THE ROMAN PONTIFICAL

revised by decree of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council

and published by authority of Pope Paul VI

RITE OF CONFIRMATION

Study Edition

APPROVED FOR USE

IN THE DIOCESES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

BY THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS

AND CONFIRMED BY THE APOSTOLIC SEE

ENGLISH TRANSLATION PREPARED BY THE

INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON ENGLISH IN THE LITURGY

1977

BISHOPS’ COMMITTEE ON THE LITURGY

NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005



COPYRIGHT © 1975 BISHOPS’ COMMITTEE ON THE LITURGY, NATIONAL CONFERENCE
OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS, 1312 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, N.W., WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

English translation of Rite of Confirmation. Copyright © 1975 International Committee on
English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.

English translation of the Order of the Mass, Prayers from The Roman Missal and Rite of

Confirmation. Copyright© 1973, 1975, International Committee on English in the Liturgy,

Inc. All rights reserved.

Copies may be ordered from:

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Preface

RITE OF CONFIRMATION

This study edition of the Rite of Confirmation has been made

available to assist those planning for the celebration of the

sacrament as well as those preparing candidates for confir-

mation. This booklet is not designed or intended for use

during the liturgical celebration.

In addition to the complete Rite of Confirmation, with the

proper form of the sacrament as approved by the Holy See

on May 5, 1975, this booklet includes those prayer texts

which the celebrant of the sacrament uses while presiding

at the chair (the Introductory Rites of the Mass, the Open-

ing Prayers, the Solemn Blessings, the Prayers after Com-

munion).

The lectionary, as a distinct liturgical book, should be used

along with this booklet in the preparation of the celebration of

confirmation. Not only those in charge of the actual prepara-

tion of the celebration, but also those who are to be con-

firmed will want to consult the lectionary for the appropriate

scriptural readings.



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DECREE 5

APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION 6

INTRODUCTION 10

CHAPTER

I. RITE OF CONFIRMATION WITHIN MASS 14

II. RITE OF CONFIRMATION OUTSIDE MASS 34

III. RITE OF CONFIRMATION BY A MINISTER WHO IS NOT A BISHOP .... 44

IV. CONFIRMATION OF A PERSON IN DANGER OF DEATH 44

APPENDICES

I. OPENING PRAYERS AND PRAYERS AFTER COMMUNION FOR THE
SUNDAYS OF ADVENT, LENT, EASTER, SOLEMNITIES, AND WEEK-
DAYS OF HOLY WEEK 47

II. BIBLICAL READINGS FROM THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT 85

CONTENTS





SACRED CONGREGATION FOR DIVINE WORSHIP

Prot. n. 800/71

DECREE

In the sacrament of confirmation the apostles and the bishops who are their successors have

handed on to the baptized the special gift of the Holy Spirit, promised by Christ the Lord and poured

out upon the apostles at Pentecost. With this the initiation in the Christian life is completed so that

believers are strengthened by power from heaven, made true witnesses of Christ in word and deed,

and bound more closely to the Church,

To make “the intimate connection of this sacrament with the whole of Christian initiation” clearer,

the Second Vatican Council decreed that the rite of confirmation should be revised.’

Now that this work has been completed and approved by Pope Paul VI in the apostolic constitution

Divinae consortium naturae of August 15, 1971, the Congregation for Divine Worship has published

the new Rite of Confirmation. It is to replace the rite now in use in the Roman Pontifical and Ritual.

The Congregation declares the present edition to be the typical edition.

Anything to the contrary notwithstanding.

From the office of the Congregation for Divine Worship, August 22, 1971.

Arturo Cardinal Tabera

Prefect

Annibale Bugnini

Secretary

1 See Second Vatican Council, constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 71; AAS 56 (1964) 118.

5



APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION

ON THE

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

PAUL, BISHOP

Servant of the Servants of God

For an Everlasting Memorial

The sharing in the divine nature which is granted to men through the grace of Christ has a certain

likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. The faithful are born anew by

baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of confirmation, and finally are sustained by the food of

eternal life in the eucharist. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive

in increasing measure the treasures of divine life and advance towards the perfection of charity.

It has rightly been written; “The body is washed, that the soul may be cleansed; the body is anointed,

that the soul may be consecrated; the body is signed, that the soul too may be fortified; the body is

overshadowed by the laying on of hands, that the soul too may be enlightened by the Spirit; the body

is fed on the body and blood of Christ, that the soul too should be nourished by God.”’

Conscious of its pastoral purpose, the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council devoted special atten-

tion to these sacraments of initiation. It prescribed that the rites should be suitably revised in order

to make them more suited to the understanding of the faithful. Since the Rite for the Baptism of

Children, revised at the mandate of that General Council and published at our command, is already

in use, it is now fitting to publish the rite of confirmation, in order to show the unity of Christian

initiation in its true light.

In fact, careful attention and application have been devoted in these last years to the task of

revising the manner of celebrating this sacrament. The aim of this work has been that “the intimate

connection which this sacrament has with the whole of Christian initiation should be more lucidly

set forth. ”2 The link between confirmation and the other sacraments of initiation is shown forth

more clearly not only by closer association of these sacraments but also by the rite and words by which

confirmation is conferred. This is done so that the rite and words of this sacrament may “express

more clearly the holy things which they signify. The Christian people, so far as possible, should be

able to understand them with ease and take full and active part in the celebration as a community.”^

For that purpose, it has been our wish also to include in this revision what concerns the very

essence of the rite of confirmation, through which the faithful receive the Holy Spirit as a Gift.

The New Testament shows how the Holy Spirit assisted Christ in fulfilling his messianic mission.

On receiving the baptism of John, Jesus saw the Spirit descending on him (see Mark 1:10) and

remaining with him (see John 1:32). He was impelled by the Spirit to undertake his public ministry

as the Messiah, relying on the Spirit’s presence and assistance. Teaching the people of Nazareth,

he shows by what he said that the words of Isaiah, ‘VThe Spirit of the Lord is upon me,” referred to

himself (see Luke 4:17-21).

He later promised his disciples that the Holy Spirit would help them also to bear fearless witness

to their faith even before persecutors (see Luke 12:12). The day before he suffered, he assured his

Apostles that he would send the Spirit of truth from his Father (see John 15:26) to stay with them

“for ever” (John 14:16) and help them to be his witnesses (see John 15:26). Finally, after his

resurrection, Christ promised the coming descent of the Holy Spirit: “You will receive power when

the Holy Spirit comes down on you; then you are to be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8; see Luke 24:49).

