Our Lady of WalsinghamCatholic Church
Anglican Use



The Holy Eucharist: Rite One

THE BOOK of DIVINE WORSHIP
FOR USE IN PARISHES
OF THE PASTORAL PROVISION

Approved by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops
of the United States of America, and
Confirmed by the Apostolic See
February, 1987

The Holy Eucharist: Rite One
The Liturgy of the Word

A hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung.
The people standing, the Celebrant says:
Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
R. And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

In place of the above, from Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

In Lent and on other penitential occasions
Bless the Lord who forgiveth all our sins.
His mercy endureth for ever.

The Celebrant says
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.

The Celebrant may read the following sentence:
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 neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 22:37-40)

Here is sung or said:
The Kyrie J. Merbecke, 1539
Lord, have mercy upon us. Kyrie eleison.

Christ have mercy upon us.Christe eleison.

Lord have mercy upon us.Kyrie eleison.

When appointed, the following hymn or some other song of praise is sung or said, in addition to, or in place of, the preceding, all standing.
The Gloria Old Scottish Chant

Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.
We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee,
we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory.
O Lord God, heavenly King,
God the Father almighty.
O Lord, the only begotten Son Jesus Christ;
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer.
Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.
For thou only art holy, thou only art the Lord.
Thou only O Christ with the Holy Ghost
art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

The Collect
The celebrant says to the people:
The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.

The celebrant says the Collect.
People: Amen.

The Lessons
The people sit. One or two lessons, as appointed, are read, the reader first saying:
A Reading (Lesson) from ________.
A citation giving chapter and verse may be added.

After each reading, the Reader may say
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God.

Or the reader may say,
Here endeth the Reading (Epistle).

Silence may follow.

A psalm, hymn, or anthem may follow each reading.

Then, all standing, the Deacon or a Priest reads the Gospel, first saying
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to________ .
Glory be to thee, O Lord.

After the Gospel, the reader says
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to thee, O Christ.

The Homily

On Sundays, and major feast days, there follows, all standing,

The Nicene Creed

I believe in one God,the Father Almighty,maker of heaven and earth,and of all things visible and invisible;
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God,begotten of his Father before all worlds,
God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father;
by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven,
and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried;and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost the Lord, and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son;who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets. And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church; I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; I look for the X Resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.


The Prayers of the People

The deacon, or other person appointed, says the following prayers, or the alternative prayers (see Appendix II)
With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying, "Lord, have mercy."

For the peace from above, for the loving-kindness of God, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the holy Church of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For N., our Pope, N., our Bishop, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For our president, for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For this city, (town, village, _______,) for every city and community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For seasonable weather, and for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphaned, and for the sick and suffering, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For , let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For all who have died in the hope of the X resurrection, and for all the departed, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For deliverance from all danger, violence, oppression, and degradation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the absolution and remission of our sins and offenses, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

That we may end our lives in faith and hope, without suffering and without reproach, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

In the communion of Blessed Mary ever virgin, [St and of all the saints,] let us commend ourselves and one another, and all our life to Christ our God.
To thee, O Lord our God.

Silence

The celebrant adds a concluding collect.

The Penitential Rite

The deacon or celebrant says
Ye who do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways: Draw near with faith, and make your humble confession to Almighty God, devoutly kneeling.

Or this
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept.

Minister and People
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, judge of all men:
We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness,
which we from time to time most grievously have committed,
by thought, word, and deed against thy divine Majesty,
provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us.
We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings;
the remembrance of them is grievous unto us,
the burden of them is intolerable.
Have mercy upon us,
have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;
for thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake,
forgive us all that is past;
and grant that we may ever hereafter
serve and please thee in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of thy Name;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Or this:
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against thee
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved thee with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in thy will,
and walk in thy ways,
to the glory of thy Name. Amen.

The celebrant says
May 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 on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and bring us to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Peace
All stand. The celebrant says to the people
The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
And with thy spirit.

Then the Ministers and people may greet one another in the Name of the Lord.

Liturgy of the Faithful
Preparation of the Altar and the Gifts

It is desirable that the participation of the faithful be expressed by members of the congregation bringing up the bread and wine for the celebration of the Eucharist or other gifts for the needs of the Church and the poor.

