Course 4, Chapter 18: Christianity visible. — The second and third part of the Mass

1. How is the gospel read?

A The gospel is read and accompanied with many prayers and ceremonies calculated to inspire us with profound respect for the divine word. In solemn masses the deacon sings the gospel.

2. What is carried before the book of the Gospels at hijjh mass?

At high mass the cross, lighted candles, and incense, are carried before the book of the Gospels. The deacon makes the sign of the cross on the sacred book to remind us that the gospel is the preaching of the cross.

3. What do the people answer at the end of the gospel.

They answer, Praise be to thee, 0 Christ, for the gospel is a great benefit conferred on us by God. We stand during the gospel, to show that we are ready to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

4. What follows the gospel?

The instruction of the people. The priest first announces the feasts of the week, the marriages to take place, and then preaches to the faithful the word of God. Hence the importance of attending the parish mass.

5. What does the priest do after the instruction?

After the instruction the priest returns to the altar and intones the credo or symbol. In singing the credo we profess our belief of all the truths which have been taught us.

6. Where does the third part of the mass commence?

The third part of the mass commences after the credo, and extends to the preface. All that part of 31*

366 GATE CHISM OF PERSE VERA N CE.

the mass which precedes the offertory was formerly called the mass of the catechumens.

7. What does the priest do after the credo?

After the credo the priest turns to the people, and says: The Lord be with you; to which they answer: and with thy spirit; he then recites a prayer called the offertory; because during this time the faith' ful offered at the altar the bread and wine which they had brought for the sacrifice. We must during the sacrifice offer ourselves to God, with a sincere desire to be immolated with our Lord.