And in fact, on the day of the feast of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down in an extraordinary

way on the Apostles as they were gathered together with Mary the mother of Jesus and the group

of disciples. They were so “filled with” the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4) that by divine inspiration they

6



began to proclaim “the mighty works of God.” Peter regarded the Spirit who had thus come down

upon the Apostles as the gift of the messianic age (see Acts 2:17-18). Those who believed the

Apostles’ preaching were then baptized and they too received “the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts

2:38). From that time on the Apostles, in fulfillment of Christ’s wish, imparted the gift of the Spirit

to the newly baptized by the laying on of hands to complete the grace of baptism. Hence it is that the

Letter to the Hebrews lists among the first elements of Christian instruction the teaching about

baptisms and the laying on of hands (Hebrews 6:2). This laying on of hands is rightly recognized by

Catholic tradition as the beginning of the sacrament of confirmation, which in a certain way

perpetuates the grace of Pentecost in the Church.

This makes clear the specific importance of confirmation for sacramental initiation by which the

faithful “as members of the living Christ are incorporated into him and made like him through

baptism and through confirmation and the eucharist.”^ In baptism, the newly baptized receive for-

giveness of sins, adoption as sons of God, and the character of Christ, by which they are made

members of the Church and for the first time become sharers in the priesthood of their Savior (see

1 Peter 2:5, 9). Through the sacrament of confirmation, those who have been born anew in baptism

receive the inexpressible Gift, the Holy Spirit himself, by which “they are endowed . . . with special

strength. Moreover, having received the character of this sacrament, they are “bound more inti-

mately to the Church”* and “they are more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith both by

word and by deed as true witnesses of Christ. Finally, confirmation is so closely linked with the

holy eucharist® that the faithful, after being signed by holy baptism and confirmation, are incorpo-

rated fully into the body of Christ by participation in the eucharist.’

From ancient times the conferring of the gift of the Holy Spirit has been carried out in the Church

with various rites. These rites underwent many changes in the East and the West, while always

keeping the significance of a conferring of the Holy Spirit.’®

In many Eastern rites, it seems that from early times a rite of anointing, not then clearly distin-

guished from baptism, prevailed for the conferring of the Holy Spirit. That rite continues in use today

in the greater part of the churches of the East.

In the West there are very ancient witnesses concerning the part of Christian initiation which was

later distinctly recognized as the sacrament of confirmation. After the baptismal washing and before

the eucharistic meal, the performance of many rites is indicated, such as anointing, the laying on

of the hand and consignation." These are contained both in liturgical documents’^ and in many

testimonies of the Fathers. In the course of the centuries, problems and doubts arose as to what

belonged with certainty to the essence of the rite of confirmation. It is fitting to mention at least

some of the elements which, from the thirteenth century onwards, in the ecumenical councils and

in the documents of the popes, cast light on the importance of anointing while at the same time

not allowing the laying on of hands to be obscured.

Our predecessor Innocent III wrote: “By the anointing of the forehead the laying on of the hand

is designated, which is otherwise called confirmation, since through it the Holy Spirit is given for

growth and strength.”’® Another of our predecessors. Innocent IV, recalls that the Apostles conferred

the Holy Spirit “through the laying on of the hand, which confirmation or the anointing of the fore-

head represents.”’* In the profession of faith of Emperor Michael Palaeologus, which was read at

the Second Council of Lyons, mention is made of the sacrament of confirmation, which “bishops

confer by the laying on of the hands, anointing with chrism those who have been baptized.”’* The

Decree for the Armenians, issued by the Council of Florence, declares that the “matter” of the sacra-

ment of confirmation is “chrism made of olive oil . . . and balsam,”’* and, quoting the words of the

Acts of the Apostles concerning Peter and John, who gave the Holy Spirit through the laying on of

hands (see Acts 8:17), it adds: “in place of that laying on of the hand, in the Church confirmation is

given.”" The Council of Trent, though it had no intention of defining the essential rite of confirma-

tion, only designated it with the name of the holy chrism of confirmation.’® Benedict XIV made this

declaration: “Therefore let this be said, which is beyond dispute: in the Latin Church the sacrament

7



of confirmation is conferred by using sacred chrism or olive oil, mixed with balsam and blessed by

the bishop, and by tracing the sign of the cross by the minister of the sacrament on the forehead of

the recipient, while the same minister pronounces the words of the form."”

Many theologians, taking account of these declarations and traditions, maintained that for valid

administration of confirmation there was required only anointing with chrism, done by placing the

hand on the forehead. In spite of this, however, in the rites of the Latin Church a laying of hands

upon those to be confirmed was always prescribed before the anointing.

With regard to the words of the rite by which the Holy Spirit is given, it should be noted that,

already in the primitive Church, Peter and John, in order to complete the initiation of those baptized

in Samara, prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit and then laid hands on them (see Acts 8:15-17).

In the East, in the fourth and fifth centuries there appear in the rite of anointing the first indications

of the words “signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti.”2° These words were quickly accepted by the Church

of Constantinople and are still used by the Churches of the Byzantine rite.

In the West, however, the words of this rite, which completed baptism, were not defined until the

twelfth and thirteenth centuries. But in the twelfth century Roman Pontifical the formula which later

became the common one first occurs: “I sign you with the sign of the cross and confirm you with

the chrism of salvation. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”*’

From what we have recalled, it is clear that in the administration of confirmation in the East and

West, though in different ways, the most important place was occupied by the anointing, which in a

certain way represents the apostolic laying on of hands. Since this anointing with chrism well

represents the spiritual anointing of the Holy Spirit, who is given to the faithful, we intend to confirm

its existence and importance.

As regards the words which are pronounced in confirmation, we have examined with due con-

sideration the dignity of the venerable formula used in the Latin Church, but we judge preferable the

very ancient formula belonging to the Byzantine rite, by which the Gift of the Holy Spirit himself is

expressed and the outpouring of the Spirit which took place on the day of Pentecost is recalled (see

Acts 2:1-4, 38). We therefore adopt this formula, rendering it almost word for word.

Therefore, in order that the revision of the rite of confirmation may fittingly embrace also the

essence of the sacramental rite, by our supreme apostolic authority we decree and lay down that in

the Latin Church the following should be observed for the future:

The Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred through the anointing with chrism on the forehead,

which is done by the laying on of the hand, and through the words: "Accipe Signaculum Doni Spiritus

Sancti.”