The priest, standing at the altar, takes the paten with the bread and, holding it slightly raised above the altar, says quietly
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life.

Then he places the paten with the bread on the corporal.

If no offertory song is sung, the priest may say the preceding words in an audible voice; then the people may respond
Blessed be God for ever.


The deacon (or the priest) pours wine and a little water into the chalice, saying quietly
By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.

The priest, holding the chalice slightly raised above the altar, says quietly
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become for us our spiritual drink.

If no offertory song is sung, the priest may say the preceding words in an audible voice; then the people may respond
Blessed be God for ever.

The priest bows and says quietly:
Lord God, we ask you to receive us and be pleased with the sacrifice we offer you with humble and contrite hearts.


He may now incense the offerings and the altar. Afterwards the deacon or a minister incenses the priest and people.
Next, the priest stands at the side of the altar and washes his hands, saying:
Lord, wash away my iniquity; cleanse me from my sin.

Standing at the center of the altar, facing the people, he says:
Pray, brethren, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.

The people respond:
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his Church.

The Prayer over the Gifts

The priest sings or says the prayer over the gifts, at the end of which the people respond:

Amen.

The Eucharistic Prayer
The people remain standing. The Celebrant, whether bishop or priest, faces them and sings or says
The Preface

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

Then, facing the Holy Table, the celebrant proceeds
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 a proper preface is sung or said on all Sundays, and on other occasions as appointed.

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


The Sanctus J. Merbecke, 1539
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Hosts
Heaven and earth are full of thy glory.
Glory be to thee, O Lord most high.
X Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord
Hosanna in the highest.

In the Eucharistic Prayer [the Roman Canon] the words in brackets may be omitted.

[Note that the celebrant may use another Eucharistic prayer from the Roman Sacramentary.]
The priest, with hands extended, says:

MOST merciful Father, we humbly pray thee, through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, and we ask, that thou accept and bless these gifts, these presents, these holy and unspoiled sacrifices.

We offer them unto thee, first, for thy holy Catholic Church: that thou vouchsafe to keep it in peace, to guard, unite, and govern it throughout the whole world: together with thy servant N. our Pope, N. our Bishop, and all the faithful guardians of the catholic and apostolic faith.

Commemoration of the Living

Remember, O Lord, thy servants and handmaids [N. and N.] and all who here around us stand, whose faith is known unto thee and their steadfastness manifest, on whose behalf we offer unto thee or who themselves offer unto thee this sacrifice of praise: for themselves, and for all who are theirs: for the redemption of their souls, for the hope of their salvation and safety: and who offer their prayers unto thee, the eternal God, the living and the true.

United in one communion we venerate the memory first, of the glorious ever-virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ; of Joseph her spouse; as also of thy blessed Apostles and Martyrs, Peter and Paul, Andrew, [James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Thaddeus: Linus, Cletus, Clement, Xystus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian]

and of all thy saints; grant that by their merits and prayers we may in all things be defended with the help of thy protection.

[Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.]

Here on certain days is said a short prayer [Communicantes] proper to that day.

The celebrant then continues.

We beseech thee then, O Lord, graciously to accept this oblation from us thy servants, and from thy whole family: order thou our days in thy peace, and bid us to be delivered from eternal damnation and to be numbered in the fold of thine elect.

[Through Christ our Lord. Amen.]

Vouchsafe, O God, we beseech thee, in all things to make this oblation blessed, approved, and accepted, a perfect and worthy offering: that it may become for us the Body and Blood of thy dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Who the day before he suffered,

            [Holy Thursday: the day before he suffered to save us and all men, that is, today,]

took bread into his holy and venerable hands, and with eyes lifted up to heaven unto thee, God, his Almighty Father, giving thanks to thee, he blessed, broke, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take this, all of you, and eat it:

This is my body which will be given up for you.

The priest shows the consecrated Host to the people, places it on the paten, and genuflects in adoration.

Then he continues.

Likewise, after supper, taking also this goodly chalice into his holy and venerable hands, again giving thanks to thee, he blessed, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take this, all of you, and drink from it:

This is the cup of my blood,

The blood of the new and everlasting covenant.

