Project Canterbury

A Parish Eucharist according to Ancient Catholic Usage and the Book of Common Prayer.

[By Stephen A. Hurlbut]

Washington, D.C.: The St. Albans Press, 1939.


The Service proposed herein is not authorized for use in public worship.


¶ Note: The Service may begin with the Preparation here given;

Or, especially in Advent and Lent, with the Litany;

Or, after the First Collect, with the recitation of the Ten Commandments, Summary of the Law, and Kyrie eleison;

Or, especially on Festal Occasions, with the singing of an Introit Psalm, followed by the Gloria in Excelsis, the Te Deum, or other suitable Canticle.

 

¶ But Note: That when, for any reason, the General Confession and Absolution, here given, have been omitted at the beginning of the Service, the Shorter Form thereof shall be used immediately before the Prayer of Humble Access.

 

Preparation

 

The Priest, with his Ministers, standing at the entrance to the choir, shall begin with this Collect for Purity.

 

ALMIGHTY God, unto, whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Then the Priest, or other Minister, turning to the People, shall say the Summary of the Law.

 

Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ saith.

 

THOU shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.

 

LET us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.

 

A General Confession

 

To be said by all, kneeling.

 

ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father; we have erred, and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore thou those who are penitent; according to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake; that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.

 

The Absolution

 

¶ To be said by the Priest alone, standing.

 

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him; Have mercy upon you; pardon and deliver you from all your sins; confirm and strengthen you in all goodness; and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

A SELECTION OF PSALMS, OR CANTICLES, PROPER TO CERTAIN DAYS OR SEASONS

 

At any time: Venite, exultemus Domino.

 

O come, let us sing unto the Lord; let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation. Etc.

 

At any time: Benedictus es, Domine.

 

Blessed art thou, O Lord God of our fathers: praised and exalted above all for ever.

 

In Advent: Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel.

 

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people.

 

At Christmas: Gloria in Excelsis.

 

Glory be to God on high; and on earth peace, good will towards men.

 

The Epiphany: Psalm 72, Deus, judicium.

 

Give the King thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the King’s son.

 

In Lent: Psalm 43, Judica me.

 

Give sentence with me, O God; and defend my cause against the ungodly people.

 

Passiontide: Psalm 130, De profundis.

 

Out of the deep have I called unto thee, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.

 

Good Friday: Psalm 22, 1-19, Deus, Deus meus.

 

My God, my God, look upon me; why hast thou forsaken me?

 

Easter: Pascha nostrum (Prayer Book Canticle for Easter Day).

 

Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast.

 

Ascension: Psalm 24, Domini est terra.

 

The earth is the Lord’s, and all that therein is: the compass of the world, and they that dwell therein.

 

Whitsun: Psalm 46, Deus noster refugium.

 

God is our hope and strength, a very present help in trouble.

 

Trinity (or any Sunday): Te Deum laudamus.

 

We praise thee, O God; we acknowledge thee to be the Lord.

 

Annunciation, Purification: Magnificat anima mea.

 

My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

 

Saint’s Days: Psalm 149, Cantate Domino.

 

O sing unto the Lord a new song; let the congregation of saints praise him.

 

Instruction and Praise

 

Here shall the Priest, or one of his Ministers, say.

 

The Lord be with you.

Answer. And with thy spirit.

Minister. Let us pray.

 

¶ Then shall be said the

Collect of the Day.

 

After which shall be read a Lesson from the Old Testament, called

 

The Prophecy.

 

Here, all standing, the Minister shall say,

 

O Lord, open thou our lips.

Answer. And our mouth shall show forth thy praise.

Minister. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;

Answer. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Minister. Praise ye the Lord.

Answer. The Lord’s Name be praised.

 

Here may be sung a Psalm, Canticle, or Hymn, suitable to the day.

 

And after every Psalm or Canticle shall be sung Gloria Patri.

 

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.

 

Then shall be read a Lesson from the writings of the Apostles, called

The Epistle.

 

While the Deacon (or the Priest) is proceeding to the pulpit, to read the Holy Gospel, may be sung a Hymn, or the Gradual.

