Course 4, Chapter 22: Christianity visible. — The fifth part of the Mass

1. Where does the fifth part of the mass begin?

The fifth part of the mass begins at the Pater, or Our Father. The Pater is preceded by a preface or preparatory prayer, which is said through respect for the Lord's prayer, and to aid us to say it well.

2. What part of the Pater is said by those assisting at mass?

They say that part which contains all the others, namely, Deliver us from evil.

3. What ceremony follows the Pater f

After the Pater, the priest breaks the sacred host over the chalice; puts a small part of it in the precious blood to mark the intimate union we are going to con-

tract with our Lord by the communion, and places the other two parts on the patena for his own communion.

4. What ceremony took place at this moment among the first Christians?

At this moment the first Christians gave each other the kiss of peace, to show that they loved one another as brethren. The kiss of peace, which, at the present day, the deacon gives to the clergy during high mass, is a precious memorial of this holy custom.

5. What is the Agnus Dei?

The Agnus Dei is a prayer in which the priest asks of our Lord to give us peace in this world and in the next.

6. What prayer does he say after the Agnus Dei?

After the Agnus Dei he says three beautiful prayers the more immediately to dispose him to receive our Lord. To recite them is an excellent means of preparing for holy communion.

7. By what are these prayers followed?

They are followed by those words of the centurion — Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst en ter under my roof, but only say the word and my servant shall be healed.

8. Why is the confiteor said before communion?

It is said in order to excite us to compunction and humility, because the confiteor is a general and public accusation of our sins.

9. What are the ablutions?

The ablutions are used to purify the mouth and fingers of the priest so that no portion of the sacred species remain adhering to them. Whilst taking the ablutions, he says prayers of thanksgiving for hit communion.

372 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.