Although the laying of hands on the candidates, which is done with the prescribed prayer before

the anointing, does not belong to the essence of the sacramental rite, it is nevertheless to be held

in high esteem, in that it contributes to the integral perfection of that rite and to a clearer under-

standing of the sacrament. It is evident that this preceding laying on of hands differs from the laying

on of the hand by which the anointing is done on the forehead.

Having established and declared all these elements concerning the essential rite of the sacrament

of confirmation, we also approve by our apostolic authority the order for the same sacrament, which

has been revised by the Congregation for Divine Worship, after consultation with the Congregations

for the Doctrine of the Faith, for the Discipline of the Sacraments, and for the Evangelization of

Peoples as regards the matters which are within their competence. The Latin edition of the order

containing the new form will come into force as soon as it is published; the editions in the vernacular

languages, prepared by the episcopal conferences and confirmed by the Apostolic See, will come

into force on the dates to be laid down by the individual conferences. The old order may be used

until the end of the year 1972. From January 1, 1973, however, only the new order is to be used

by those concerned.

8



We intend that everything that we have laid down and prescribed should be firm and effective in the

Latin Church, notwithstanding, where relevant, the apostolic constitutions and ordinances issued by

our predecessors, and other prescriptions, even if worthy of special mention.

Given in Rome, at Saint Peter’s, on the fifteenth day of August, the Solemnity of the Assumption

of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the year 1971, the ninth of our pontificate.

PAUL PP. VI

NOTES

1 Tertullian, De resurrect/one mortuorum, VIII, 3; CCL, 2, 931.

2 See Second Vatican Council, constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 71: AAS 56 (1964) 118.

3 Ibid., no. 21: p. 106.

^ See Second Vatican Council, decree Ad gentes, no. 36: AAS 58 (1966) 983.

s Second Vatican Council, dogmatic constitution Lumen gentium, no. 11: AAS 57 (1965) 15.

« Ibid.

' Ibid.; see Ad gentes, no. 11: AAS 58 (1966) 959-960.

8 See Second Vatican Council, decree Presbyterorum Ordinis, no. 5: AAS 58 (1966) 997.

» See ibid.: pp. 997-998.

See Origen, De Principiis, 1, 3, 2: GCS, 22 49 sq.. Comm, in Ep. ad Rom., V. 8; PG, 14, 1038; Cyril of Jerusalem,

Catech. XVI, 26; XXI, 1-7: PG, 33, 956; 1088-1093.

” See Tertullian, De Baptismo, VII-VIII: CCL, 1, 282 sq.; B. Botte, La tradition apostolique de Saint Hippolyte:

Liturgiewissenschaftliche Quellen und Forschungen, 39 (Munster in W., 1963) 52-54; Ambrose, De Sacramentis,

II, 24; III, 2, 8; VI, 2, 9: CSEL, 73, pp. 36, 42, 74-75; De Mysteriis, VII, 42: ibid. p. 106.

12 Liber Sacramentorum Romanae Ecclesiae Ordinis Anni circuli, ed. L. C. Mohiberg: Rerum Ecclesiasticarum Docu-

menta, Fontes, IV (Rome, 1960) 75; Das Sacramentarium Gregorianum nach dem Aachener Urexemplar, ed.

H. Lietzman: Liturgiegeschichtliche Quellen, 3 (Munster in W., 1921) 53 sq.; Liber Ordinum, ed. M. Ferotin:

Monumenta Ecclesiae Liturgica, V (Paris, 1904) 33 sq.; Missale Gallicanum Vetus, ed. L. C. Mohiberg: Rerum

Ecclesiasticarum Documenta, Fontes, III (Rome, 1958) 42: Missale Gothicum, ed. L. C. Mohiberg: Rerum

Ecclesiasticarum Documenta, V (Rome, 1961) 67; C. Vogel— R. Elze, Le Pontifical Romano Germanique du dixieme
siecle, Le Texte, II; Studi e Testi, 227 (Vatican City, 1963) 109; M. Andrieu, Le Pontifical Remain au Moyen-Age,

t. 1, Le Pontifical Remain du X//« siecle: Studi e Testi, 86 (Vatican City, 1938) 247 sq., 289; t. 2, Le Pontifical de

la Curie Romaine au X///« siecle: Studi e Testi, 87 (Vatican City, 1940) 452 sq.

13 Ep. Cum venisset: PL, 215, 285. The profession of faith which the same pope prescribed for Waldensians includes
the following: Confirmationem ab episcopo factam, id est impositionem manuum, sanctam et venerande accipien-

dam esse censemus: PL, 215, 1511.
i-i Ep. Sub Catholicae profess/one; Mansi, Cone. Coll., t. 23, 579.
IS Mansi, Cone. Coll., t. 24, 71.
i‘
Epistolae Pontificiae ad Concilium Florentinum spectantes, ed. G. Hofmann: Concilium Florentinum, vol. I, ser.

A. part II (Rome, 1944) 128.

12 Ibid., 129.

18 Concilii Tridentini Actorum pars altera, ed. S. Ehses: Concilium Tridentinum, V, Act. II (Fribourg Br., 1911) 996.
12 Ep. Ex quo primum tempore, 52: Benedict! XIV. . . . Bullarium, t. Ill (Prato, 1847) 320.
20 See Cyril of Jerusalem, Catech. XVIII, 33, 1056; Asterius, Bishop of Amasea, In parabolam de fillio prodigo, in

“Photii Bibliotheca,” Cod. 271: PG, 104, 213. See also Epistola cuiusdam Patriarchae Constantinopolitani ad

Martyrium Episcopum Antiochenum: PG, 119, 900.

21 M. Andrieu, Le Pontifical Romain au Moyen-Age, t. 1, Le Pontifical Romain du X//« siecle: Studi e Testi, 86 (Vatican
City, 1938) 247.

9



RITE OF CONFIRMATION

INTRODUCTION

I. DIGNITY OF CONFIRMATION

1. Those who have been baptized continue on the path of Christian initiation through the sacra-

ment of confirmation. In this sacrament they receive the Holy Spirit, whom the Lord sent upon the

apostles at Pentecost.

2. This giving of the Holy Spirit conforms believers more perfectly to Christ and strengthens them

so that they may bear witness to Christ for the building up of his body in faith and love. They are so

marked with the character or seal of the Lord that the sacrament of confirmation cannot be repeated.

II. OFFICES AND MINISTRIES IN THE CELEBRATION OF CONFIRMATION

3. It is the responsibility of the people of God to prepare the baptized for confirmation. It is the

responsibility of the pastors to see that all the baptized come to the fullness of Christian initiation

and are carefully prepared for confirmation.