It will be shed for you and for all

So that sins may be forgiven.

Do this in memory of me.

The priest shows the Chalice to the people, places it on the corporal, and genuflects in adoration.

He then sings or says:

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

People:

1.      Lord, by your Cross and Resurrection, you have set us free. You are the Saviour of the world.

2.      Dying you destroyed our death. Rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.

3.      When we eat this bread and drink this cup we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory.

With hands extended, the priest continues

Wherefore, O Lord, we thy servants, and thy holy people also, remembering the blessed passion of the same Christ thy Son our Lord, as also his Resurrection from the dead, and his glorious ascension into heaven; do offer unto thine excellent majesty of thine own gifts and bounty, the pure victim, the holy victim, the immaculate victim, the holy Bread of eternal life, and the Chalice of everlasting salvation.

Vouchsafe to look upon them with a merciful and pleasant countenance: and to accept them even as thou didst vouchsafe to accept the gifts of thy servant Abel the Righteous, and the sacrifice of our patriarch Abraham: and the holy sacrifice, the immaculate victim, which thy high priest Melchizedech offered unto thee.

We humbly beseech thee, Almighty God: command these offerings to be brought by the hands of thy holy Angel to thine altar on high, in sight of thy divine majesty: that we who at this partaking of the altar shall receive the most sacred Body and Blood of thy Son, may be filled with all heavenly X benediction and grace.

[Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.]

Commemoration of the Dead

Remember also, O Lord, thy servants and handmaids [N. and N.] who have gone before us sealed with the seal of faith, and who sleep the sleep of peace. To them, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, we beseech thee to grant the abode of refreshing, of light, and of peace.

[Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.]

To us sinners also, thy servants, who hope in the multitude of thy mercies, vouchsafe to grant some part and fellowship with thy holy Apostles and Martyrs: with John, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, [Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicitas, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia,]

and with all thy saints: within whose fellowship, we beseech thee, admit us, not weighing our merit, but granting us forgiveness.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord; through whom, O Lord, thou dost ever create all these good things: dost sanctify, quicken, bless, bestow them upon us.

By whom and with whom and in whom,

in the unity of the Holy Ghost,

all honor and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty,

world without end. Amen.

 
And now, as our Savior Christ hath taught us, we are bold to say

People and celebrant
The Pater Noster

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 that 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,
forever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Host

The celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.

A period of silence is kept.
Then may be said
[Alleluia.] Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. [Alleluia.]

In Lent, Alleluia is omitted, and may be omitted at other times, except during Eastertide.

The following anthem is sung or said here.


The Agnus Dei J. Merbecke, 1549
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, grant us thy peace.

The following prayer may be said. The people may join in this prayer.
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 we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.


Facing the people, the celebrant says the following invitation

The Gifts of God for the People of God. Behold the Lamb of God,
Behold the Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world.

The people respond thrice:

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

The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then immediately deliver it to the people.

The Bread and Cup are given to the communicants with these words:
The Body (Blood) of our Lord Jesus Christ keep you in everlasting life. Amen.

Or with these words:
The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. Amen.
The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. Amen.

During the ministration of communion, hymns, songs, or anthems may be sung.

After communion, the celebrant says
Let us pray.

A proper post-communion prayer is sometimes said in place of the following:

The people may join in saying this prayer:

Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee for that thou dost feed us in these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favor and goodness towards us; and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs, through hope, of thy everlasting kingdom.
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 has prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

The bishop, when present, or the priest, gives the blessing
The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, 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.

Or this:
The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

The Deacon, or the celebrant, may dismiss the people with these words
Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
Thanks be to God.

Or the following:
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Or this:
Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
Thanks be to God.

From the Easter Vigil through the Day of Pentecost "Alleluia, Alleluia" may be added to any of the dismissals.
The people respond
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia.

Appendix 1: The Decalogue (Exodus 20:1-17)

God spake these words, and said:

I am the Lord thy God who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have none other gods but me.
Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth; thou shalt not bow down to them, nor worship them.
Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain.
Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.
Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Honor thy father and thy mother.
Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Thou shalt do no murder.
Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Thou shalt not steal.
Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Thou shalt not covet.
Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Appendix 2: Alternate Prayers of the People

Almighty and everliving God, who in thy holy Word hast taught us to make prayers and supplications, and to give thanks for all men: Receive these our prayers which we offer unto thy divine Majesty, beseeching thee to inspire continually the Universal 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.

