Subdeacon rubrics
Preparation and Procession:
- Arrive in the sacristy at least 15 minutes before Mass. (Bring biretta and alb unless they are already prepared for you).
- Prepare the Epistolarium by noting the place of the Epistle and adding your own prepared copy if you desire.
- Vest in amice, alb, cincture, & tunicle. If there is no Asperges put on the maniple, otherwise the maniple is put on after the Asperges at the sedilia. (If acting as a “straw” subdeacon, the maniple is not worn, but only the amice, alb, cincture, and tunicle).
- When MC gives the signal, proceed to statio line. You precede the deacon and priest and then stand at the Celebrant’s left in the statio line.
- Procession is in the following order:
When the Celebrant is in cope:
Th
AC2 - Cr - AC1
MC
SD - C – D
When the Celebrant is not in cope:
Th
AC2 - Cr - AC1
MC
SD
D
C
1) Procession
A. Upon arrival at the main Altar, stand a little to the Gospel side to allow the Celebrant room at the center between you and the Deacon.
B. Remove your biretta and hand to the MC over your left shoulder. Wait for the MC to return. Genuflect (on the floor) at his signal.
C. If there is no Asperges remain standing and the Prayers at the Foot of the Altar begin immediately with the sign of the cross. Otherwise all kneel for the Asperges.
2) Asperges (Sundays only)
A. Once all have knelt (after the genuflection), the Celebrant will receive the Aspergil from the Deacon and bless the altar and then himself and the ministers. When he presents the Aspergil to you, touch the end of it and then bless yourself. Rise on the signal from the MC.
B. Upon rising, turn in towards the Celebrant to face down the nave and immediately switch sides with the Deacon so that you are on the Celebrant’s left as he faces down the nave.
C. Take the Cope of the Celebrant as he blesses the people.
D. Upon reaching the end of the nave, switch sides again with the Deacon when the Celebrant turns around to face back towards the altar. Take the Cope
E. At the Gloria Patri of the Asperges antiphon stop and bow.
F. Upon returning to the Sanctuary, genuflect (on the lowest step) at the signal from the MC (all genuflections at the foot of the altar are done on the lowest step from this point forward until the final genuflection before the recession).
G. When the antiphon finishes, hold the book (with your left hand) along with the Deacon so the Celebrant may sing the versicles and concluding prayer.
H. Genuflect on MC’s signal. Turn towards the Celebrant and take the Cope and process to the sedilia.
I. At the sedilia assist the Celebrant in putting on the chasuble. Afterwards put on your own maniple.
J. At MC’s cue, turn and process at the Celebrant’s left back to the Foot of the Altar. Genuflect at MC’s signal and begin the prayers at the foot.
3) Prayers at the Foot & Incensation
A. Remain standing after the genuflection and making the sign of the cross recite the Prayers at the Foot with the Celebrant along with the Deacon.
B. Bow profoundly for the Confiteor and turn a little towards the Celebrant at the et tibi… et te Pater.
C. Upon completion of the prayers, ascend the altar along with the Celebrant, holding the hem of the Celebrant’s alb as he ascends. Wait for Celebrant to reverence the Altar (making no reverence yourself) and then turn towards the Celebrant and stand to his right while he imposes incense.
D. Look on while incense is being imposed and then go to stand at Celebrant’s left (Gospel side) for the incensation of the Altar.
E. Stand to the left of the Celebrant during the incensation and support his left elbow for all genuflections.
F. When the incensation of the Altar is completed, descend per breviorem via the Epistle side to stand immediately to the left of the Deacon who incenses the Celebrant. Bow (deep head bow) to the Celebrant along with the Deacon before and after.
4) Introit
A. After the Celebrant is incensed go stand on the lowest step (or the step below the Deacon, or, if there is no room or not enough steps, stand on the floor) at the Epistle corner behind and a little to the right of the Deacon.
a. (If you are acting as a “straw” subdeacon you will always stand on the floor)
B. Make the sign of the Cross when the Celebrant begins the Introit. Bow to the Altar cross at the Gloria Patri.
5) Kyrie
A. Upon the cue from the MC recite the Kyrie alternately with the Celebrant.
B. If the sung Kyrie is unusually long, the MC will indicate the ministers to return to the sedilia per breviorem and sit, in which case the same procedure for the sung Gloria below is followed.
6) Gloria
A. When the Celebrant turns to go to the center, turn to your left and go to the center remaining on the same step at which you stood during the Kyrie. Stand directly behind the Deacon.
B. After the Celebrant intones the Gloria, bow at the word Deo and then immediately ascend to stand at the left of the Celebrant. Recite the remainder of the Gloria with the Celebrant and Deacon making the appropriate head bows at the proper times.
C. At the conclusion of the recitation of the Gloria genuflect with the Celebrant and Deacon at the middle of the altar and then return to the sedilia per breviorem.
a. Alternatively the Celebrant may bow with the ministers at the Altar and then return to the Foot and genuflect there before returning to the sedilia. Follow the lead of the Celebrant.
D. At the sedilia, wait for the Celebrant to sit and receive biretta before retrieving your own biretta. Then, holding your biretta with hands joined, bow first to the Celebrant and then to the Deacon before sitting down. Don biretta with the right hand after you sit.
E. During the remainder of the sung Gloria, at the cues from the MC, make the appropriate reverences at phrases: Adoramus te, Gratias agimus tibi, Jesus Christe, and suscipe deprecationem nostram by doffing the biretta with the right hand down to the right knee and making a deep head bow.
F. At the conclusion of the sung Gloria, doff biretta, rise upon the signal from the MC, and then proceed to the Foot of the Altar with the Celebrant and Deacon, again staying to the left of the Celebrant.
7) Collect
A. Upon arrival, genuflect at MC’s signal, hold alb for Celebrant as he ascends, and then stand inline behind Deacon at the appropriate step.
B. After the Celebrant intones “Dominus Vobiscum” turn to your right and go to stand at the Epistle side following inline behind the Deacon and Celebrant.
C. Turn and bow to the tabernacle with at the “Oremus” and then again at the Holy Name in the doxology of the Collect.
D. Immediately turn to your right to receive the Epistolarium from the MC with low head bows before and after.
E. Proceed with the MC to the Foot of the Altar, genuflect, and then proceed to the place where the Epistle is to be sung.
F. Turn to face the Altar, open the Epistolarium, and turn to the appropriate page (the MC will assist you if necessary). Wait for the Celebrant and Deacon to sit before beginning the Epistle.
8) Epistle
A. As soon as the Celebrant and Deacon are seated begin singing the Epistle.
B. At the conclusion of the Epistle, close the Epistolarium and return to the Foot of the Altar. Genuflect and then turn to your right and go the long way around to the Epistle side.
C. Ascend the Footpace and kneel before the Celebrant presenting the Epistolarium for him to place his hand upon. Kiss his hand and then receive his blessing.
D. Stand and descend and return the Epistolarium to the MC (low head bows before and after). Then immediately go to stand directly behind the Deacon on the appropriate step while the Celebrant reads the Gradual / Alleluia / Tract / Sequence.
E. After the Celebrant concludes the readings, bow towards the Altar cross, and then turning to your right return to the sedilia per breviorem along with the Deacon and Celebrant.
F. Sit and don biretta after Celebrant sits with appropriate reverences beforehand to Celebrant and Deacon.
G. Wait for MC’s cue to begin the Gospel procedure.
9) Gospel
A. Rise on cue from MC, doffing biretta, and proceed to the Foot of the Altar to the left of the Celebrant.
B. Genuflect on cue, assist Celebrant to ascend, and then ascend per breviorem directly to the Epistle side and retrieve the Missal. Descend per breviorem back to the Foot and genuflect with the Deacon.
C. Ascend per breviorem to the Gospel side and place the Missal in the “Canon position” a little to the left of where the corporal will be laid out. Immediately turn to your right and look on as incense is imposed.
D. After the imposition of incense return per breviorem to the Foot, standing a little to the Gospel side and wait for the Deacon to receive blessing and descend.
E. When the Deacon arrives, genuflect on the signal from the MC and then turn to your right (towards the Deacon) and process to the place where the Gospel will be sung.
F. Upon reaching the place of the Gospel, stand between the two acolytes and turn around by your right to face the Deacon. Receive the book from the Deacon and hold it so that the top of the book rests against your forehead, or otherwise at a comfortable height for the Deacon to sing the Gospel.
G. After the Gospel is sung, place first two fingers of your right hand to the place of the beginning of the Gospel which the Deacon will indicate. Carry the Evangeliarium per breviorem directly to the Celebrant, do not genuflect when you pass in front of the Tabernacle on the footpace but go directly to the Celebrant. The Celebrant kisses the place in the Evangeliarium marked by your two fingers.
H. After the Celebrant kisses the Gospel, turn to your right and descend the front of the Epistle steps per breviorem and return the Evangeliarium to the MC in plano at the front side of the Epistle corner.