The Holy Gospel.

 

Hear the words of the Holy Gospel according to Saint —.

Before the Gospel: Glory be to thee, O Lord.

After the Gospel: Praise be to thee, O Christ, for this thy Holy Gospel.

 

Exhortation or Sermon (if there be one).

 

The Offering

 

The Priest, standing at the Altar, shall say two or more of these

 

Offertory Sentences.

 

THINE, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.

 

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour, and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

 

Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

 

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 

Collection of Alms

 

An Offertory Anthem, or Hymn, may be sung while the Alms are being collected and placed on the Altar.

 

Oblation of Bread and Wine

 

It is greatly to be desired, that, in accord with early Christian practice, the People be given some share in offering the Bread and the Wine for the Communion.

 

The Priest shall then offer, and place upon the Altar, the Bread and Wine, which are to be consecrated, saying this prayer.

 

Offertory Prayer

 

All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee.

 

ALMIGHTY God, and heavenly Father, who openest thine hand and fillest all things living with plenteousness, we render unto thee humble and hearty thanks for all thy bounty to us and to all men; and we beseech thee graciously to accept our prayers and our alms, and to receive and bless these thy gifts of bread and wine, the fruits of the earth, which we here set forth before thee, in the midst of thy holy Church; sanctify them unto this holy use, that by them we may be made partakers of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ thy well beloved Son, through whom, O gracious Father, thou dost ever create, sanctify, and bestow upon us all these good things. Amen.

 

Intercessions and Prayer

 

Then, turning to the People, the Priest shall say,

 

The Peace of the Lord be always with you.

Answer. And with thy spirit.

 

The Priest (or Deacon) shall then say the following Intercessions and Thanksgivings, adding thereto any other such special petitions as he may desire; concluding the whole with the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed.

 

Let us pray for the whole state of Christ’s Church.

 

ALMIGHTY and everliving God, who by thy holy Apostle hast taught us to make prayers, and supplications, and to give thanks for all men; We humbly beseech thee to inspire continually thy Holy Catholic Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all those who do confess thy holy Name may agree in the truth of thy holy Word, and live in unity and godly love.

 

Grant this, we beseech thee, O Lord.

 

Let us pray for our Bishops and other Clergy.

 

Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all Bishops, Priests, and other Ministers, that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth thy true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy Sacraments.

 

Grant this, we beseech thee, O Lord.

 

Let us pray for the President of the United States, and all in civil authority.

 

Most heartily we beseech thee, with thy favour, O Lord, to behold and bless thy servant The President of the United States; grant to him, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will; fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear.

 

Grant this, we beseech thee, O Lord.

 

[Additional and Special Petitions may be inserted here.]

 

Let us remember in our prayers the faithful departed.

 

Finally, we yield unto thee most high praise and hearty thanks for the wonderful grace and virtue declared in all thy saints, [and especially in Saint —, whom we commemorate today]; and we also bless thy holy Name for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear [especially those whom we now remember before thee], beseeching thee to grant to them continual growth in thy love and service, and to give us grace so to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom.

 

Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

 

ADDITIONAL INTERCESSIONS AND PRAYERS

 

Let us pray for our own Nation, and all the Nations upon earth.

 

Almighty God, whose glory is in all the world, we commend this Nation to thy never failing care and Providence; and we beseech thee to guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness.

 

Grant this, we beseech thee, O Lord.

 

Let us pray for God’s peace on all his people.

 

O God, who art the author of peace and lover of concord, give unto thy faithful servants  that peace which the world cannot give, that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness.

 

Grant this, we beseech thee, O Lord.

 

Let us pray for all sorts and conditions of men.

 

And to all thy People give thy heavenly grace; and especially to this congregation here present; that, with meek heart and due reverence, they may hear, and receive thy holy Word; truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life.

 

Grant this, we beseech thee, O Lord.

 

Let us pray for all who desire or need our prayers.

 

And we most humbly beseech thee, of thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succour all those who, in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity [especially those for whom our prayers are desired].