Give grace, O heavenly Father, to N. our Pope, to N. our Bishop, to all bishops and other ministers, [especially ,] that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth thy true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy sacraments.

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.

We beseech thee also to rule the hearts of those who bear the authority of government in this and every land, [especially ,] that they may be led to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world.

Open, O Lord, the eyes of all people to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works, that, rejoicing in thy whole creation, they may honor thee with their substance, and be faithful stewards of thy bounty.

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

Additional petitions and thanksgivings may be included here.

And we also bless thy holy Name for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear [especially ], beseeching thee to be merciful and grant them fulness of joy in thy love and service; and to grant us grace so to follow the good
examples of [ , and of] all thy saints, that with them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom.

Grant these prayers, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

Litany of Intercession: Form II

Deacon, or other leader:
Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church and the world.

Father, we pray for thy holy Catholic Church;
That we all may be one.

Grant that every member of thy Church may truly and humbly serve thee;
That thy name may be glorified by all people.

We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
That they may be faithful ministers of thy Word and Sacraments.

We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;
That there may be justice and peace on the earth.

Give us grace to do thy will in all that we undertake;
That our works may find favor in thy sight.

Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
That they may be delivered from their distress.

Give to the departed eternal rest;
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

We praise thee for thy saints who have entered into joy;
May we also come to share in thy heavenly kingdom.

Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.

Silence.

The celebrant says
Thine is the majesty, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Appendix 3: Prayers for before and after Communion

Prayers Before Communion
A Prayer of St John Chrysostom
I believe, O Lord, and I confess that thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who didst come into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. And I believe that this is truly thine own immaculate Body, and that this is truly thine own precious Blood. Wherefore I pray thee, have mercy upon me and forgive my transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, of word and of deed, of knowledge and of ignorance; and make me worthy to partake without condemnation of thine immaculate Mysteries, unto remission of my sins and unto life everlasting. Amen. Of thy Mystic Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of thy Mystery to thine enemies, neither will I give thee a kiss as did Judas; but like the thief will I confess thee: Remember me, O Lord, in thy Kingdom. Not unto Judgment nor unto condemnation be my partaking of thy Holy Mysteries, O Lord, but unto the healing of soul and body.

A Prayer of St Ambrose
Lord Jesus Christ, I approach thy banquet table in fear and trembling, for I am a sinner, and dare not rely on my own worth but only on thy goodness and mercy. I am defiled by many sins in body and soul, and by my unguarded thoughts and words. Gracious God of majesty and awe, I seek thy protection. I look for thy healing. Poor troubled sinner that I am, I appeal to thee, the fountain of all mercy. I cannot bear thy judgment, but I trust in thy salvation. Lord, I show my wounds to thee, and uncover my shame before thee. I know my sins are many and great, and they fill me with fear, but I hope in thy mercies, for they cannot be numbered. Lord Jesus Christ, eternal king, God and man, crucified for man, look upon me with mercy and hear my prayer, for I trust in thee. Have mercy on me, full of sorrow and sin, for the depth of thy compassion never ends.
Praise to thee, saving sacrifice, offered on the wood of the cross for me and for all mankind. Praise to the noble and precious blood flowing from the wounds of my crucified Lord Jesus Christ, and washing away the sins of the whole world.
Remember, Lord, thy creature, whom thou hast redeemed with thine own blood. I repent my sins, and I long to put right what I have done.


Merciful Father, take away all my offenses and sins; purify me in body and soul,
and make me worthy to taste the holy of holies.
Lord, may thy Body and Blood, which I intend to receive, although I am unworthy, be for me the remission of sins, the washing away of my guilt, the end of my evil thoughts, and the rebirth of my better instincts. May it incite me to do the works pleasing to thee and be profitable to my health of body and soul, and be a firm defense against the wiles of all my enemies. Amen.