Adult catechumens, who are to be confirmed immediately after baptism, have the help of the

Christian community and, in particular, the formation which is given to them during the catechu-

menate, catechesis, and common liturgical celebrations. Catechists, sponsors, and members of the

local church have a part in the catechumenate. The steps of the catechumenate will be appropriately

adapted to those who, baptized in infancy, are confirmed only as adults.

The initiation of children into the sacramental life is for the most part the responsibility and

concern of Christian parents. They are to form and gradually develop a spirit of faith in the children

and, with the help of catechetical institutions, prepare them for the fruitful reception of the sacra-

ments of confirmation and the eucharist. This responsibility of the parents is also shown by their

active participation in the celebration of the sacraments.

4. Attention should be paid to the festive and solemn character of the liturgical service, and its

significance for the local church, especially if all the candidates are assembled for a common cele-

bration. The whole people of God, represented by the families and friends of the candidates and by

members of the local community, will be invited to take part in the celebration and will express its

faith in the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

5. Ordinarily there should be a sponsor for each of those to be confirmed. The sponsor brings the

candidate to receive the sacrament, presents him to the minister for the anointing, and will later

help him to fulfill his baptismal promises faithfully under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

In view of contemporary pastoral circumstances, it is desirable that the godparent at baptism,

if present, also be the sponsor at confirmation; canon 796, no. 1, is abrogated. This change expresses

more clearly the relationship between baptism and confirmation and also makes the function and

responsibility of the sponsor more effective.

Nonetheless the choice of a special sponsor for confirmation is not excluded. Even the parents

themselves may present their children for confirmation. It is for the local Ordinary to determine

diocesan practice after considering local circumstances.

6. Pastors will see that the sponsor, chosen by the candidate or his family, is spiritually qualified

for the office and satisfies these requirements:

a) that he be sufficiently mature for this responsibility;

b) that he belong to the Catholic Church and have been initiated in the three sacraments of

baptism, confirmation, and the eucharist;

10



c) that he be not prohibited by law from exercising the office of sponsor.

7. The original minister of confirmation is the bishop. Ordinarily the sacrament is administered

by the bishop so that there will be a more evident relationship to the first pouring forth of the Holy

Spirit on Pentecost. After the Apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit, they themselves gave the Spirit

to the faithful through the laying on of their hands. Thus the reception of the Spirit through the

ministry of the bishop shows the close bond which joins the confirmed to the Church and the mandate

to be witnesses of Christ among men.

In addition to the bishop, the law gives the faculty to confirm to the following:

a) apostolic administrators who are not bishops, prelates or abbots nullius, vicars and prefects

apostolic, vicars capitular, within the limits of their territory and while they hold office;

b) priests who, in virtue of an office which they lawfully hold, baptize an adult or a child old

enough for catechesis or receive a validly baptized adult into full communion with the Church;

c) in danger of death, provided the bishop is not easily available or is lawfully impeded: pastors

and parochial vicars; in their absence, their parochial associates; priests who are in charge of special

parishes lawfully established; administrators; substitutes; and assistants;’ in the absence of all of

the preceding, any priest who is not subject to censure or canonical penalty.

8. In case of true necessity and special reason, for example, the large number of persons to be

confirmed, the minister of confirmation mentioned in no. 7 or the special minister designated by

indult of the Apostolic See or by law may associate other priests with himself in the administration

of this sacrament.

It is required that these priests:

a) have a particular function or office in the diocese, namely, vicars general, episcopal vicars

or delegates, district or regional vicars, 2 or those who by mandate of the Ordinary hold equivalent

offices; or

b) be the pastors of the places where confir.mation is conferred, pastors of the places where

the candidates belong, or priests who have had a special part in the catechetical preparation of the

candidates.

III. CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENT

9. The sacrament of confirmation is conferred through the anointing with chrism on the forehead,

which is done by the laying on of the hand, and through the words: Be sealed with the Gift of the

Holy Spirit

Even though the laying of hands on the candidates with the prayer All-powerful God does not

pertain to the valid giving of the sacrament, it is to be strongly emphasized for the integrity of the

rite and the fuller understanding of the sacrament.

Priests who are sometimes associated with the principal minister in giving the sacrament join

him in laying their hands on all the candidates together, but they do not say the prayer.

The whole rite has a twofold meaning. The laying of hands on the candidates by the bishop and

the concelebrating priests is the biblical gesture by which the giving of the Holy Spirit is invoked.

This is well adapted to the understanding of the Christian people. The anointing with chrism and the

accompanying words express clearly the effects of the giving of the Holy Spirit. Signed with the

perfumed oil, the baptized person receives the indelible character, the seal of the Lord, together

with the gift of the Spirit, which conforms him more closely to Christ and gives him the grace of

spreading the Lord’s presence among men.

10. The chrism is consecrated by the bishop in the Mass which is ordinarily celebrated on Holy

Thursday for this purpose.

11. Adult catechumens and children who are baptized at an age when they are old enough for

catechesis should ordinarily be admitted to confirmation and the eucharist at the same time they

11



receive baptism. If this is impossible, they should receive confirmation in a common celebration (see

no. 4). Similarly, adults who were baptized in infancy should, after suitable preparation, receive

confirmation and the eucharist in a common celebration.

With regard to children, in the Latin Church the administration of confirmation is generally post-

poned until about the seventh year. For pastoral reasons, however, especially to strengthen the

faithful in complete obedience to Christ the Lord and in loyal testimony to him, episcopal conferences

may choose an age which seems more appropriate, so that the sacrament is given at a more mature

age after appropriate formation.

In this case the necessary precautions should be taken so that children will be confirmed at the

proper time, even before the use of reason, when there is danger of death or other serious difficulty.

They should not be deprived of the benefit of this sacrament.

12. One must be baptized to receive the sacrament of confirmation. In addition, if the baptized

person has the use of reason, it is required that he be in a state of grace, properly instructed, and

able to renew his baptismal promises.

It is the responsibility of the episcopal conferences to determine more precisely the pastoral

methods for the proper preparation of children for confirmation.

With regard to adults, the same principles should be followed, with suitable adaptations, which

are in effect in individual dioceses for the admission of catechumens to baptism and the eucharist.

In particular, suitable catechesis should precede confirmation, and there should be sufficient effec-

tive relationship of the candidates with the Christian community and with individual members of the

faithful to assist in their formation. This formation should be directed toward their giving the witness

of a Christian life and exercising the Christian apostolate, while developing a genuine desire to

participate in the eucharist (see Introduction to Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, no. 19).

