The Mass in Scripture (Part 5 (Finale))

(After everyone has been given the chance to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, the Priest and Deacon purify (a certain way of cleaning) what was used to hold the Body and Blood of Christ.)

Priest (quietly while purifying): What has passed our lips as food, O Lord, may we possess in purity of heart, that what has been given to us in time may be our healing for eternity.

[So turn from youthful desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord with purity of heart. (2Timothy 2: 22)]

(The Priest and Deacon then sit down.  The congregation usually returns to a sitting position.  A silence often follows before the Priest stands up, beckoning everyone else to stand.)

Priest: Let us pray.  (The Priest then says a prayer.)

Congregation (after Priest's prayer): Amen.

(The Priest then says, if necessary, any announcements from the Church.)

Priest (after announcements): The Lord be with you.

Congregation: And with your spirit.

Priest (while he and everyone else does the Sign of the Cross): May almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Congregation: Amen.

Priest/Deacon: Go forth, the Mass is ended.

                                                                         or

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

                                                                        or

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

                                                                        or

Go in peace.

[But he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." (Luke 7: 50)

The jailer reported the(se) words to Paul, "The magistrates have sent orders that you be released.  Now, then, come out and go in peace." (Acts 16: 36)

He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace." (Luke 8: 48)]

(The Priest, Deacon, Lector, and Alter servers then step off of the alter, bow towards it, and proceed out of the church.  This marks the conclusion of the Mass.)



That is the end of the Catholic Mass, and the end of this series.  I hope this was as enjoyable for you as it was for me.  As it turns out I ended up finishing this while on vacation in Poland (visiting my girlfriend since she lives here :) ).  So it was good to end this in a stress-free environment.

If you have any questions, problems, or comments about anything that I mention/bring up at anytime throughout this series, or about anything else that crosses your mind, then please let me know and I will do my best to address it.