LITURGICAL CORNER  

  INTRODUCTORY RITES

THE ACT OF PENITENCE

The Penitential Rite that follows is now referred to as the Act of Penitence.  The GIRM 2002 makes it clear that the priest’s absolution that concludes this rite “lacks the efficacy of the Sacrament of Penance.”  The sign of the cross is not made during the absolution prayer by the priest or the people.  This Act of Penitence may be replaced from time to time, especially on the Sundays of the Easter Season, with the blessing and sprinkling of water.

THE KYRIE ELEISON

After the Act of Penitence, the Kyrie Eleison is begun, unless it has already been included as part of the Act of Penitence.  Since it is a chant by which the faithful acclaim the Lord and implore his mercy, it is ordinarily done by all, that is, by the people & with the choir or cantor having a part in it. 

 

THE GLORIA

The Gloria is a very ancient and venerable hymn in which the Church, gathered together in the Holy Spirit, glorifies and entreats God the Father and the Lamb.  The text of this hymn may not be replaced by any other text.  The Gloria is intoned by the priest or, if appropriate, by a cantor or by the choir; but it is sung either by everyone together, or by the people alternately with the choir, or by the choir alone.  If not sung, it is to be recited either by all together or by two parts of the congregation responding one to the other.  It is sung or said on Sundays outside the Seasons of Advent and Lent, on solemnities and feasts, and at special celebrations of a more solemn nature.  All are to remain standing for the Gloria.

THE COLLECT

The Collect, formerly referred to as the Opening Prayer, brings the Introductory Rites to their conclusion.  The priest invites the people to pray.  All, together with the priest, observe a brief silence so that they may be conscious of the fact that they are in God’s presence and may formulate their petitions mentally.  Then the priest says the prayer that is customarily known as the Collect and through which the character of the Celebration is expressed.  In accordance with the ancient tradition of the Church, the collect prayer is usually addressed to God the Father, through Christ, in the Holy Spirit, and is concluded with a Trinitarian, that is to say the longer ending

02/11/2006