I. Immediately go to stand at the Foot of the Altar a little to the Gospel side and wait for the Celebrant to descend. Genuflect at the signal from the MC and either the Deacon or Celebrant will then preach the Sermon.
a. If there is no Sermon then after the genuflection go to the directions for the Creed
b. If there is no Creed then immediately line up for the Offertory.
10a) Sermon
A. Return to the sedilia and sit. If the Deacon is preaching, seat the Celebrant first and give him his biretta with appropriate kisses (unless the MC does this) before sitting yourself. Otherwise sit together with the Deacon first bowing to one another.
a. While the Epistle is being read in English, doff biretta and bow while seated at any mention of the Holy Name
b. If the Gospel is read in English, stand and doff biretta for the duration of the reading of the Gospel but hold the biretta with hands joined together.
c. During the sermon the MC will give any cues to doff biretta and bow at the mention of the Holy Name.
B. When the sermon concludes the MC will give the signal to rise and return to the Foot of the Altar. Genuflect on signal from the MC and then follow the procedures for either Creed or Offertory depending on which will come next.
10b) Creed
A. After genuflecting, lift the hem for the Celebrant and then move into straight line behind the Deacon and Celebrant.
B. At the end of the intonation, bow at the word Deum and then ascend immediately to the Celebrant’s left. Recite the Creed with the Celebrant bowing at the appropriate places. Genuflect at the et incarnatus est. Make the sign of the cross at the end.
C. After reciting the Creed, bow to the Altar and then descend to the Foot and kneel upon the signal from the MC for the duration of the sung Incarnatus est…
D. Rise upon signal, genuflect, and then turning towards the Celebrant process back to the sedilia.
E. Remain standing at the sedilia when the Celebrant sits and wait for the Deacon to finish laying out the corporal. Sit with the Deacon when he returns.
F. Doff biretta and bow at the simul adoratur and then rise at the signal from the MC and return with the ministers to the Foot at the Celebrant’s left. Genuflect on signal from MC.
11) Offertory
A. After the genuflection, move behind Deacon in line with Celebrant. Bow at the “Oremus” and then genuflect with the MC and go to the credence to don the humeral veil and retrieve the Chalice.
B. Receive the humeral veil from the MC and then place right hand on top of the pall so that the humeral veil covers the entire chalice. With the left hand pick up the Chalice beneath the node and carry it per breviorem via the Epistle side and place it on the mensa of the Altar near the Deacon.
C. After the Deacon removes the pall and paten, take the chalice in the left hand and the purificator in the right hand and wipe out the inside of the chalice.
a. (If acting as a “straw” subdeacon, this is done instead by the Deacon)
D. Hand the chalice to the Deacon, then take the wine cruet and hand to the Deacon when he is ready. Deacon pours the wine and returns the cruet to you.
E. Take the water cruet and hold it up and, bowing slightly towards celebrant, ask for the priest’s blessing saying, “Benedicite, Pater Reverende.” The priest blesses the water, after which you pour a few drops into the chalice and then return the cruet to the tray which is taken by the Acolyte.
. (If acting as a “straw” subdeacon, the water cruet is handed directly to the Deacon who asks the blessing and pours the water)
F. After the offering of the chalice prayer, the Deacon hands you the paten which you receive in your right hand and hold so that the back of the paten rests against your palm and your thumb is not in the middle. Cover the paten completely with the part of the humeral veil that hangs from your right shoulder, turn by your left (towards the Deacon) and descend per breviorem to your place at the center and then genuflect. Then remain standing holding the paten before your face (palm facing you) with your left hand supporting your right elbow.
. Whenever walking, kneeling, bowing or making responses while you hold the paten, lower the paten to your breast as you do these things.
G. Turn to face the Deacon and lower the paten when you are incensed by the Deacon, with bows before and after.
H. Lower the paten when you respond to the “Orate Fratres” with the “Suscipiat” unless the Deacon makes the response instead.
I. When the MC bows to you at the “cumque” clause of the Preface, lower the paten and ascend immediately to the left of the Celebrant. Bow and recite the Sanctus with the Celebrant and Deacon. Straighten at the “Benedictus.” Do not make the sign of the cross. At the conclusion of the Sanctus, turn the page of the Missal to the Canon (use your left hand).
J. Descend back to your place neither genuflecting at departure nor upon arrival.
12) Canon
A. Stand throughout the Canon with paten raised before face, kneeling only for the Consecration.
B. Kneel on the bottom step when the Deacon kneels at the “Quam oblationem.” Remain kneeling through the consecration and then rise when the Deacon rises after the last genuflection after the elevation of the Chalice.
a. Make a profound head bow before and after each elevation when the Celebrant genuflects.
b. Look at the Sacred Species when they are elevated.
13) Pater Noster
A. Wait for signal from MC at the “et dimitte nobis...” and then genuflect and ascend per breviorem to the Epistle corner.
B. Hand the Deacon the paten and then lose the humeral veil to AC1.
C. Genuflect to the Sacred Species and then return per breviorem to your place. (Do not genuflect upon arrival.)
14) Pax and Agnus Dei
A. When the Celebrant says the “Pax Domini...”, genuflect with the MC and then ascend per breviorem to the left of the Celebrant. Genuflect with the Celebrant supporting his left elbow.
B. Recite the Agnus Dei with Celebrant and Deacon. Turn the page of the Missal as necessary (use left hand).
C. Genuflect to the Sacred Species and turning to your right descend straight down to the foot a little to the Gospel side of center.
D. When the Deacon descends, turn to your right and receive the Pax. Genuflect on signal from MC. Then go with MC to give Pax to choir, first the highest cleric on the Gospel side, then the highest cleric on the Epistle side.
A. Return to the Foot of the Altar and genuflect with the MC. Turn to the MC and give him the Pax. Genuflect again (cf., J.B. O’Connell, The Celebration of Mass, p.506) and then ascend immediately per breviorem to the right of the Celebrant (i.e., towards the Epistle side) unless the Deacon is already to the right of the Celebrant in which case ascend to the left of the Celebrant on the Gospel side.
a. (If acting as a “straw” subdeacon, the Deacon will remain on the Celebrant’s right and you will ascend to the left)
15) Communion of Priest and Faithful
a. (If acting as “straw” subdeacon, the Deacon will remain on the Celebrant’s right throughout and the chalice is covered and uncovered by the Deacon)
D. Change places with the Deacon:
. If there is a Ciborium or any consecrated hosts still on the corporal, the Deacon and Subdeacon genuflect first on either side of the priest, then change places per breviorem (the Deacon passing closest to the priest) then they both genuflect again on arrival.
a. If there is not a Ciborium or any consecrated hosts on the corporal, the Deacon and Subdeacon switch sides, first by going per breviorem to their usual places in line behind the Celebrant (Deacon at top step, Subdeacon at bottom), genuflect at the center, and then ascend to their respective place on either side of the celebrant.
b. (If acting as a “straw” subdeacon there is no changing sides as the Deacon will already be on the correct side [Epistle side])
E. The Deacon opens the Tabernacle. Genuflect. When he removes the Ciborium and uncovers it, genuflect again.
F. If the Confiteor is to be sung by the Deacon:
. Turn by your left and go to the edge of the Footpace at the Gospel side, then turn and face the celebrant while the Deacon sings the Confiteor. Do not recite the Confiteor yourself or strike your breast. The Subdeacon may remain erect (cf. Caer. Episc., II, C. XXIX, n.3) or bow profoundly (cf. Matters Liturgical §246u.)
i.The current custom at OLGS is for the Subdeacon to step down to the top step and bow facing the Deacon.
a. Say the “Amen” after the Celebrant says the Misereator and Indulgentiam, also making the sign of the cross at the Indulgentiam, then go immediately to the left of the Celebrant, genuflecting with the Deacon as you arrive.
G. If either you or the Deacon is to receive communion:
. Turn around by your right and face the people with the Celebrant. (Still standing to the Gospel side of the Celebrant).
a. After the Celebrant says the “Ecce Agnus Dei…” and the “Domine non sum dignus…” (during which you may strike your breast) kneel on the foot pace and receive communion from the Celebrant.
b. Rise and step down one step to let the Deacon pass in front of you, then go immediately to the Celebrant’s left, turning around by your left when you get there, and assist with distribution of communion.
H. If neither you nor the Deacon are receiving communion:
. Turn around by your right and face the people with the Celebrant. (Still standing to the Gospel side of the Celebrant).
a. The Celebrant says the “Ecce Agnus Dei…” and “Domine non sum dignus…”
b. Switch sides with the Deacon so that you are to the left of the Celebrant (no genuflections, the Deacon passing closer to the Celebrant) and assist with the distribution of Communion.
I. After the distribution of communion, switch sides with the Deacon before the Celebrant ascends the footpace so that the Deacon is on the Celebrant’s right. Lift the hem of the Celebrant as he ascends the steps.