Sometimes the preparation of a baptized adult for confirmation is part of his preparation for

marriage. In such cases, if it is foreseen that the conditions for a fruitful reception of confirmation

cannot be satisfied, the local Ordinary will judge whether it is better to defer confirmation until after

the marriage.

If one who has the use of reason is confirmed in danger of death, he should be prepared spiritually,

so far as possible, depending upon the circumstances of the individual case.

13. Ordinarily confirmation takes place within Mass in order to express more clearly the funda-

mental connection of this sacrament with the entirety of Christian initiation. The latter reaches its

culmination in the communion of the body and blood of Christ. The newly confirmed should therefore

participate in the eucharist which completes their Christian initiation.

If the candidates for confirmation are children who have not received the eucharist and are not

admitted to their first communion at this liturgical celebration or if there are other special circum-

stances, confirmation should be celebrated outside Mass. When this occurs, there should first be a

celebration of the word of God.

It is fitting that the minister of confirmation celebrate the Mass or, better, concelebrate the Mass,

especially with the priests who may join him in the administration of the sacrament.

If the Mass is celebrated by someone else, it is proper that the bishop preside over the liturgy

of the word and that he give the blessing at the end of Mass.

Emphasis should be given to the celebration of the word of God which begins the rite of confirma-

tion. It is from the hearing of the word of God that the many-sided power of the Holy Spirit flows

upon the Church and upon each one of the baptized and confirmed, and it is by this word that God's

will is manifest in the life of Christians.

The saying of the Lord’s Prayer by the newly confirmed with the rest of the people is also of very

great importance, whether during Mass before communion or outside Mass before the blessing,

because it is the Spirit who prays in us, and in the Spirit the Christian says “Abba, Father.”

12



14. The pastor should record the names of the minister, those confirmed, parents and sponsors,

and the date and place of confirmation in a special book. The notation in the baptismal register

should also be made according to law.

15. If the pastor of the newly-confirmed person is not present, the minister should promptly

inform him of the confirmation, either personally or through a representative.

IV. ADAPTATIONS IN THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION

16. In virtue of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (art. 63b), episcopal conferences have the

right to prepare a title in particular rituals corresponding to this title of the Roman Pontifical on

confirmation. This is to be adapted to the needs of individual regions so that, after confirmation of

their action by the Apostolic See, the ritual may be used in the territory.^

17. The episcopal conference will consider whether, in view of local circumstances and the culture

and traditions of the people, it is opportune:

a) to make suitable adaptations of the formulas for the renewal of baptismal promises and

professions, either foliowing the text in the rite of baptism or accommodating these formulas to the

circumstances of the candidates for confirmation;

b) to introduce a different manner for the minister to give the sign of peace after the anointing,

either to each individual or to all the newly confirmed together.

18. The minister of confirmation may introduce some explanations into the rite in individual

cases, in view of the capacity of the candidates for confirmation. He may also make appropriate

accommodations in the existing texts, for example, by expressing these in a kind of dialogue,

especially with children.

When confirmation is given by a minister who is not a bishop, whether by concession of the

general law or by special indult of the Apostolic See, it is fitting for him to mention in the homily that

the bishop is the original minister of the sacrament and the reason why priests receive the faculty

to confirm from the law or by an indult of the Apostolic See.

V. PREPARATIONS

19.

The following should be prepared for confirmation:

a) vestments for the celebration of Mass, for the bishop and for the priests who concelebrate

with him; if the bishop does not celebrate the Mass, he and the priests who may adminrster confirma-

tion with him should participate in the Mass wearing the vestments for confirmation: alb, stole, and,

for the minister of confirmation, cope; these vestments are also worn for confirmation outside Mass;

b) chairs for the bishop and the priest who assist him;

c) vessel or vessels of chrism;

d) Roman Pontifical or Ritual;

e) preparations for Mass a id for communion under both kinds, if it is given in this way;

f) preparations for the washing of the ministers’ hands after the anointing.

NOTES

1 See canons 451, 471, 476, 216, §4, 472, 474, 475.
J See canon 217, §1.

* See Rite of Baptism for Children (1969), General Instruction on Christian Initiation, nos. 30-33.

13



Chapter I

RITE OF CONFIRMATION WITHIN MASS

INTRODUCTORY RITES

ENTRANCE SONG

After the people have assembled, the bishop and the ministers go to the altar

while the entrance song is being sung.

When the bishop comes to the altar, he makes the customary reverence with

the ministers, kisses the altar and (if incense is used) incenses it. Then, with

the ministers, he goes to the chair.

GREETING

After the entrance song, the bishop and the faithful remain standing and make

the sign of the cross, as the bishop says:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the

Holy Spirit.

The people answer:

Amen.

Then the bishop, facing the people, extends his hands and greets all present

with one of the following greetings:

A. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

The people answer:

And also with you.

B. The grace and peace of God our Father and the

Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

14



The people answer:

Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

or

And also with you.

C. Peace be with you.

The people answer:

And also with you.

(If a priest is the celebrant:)

The Lord be with you.

The people answer:

And also with you.

The bishop, deacon, or other suitable minister may very briefly introduce the

Mass of confirmation.

PENITENTIAL RITE

After the introduction to the day's Mass, the bishop invites the people to recall

their sins and to repent of them in silence. He may use these or similar words:

A. As we prepare to celebrate the mystery of Christ’s love,

let us acknowledge our failures

and ask the Lord for pardon and strength.

B. Coming together as God’s family,

with confidence let us ask the Father’s forgiveness,

for he is full of gentleness and compassion.

C. My brothers and sisters,

to prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries,

let us call to mind our sins.

A pause for silent reflection follows.

15



After the silence, one of the following three forms is chosen:

A. All say:

I confess to almighty God,

and to you, my brothers and sisters,

that I have sinned through my own fault

They strike their breast:

in my thoughts and in my words,

in what I have done,

and in what I have failed to do;

and I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin,

and all the angels and saints,

and you, my brothers and sisters,

to pray for me to the Lord our God.

The bishop says the absolution:

May almighty God have mercy on us,

forgive us our sins,

and bring us to everlasting life.

The people answer:

Amen.

16



B. The bishop says:

Lord, we have sinned against you;

The people answer:

Lord, have mercy.

Bishop:

Lord, show us your mercy and love.

People:

And grant us your salvation.

The bishop says the absolution:

May almighty God have mercy on us,

forgive us our sins,

and bring us to everlasting life.

The people answer:

Amen.