A Prayer of St Thomas Aquinas
Almighty and ever-living God, I approach the sacrament of thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. I come sick to the doctor of life, unclean to the fountain of mercy, blind to the radiance of eternal light, and poor and needy to the Lord of heaven and earth. Lord, in thy great abundance, heal my sickness, wash away my defilement, enlighten my blindness, enrich my poverty, and clothe my nakedness. May I receive the bread of angels, the King of kings and Lord of lords, with humble reverence, with the purity and faith, the repentance and love, and the determined purpose that will further the salvation of my soul. May I receive the sacrament of the Lord's Body and Blood, and its reality and power. Kind God, may I receive the Body of thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, born from the womb of the Virgin Mary, and so be received into his mystical body and numbered among his members. Loving Father, as on my earthly pilgrimage I now receive thy beloved Son under the veil of a sacrament, may I one day see him face to face in glory, who liveth and reigneth, world without end. Amen.

Prayers After Communion
Prayer of St Thomas Aquinas
Lord, Father all-powerful and ever-living God, I thank thee, for even though I am a sinner, thine unprofitable servant, not because of my worth, but in the kindness of thy mercy, thou hast fed me with the precious Body and Blood of thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that this Holy Communion may not bring me condemnation and punishment, but forgiveness and salvation. May it be a helmet of faith and a shield of good will. May it purify me from evil ways and put an end to my evil passions. May it bring me charity and patience, humility and obedience, and growth in the power to do good. May it be my strong defense against all my enemies visible and invisible, and the perfect calming of all my evil impulses bodily and spiritual. May it unite me more closely to thee, the one true God, and lead me safely through death to everlasting happiness with thee. And I pray that thou wilt lead me, a sinner, to the banquet where thou, with thy Son and the Holy Ghost, art true and perfect light, total fulfilment, everlasting joy, gladness without end, and perfect happiness with thy saints. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, heal me.
Blood of Christ, drench me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
Good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds, shelter me.
From turning away, keep me.
From the evil one, protect me.
At the hour of my death, call me.
Into Thy presence, lead me,
With all Thy saints to praise Thee,
forever and ever. Amen.

Doxology to the Mother of God
It is truly right to call you blessed, O Mother of God,
Ever Virgin and most pure and Mother of our God.
More honorable than the Cherubim,
and more glorious beyond compare than all the Seraphim:
Without loss of virginity you gave birth to God the Word;
True Mother of God, we praise you.

Appendix 4: Various Prayers

The Regina Caeli
Regina Caeli, laetare, Alleluia. Mary Queen of Heaven, be joyful. Alleluia.
Quia quem meruisti portare, Alleluia. For He Whom thou hast merited to bear.
Alleluia.
Resurrexit sicut dixit, Alleluia. He has risen, as He foretold. Alleluia.
Ora pro nobis Deum, Alleluia. Pray with God our sins to spare. Alleluia.

V. Gaudare et laetare, O virgo Maria. Alleluia. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia.
R. Quia surrexit Dominus vere. Alleluia. For the Lord is truly arisen. Alleluia.

Oremus. Let us pray.
Deus, qui per resurrectionem Filii tui, God, who gave joy to the world through
Domini nostri Jesu Christi, mundum the Resurrection of thy Son our Lord
laetificare dignatus es: Praesta, quaesumus, Jesus Christ; grant, we beseech thee, that
ut per eius genitricem virginem Mariam, through the intercession of the Virgin 
perpetuae capiamus gaudia vitae. Per Mary, His mother, we may obtain the
eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. joys of everlasting life. Through the
Amen. same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Mary the Dawn
Mary the Dawn, Christ the Perfect Day!
Mary the Gate, Christ the Heav'nly Way!
Mary the Root, Christ the Mystic Vine!
Mary the Grape, Christ the Sacred Wine!
Mary the Wheat-Sheaf, Christ the Living Bread!
Mary the Rose-Tree, Christ the Rose Blood-Red!
Mary the Font, Christ the Cleansing Flood!
Mary the Chalice, Christ the Saving Blood!
Mary the Temple, Christ the Temple's Lord!
Mary the Shrine, Christ the God Adored!
Mary the Beacon, Christ the Haven's Rest!
Mary the Mirror, Christ the Vision Blest!
Mary the Mother, Christ the Mother's Son,
Both ever blest while endless ages run! Amen.

Prayer to St Michael
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who roam the world, seeking the ruin of souls.