J. If there are hosts remaining in the ciborium, genuflect when the Celebrant places the chalice on the corporal. The Deacon then covers the ciborium and places it in the Tabernacle. Genuflect again. The Deacon closes tabernacle. (cf. Wuest, Matters Liturgical §239r, ; L.J. O’Connell, The Book of Ceremonies p.232; J.B. O’Connell, The Celebration of Mass, p.510)
16) Ablutions / Postcommunion
A. Switch sides with the Deacon, genuflecting in the center as you pass. Take the wine and water cruets and pour the wine into the chalice. After the Celebrant drinks the wine, pour water and wine over his fingers and then lay the purificator over his fingers. Put the cruets back on the tray which is removed by AC1.
a. (This is done even if you are acting only as a “straw” subdeacon)
B. Take the pall and switch sides with Deacon, genuflecting in the center as you pass.
C. Pull the corporal and chalice to the Gospel corner and then dry the chalice by wiping the inside with the purificator. Dry any ciboria in the same manner and replace their lids.
D. Rebuild the chalice as usual assisted by AC2. Remember to fold the corporal properly: first fold bottom up, then top down, then fold right side in, then left side in. Place the corporal in the Burse.
. (If acting as a “straw” subdeacon the priest will dry the chalice beforehand. You will still build it as usual and fold the corporal)
E. Take the chalice with your left hand below the node and place your right hand on the Burse. Turn to your right and descend per breviorem to the Foot, genuflect, and then go the long way round the Epistle side and place the chalice on the credence table.
F. Return immediately in line behind the Deacon at the appropriate step. If the Postcommunion has already finished, go to the center and genuflect.
G. Remain facing the Deacon when he turns around to sing the “Ite Missa est.”
H. At the Final Blessing ascend to the left of the Deacon and kneel on the edge of the Footpace. Respond “Amen.” and then rise and go immediately to the Gospel corner the long way on the top step.
17) Last Gospel
A. Make the responses “Et cum spiritu tuo” and “Gloria tibi, Domine” as you retrieve the Last Gospel card. Do not sign yourself at the “Initium Sancti Evangelii…”
B. Hold the top of the card against your forehead, or at a comfortable height for the Celebrant, during the Last Gospel. Do not genuflect at the “Et homo factus est.”
C. When finished, replace the card on the altar, turn by your right and descend in plano on the Gospel side and then come around to your place a little to the left of center at the Foot of the Altar.
a. Alternatively, you may ascend to the left of the Celebrant on the Footpace, the Deacon will step forward to the right. All three will make bow to the Cross and then descend per breviorem to the Foot.
18) Recession and Arrival at the Sacristy
A. Receive your biretta from the MC, hold it until after the final genuflection.
B. Genuflect on the signal from the MC, don biretta, and turn by your right to face the people.
C. Process out behind MC in straight line with D and Celebrant behind you.
D. At the conclusion of the procession go to the left of the Celebrant, remove biretta and bow to the Cross at the signal and then to the Celebrant. Kneel and receive Celebrant’s blessing (the Deacon says the “Jube Domne…”) rise and don biretta and then go to the Sacristy to divest.
- Arrive in the sacristy at least 15 minutes before Mass. (Bring biretta and alb unless they are already prepared for you).
- Prepare the Epistolarium by noting the place of the Epistle and adding your own prepared copy if you desire.
- Vest in amice, alb, cincture, & tunicle. If there is no Asperges put on the maniple, otherwise the maniple is put on after the Asperges at the sedilia. (If acting as a “straw” subdeacon, the maniple is not worn, but only the amice, alb, cincture, and tunicle).
- When MC gives the signal, proceed to statio line. You precede the deacon and priest and then stand at the Celebrant’s left in the statio line.
- Procession is in the following order:
When the Celebrant is in cope:
Th
AC2 - Cr - AC1
MC
SD - C – D
When the Celebrant is not in cope:
Th
AC2 - Cr - AC1
MC
SD
D
C
1) Procession
A. Upon arrival at the main Altar, stand a little to the Gospel side to allow the Celebrant room at the center between you and the Deacon.
B. Remove your biretta and hand to the MC over your left shoulder. Wait for the MC to return. Genuflect (on the floor) at his signal.
C. If there is no Asperges remain standing and the Prayers at the Foot of the Altar begin immediately with the sign of the cross. Otherwise all kneel for the Asperges.
2) Asperges (Sundays only)
A. Once all have knelt (after the genuflection), the Celebrant will receive the Aspergil from the Deacon and bless the altar and then himself and the ministers. When he presents the Aspergil to you, touch the end of it and then bless yourself. Rise on the signal from the MC.
B. Upon rising, turn in towards the Celebrant to face down the nave and immediately switch sides with the Deacon so that you are on the Celebrant’s left as he faces down the nave.
C. Take the Cope of the Celebrant as he blesses the people.
D. Upon reaching the end of the nave, switch sides again with the Deacon when the Celebrant turns around to face back towards the altar. Take the Cope
E. At the Gloria Patri of the Asperges antiphon stop and bow.
F. Upon returning to the Sanctuary, genuflect (on the lowest step) at the signal from the MC (all genuflections at the foot of the altar are done on the lowest step from this point forward until the final genuflection before the recession).
G. When the antiphon finishes, hold the book (with your left hand) along with the Deacon so the Celebrant may sing the versicles and concluding prayer.
H. Genuflect on MC’s signal. Turn towards the Celebrant and take the Cope and process to the sedilia.
I. At the sedilia assist the Celebrant in putting on the chasuble. Afterwards put on your own maniple.
J. At MC’s cue, turn and process at the Celebrant’s left back to the Foot of the Altar. Genuflect at MC’s signal and begin the prayers at the foot.
3) Prayers at the Foot & Incensation
A. Remain standing after the genuflection and making the sign of the cross recite the Prayers at the Foot with the Celebrant along with the Deacon.
B. Bow profoundly for the Confiteor and turn a little towards the Celebrant at the et tibi… et te Pater.
C. Upon completion of the prayers, ascend the altar along with the Celebrant, holding the hem of the Celebrant’s alb as he ascends. Wait for Celebrant to reverence the Altar (making no reverence yourself) and then turn towards the Celebrant and stand to his right while he imposes incense.
D. Look on while incense is being imposed and then go to stand at Celebrant’s left (Gospel side) for the incensation of the Altar.
E. Stand to the left of the Celebrant during the incensation and support his left elbow for all genuflections.
F. When the incensation of the Altar is completed, descend per breviorem via the Epistle side to stand immediately to the left of the Deacon who incenses the Celebrant. Bow (deep head bow) to the Celebrant along with the Deacon before and after.
4) Introit
A. After the Celebrant is incensed go stand on the lowest step (or the step below the Deacon, or, if there is no room or not enough steps, stand on the floor) at the Epistle corner behind and a little to the right of the Deacon.
a. (If you are acting as a “straw” subdeacon you will always stand on the floor)
B. Make the sign of the Cross when the Celebrant begins the Introit. Bow to the Altar cross at the Gloria Patri.
5) Kyrie
A. Upon the cue from the MC recite the Kyrie alternately with the Celebrant.
B. If the sung Kyrie is unusually long, the MC will indicate the ministers to return to the sedilia per breviorem and sit, in which case the same procedure for the sung Gloria below is followed.
6) Gloria
A. When the Celebrant turns to go to the center, turn to your left and go to the center remaining on the same step at which you stood during the Kyrie. Stand directly behind the Deacon.
B. After the Celebrant intones the Gloria, bow at the word Deo and then immediately ascend to stand at the left of the Celebrant. Recite the remainder of the Gloria with the Celebrant and Deacon making the appropriate head bows at the proper times.
C. At the conclusion of the recitation of the Gloria genuflect with the Celebrant and Deacon at the middle of the altar and then return to the sedilia per breviorem.
a. Alternatively the Celebrant may bow with the ministers at the Altar and then return to the Foot and genuflect there before returning to the sedilia. Follow the lead of the Celebrant.
D. At the sedilia, wait for the Celebrant to sit and receive biretta before retrieving your own biretta. Then, holding your biretta with hands joined, bow first to the Celebrant and then to the Deacon before sitting down. Don biretta with the right hand after you sit.
E. During the remainder of the sung Gloria, at the cues from the MC, make the appropriate reverences at phrases: Adoramus te, Gratias agimus tibi, Jesus Christe, and suscipe deprecationem nostram by doffing the biretta with the right hand down to the right knee and making a deep head bow.
F. At the conclusion of the sung Gloria, doff biretta, rise upon the signal from the MC, and then proceed to the Foot of the Altar with the Celebrant and Deacon, again staying to the left of the Celebrant.
7) Collect
A. Upon arrival, genuflect at MC’s signal, hold alb for Celebrant as he ascends, and then stand inline behind Deacon at the appropriate step.