C. The bishop (or other suitable minister) makes the following invocations.

Other invocations may be used.

17



I

Bishop:

Lord Jesus, you sent your Holy Spirit

upon the apostles at Pentecost:

Lord, have mercy.

The people answer:

Lord, have mercy.

Bishop:

Lord Jesus, by baptism you have given us

a share in eternal life:

Christ, have mercy.

The people answer:

Christ, have mercy.

Bishop:

Lord Jesus, you promised to be with your Church,

until the day of glory:

Lord, have mercy.

The people answer:

Lord, have mercy.

The bishop says the absolution:

May almighty God have mercy on us,

forgive us our sins,

and bring us to everlasting life.

The people answer:

Amen.

18



II

Priest:

Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations

into the peace of God’s kingdom;

Lord, have mercy.

The people answer:

Lord, have mercy.

Priest:

You come in word and sacrament to strengthen us

in holiness:

Christ, have mercy.

People:

Christ, have mercy.

Priest:

You will come in glory with salvation for your people:

Lord, have mercy.

People:

Lord, have mercy.

The priest says the absolution:

May almighty God have mercy on us,

forgive us our sins,

and bring us to everlasting life.

The people answer:

Amen.

19



Ill

Priest:

Lord Jesus, you have shown us the way to the Father:

Lord, have mercy.

The people answer:

Lord, have mercy.

Priest:

Lord Jesus, you have given us the consolation of the truth:

Christ, have mercy.

People:

Christ, have mercy.

Priest:

Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd,

leading us into everlasting life:

Lord, have mercy.

People:

Lord, have mercy.

The priest says the absolution:

May almighty God have mercy on us,

forgive us our sins,

and bring us to everlasting life.

20

The people answer:

Amen.



IV

Priest:

Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life:

Lord, have mercy.

The people answer:

Lord, have mercy.

Priest:

Lord Jesus, you forgive us our sins:

Christ, have mercy.

People:

Christ, have mercy.

Priest:

Lord Jesus, you feed us with your body and blood:

Lord, have mercy.

People:

Lord, have mercy.

The priest says the absolution:

May almighty God have mercy on us,

forgive us our sins,

and bring us to everlasting life.

The people answer:

Amen.

21



KYRIE

The invocations, Lord, have mercy, follow, unless they have already been used

in one of the forms of the act of penance.

y Lord, have mercy.

Y Christ, have mercy,

Y Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy,

I? Lord, have mercy

or

Y Kyrie, eleison.

Y Christe, eleison

Y Kyrie, eleison.

Kyrie, eleison.

Christe, eleison

Kyrie, eleison.

GLORIA

This hymn is said or sung on Sundays outside Advent and Lent, on solemnities

and feasts, and in solemn local celebrations.'

Glory to God In the highest,

and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King,

almighty God and Father,

we worship you, we give you thanks,

we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,

Lord God, Lamb of God,

you take away the sin of the world:

have mercy on us;

you are seated at the right hand of the Father:

receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One,

you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the Most High,

Jesus Christ,

with the Holy Spirit,

in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

> See general instruction, no. 31.

22



OPENING PRAYER’

Afterwards the bishop, with hands joined, sings or says:

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer.

A. God of power and mercy,

send your Holy Spirit to live in our hearts

and make us temples of his glory.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

B. Lord,

fulfill your promise.

Send your Holy Spirit to make us

witnesses before the world

to the good news proclaimed by

Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

C. Lord,

send us your Holy Spirit

to help us walk in unity of faith

and grow in the strength of his love

to the full stature of Christ,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

D. Lord,

fulfill the promise given by your Son

and send the Holy Spirit

to enlighten our minds

and lead us to all truth.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

’ On the Sundays of Advent, Lent, and Easter, solemnities. Ash Wednesday, and the Weekdays of Holy
Week, the Opening Prayer of the day is used, (see Appendix I)

23



LITURGY OF THE WORD20.

The liturgy of the word is celebrated in the ordinary way. The readings

may be taken in whole or in part from the Mass of the day or from the texts for

confirmation in the Lectionary for Mass (nos. 763-767) and listed below (see

appendix II).

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

PRESENTATION OF THE CANDIDATES

21.

After the gospel the bishop and the priests who will be ministers of the

sacrament with him take their seats. The pastor or another priest, deacon, or

catechist presents the candidates for confirmation, according to the custom of

the region. If possible, each candidate is called by name and comes individually

to the sanctuary. If the candidates are children, they are accompanied by one of

their sponsors or parents and stand before the celebrant.

If there are very many candidates, they are not called by name, but simply

take a suitable place before the bishop.

HOMILY OR INSTRUCTION

22.

The bishop then gives a brief homily. He should explain the readings and

so lead the candidates, their sponsors and parents, and the whole assembly to

a deeper understanding of the mystery of confirmation.

He may use these or similar words:

On the day of Pentecost the Apostles received the Holy Spirit as

the Lord had promised. They also received the power of giving the

Holy Spirit to others and so completing the work of baptism. This

we read in the Acts of the Apostles. When Saint Paul placed his

hands on those who had been baptized, the Holy Spirit came upon

them, and they began to speak in other languages and In prophetic

words.

24



Bishops are successors of the Apostles and have this power of

giving the Holy Spirit to the baptized, either personally or through

the priests they appoint.

In our day the coming of the Holy Spirit in confirmation is no longer

marked by the gift of tongues, but we know his coming by faith.

He fills our hearts with the love of God, brings us together in one

faith but in different vocations, and works within us to make the

Church one and holy.

The gift of the Holy Spirit which you are to receive will be a spiritual

sign and seal to make you more like Christ and more perfect

members of his Church. At his baptism by John, Christ himself

was anointed by the Spirit and sent out on his public ministry to

set the world on fire.

You have already been baptized Into Christ and now you will receive

the power of his Spirit and the sign of the cross on your forehead.

You must be witnesses before all the world to his suffering, death,

and resurrection; your way of life should at all times reflect the

goodness of Christ. Christ gives varied gifts to his Church, and the

Spirit distributes them among the members of Christ’s body to

build up the holy people of God in unity and love.

Be active members of the Church, alive in Jesus Christ. Under the

guidance of the Holy Spirit give your lives completely in the service

of all, as did Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.

So now, before you receive the Spirit, I ask you to renew the

profession of faith you made in baptism or your parents and god-

parents made in union with the whole Church.

25



RENEWAL OF BAPTISMAL PROMISES

23. After the homily the candidates stand and the bishop questions them:

Do you reject Satan and all his works

and all his empty promises?

The candidates respond together:

I do.