The Angelus
V. The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Ghost.
Hail Mary...

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

V. And the word was made flesh.

R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary...

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

Let us pray.
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O God, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Litany of Our Lady of Walsingham

Mary, Pray to the Lord for us.
Mary without sin, Pray to the Lord for us.
Mary God's Mother, Pray to the Lord for us.
Mary the Virgin, Pray to the Lord for us.
Mary taken to Heaven, Pray to the Lord for us.
Mary at Bethlehem, Pray for all Mothers.
Mary at Nazareth, Pray for all Mothers.
Mary at Cana, Pray for all Mothers.
Mary at the Cross, Pray for all Mothers.
Mary in the Upper Room, Pray for all Mothers.
Mary model of Womanhood, Pray for all Mothers.
Woman of Faith, Remember us.
Woman of Hope, Remember us.
Woman of Charity, Remember us.
Woman of Suffering, Remember us.
Woman of Anxiety, Remember us.
Woman of Humility, Remember us.
Woman of Poverty, Remember us.
Woman of Purity, Remember us.
Woman of Obedience, Remember us.
Woman who wondered, Remember us to God.
Woman who listened, Remember us to God.
Woman who followed Him, Remember us to God.
Woman who longed for Him, Remember us to God.
Woman who loves Him, Remember us to God.
Mother of God, Be our Mother always.
Mother of Men, Be our Mother always.
Mother of the Church, Be our Mother always.
Mother of the World, Be our Mother always.
Mother we need, Be our Mother always.
Mother who went on believing, We thank God for you.
Mother who never lost hope, We thank God for you.
Mother who loved to the end, We thank God for you.


All holy and ever-living God, in giving us Jesus Christ to be our Saviour and Brother, you gave us Mary, His Mother, to be our Mother also. Grant us, we pray you, to live lives worthy of so great a Brother and so dear a Mother, that we may come at last to you, the Father of us all, Who lives and reigns for ever. Amen.
Our Lady of Walsingham, Pray for us.

Prayers for the Unborn

For the Children
We pray for the children of God condemned to death by the unjust judgment of men: that the Lord our God would soften the hearts of those who seek their violent destruction, and rescue those who are being led forth to the slaughter, we diligently pray Thee, O Lord, hear us and have mercy!

For those imprisoned in their defense:
We pray for all who have fallen into the hands of the godless civil authority for the sake of God's children, and who languish in courts and prisons: that the Lord our God may look upon them with compassion; that He may comfort, strengthen and preserve them; and that He may deliver them speedily from bondage and oppression, let us all say: O Lord, hear us and have mercy.

For their Captors
By Thine infinite power, O Lord, our God, move to compassion and mercy the hearts of those who hold Thy servants in cruel captivity; restrain them from doing harm or permitting evil to befall Thy servants, but rather cause them to relent and to release them; free the captives whole and unharmed, O Lord, and bestow Thy mercy upon them, let us all say: quickly hear us and graciously have mercy!

Prayer for the end of abortions
O most merciful, all gracious and compassionate Lord Jesus Christ our Savior, Son of God: we entreat Thee, most gracious Master: look with compassion upon Thy children who have been condemned to death by the unjust judgment of men. And as Thou hast promised to bestow the heavenly kingdom on those born of water and the Spirit, and who in blamelessness of life have been translated unto Thee; and Who said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven" - we humbly pray, according to Thine unfailing promise: have mercy upon the multitude of spotless infants who have been cruelly murdered in the abortuaries of this land; for Thou art the resurrection and the life and the repose of all Thy servants and of these innocents, O Christ our God.

Turn the hearts of those who seek to destroy Thy little ones. We beseech Thee to pour forth Thy healing grace upon them, that they may be convicted in their hearts and turn from their evil ways. Remember all of them that kill our children as on the altars of Moloch, and render not unto them according to their deeds, but according to Thy great mercy convert them: the unbelieving to true faith and piety, and the believing that they may turn from evil and do good.