B. After the Celebrant intones “Dominus Vobiscum” turn to your right and go to stand at the Epistle side following inline behind the Deacon and Celebrant.
C. Turn and bow to the tabernacle with at the “Oremus” and then again at the Holy Name in the doxology of the Collect.
D. Immediately turn to your right to receive the Epistolarium from the MC with low head bows before and after.
E. Proceed with the MC to the Foot of the Altar, genuflect, and then proceed to the place where the Epistle is to be sung.
F. Turn to face the Altar, open the Epistolarium, and turn to the appropriate page (the MC will assist you if necessary). Wait for the Celebrant and Deacon to sit before beginning the Epistle.
8) Epistle
A. As soon as the Celebrant and Deacon are seated begin singing the Epistle.
B. At the conclusion of the Epistle, close the Epistolarium and return to the Foot of the Altar. Genuflect and then turn to your right and go the long way around to the Epistle side.
C. Ascend the Footpace and kneel before the Celebrant presenting the Epistolarium for him to place his hand upon. Kiss his hand and then receive his blessing.
D. Stand and descend and return the Epistolarium to the MC (low head bows before and after). Then immediately go to stand directly behind the Deacon on the appropriate step while the Celebrant reads the Gradual / Alleluia / Tract / Sequence.
E. After the Celebrant concludes the readings, bow towards the Altar cross, and then turning to your right return to the sedilia per breviorem along with the Deacon and Celebrant.
F. Sit and don biretta after Celebrant sits with appropriate reverences beforehand to Celebrant and Deacon.
G. Wait for MC’s cue to begin the Gospel procedure.
9) Gospel
A. Rise on cue from MC, doffing biretta, and proceed to the Foot of the Altar to the left of the Celebrant.
B. Genuflect on cue, assist Celebrant to ascend, and then ascend per breviorem directly to the Epistle side and retrieve the Missal. Descend per breviorem back to the Foot and genuflect with the Deacon.
C. Ascend per breviorem to the Gospel side and place the Missal in the “Canon position” a little to the left of where the corporal will be laid out. Immediately turn to your right and look on as incense is imposed.
D. After the imposition of incense return per breviorem to the Foot, standing a little to the Gospel side and wait for the Deacon to receive blessing and descend.
E. When the Deacon arrives, genuflect on the signal from the MC and then turn to your right (towards the Deacon) and process to the place where the Gospel will be sung.
F. Upon reaching the place of the Gospel, stand between the two acolytes and turn around by your right to face the Deacon. Receive the book from the Deacon and hold it so that the top of the book rests against your forehead, or otherwise at a comfortable height for the Deacon to sing the Gospel.
G. After the Gospel is sung, place first two fingers of your right hand to the place of the beginning of the Gospel which the Deacon will indicate. Carry the Evangeliarium per breviorem directly to the Celebrant, do not genuflect when you pass in front of the Tabernacle on the footpace but go directly to the Celebrant. The Celebrant kisses the place in the Evangeliarium marked by your two fingers.
H. After the Celebrant kisses the Gospel, turn to your right and descend the front of the Epistle steps per breviorem and return the Evangeliarium to the MC in plano at the front side of the Epistle corner.
I. Immediately go to stand at the Foot of the Altar a little to the Gospel side and wait for the Celebrant to descend. Genuflect at the signal from the MC and either the Deacon or Celebrant will then preach the Sermon.
a. If there is no Sermon then after the genuflection go to the directions for the Creed
b. If there is no Creed then immediately line up for the Offertory.
10a) Sermon
A. Return to the sedilia and sit. If the Deacon is preaching, seat the Celebrant first and give him his biretta with appropriate kisses (unless the MC does this) before sitting yourself. Otherwise sit together with the Deacon first bowing to one another.
a. While the Epistle is being read in English, doff biretta and bow while seated at any mention of the Holy Name
b. If the Gospel is read in English, stand and doff biretta for the duration of the reading of the Gospel but hold the biretta with hands joined together.
c. During the sermon the MC will give any cues to doff biretta and bow at the mention of the Holy Name.
B. When the sermon concludes the MC will give the signal to rise and return to the Foot of the Altar. Genuflect on signal from the MC and then follow the procedures for either Creed or Offertory depending on which will come next.
10b) Creed
A. After genuflecting, lift the hem for the Celebrant and then move into straight line behind the Deacon and Celebrant.
B. At the end of the intonation, bow at the word Deum and then ascend immediately to the Celebrant’s left. Recite the Creed with the Celebrant bowing at the appropriate places. Genuflect at the et incarnatus est. Make the sign of the cross at the end.
C. After reciting the Creed, bow to the Altar and then descend to the Foot and kneel upon the signal from the MC for the duration of the sung Incarnatus est…
D. Rise upon signal, genuflect, and then turning towards the Celebrant process back to the sedilia.
E. Remain standing at the sedilia when the Celebrant sits and wait for the Deacon to finish laying out the corporal. Sit with the Deacon when he returns.
F. Doff biretta and bow at the simul adoratur and then rise at the signal from the MC and return with the ministers to the Foot at the Celebrant’s left. Genuflect on signal from MC.
11) Offertory
A. After the genuflection, move behind Deacon in line with Celebrant. Bow at the “Oremus” and then genuflect with the MC and go to the credence to don the humeral veil and retrieve the Chalice.
B. Receive the humeral veil from the MC and then place right hand on top of the pall so that the humeral veil covers the entire chalice. With the left hand pick up the Chalice beneath the node and carry it per breviorem via the Epistle side and place it on the mensa of the Altar near the Deacon.
C. After the Deacon removes the pall and paten, take the chalice in the left hand and the purificator in the right hand and wipe out the inside of the chalice.
a. (If acting as a “straw” subdeacon, this is done instead by the Deacon)
D. Hand the chalice to the Deacon, then take the wine cruet and hand to the Deacon when he is ready. Deacon pours the wine and returns the cruet to you.
E. Take the water cruet and hold it up and, bowing slightly towards celebrant, ask for the priest’s blessing saying, “Benedicite, Pater Reverende.” The priest blesses the water, after which you pour a few drops into the chalice and then return the cruet to the tray which is taken by the Acolyte.
. (If acting as a “straw” subdeacon, the water cruet is handed directly to the Deacon who asks the blessing and pours the water)
F. After the offering of the chalice prayer, the Deacon hands you the paten which you receive in your right hand and hold so that the back of the paten rests against your palm and your thumb is not in the middle. Cover the paten completely with the part of the humeral veil that hangs from your right shoulder, turn by your left (towards the Deacon) and descend per breviorem to your place at the center and then genuflect. Then remain standing holding the paten before your face (palm facing you) with your left hand supporting your right elbow.
. Whenever walking, kneeling, bowing or making responses while you hold the paten, lower the paten to your breast as you do these things.
G. Turn to face the Deacon and lower the paten when you are incensed by the Deacon, with bows before and after.
H. Lower the paten when you respond to the “Orate Fratres” with the “Suscipiat” unless the Deacon makes the response instead.
I. When the MC bows to you at the “cumque” clause of the Preface, lower the paten and ascend immediately to the left of the Celebrant. Bow and recite the Sanctus with the Celebrant and Deacon. Straighten at the “Benedictus.” Do not make the sign of the cross. At the conclusion of the Sanctus, turn the page of the Missal to the Canon (use your left hand).
J. Descend back to your place neither genuflecting at departure nor upon arrival.
12) Canon
A. Stand throughout the Canon with paten raised before face, kneeling only for the Consecration.
B. Kneel on the bottom step when the Deacon kneels at the “Quam oblationem.” Remain kneeling through the consecration and then rise when the Deacon rises after the last genuflection after the elevation of the Chalice.
a. Make a profound head bow before and after each elevation when the Celebrant genuflects.
b. Look at the Sacred Species when they are elevated.
13) Pater Noster
A. Wait for signal from MC at the “et dimitte nobis...” and then genuflect and ascend per breviorem to the Epistle corner.
B. Hand the Deacon the paten and then lose the humeral veil to AC1.
C. Genuflect to the Sacred Species and then return per breviorem to your place. (Do not genuflect upon arrival.)
14) Pax and Agnus Dei
A. When the Celebrant says the “Pax Domini...”, genuflect with the MC and then ascend per breviorem to the left of the Celebrant. Genuflect with the Celebrant supporting his left elbow.
B. Recite the Agnus Dei with Celebrant and Deacon. Turn the page of the Missal as necessary (use left hand).
C. Genuflect to the Sacred Species and turning to your right descend straight down to the foot a little to the Gospel side of center.
D. When the Deacon descends, turn to your right and receive the Pax. Genuflect on signal from MC. Then go with MC to give Pax to choir, first the highest cleric on the Gospel side, then the highest cleric on the Epistle side.