 

Grant this, we beseech thee, O Lord.

 

Preface and Eucharistic Prayer

 

Here, all standing, the Priest shall say,

 

The Lord be with you.

Answer. And with thy spirit.

Priest. Lift up your hearts.

Answer. We lift them up unto the Lord.

Priest. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.

Answer. It is meet and right so to do.

 

Then shall the Priest begin the

 

Prayer of Eucharistic Thanksgiving.

 

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

 

Here shall follow the Proper Preface, according to the time, if there be any specially appointed.

 

PROPER PREFACES

 

Upon Christmas Day, and until the Epiphany.

 

BECAUSE thou didst give Jesus Christ, thine only Son, to be born as at this time for us; who, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, was made very man, of the substance of the Virgin Mary his mother; and that without spot of sin, to make us clean from all sin. Therefore with Angels, etc.

 

Upon the Epiphany, and seven days after.

 

THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord; who, in substance of our mortal flesh, manifested forth his glory; that he might bring us out of darkness into his own glorious light. Therefore with Angels, etc.

 

Upon the Feasts of the Purification, Annunciation, and Transfiguration.

 

BECAUSE in the Mystery of the Word made flesh, thou hast caused a new light to shine in our hearts, to give the knowledge of thy glory in the face of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore with Angels, etc.

 

Upon Easter Day, and until Ascension Day.

 

BUT chiefly are we bound to praise thee for the glorious Resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord: for he is the very Paschal Lamb, which was offered for us, and hath taken away the sins of the world; who by his death hath destroyed death, and by his rising to life again hath restored to us everlasting life. Therefore with Angels, etc.

 

Upon Ascension Day, and until Whitsunday.

 

THROUGH thy most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who, after his most glorious Resurrection, manifestly appeared to all his Apostles, and in their sight ascended up into heaven, to prepare a place for us; that where he is, thither we might also ascend, and reign with him in glory.

 

Upon Whitsunday, and six days after.

 

THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord; according to whose most true promise, the Holy Ghost came down as at this time from heaven, lighting upon the disciples to teach them, and to lead them into all truth; giving them boldness with fervent zeal constantly to preach the Gospel unto all nations; whereby we have been brought out of darkness and error into the clear light and true knowledge of thee, and of thy Son Jesus Christ. Therefore with Angels, etc.

 

Upon the Feast of Trinity only.

 

WHO, with thine only-begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, art one God, one Lord, in Trinity of Persons and in Unity of Substance. For that which we believe of thy glory, O Father, the same we believe of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, without any difference of inequality. Therefore with Angels, etc.

 

Upon All Saints’ Day, and seven days after.

 

WHO, in the multitude of thy Saints, hast compassed us about with so great a cloud of witnesses, that we, rejoicing in their fellowship, may run with patience the race that is set before us, and, together with them, may receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away. Therefore with Angels, etc.

 

A general Preface, which may be used on any Sunday for which no proper Preface is appointed.

 

THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord; who is thine only Son, the brightness of thy glory and the express image of thy person, begotten before all worlds, by whom all worlds were made; who was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary his mother, and dwelt among us full of grace and truth; that, by his holy life and doctrine, he might bring us out of darkness and error into the clear light of thine eternal glory:

 

THEREFORE with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee, and saying,

 

Priest and People.

 

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts, Heaven and earth are full of thy glory: Glory be to thee, O Lord Most High. Amen.

 

Either here, or immediately before the Communion, may be sung,

 

Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

 

The Consecration

 

Then, the People kneeling, the Priest shall continue the Prayer of Eucharistic Thanksgiving, as followeth.

 

Redemption and Institution

 

ALL GLORY AND THANKSGIVING BE unto thee, Almighty God, our heavenly Father, for that thou, of thy tender mercy, didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the Cross for our redemption; who made there, by his one oblation of himself, a full and perfect Sacrifice for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious death and sacrifice, until his coming again: For in the night in which he was betrayed, he took Bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you; Do this in remembrance of me. Likewise, after supper, he took the Cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this; for this is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins; Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.