For thou art a merciful God, and lovest mankind, and unto Thee do we send up glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
-Orthodox Exarchate of North America

Athanasian Creed (the Quicumque)
Glory be to thee, co-equal Trinity, one Godhead, both before all time, now and forever. (Eastertide: Alleluia.)
Whoever wishes to be saved, must, above all, keep the Catholic faith.
For unless a person keep the faith whole and entire, he will undoubtedly be lost forever.
This is what the Catholic faith teaches: we worship one God in the Trinity and the Trinity in unity.
We distinguish among the Persons, but we divide not the Substance.
For the Father is a distinct Person; the Son is a distinct Person; and the Holy Ghost is a distinct Person.
Still, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost have one Divinity, equal glory, and co-eternal majesty.
What the Father is, the Son is, and the Holy Ghost is.
The Father is uncreated, the Son is uncreated, the Holy Ghost is uncreated.
The Father is boundless, the Son is boundless, and the Holy Ghost is boundless.
The Father is eternal, the Son is eternal, and the Holy Ghost is eternal.
Nevertheless, there are not three eternal beings, but one eternal being.
Thus there are not three uncreated beings, nor three boundless beings, but one uncreated being, and one boundless being.
Likewise, the Father is omnipotent, the Son is omnipotent, and the Holy Ghost is omnipotent.
Yet there are not three omnipotent beings, but one omnipotent being.
Thus the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God.
But there are not three gods, but one God.
The Father is Lord, the Son is Lord, the Holy Ghost is Lord.
There are not three Lords, but one Lord.
For according to Christian truth, we must profess that each of the Persons individually is God; and according to Christian religion we are forbidden to say that there are three gods or three lords.
The Father is not made by anyone, nor created by anyone, nor generated by anyone.
The Son is not made nor created, but he is generated by the Father alone.
The Holy Ghost is not made nor created nor generated, but proceeds from the Father and the Son.
There is, then, one Father, not three fathers; one Son, not three sons; one Holy Ghost, not three holy ghosts.
In this Trinity there is nothing greater, nothing less than anything else. But the entire three Persons are co-eternal and co-equal with one another.
So that, as we have said, we worship complete unity in the Trinity and the Trinity in unity.
This, then, is what he who wishes to be saved must believe about the Trinity.


It is also necessary for eternal salvation that he believe steadfastly in the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The true faith is: we believe and profess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is both God and man.
As God, he was begotten of the substance of the Father before time; as man, he was born in time of the substance of his mother.
He is perfect God, and he is perfect man, with a rational soul and human flesh.
He is equal to the Father according to his divinity, but he is inferior to the Father according to his humanity.
Although he is God and man, he is not two, but one Christ.
And he is one, not because his divinity was changed into flesh, but because his humanity was assumed to God.
He is one, not at all because of a mingling of substances, but because he is one person.
As a rational soul and flesh are one man, so God and man are one Christ.
He died for our salvation, descended into hell, arose from the dead on the third day, ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God the Father almighty, and thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.
At his coming, all men are to arise with their own bodies; and they are to give an account of their lives.
Those who have done good deeds will go to eternal life; those who have done evil deeds will go into everlasting fire.
This is the Catholic faith. Everyone must believe it, firmly and steadfastly; otherwise he cannot be saved.
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.
Glory be to thee, co-equal Trinity, one Godhead, both before all time, now and forever. (Eastertide: Alleluia)
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto thee.
[V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.]
Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, who hast enabled thy servants, in confessing the true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of majesty to adore its unity: we beseech thee that by steadfastness in the same faith we may ever be defended against all adversity. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

I am going to reveal to you a secret of sanctity and happiness. Every day for five minutes keep your imagination quiet, shut your eyes to all things of sense and close your ears to all sounds of earth in order to be able to withdraw into the sanctuary of your baptized soul, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Speak there to that same Holy Spirit, saying:

O Holy Spirit, Soul of my soul, I adore you. Enlighten, guide, strengthen, and console me. Tell me what I ought to do and command me to do it. I promise to be submissive in everything You ask of me, and to accept all You permit to happen to me. Only show me what is Your will.

If you do this your life will pass happily and serenely. Consolation will abound even in the midst of troubles, for grace will be given in proportion to the trial, as well as strength to bear it, bringing you to the gates of Paradise full of merit. This submission to the Holy Spirit is the secret of sanctity.

-Désiré Joseph Cardinal Mercier

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