A. Return to the Foot of the Altar and genuflect with the MC. Turn to the MC and give him the Pax. Genuflect again (cf., J.B. O’Connell, The Celebration of Mass, p.506) and then ascend immediately per breviorem to the right of the Celebrant (i.e., towards the Epistle side) unless the Deacon is already to the right of the Celebrant in which case ascend to the left of the Celebrant on the Gospel side.
a. (If acting as a “straw” subdeacon, the Deacon will remain on the Celebrant’s right and you will ascend to the left)
15) Communion of Priest and Faithful
- When Celebrant receives the Host, turn and step to the corner of the footpace and medium bow for the Celebrant’s communion.
a. (If acting as “straw” subdeacon, the Deacon will remain on the Celebrant’s right throughout and the chalice is covered and uncovered by the Deacon)
D. Change places with the Deacon:
. If there is a Ciborium or any consecrated hosts still on the corporal, the Deacon and Subdeacon genuflect first on either side of the priest, then change places per breviorem (the Deacon passing closest to the priest) then they both genuflect again on arrival.
a. If there is not a Ciborium or any consecrated hosts on the corporal, the Deacon and Subdeacon switch sides, first by going per breviorem to their usual places in line behind the Celebrant (Deacon at top step, Subdeacon at bottom), genuflect at the center, and then ascend to their respective place on either side of the celebrant.
b. (If acting as a “straw” subdeacon there is no changing sides as the Deacon will already be on the correct side [Epistle side])
E. The Deacon opens the Tabernacle. Genuflect. When he removes the Ciborium and uncovers it, genuflect again.
F. If the Confiteor is to be sung by the Deacon:
. Turn by your left and go to the edge of the Footpace at the Gospel side, then turn and face the celebrant while the Deacon sings the Confiteor. Do not recite the Confiteor yourself or strike your breast. The Subdeacon may remain erect (cf. Caer. Episc., II, C. XXIX, n.3) or bow profoundly (cf. Matters Liturgical §246u.)
i.The current custom at OLGS is for the Subdeacon to step down to the top step and bow facing the Deacon.
a. Say the “Amen” after the Celebrant says the Misereator and Indulgentiam, also making the sign of the cross at the Indulgentiam, then go immediately to the left of the Celebrant, genuflecting with the Deacon as you arrive.
G. If either you or the Deacon is to receive communion:
. Turn around by your right and face the people with the Celebrant. (Still standing to the Gospel side of the Celebrant).
a. After the Celebrant says the “Ecce Agnus Dei…” and the “Domine non sum dignus…” (during which you may strike your breast) kneel on the foot pace and receive communion from the Celebrant.
b. Rise and step down one step to let the Deacon pass in front of you, then go immediately to the Celebrant’s left, turning around by your left when you get there, and assist with distribution of communion.
H. If neither you nor the Deacon are receiving communion:
. Turn around by your right and face the people with the Celebrant. (Still standing to the Gospel side of the Celebrant).
a. The Celebrant says the “Ecce Agnus Dei…” and “Domine non sum dignus…”
b. Switch sides with the Deacon so that you are to the left of the Celebrant (no genuflections, the Deacon passing closer to the Celebrant) and assist with the distribution of Communion.
I. After the distribution of communion, switch sides with the Deacon before the Celebrant ascends the footpace so that the Deacon is on the Celebrant’s right. Lift the hem of the Celebrant as he ascends the steps.
J. If there are hosts remaining in the ciborium, genuflect when the Celebrant places the chalice on the corporal. The Deacon then covers the ciborium and places it in the Tabernacle. Genuflect again. The Deacon closes tabernacle. (cf. Wuest, Matters Liturgical §239r, ; L.J. O’Connell, The Book of Ceremonies p.232; J.B. O’Connell, The Celebration of Mass, p.510)
16) Ablutions / Postcommunion
A. Switch sides with the Deacon, genuflecting in the center as you pass. Take the wine and water cruets and pour the wine into the chalice. After the Celebrant drinks the wine, pour water and wine over his fingers and then lay the purificator over his fingers. Put the cruets back on the tray which is removed by AC1.
a. (This is done even if you are acting only as a “straw” subdeacon)
B. Take the pall and switch sides with Deacon, genuflecting in the center as you pass.
C. Pull the corporal and chalice to the Gospel corner and then dry the chalice by wiping the inside with the purificator. Dry any ciboria in the same manner and replace their lids.
D. Rebuild the chalice as usual assisted by AC2. Remember to fold the corporal properly: first fold bottom up, then top down, then fold right side in, then left side in. Place the corporal in the Burse.
. (If acting as a “straw” subdeacon the priest will dry the chalice beforehand. You will still build it as usual and fold the corporal)
E. Take the chalice with your left hand below the node and place your right hand on the Burse. Turn to your right and descend per breviorem to the Foot, genuflect, and then go the long way round the Epistle side and place the chalice on the credence table.
F. Return immediately in line behind the Deacon at the appropriate step. If the Postcommunion has already finished, go to the center and genuflect.
G. Remain facing the Deacon when he turns around to sing the “Ite Missa est.”
H. At the Final Blessing ascend to the left of the Deacon and kneel on the edge of the Footpace. Respond “Amen.” and then rise and go immediately to the Gospel corner the long way on the top step.
17) Last Gospel
A. Make the responses “Et cum spiritu tuo” and “Gloria tibi, Domine” as you retrieve the Last Gospel card. Do not sign yourself at the “Initium Sancti Evangelii…”
B. Hold the top of the card against your forehead, or at a comfortable height for the Celebrant, during the Last Gospel. Do not genuflect at the “Et homo factus est.”
C. When finished, replace the card on the altar, turn by your right and descend in plano on the Gospel side and then come around to your place a little to the left of center at the Foot of the Altar.
a. Alternatively, you may ascend to the left of the Celebrant on the Footpace, the Deacon will step forward to the right. All three will make bow to the Cross and then descend per breviorem to the Foot.
18) Recession and Arrival at the Sacristy
A. Receive your biretta from the MC, hold it until after the final genuflection.
B. Genuflect on the signal from the MC, don biretta, and turn by your right to face the people.
C. Process out behind MC in straight line with D and Celebrant behind you.
D. At the conclusion of the procession go to the left of the Celebrant, remove biretta and bow to the Cross at the signal and then to the Celebrant. Kneel and receive Celebrant’s blessing (the Deacon says the “Jube Domne…”) rise and don biretta and then go to the Sacristy to divest.
Deacon Rubrics
Preparation and Procession:
- Arrive in the sacristy at least 15 minutes before Mass. (Bring biretta and alb unless they have already been prepared for you).
- Prepare the Evangeliarium by noting the place of the Gospel and adding your own prepared copy if you desire.
- Vest in amice, alb, cincture, stole, & dalmatic. If there is no Asperges put on the maniple, otherwise the maniple is put on after the Asperges at the sedilia.
- When the MC gives the signal, proceed to the statio line. Follow the Subdeacon out of the sacristy with the Celebrant behind you. Once in the station line, stand to the Celebrant’s right.
- Procession is in the following order:
When the Celebrant is in cope:
Th
AC2 - Cr - AC1
MC
SD - C – D
When the Celebrant is not in cope:
Th
AC2 - Cr - AC1
MC
SD
D
C
Procession
Asperges (Sundays only)
Prayers at the Foot & Incensation
Introit
Kyrie
Gloria
Collect
Gospel
9a) Sermon·
If the Celebrant is preaching:
o Return to the sedilia and sit with the Subdeacon first bowing to one another.
o While the Epistle is being read in English, doff biretta and bow while seated at any mention of the Holy Name
o If the Gospel is read in English, stand and doff biretta for the duration of the reading of the Gospel but hold the biretta with hands joined together.
o During the sermon the MC will give any cues to doff biretta and bow at the mention of the Holy Name.
o When the sermon concludes the MC will give the signal to rise and return to the Foot of the Altar.
· If you are preaching:
o Go immediately to the Lectern
o Wait for the Celebrant to be seated.
o Read the Epistle and Gospel in English if this is to be done and then begin your Sermon.
o Upon finishing, return directly to the Foot of the Altar at your normal place to the right of the Celebrant.
· Genuflect on signal from the MC and then follow the procedures for either Creed or Offertory depending on which will come next.
9b) Creed
Offertory
Incensation
Canon
Pater Noster
Agnus Dei and Pax
Communion of Priest and Faithful
Ablutions / Postcommunion
Last Gospel
Recession and Arrival at the Sacristy
- Arrive in the sacristy at least 15 minutes before Mass. (Bring biretta and alb unless they have already been prepared for you).
- Prepare the Evangeliarium by noting the place of the Gospel and adding your own prepared copy if you desire.
- Vest in amice, alb, cincture, stole, & dalmatic. If there is no Asperges put on the maniple, otherwise the maniple is put on after the Asperges at the sedilia.
- When the MC gives the signal, proceed to the statio line. Follow the Subdeacon out of the sacristy with the Celebrant behind you. Once in the station line, stand to the Celebrant’s right.