 

Oblation and Invocation

 

WHEREFORE, O Lord and heavenly Father, we, thy humble servants, having in remembrance not only the death and passion of thy Son our Lord, but also his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension, do offer unto thee, with these thy holy gifts, the memorial which he hath commanded us to make. And we beseech thee, O merciful Father, to hear us; and, of thy almighty goodness, vouchsafe to bl+ess and sanc+tify, with thy Word and Holy Spirit, these thy creatures of bread and wine; that we, receiving them according to thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ’s holy institution, may be partakers of his most blessed Body and Blood.

 

Acceptance of the Sacrifice

 

AND we earnestly desire thy fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, beseeching thee to grant that, by the merits and intercession of thy Son, our Great High Priest, we, and all thy whole Church, may be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction, obtain remission of sins, and all other benefits of his passion. And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, our selves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto thee; and, although we are unworthy to offer unto thee any sacrifice, yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service; not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences, through Jesus Christ our Lord; by whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honour, glory, and thanksgiving be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end.

 

And all the People shall answer, Amen.

 

The Lord’s Prayer

 

Priest and People together, the Priest first pronouncing,

 

And now as our Saviour Christ hath commanded and taught us, we are bold to say,

 

OUR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

 

[ ¶ A shorter Form of Confession and Absolution, which may be used, before the Prayer of Humble Access, when the General Confession was not said at the beginning of the Service.

 

[¶ Confession, to be said by all kneeling, the Priest first pronouncing:

 

[Let us humbly confess our sins and trespasses unto our Father in heaven.

 

[Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we confess unto thee, that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed, through our own most grievous fault. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee, in newness of life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

 

Absolution, to be pronounced by the Priest alone, standing.

 

[Almighty God have mercy upon you; forgive you all your sins and trespasses; deliver you from all evil; confirm and strengthen you in all goodness; and bring you to everlasting life. Amen.]

 

Then shall he kneel down at the Lord’s Table, and say the following

 

Prayer of Humble Access.

 

WE do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the Flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his Blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his Body, and our souls washed through his most precious Blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.

 

The Communion

 

Here may be sung the Anthem, Benedictus qui venit.

 

Then shall the Priest first receive the Holy Communion himself; and when he showeth the Sacrament to the People, he shall say one or more of these following

 

Sentences of Invitation.

 

Draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort; and feed on him who is the living Bread which cometh down from heaven.

 

O taste and see how gracious the Lord is: He hath prepared a table before me in the presence of all mine enemies.

 

The Spirit and the Bride say, Come, for all things are now ready: Blessed are they which are called to the marriage Supper of the Lamb.

 

Wisdom hath builded her house; she hath furnished her table: Come, eat of my Bread, and drink of the Wine which I have mingled.

 

Seeing that we have a great high Priest, who hath entered into the Holy Place, let us draw near with faith, and take these holy Mysteries as pledges of his love.

 

Then shall the Priest say to those who come to receive the Holy Communion these

 

Words of Administration.

 

THE Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for thee, and feed on him in thy heart by faith, with thanksgiving.

 

And the Minister who delivereth the Cup shall say,

 

THE Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s Blood was shed for thee, and be thankful.

 

During the Communion time, Agnus Dei, or some suitable Communion Hymn may be sung.

 

The Communion ended, the Priest and those who have received the Holy Sacrament shall say this Prayer of

 

Thanksgiving,

 

the Priest first pronouncing,

 

Having now by faith received the precious Body and Blood of Christ, let us give thanks unto our Lord God.

 

ALMIGHTY and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee, for that thou dost vouchsafe to feed us who have duly received these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favour and goodness towards us; and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, which is the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs through hope of thy everlasting kingdom, by the merits of his most precious death and passion. And we humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.

 

Here may be sung a suitable Psalm or Hymn, during the singing of which the ablutions are to be completed; after which the Priest shall let the People depart with this

 

Blessing.

 

THE Peace of God, which passeth all understand, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. And the Blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.

 


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