Bishop:

Do you believe in God the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth?

Candidates:

I do.

Bishop:

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was born of the Virgin Mary,

was crucified, died, and was buried,

rose from the dead,

and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?

Candidates:

I do.

Bishop:

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit,

the Lord, the giver of life,

who came upon the apostles at Pentecost

and today is given to you sacramentally in confirmation?

Candidates:

I do.

26



Bishop:

Do you believe in the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?

Candidates:

I do.

The bishop confirms their profession of faith by proclaiming the faith

of the Church:

This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church.

We are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The whole congregation responds:

Amen.

For This is our faith, some other formula may be substituted, or the community

may express its faith in a suitable song.

THE LAYING ON OF HANDS

24. The concelebrating priests stand near the bishop. He faces the people

and with hands joined, sings or says:

My dear friends:

in baptism God our Father gave the new birth of eternal life

to his chosen sons and daughters.

Let us pray to our Father

that he will pour out the Holy Spirit

to strengthen his sons and daughters with his gifts

and anoint them to be more like Christ the Son of God.

All pray in silence for a short time.

27



25. The bishop and the priests who will minister the sacrament with him lay

hands upon all the candidates (by extending their hands over them). The bishop

alone sings or says:

All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

by water and the Holy Spirit

you freed your sons and daughters from sin

and gave them new life.

Send your Holy Spirit upon them

to be their Helper and Guide.

Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding,

the spirit of right judgment and courage,

the spirit of knowledge and reverence.

Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

THE ANNOINTING WITH CHRISM

26. The deacon brings the chrism to the bishop. Each candidate goes to the

bishop, or the bishop may go to the individual candidates. The one who pre-

sented the candidate places his right hand on the latter's shoulder and gives the

candidate's name to the bishop; or the candidate may give his own name.

'2J . The bishop dips his right thumb in the chrism and makes the sign of the

cross on the forehead of the one to be confirmed, as he says-.

N., be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.

The newly confirmed responds:

Amen.

The bishop says:

Peace be with you.

28

The newly confirmed responds:

And also with you.



28.

If priests assist the bishop in conferring the sacrament, all the vessels

of chrism are brought to the bishop by the deacon or by other ministers. Each

of the priests comes to the bishop, who gives him a vessel of chrism.

The candidates go to the bishop or to the priests, or the bishop and priests

may go to the candidates. The anointing is done as described above (no. 27).
29.

During the anointing a suitable song may be sung. After the anointing

the bishop and the priests wash their hands.

GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

30.

The general intercessions follow, in this or a similar form determined by

the competent authority.

Bishop:

My dear friends:

let us be one in prayer to God our Father

as we are one in the faith, hope, and love his Spirit gives.

Deacon or minister:

For these sons and daughters of God,

confirmed by the gift of the Spirit,

that they give witness to Christ

by lives built on faith and love:

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer.

Deacon or minister:

For their parents and godparents

who led them in faith,

that by word and example they may always encourage them

to follow the way of Jesus Christ:

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer.

29



Deacon or minister:

For the holy Church of God,

in union with^ our pope, N. our bishop, and all the bishops,
that God, who gathers us together by the Holy Spirit,

may help us grow in unity of faith and love

until his Son returns in glory:

let us pray to the Lord.

I? Lord, hear our prayer.

Deacon or minister:

For all men,

of every race and nation,

that they may acknowledge the one God as Father,

and in the bond of common brotherhood

seek his kingdom,

which is peace and joy in the Holy Spirit:

let us pray to the Lord.

I? Lord, hear our prayer.

Bishop:

God our Father,

you sent your Holy Spirit upon the apostles,

and through them and their successors

you give the Spirit to your people.

May his work begun at Pentecost

continue to grow in the hearts of all who believe.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

31. After the general intercessions the liturgy of the eucharist is celebrated

according to the Order of Mass with these exceptions:

a) the profession of faith is omitted, since it has already been made;

b) some of the newly confirmed may join those who bring the gifts to the

altar;

30



c) When Eucharistic Prayer I is used, the special form of Father, accept this

offering is said, (See Sacramentary: Ritual Masses Confirmation, no. 4).

32. Adults who are confirmed, their sponsors, parents, wives and husbands,

and catechists may receive communion under both kinds. [In the dioceses of the

United States all who participate may receive communion under both kinds.]

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Then, standing at the chair or at the altar, the bishop sings or says one of the

following:

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Let us pray.

A. Lord,

help those you have anointed by your Spirit

and fed with the body and blood of your Son.

Support them through every trial

and by their works of love

build up the Church in holiness and joy.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

B. Lord,

you give your Son as food

to those you anoint with your Spirit.

Help them to fulfill your law

by living in freedom as your children.

May they live in holiness

and be your witnesses to the world.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

C. Lord,

we have shared the one bread of life.

Send the Spirit of your love

to keep us one in faith and peace.

We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

31



CONCLUDING RITE

If there are any announcements, they are made at this time.

GREETING

The rite of dismissal takes place.

Facing the people, the bishop extends his hands and sings or says.

The Lord be with you.

The people answer:

And also with you.

BLESSING

The deacon or minister gives the invitation in these or similar words:

Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing.

SOLEMN BLESSING

33. Instead of the usual blessing at the end of Mass, the following blessing

prayer over the people is used.

God our Father

made you his children by water and the Holy Spirit:

may he bless you

and watch over you with his fatherly love.

Amen.

Jesus Christ the Son of God

promised that the Spirit of truth

would be with his Church for ever:

may he bless you and give you courage

in professing the true faith.

Amen.

The Holy Spirit

came down upon the disciples

and set their hearts on fire with love:

may he bless you,

keep you one in faith and love

and bring you to the joy of God’s kingdom.

Amen.



The bishop adds immediately:

May almighty God bless you,

the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE

Instead of the preceding blessing, the prayer over the people may be used.

The deacon or minister gives the invitation in these or similar words:

Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing.

The bishop extends his hands over the people and sings or says:

God our Father,

complete the work you have begun

and keep the gifts of your Holy Spirit

active in the hearts of your people.

Make them ready to live his Gospel

and eager to do his will.

May they never be ashamed

to proclaim to all the world Christ crucified

living and reigning for ever and ever.

Amen.

The bishop adds immediately:

And may the blessing of almighty God,

the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit,
come upon you and remain with you for ever.

Amen.