- Procession is in the following order:
When the Celebrant is in cope:
Th
AC2 - Cr - AC1
MC
SD - C – D
When the Celebrant is not in cope:
Th
AC2 - Cr - AC1
MC
SD
D
C
Procession
- Upon arrival at the main altar, stand a little to the Epistle side to allow the Celebrant room at the center between you and the Subdeacon.
- Remove your biretta and then take the Celebrant’s biretta, kissing first his hand and then the biretta. Hand both birettas to the MC. Wait for the MC’s signal and then genuflect (on the floor).
- If there is no Asperges remain standing and the Prayers at the Foot of the Altar begin immediately with the sign of the cross. Otherwise all kneel for the Asperges.
Asperges (Sundays only)
- Once all have knelt (after the genuflection), take the Aspergil from the Aspersorium and hand it to the Celebrant (w/ solita oscula) The Celebrant will then bless the Altar, himself and the Deacon and Subdeacon. (If he presents the Aspergil to you for you to touch, touch the end of it and then bless yourself.) Rise on the signal from the MC.
- Upon rising, turn in towards the Celebrant to face down the nave and immediately switch sides with the Subdeacon so that you are on the Celebrant’s right facing down the nave.
- Hold the edge of the Celebrant’s cope as he blesses the people.
- Upon reaching the end of the nave, switch sides again with the Subdeacon when the Celebrant turns around to face back towards the altar. Take the edge of the cope again
- At the Gloria Patri of the Asperges antiphon stop and bow.
- Upon returning to the Sanctuary, genuflect (on the lowest step) at the signal from the MC (all genuflections at the foot of the altar are done on the lowest step from this point forward until the final genuflection before the recession).
- When the antiphon finishes, the MC will hand you the book which you open to the Asperges versicles and then hold (with your right hand) along with the Subdeacon in front of the Celebrant so that he may sing the versicles and concluding prayer.
- Return the book to the MC and genuflect on his signal. Turn towards the Celebrant and take the edge of the cope and process to the sedilia.
- At the sedilia, assist the Celebrant in putting on the chasuble and maniple. Afterwards put on your own maniple.
- At MC’s cue, turn and process at the Celebrant’s right back to the Foot of the Altar. Genuflect at MC’s signal and begin the prayers at the foot.
Prayers at the Foot & Incensation
- Remain standing after the genuflection and making the sign of the cross recite the Prayers at the Foot with the Celebrant along with the Subdeacon.
- Bow profoundly for the Confiteor and turn a little towards the Celebrant at the et tibi… et te Pater.
- Upon completion of the prayers, ascend the altar alongside the Celebrant, holding the hem of the Celebrant’s alb as he ascends. Wait for Celebrant to reverence the altar (making no reverence yourself) Turn and step back a little to make room for the MC and Thurifer who now approach for the imposition of incense.
- Receive the boat from the MC and give the spoon to the Celebrant (w/ solita oscula.)
- Ask the Celebrant to bless the incense (“Benedicite Pater Reverende”) as he spoons it into the thurible.
- After the Celebrant blesses the incense, take the spoon from the Celebrant (w/ solita oscula) and put it back in the boat and then hand the boat to the MC. Take the thurible from the Thurifer and then hand the thurible to the Celebrant kissing the thurible first (at the disk atop the chain) and then the Celebrant’s hand as you give him the thurible.
- Stand to the right of the Celebrant during the incensation supporting his right elbow for all genuflections.
- When the incensation of the Altar is completed, descend per breviorem via the Epistle side to stand immediately in plano and receive the thurible from the Celebrant (w/ solita oscula)
- Standing in between the MC and Subdeacon, bow to the Celebrant and then incense him with three double-swings, then bow again and hand the thurible to the Thurifer.
Introit
- After the Celebrant is incensed go stand on the top step (the step just below the footpace) at the Epistle corner behind and a little to the right of the Celebrant.
- Make the sign of the Cross when the Celebrant begins the Introit. Bow to the Altar Cross at the Gloria Patri.
Kyrie
- Upon the cue from the MC recite the Kyrie alternately with the Celebrant.
- If the sung Kyrie is unusually long, the MC will indicate the ministers to return to the sedilia per breviorem and sit, in which case the same procedure for the sung Gloria below is followed.
Gloria
- When the Celebrant turns to go to the center, turn to your left and go to the center remaining on the same step at which you stood during the Kyrie. Stand directly behind the Celebrant.
- After the Celebrant intones the Gloria, bow at the word Deo and then immediately ascend to stand at the right of the Celebrant. Recite the remainder of the Gloria with the Celebrant and Subdeacon. Make the appropriate head bows at the proper times.
- At the conclusion of the recitation of the Gloria genuflect with the Celebrant and Subdeacon at the middle of the altar and then return to the sedilia per breviorem.
- Alternatively the Celebrant may bow with the ministers at the Altar and then return to the Foot and genuflect there before returning to the sedilia. Follow the lead of the Celebrant.
- When returning per breviorem, the Deacon should move to the Epistle side so that the Celebrant passes between him and the Subdeacon. The Deacon then turns in towards the Celebrant and follows him to the sedilia.
- At the sedilia, take the Celebrant’s biretta, wait for him to sit, and then hand him his biretta (w/ solita oscula). Then take your own biretta and holding it with hands joined, bow first to the Celebrant and then to the Subdeacon before sitting down. Don the biretta with the right hand after you sit.
- During the remainder of the sung Gloria, at the cues from the MC, make the appropriate reverences at phrases: Adoramus te, Gratias agimus tibi, Jesus Christe, and suscipe deprecationem nostram by doffing the biretta with the right hand down to the right knee and making a deep head bow.
- At the conclusion of the sung Gloria, doff biretta, rise upon the signal from the MC, take the Celebrant’s biretta (w/ solita oscula) and then proceed to the Foot of the Altar with the Celebrant and Subdeacon, again staying to the right of the Celebrant.
Collect
- Upon arrival, genuflect at MC’s signal, hold alb for Celebrant as he ascends, and then stand inline behind the Celebrant at the top step.
- After the Celebrant intones “Dominus Vobiscum” turn to your right and, walking along the top step in line with the Celebrant, go to stand at the Epistle side directly behind the Celebrant.
- Turn and bow to the Tabernacle at the “Oremus” and then again at the Holy Name in the doxology of the Collect.
- At the conclusion of the Collect, bow to the Altar Cross and then proceed per breviorem to the sedilia, again stepping to the Epistle side to allow the Celebrant to go before you.
- Wait for the Celebrant to sit and give him is biretta as before, then take your own and, first bowing to the Celebrant, sit down and don biretta.
- Epistle
- Sit through the singing of the Epistle making the appropriate reverences should the Holy Name be mentioned.
- At the conclusion of the Epistle, doff biretta and rise immediately. Take the Celebrant’s biretta (w/ solita oscula) and proceed per breviorem back to the Missal.
- Stand immediately to the right of the Missal at the top step and wait for the Subdeacon to receive his blessing from the Celebrant.
- After the blessing, indicate the Gradual/Alleluia to the Celebrant and then go to stand behind him at the top step.
- After the Celebrant finishes reading the Gradual / Alleluia / Tract / Sequence, bow towards the Altar cross, and then turning to your right return to the sedilia per breviorem along with the Celebrant and Subdeacon as described before.
- Minister the Celebrant’s biretta when he sits and then sit and don your own with the appropriate reverences to the Celebrant and Subdeacon first.
- Wait for MC’s cue to begin the Gospel procedure.
Gospel
- Rise on cue from MC, doffing biretta, take the Celebrant’s biretta (w/ solita oscula) and then proceed to the Foot of the Altar to the right of the Celebrant.
- Genuflect on cue, assist Celebrant to ascend, but remain in plano and immediately turn to your right to receive the Evangeliarium from the MC (making head bows before and after). Make sure that the MC presents it to you so that the open edge is towards your left. (ie, towards the altar as you are facing the MC).
- Hold the Evangeliarium elevated before the breast with both hands. Wait for the Subdeacon to descend carrying the Missal and then genuflect alongside the Subdeacon.
- Ascend per breviorem to the center of the Altar (to the right of the Celebrant) and place the Evangeliarium on the mensa of the Altar in front of the Tabernacle with the open edge facing towards the Gospel side. Turn and step back to make room for the imposition of incense.
- Take the boat from the MC and administer the spoon to the Celebrant and petition the blessing as before. Give back the boat to the MC but do not take the thurible from the Thurifer.
- After the imposition of incense turn in towards the Celebrant and go to kneel on the edge of the footpace and recite the “Munda cor…”
- After finishing the prayer, rise and take the Evangeliarium from off the altar and then turn to face the Celebrant and kneel before him holding the book elevated before the breast with both hands.
- Petition the blessing from the Celebrant (“Jube Domne benedicere”). Bow your head when he gives the blessing and then kiss the Celebrant’s hand when he lays it on the book.
