III.

We talked about the significance of making the sign of the cross last Sunday. Today we hear about the Mass proper.

(The Christian religion is essentially liturgical, since it is the religion of the God-Man who is the eternal Priest and glorious Victim. Jesus prefigures Isaac who carried the wood of the sacrifice and himself became the victim laid on the wood.)

There are four parts to the Mass. 1. The introductory rite. Liturgy of the Word. 3.Liturgy of the Eucharist. 4. Conclusion.

Introductory Rites. These essentially consist of the entrance procession and song, a greeting, the Sign of the Cross, the penitential act, the Gloria, and an opening prayer.

Entrance song: Each mass, offers us a particular theme for reflection, learning and practice. The entrance song announces this theme, which always aims to bring us closer to God through understanding and action.

The purpose of this chant is to open the celebration, foster the unity of those who have been gathered, introduce their thoughts to the mystery of the liturgical season or festivity, and accompany the procession of the priest and ministers. The entrance hymn dates back to 4th century.

Sacred music displays a dimension of meaning and feeling that mere words cannot.  Music makes prayer more pleasing, promotes a sense of congregational unity, and confers greater solemnity upon the sacred rites.  Singing is an expression of joy.  In Colossians 3:16, St. Paul exhorts the faithful assembled in expectation of their Lord's return to sing together.  He says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.., singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."  Our relationship with God is one of love, and whether we sing loudly or softly, on pitch or out of tune, sing!  St. Augustine very rightly says that, "it is natural for a lover to sing."  We might also remember the ancient proverb that tells us "those who sing pray twice."  So sing your praise, your love song, to God – He will surely be pleased.

During Advent the organ and other musical instruments may be used with moderation, corresponding to the character of the season, but should not anticipate the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord.

During Lent the use of the organ and musical instruments is permitted for accompanying sustained singing. Nevertheless, exceptions are made for Laetare Sunday (the fourth Sunday of Lent), for solemnities and feast days.

Procession: In fact the Mass begins with our own procession from home. Procession in the Church begins by the priest accompanied by other ministers. This procession signifies that we are now in a holy place. We start meeting God and God meeting us. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), No. 120, states regarding the procession as:
"Once the people have gathered, the priest and ministers, clad in the sacred vestments, go in procession to the altar in this order:
"The thurifer carrying a thurible with burning incense, if incense is used;
"The ministers who carry lighted candles, and between them an acolyte or other minister with the cross;
"The acolytes and the other ministers;
"A lector, who may carry the Book of the Gospels which should be slightly elevated;
"The priest who is to celebrate the Mass.

"If incense is used, before the procession begins, the priest puts some in the thurible and blesses it with the Sign of the Cross without saying anything."

This would be the plan in a parish Mass without a deacon. If a deacon is present he should carry the Book of the Gospels.

Although the whole Bible is God's word, all liturgical traditions accord special treatment to the Gospels — it is placed upon the altar before use, carried between candles, its reading or singing is reserved to the ordained.

The priest comes vested. The significance of the vestments.:

Alb: white garment, symbolizes purity of heart, singled minded focus on God.

Cincture- chastity, which requires a focused and concentrated mind.

Stole: Spiritual powers and dignity of priestly office. Mediation between us and God.

Chasuble: Christian love for God and neighbor and the service that expresses that love.