesh. If for the convenience of the Celebrant, it be necessary for the Sub-deacon to hold the Altar Card he will omit the Signs of the Cross and the genuflection. Should there be a proper Gospel in place of the usual one from S. John, the Sub-deacon will receive the Missal from the Master of Ceremonies, when the Celebrant has finished the Post-Communions, and will convey it to the Gospel corner: he points out the Gospel to the Celebrant and at the end closes the Book and leaves it there.

23.—At the conclusion of the Gloria in Excelsis he kneels below the predella to receive the Benediction, then rises, genuflects in the centre and proceeds to his usual place at the Epistle side. He remains till after the last Ablution when he goes to the Book, which has been carried to the Epistle side of the Altar by the Deacon, and then points out to the Celebrant the Communion and the prayers that follow, closing the Book at the conclusion unless there be a Last Gospel proper to the day; in which case he will leave it open and consign it to the Sub-deacon, who will convey it to the Gospel corner. He remains at the Epistle side during the Last Gospel, turned towards the Celebrant, and makes the Signs of the Cross, inclinations, &c., as usual.

23.—They kneel for the Benediction, during which they incline and cross themselves, then having risen from their knees, the first Acolyte takes the Cruets from the Credence and after the usual genuflection, places them upon the Altar. While the Sub-deacon ministers the Ablutions, the first Acolyte will stand upon the floor but afterwards ascends to the highest step and removes the Cruets. In the meantime, the second Acolyte conveys the Chalice Veil from the Credence to the Gospel side of the Altar, he carries it with both hands and at the proper time, gives it folded to the Sub-deacon; in passing and repassing the centre he must take care to make the usual reverence and in returning to the Credence, he walks with hands joined before his breast.

The Acolytes make the usual Signs of the Cross at the beginning of the Last Gospel and then take their Candlesticks and proceed to the centre where they remain until the end, making a genuflection at the words, And the Word was made flesh, as usual.

23.—At the Last Gospel he makes the usual Signs of the Cross at the commencement and then goes to the centre with the Acolytes. At the words, And the Word was made flesh, he genuflects as usual.

24.—Having said the Last Gospel and returned to the centre, he makes an inclination to the Cross, descends the steps with joined hands and arrived at the foot, turns to the Altar, makes a profound inclination (or genuflection, if the Blessed Sacrament be reserved) with the Sacred Ministers, receives his Biretta from the Deacon, puts it on, and returns to the Sacristy, following the Deacon. Should the Clergy and Choir precede the Sacred Ministers into the Sacristy, they may remain turned to the Altar till nearly all have left; they then turn, cover and follow in due order.

24.—The Gospel concluded, the Deacon ascends the predella to the right of the Celebrant, goes with him to the centre, makes an inclination to the Cross, turns by his left and descends the steps, with joined hands, with the Celebrant and Sub-deacon. Arrived at the foot, he turns with them to the Altar and makes the proper reverence. He then receives the Celebrant’s Biretta from the Master of Ceremonies, which he presents with the usual kisses and then receives his own, covers and returns to the Sacristy, following the Sub-deacon.

24.—After the Gospel, the Sub-deacon ascends the predella to the left of the Celebrant, goes with him to the centre, makes an inclination to the Cross, turns to the right and descends the steps, with joined hands, with the Celebrant and Deacon. Arrived at the foot, he turns with them to the Altar and makes the proper reverence. He then receives his Biretta, puts it on at the same time as the Celebrant and proceeds immediately after the Choir to the Sacristy.

24.—At the end of the Last Gospel, the Sacred Ministers having descended to the pavement, he takes their Birettas and presents that of the Celebrant to the Deacon and then their own to the Deacon and Sub-deacon. He joins them in the proper reverence to the Altar and then precedes them to the Sacristy.

24.—When the Sacred Ministers descend to the pavement, they join with them in making the proper reverence to the Altar and then follow the Thurifer to the Sacristy.

24-25.—When the Sacred Ministers descend to the pavement, he makes the proper reverence to the Altar, and precedes the Acolytes to the Sacristy.

25.—Arrived at the Sacristy, if the Clergy there await him, he takes off his Biretta and salutes them. Having made a reverence to the Cross of the Sacristy, he salutes the Sacred Ministers, who then assist him to unvest, he again salutes them and retires.

25.—Arrived at the Sacristy, he uncovers and placing himself at the right of the Celebrant, joins him in saluting the Clergy and then makes a reverence to the Cross of the Sacristy and to the Celebrant. He takes off his Maniple and assists to unvest the Celebrant, salutes him and proceeds to unvest himself.

25.—Arrived at the Sacristy, he uncovers and placing himself at the left of the Celebrant, joins him in saluting the Clergy and then makes a reverence to the Cross of the Sacristy and to the Celebrant. He takes off his Maniple and assists the Deacon to unvest the Celebrant, salutes him and proceeds to unvest himself.

25.—Arrived at the Sacristy he salutes the Clergy in union with the Sacred Ministers, bows to the Cross, salutes the Celebrant and, if necessary, assists him to unvest. He then proceeds to the Credence and removes the sacred ornaments.

25.—Arrived at the Sacristy they bow to the Cross, stand on either side with their Candlesticks until the arrival of the Sacred Ministers, salute them as they pass and then put aside their Candlesticks, extinguish the candles and proceed to divest the Deacon and Sub-deacon of their Maniples and folded Chasubles (if they have them). After the Celebrant is unvested, they assist the Deacon and Sub-deacon to unvest and then proceed to extinguish the candles on the Altar and to do such other things as may be necessary.