- Rise, bow to the celebrant, and then turn to your left and descend immediately per breviorem to stand in plano at the Foot at the right of the Subdeacon.
- Genuflect on the signal from the MC and then turn to your left (towards the Subdeacon) and process to the place where the Gospel will be sung.
- Upon reaching the place of the Gospel, place the Evangeliarium in the Subdeacon’s hands and open it to the place of the Gospel reading.
- Intone the “Dominus Vobiscum” with hands joined before the breast. Then place your left hand on the left page of the book and with soft part of the thumb of your right hand sign a small cross at the beginning of the Gospel while singing the word “Sequentia” Then placing your left hand on your breast, sign yourself with the right thumb as usual but sing the words “sancti Evangelii” as you sign your forehead, sing nothing as you sign your lips, and then sing “secundum N.” as you sign your breast.
- Now receive the thurible from the MC, bow to the Evangeliarium, and then incense the Gospel with three double-swings (first center, then left, then right). Bow again and return the thurible to the MC. Then continue singing the Gospel (“In illo tempore…”). If the Holy Name occurs make a low head bow towards the book.
- After the Gospel is sung, indicate to the Subdeacon the place of the beginning of the Gospel. Move out of the way so that the Subdeacon can go to Celebrant. Turn by your right to face the Celebrant and receive the thurible from the Thurifer
- After the Celebrant kisses the Gospel, bow to the Celebrant and incense him with three double-swings, then bow to him again and return the thurible to the Thurifer.
- Immediately go to stand at the Foot of the Altar a little to the Epistle side and wait for the Celebrant to descend.
- If you are to preach, remove your maniple and hand it to the MC. If the Celebrant is to preach, take his maniple from him and give it to the MC. Genuflect at the signal from the MC and then either go to the lectern to preach, or to the sedilia to sit with the Subdeacon.
- If there is no Sermon then after the genuflection go to the directions for the Creed
- If there is no Creed then immediately line up for the Offertory.
9a) Sermon·
If the Celebrant is preaching:
o Return to the sedilia and sit with the Subdeacon first bowing to one another.
o While the Epistle is being read in English, doff biretta and bow while seated at any mention of the Holy Name
o If the Gospel is read in English, stand and doff biretta for the duration of the reading of the Gospel but hold the biretta with hands joined together.
o During the sermon the MC will give any cues to doff biretta and bow at the mention of the Holy Name.
o When the sermon concludes the MC will give the signal to rise and return to the Foot of the Altar.
· If you are preaching:
o Go immediately to the Lectern
o Wait for the Celebrant to be seated.
o Read the Epistle and Gospel in English if this is to be done and then begin your Sermon.
o Upon finishing, return directly to the Foot of the Altar at your normal place to the right of the Celebrant.
· Genuflect on signal from the MC and then follow the procedures for either Creed or Offertory depending on which will come next.
9b) Creed
- After genuflecting, lift the hem for the Celebrant and then move into straight line at the top step immediately behind the Celebrant.
- At the end of the intonation, bow at the word Deum and then ascend immediately to the Celebrant’s right. Recite the Creed with the Celebrant bowing at the appropriate places. Genuflect at the et incarnatus est. Make the sign of the cross at the end.
- After reciting the Creed, bow to the Altar and then descend to the Foot and kneel upon the signal from the MC for the duration of the sung Incarnatus est…
- Rise upon signal, genuflect, and then turning towards the Celebrant process back to the sedilia.
- Minister the Celebrant’s biretta (w/ solita oscula) when he sits and then remain standing at the sedilia and wait for the MC to approach with the Burse.
- Check that the Burse contains the Corporal inside and then take the Burse with both hands from the MC with head bows before and after.
- Holding the Burse elevated at eye level with both hands, process with the MC to the Foot of the Altar, genuflect, and then ascend to the middle of the Altar.
- With the left hand, set the Burse erect on the altar with the opening facing straight up, remove the corporal with the right hand and place it on the center of the altar in front of the Tabernacle. Laying your left hand briefly on the altar, take the Burse with the right hand and set it to the side leaning with the opening facing down against the gradine to the left (Gospel side) of the Tabernacle.
- Now lay out the corporal being sure to unfold it properly (first unfold towards Gospel side, then Epistle side, then top towards Tabernacle, and finally the bottom towards the front of the altar.) Make sure that no part of the corporal hangs over the front of the altar.
- Move the Missal into the Canon position.
- Genuflect to the Tabernacle and then go per breviorem to the sedilia.
- Take your biretta on arrival, bow to the Celebrant and then to the Subdeacon and sit.
- Doff biretta and bow at the simul adoratur and then rise at the signal from the MC and return with the ministers to the Foot at the Celebrant’s right. Genuflect on signal from MC.
Offertory
- After the genuflection, go to your position at the top step directly behind the Celebrant. Bow at the “Oremus” and then ascend immediately to the right of the Celebrant.
- When the Subdeacon arrives, assist him in lifting the humeral veil off the chalice.
- If the MC has brought any ciboria, place them on the corporal and uncover them by placing your left hand at the base and then taking the lid off with your right hand. Place the lids on the mensa of the altar but off the corporal.
- Then remove the pall and set it against the center altar card. Take the paten with both hands and hand it to the priest kissing first the edge of the paten and then the priest’s hand.
- After the Celebrant offers the host, cover any ciboria (left hand on base, right hand covers), and then take the chalice by the node in your left hand.
- If serving with a “straw” subdeacon, wipe out the inside of the chalice with the purificator.
- Fold the purificator over your left thumb to catch any possible drops of wine or water, and then receive the wine cruet from the Subdeacon in your right hand and pour in as much wine as the Celebrant indicates. Then return the cruet to the Subdeacon.
- Tilt the chalice towards the Subdeacon so that he may infuse the water.
- If serving with a “straw” subdeacon, the subdeacon will hand the water cruet to you and you will petition the blessing “Benedicite Pater Reverende” and infuse the water yourself.
- Take the purificator in your right hand and fold it over your index finger in such a way as to wipe from the inside of the chalice any loose drops of water/wine.
- Set the purificator on the altar and then taking the chalice above the node in the right hand and with your left under the base, hand the chalice to the Celebrant first kissing the base of the chalice and then the priest’s hand.
- When the Celebrant lifts the chalice and says the “Offerimus tibi…” place the fingertips of your right hand on the base of the chalice and recite the prayer along with the priest while looking at the crucifix.
- After the Celebrant sets the chalice on the altar, cover it with the pall, and then hand the Subdeacon the paten.
Incensation
- Turn to face the MC and Thurifer and impose incense as usual.
- Take the thurible from the Thurifer and give to the Celebrant (w/solita oscula)
- Touch the base of the chalice with the right hand at the incensing of the Oblata to protect it. At the incensing of the Altar Cross, move the chalice to the right of the corporal (but not off its edge) and then move it back to center after the genuflection.
- Stand to the right of the Celebrant during the incensation of the Altar supporting his right elbow for all genuflections.
- When the incensation of the Altar is completed, descend per breviorem via the Epistle side to stand immediately in plano and receive the thurible from the Celebrant (w/ solita oscula)
- Standing in between the MC and Thurifer, bow to the Celebrant and then incense him with three double-swings, then bow again.
- Keeping the thurible, go with the Thurifer to incense the priests in choir by rank, then go to the center of the choir to incense first the Gospel side then the Epistle side. The Thurifer will cue all genuflections.
- Then go to incense the Subdeacon, first genuflecting behind him to the Altar and moving to his right. Turn by your left to face him and incense him with two double-swings with head bows before and after.
- Then give the thurible to the Thurifer and ascend to your place at the top step directly behind the Celebrant.
- Without genuflecting, turn immediately by your right and bow to the Thurifer who incenses you, then bow again and turn back to face the Altar.
- If the Celebrant has not yet said the “Orate Fratres…,” say the “Suscipiat…” at the appropriate time.
Canon
- Towards the end of the Preface, the MC will nod to you at which time you immediately ascend (without genuflecting) to the Celebrant’s right.
- Bow and recite the “Sanctus…” with the Celebrant and Subdeacon. Straighten and sign yourself at the “Benedictus…”
- At the conclusion of the Sanctus, move to the left of Celebrant by going back to your place at the top step, genuflecting, and then ascending to the Celebrant’s left.
- With your left hand, turn the pages in the Canon as necessary.
- At the Memento for the Living turn in towards the Celebrant and take a step back to the Gospel corner of the footpace and bow slightly. Step forward when the Celebrant continues and resume turning pages.
- At the “Quam oblationem…” go back to the Celebrant’s right, genuflecting at the top step as you did before.
- If there are ciboria on the altar, uncover the ciboria by placing the left hand at the base and uncovering it with your right hand, placing the lid off the corporal.
- Kneel when the Celebrant’s places his arms on the altar and bows for the Consecration
- Make a profound head bow as the Celebrant genuflects.
- Lift the hem of the Celebrant’s chasuble slightly at the elevation while looking at the Sacred Species.
