Friday, June 5, 2020 –
Over the last week or so we covered the TLM. Today we are going to begin digging into the Novus Ordo, also known as the Mass of Paul VI. Again, this will be a brief outline.
I will follow the outline the USCCB uses in order to maintain some consistency in names for the various parts of the Mass. You can see their outline HERE.
If you compare the USCCB outline of the Novus Ordo Mass to the TLM outline from last week, you will quickly notice: some parts are left out; some are added; some are moved to wholly different sections; and some have swanky new names. Full disclosure: this is not how I would divide/organize/rename the Mass, but who am I to argue with the behemoth that is the USCCB!?
The Introductory Rites
“The rites that precede the Liturgy of the Word, namely, the Entrance, the Greeting, the Penitential Act, the Kyrie, the Gloria in excelsis (Glory to God in the highest) and Collect, have the character of a beginning, an introduction, and a preparation. Their purpose is to ensure that the faithful, who come together as one, establish communion and dispose themselves properly to listen to the word of God and to celebrate the Eucharist worthily.
“Their purpose is to ensure that the faithful, who come together as one, establish communion and dispose themselves properly to listen to the Word of God and to celebrate the Eucharist worthily.
“In certain celebrations that are combined with Mass according to the norms of the liturgical books, the Introductory Rites are omitted or take place in a particular way.” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal [GIRM], 46).
Entrance – the priest processes (walks) in. On Sundays, he is led by the altar servers, the Book of the Gospels, and a deacon (if one is present). Sometimes an entrance song is sung.
Greeting – the Priest reverences (shows respect) the altar. The Priest (and Deacon, if present) will genuflect then proceed to kiss the altar. He will then welcome the congregation and make the Sign of the Cross.
Penitential Act – In the TLM, this is known as the Confiteor, and is found in the prayers at the foot of the altar. However, in the Novus Ordo, this has been moved here and the other prayers at the foot of the altar are omitted. “The rite concludes with the Priest’s absolution, which, however, lacks the efficacy of the Sacrament of Penance.” (GIRM, 51) Meaning, this confession and absolution do NOT replace the Sacrament of Penance.
The Kyrie, Eleison – “After the Penitential Act, the Kyrie, eleison (Lord, have mercy), is always begun, unless it has already been part of the Penitential Act.” (GIRM, 52) The USCCB outline does not list this part separately. I have listed it here since it is separate in the General Instruction. The Kyrie is still in Greek, but can be said in the vernacular (your language) in the Novus Ordo.
Glory to God – “The Gloria in excelsis (Glory to God in the highest) is a most ancient and venerable hymn by which the Church, gathered 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.” (GIRM, 53)
Collect – In the TLM, this is the first part of “the Instruction” part of the Mass under the Mass of Catechumens. In the Novus Ordo, this part has been separated from the Liturgy of the Word (the instruction), and used to conclude the Introductory Rites. Remember, in the TLM there can be more than one Collect, and they are specific to the day. In the Novus Ordo, there can only be ONE Collect, but it is still specific to the Mass of the day.
So there is our introduction to the new Mass. We have three more sections to cover, so stay tuned…
Saint Paul VI, pray for us!
