Course 4, Chapter 20: Christianity visible. — Third and fourth part of the

Mass.

1. What does the priest do after washing hii fingers?

368 CATECHISM Or PERSEVERANCE.

A . After washing his fingers, the priest returns to the middle of the altar, and beseeches the most Holy Trinity to accept the sacrifice which he offers up for their glory. He then kisses the altar and turns to the people for the last time till after the communion, and says to them, brethren, let us pray, after which lie recites the secret.

2. What is the secret?

The secret is a prayer in which the priest asks of God to bless the offerings of the faithful and the faithful themselves, in order that they may prove an acceptable sacrifice; it is called secret, because the priest recites it in a low voice.

3. Where does the fourth part of the mass begin?

The fourth part of the mass begins after the secret, and continues till the Pater.

4. What is the preface?

The preface is an introduction to the great prayer called the canon. The church, in it, invites us to render glory to God for having deigned to accept our offerings; and with the celestial court we sing the glorious canticle of eternity.

5. What is that canticle?

The sanctu, holy, holy, holy Lord God of armies, the heavens and the earth are full of thy glory; hosannah in the highest.*

6. What is the canon?

The word canon signifies rule. The canon of the mass consists of the prayers which the church prescribes for offering the noly sacrifice, and which are not permitted to be changed. The canon is of great antiquity, and we should recite it with profound respect and witn great confidence.

7. What do we find in the prayers of the canon?

In the first prayer of the canon are marked the principal ends for which the sacrifice is offered, the glory of God, and the good of the Catholic Church; in the second are named the persons who have a principal

share in the mass; in the third the church reminds us

that we are in communion with all the heavenly court. Q. What is the intention of the church in this V A. Her intention is to engage us to become all of

one heart and one soul, and to put our confidence in

the intercession of the saints.