- Make a profound head bow when the Celebrant genuflects again.
- Immediately rise and cover any ciboria and then uncover the chalice (leaning the pall against the center altar card but on the corporal)
- Kneel for the consecration of the Precious Blood.
- Bow at the genuflection and lift hem at the elevation
- Immediately as the Celebrant places the chalice on the Altar, rise and cover the chalice and then genuflect together with the Celebrant
- Immediately after rising from the second genuflection after the consecration of the Precious Blood switch sides and go to the Celebrant’s left. This time do not go down to the top step but move per breviorem to the Celebrant’s left and genuflect immediately on arrival.
- Continue to turn pages as necessary for the remainder of the Canon. Do not bow at the “Supplices te rogamus…” neither do you strike your breast at the “Nobis quoque peccatoribus…” Step back as before for the Memento of the Dead.
- At the “Per quem haec omnia…”
- genuflect and switch to the Celebrant’s right moving per breviorem. Uncover the chalice at the “praestas nobis” and then genuflect with the Celebrant, supporting his right elbow.
- Protect the chalice by placing your right hand at the base while the Celebrant makes the signs of the cross over it with the host.
- Cover the chalice after the Celebrant brushes the particles from his fingers over the chalice and then genuflect.
Pater Noster
- Still at the Celebrant’s right, bow at the “Oremus” and then remain standing until the Celebrant begins singing the words, “Pater noster…” Genuflect and descend to the top step. Do not genuflect on arrival.
- Wait for signal from MC at the “et dimitte nobis...” and then genuflect and ascend per breviorem to the Celebrant’s right.
- Receive the paten from the Subdeacon in your right hand, transfer it to your left, pick up the purificator and wipe down the paten. Place the purificator on the altar away from the corporal and take the paten in the right hand. Place the paten erect on the altar next to the corporal with the concave surface facing towards the corporal. When the priest reaches for the paten, kiss first the paten and then the priest’s hand.
- Do not make the sign of the cross when the priest signs himself with the paten. Uncover the chalice at the priest’s signal, genuflect, and then cover again and genuflect after he has put the particle into the chalice.
Agnus Dei and Pax
- Recite the Agnus Dei with Celebrant and Subdeacon. Strike your breast at the appropriate places.
- Immediately after the Agnus Dei concludes, kneel on the footpace to the right of the Celebrant while he recites the prayer “Domini Jesu Christ qui dixisti…”
- Rise at the conclusion of this prayer and kiss the altar with hands joined, then turn and bow to the Celebrant and receive the Pax. Make the response “Et cum spiritu tuo.” Bow again to the Celebrant and then turn towards the Sacred Species and genuflect. Then immediately descend to the Foot to stand at the right of the Subdeacon.
- As soon as you arrive at the Foot, turn to the Subdeacon and give him the Pax. Bow to the Subdeacon after giving the Pax and then turning towards the Altar, genuflect on signal from MC. Then ascend immediately per breviorem to the left of the Celebrant. Do not genuflect on arrival
- If serving with a “straw” subdeacon, ascend back to the Celebrant’s right.
- Do not recite the “Domine non sum dignus…” with the Celebrant or strike your breast.
Communion of Priest and Faithful
- When Celebrant receives the Host, turn and step to the corner of the footpace and medium bow for the Celebrant’s communion.
- Step forward to the Altar and genuflect when the Subdeacon uncovers the chalice, then turn and step back to the corner of the footpace and medium bow while the Celebrant consumes the Precious Blood. After the Celebrant places the Chalice back on the Altar, step forward and genuflect when the Subdeacon covers the chalice with the pall.
- If serving with a “straw” subdeacon, you will be at the Celebrant’s right and you will cover and uncover the chalice at the Celebrant’s signal (he lays his left hand on the base of the chalice.)
- Change places with the Subdeacon:
- If there is a ciborium or any consecrated hosts still on the corporal, the Deacon and Subdeacon genuflect first on either side of the priest, then change places per breviorem (the Deacon passing closest to the priest) then they both genuflect again on arrival (but not until after the Deacon uncovers the ciborium.)
- If there is not a Ciborium or any consecrated hosts on the corporal, the Deacon and Subdeacon switch sides, first by going per breviorem to their usual places inline behind the Celebrant (Deacon at top step, Subdeacon at bottom), genuflect at the center, and then ascend to their respective place on either side of the celebrant.
- If serving with a “straw” subdeacon there is no changing sides as the Deacon will already be on the correct side (Epistle side).
- Once at the Celebrant’s right, open the Tabernacle. Genuflect. Remove the Ciborium and uncover it (place the veil off the corporal, but place the lid on the corporal, if possible), genuflect again.
- If the Confiteor is to be sung by the Deacon:
- Turn by your right and descend in plano to the Epistle side, then turning by your left, face the celebrant and, making a medium body bow (cf. Caer. Ep. II, xxix, 3), sing the Confiteor.
- Say the “Amen” after the Celebrant says the Miserator and then straighten for the Indulgentiam, making the sign of the cross and responding “Amen,” then ascend immediately to the right of the Celebrant, genuflecting with the Celebrant and Subdeacon as you arrive.
- Take the paten in your right hand to hold for the distribution of communion.
- If either you or the Subdeacon is to receive communion:
- Turn by your left and kneel on the edge of the Footpace to the right of the Subdeacon.
- After the Celebrant says the “Ecce Agnus Dei…” and the “Domine non sum dignus…” receive communion from the Celebrant.
- Rise and ascend immediately to the Celebrant’s right (Gospel side), turning around by your right when you get there, and hold the paten for the distribution of communion.
- If neither you nor the Subdeacon are receiving communion:
- Turn around by your left and face the people with the Celebrant. (Still standing to the Epistle side of the Celebrant).
- The Celebrant says the “Ecce Agnus Dei…” and “Domine non sum dignus…”
- Switch sides with the Subdeacon so that you are to the right of the Celebrant (no genuflections, the Deacon passing closer to the Celebrant) and assist with the distribution of Communion by holding the paten.
- After the distribution of communion, switch sides with the Subeacon before the Celebrant ascends the footpace so that you are on the Celebrant’s right. Lift the hem of the Celebrant as he ascends the steps.
- Place the paten on the corporal. If there are hosts remaining in the ciborium, genuflect when the Celebrant places the ciborium on the Corporal. Covers the ciborium and place it in the Tabernacle. Genuflect again and then close the Tabernacle. (cf. Wuest, Matters Liturgical §239r, ; L.J. O’Connell, The Book of Ceremonies p.220)
- J.B. O’Connell disagrees with this practice stating that there should be a genuflection at the reposition of the ciborium only and not upon arrival at the altar unless the Celebrant is to consume the remaining hosts. (cf., J.B. O’Connell, The Celebration of Mass, p.510) This, however, is not the current practice at OLGS.
Ablutions / Postcommunion
- Switch sides with the Subdeacon, genuflecting at the top step in the center as you pass.
- While the Celebrant and the Subdeacon do the ablutions, turn the page in the Missal to the Communion prayer.
- After the priest finishes the ablutions, take the Missal and stand, turn by your right and descend to the top step and genuflect in the middle, then ascend per breviorem and place the missal on the altar at the Epistle corner.
- When the priest turns to the Missal to say the Communion prayer, turn by your left and descend to the top step immediately behind the Celebrant.
- Follow inline behind the Celebrant when he goes back and forth between the Missal and center of the altar before and after the Postcommunion prayer.
- After the “Dominus Vobiscum” following the Postcommunion, turn by your right and face down the nave and sing the “Ite Missa est.” Then immediately turn back by your left and wait for the Subdeacon to join you on the top step at your left.
- Wait for the signal from the MC and then kneel for the final blessing. Sign yourself and respond “Amen.”
Last Gospel
- Rise for the Last Gospel and, remaining in place, turn to face the Celebrant. Genuflect at the “et verbum caro factum est.”
- When the Last Gospel finishes, ascend to the right of the Celebrant at the center of the Altar. Bow to the Cross with the Celebrant and Subdeacon and then descend per breviorem to the Foot.
- Alternatively you may turn by your left and descend immediately in plano to the Foot, standing a little to the Epistle side. Follow the lead of the Celebrant.
Recession and Arrival at the Sacristy
- Receive your biretta and the Celebrant’s biretta from the MC. Hold them until after the final genuflection.
- Genuflect (on the floor) at the MC’s signal. Minister the Celebrant’s biretta (w/ solita oscula) and then don your own. Turn by your left to face the people.
- Process out behind the Subdeacon in a straight line with the Celebrant behind you.
- At the conclusion of the procession go to the right of the Celebrant, remove biretta and bow to the Cross at the signal and then to the Celebrant. Kneel and petition the Celebrant’s blessing (“Jube Domne benedicere.”) rise and don biretta and then go to the Sacristy to divest.
| Solemn High Rubrics (All roles except Priest) |