33



Chapter II

RITE OF CONFIRMATION

OUTSIDE MASS

INTRODUCTORY RITES

ENTRANCE SONG

34. When the candidates, their sponsors and parents, and the whole assem-

bly of the faithful have gathered, the bishop goes to the sanctuary with the

priests who assist him, one or more deacons, and the ministers. Meanwhile all

may sing a psalm or appropriate song.

35. The bishop makes the usual reverence to the altar with the ministers

and greets the people:

Peace be with you.

All:

And also with you.

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray.

A. God of power and mercy,

send your Holy Spirit to live in our hearts

and make us temples of his glory.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

34



B. Lord,

fulfill your promise.

Send your Holy Spirit to make us witnesses

before the world

to the good news proclaimed by Jesus Christ, our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

C. Lord,

send us your Holy Spirit

to help us walk in unity of faith

and grow in the strength of his love

to the full stature of Christ,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

D. Lord,

fulfill the promise given by your Son

and send the Holy Spirit

to enlighten our minds

and lead us to all truth.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

I? Amen.

CELEBRATION OF THE WORD OF GOD

36. The celebration of the word of God follows. At least one of the readings

suggested for the Mass of Confirmation (see Appendix II) Is read.

37. If two or three readings are chosen, the traditional order is followed,

that is, the Old Testament, the Apostle, and the Gospel. After the first and

second reading there should be a psalm or song, or a period of silence may be

observed.

35



SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

PRESENTATION OF THE CANDIDATES

38. After the readings the bishop and the priests who will be ministers of the

sacrament with him take their seats. The pastor or another priest, deacon, or

catechist presents the candidates for confirmation, according to the custom of

the region. If possible, each candidate is called by name and comes individually

to the sanctuary. If the candidates are children, they are accompanied by one

of their sponsors or parents and stand before the celebrant.

If there are very many candidates, they are not called by name, but simply

take a suitable place before the bishop.

HOMILY OR INSTRUCTION

39. The bishop then gives a brief homily. He should explain the readings and

so lead the candidates, their sponsors and parents, and the whole assembly to

a deeper understanding of the mystery of confirmation.

He may use these or similar words:

On the day of Pentecost the apostles received the Holy Spirit as

the Lord had promised. They also received the power of giving the

Holy Spirit to others and so completing the work of baptism. This

we read in the Acts of the Apostles. When Saint Paul placed his

hands on those who had been baptized, the Holy Spirit came upon

them, and they began to speak in other languages and in prophetic

words.

Bishops are successors of the apostles and have this power of

giving the Holy Spirit to the baptized, either personally or through

the priests they appoint.

In our day the coming of the Holy Spirit in confirmation is no longer

marked by the gift of tongues, but we know his coming by faith.

He fills our hearts with the love of God, brings us together in one

faith but in different vocations, and works within us to make the

Church one and holy.

The gift of the Holy Spirit which you are to receive will be a spiritual

sign and seal to make you more like Christ and more perfect mem-

36



bers of his Church. At his baptism by John, Christ himself was

anointed by the Spirit and sent out on his public ministry to set

the world on fire.

You have already been baptized into Christ and now you will receive

the power of his Spirit and the sign of the cross on your forehead.

You must be witnesses before all the world to his suffering, death,

and resurrection; your way of life should at all times reflect the

goodness of Christ. Christ gives varied gifts to his Church, and the

Spirit distributes them among the members of Christ’s body to

build up the holy people of God in unity and love.

Be active members of the Church, alive in Jesus Christ. Under the

guidance of the Holy Spirit give your lives completely in the service

of all, as did Christ, who came not be served but to serve.

So now, before you receive the Spirit, I ask you to renew the

profession of faith you made in baptism or your parents and god-

parents made in union with the whole Church.

RENEWAL OF BAPTISMAL PROMISES

40. After the homily the candidates stand and the bishop questions them:

Do you reject Satan and all his works and all his

empty promises?

The candidates respond together:

I do.

Bishop:

Do you believe in God the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth?

Candidates:

I do.

37



Bishop:

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was born of the Virgin Mary,

was crucified, died, and was buried,

rose from the dead,

and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?

Candidates:

I do.

Bishop:

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit,

the Lord, the giver of life,

who came upon the apostles at Pentecost

and today is given to you sacramentally in confirmation?

Candidates:

I do.

Bishop:

Do you believe in the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?

Candidates:

Ido.

The bishop confirms their profession of faith by proclaiming the faith

of the Church:

This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church.

We are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus our Lord.

38



The whole congregation responds:

Amen.

For This is our faith, some other formula may be substituted, or the community

may express its faith in a suitable song.

THE LAYING ON OF HANDS

41. The concelebrating priests stand near the bishop. He faces the people

and with hands joined, sings or says:

My dear friends:

in baptism God our Father gave the new birth of eternal life

to his chosen sons and daughters.

Let us pray to our Father

that he will pour out the Holy Spirit

to strengthen his sons and daughters with his gifts

and anoint them to be more like Christ the Son of God.

All pray in silence for a short time.

42. The bishop and the priests who will minister the sacrament with him lay

hands upon all the candidates (by extending their hands over them). The bishop

alone sings or says:

All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

by water and the Holy Spirit

you freed your sons and daughters from sin

and gave them new life.

Send your Holy Spirit upon them

to be their Helper and Guide.

Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding,

the spirit of right judgment and courage,

the spirit of knowledge and reverence.

Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

I? Amen.

39



THE ANOINTING WITH CHRISM

43. The deacon brings the chrism to the bishop. Each candidate goes to the

bishop, or the bishop may go to the individual candidates. The one who pre-

sented the candidate places his right hand on the latter's shoulder and gives

the candidate’s name to the bishop; or the candidate may give his own name.

44. The bishop dips his right thumb in the chrism and makes the sign of the

cross on the forehead of the one to be confirmed, as he says:

N., be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.

The newly confirmed responds:

Amen.

The bishop says:

Peace be with you.

The newly confirmed responds:

And also with you.

45. If priests assist the bishop in conferring the sacrament, all the vessels

of chrism are brought to the bishop by the deacon or by other ministers. Each

of the priests comes to the bishop, who gives him a vessel of chrism.

The candidates go to the bishop or to the priests, or the bishop and priests

may go to the candidates. The anointing is done as described above (no. 44).

46. During the anointing a suitable song may be sung. After the anointing

the bishop and the priests wash their hands.

GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

47.

The general intercessions follow, in this or a similar form determined by

the competent authority.

Bishop:

My dear friends:

let us be one in prayer to God our Father

as we are one in the faith, hope, and love his Spirit gives.

40



Deacon or minister:

For these sons and daughters of God,

confirmed by the gift of the Spirit,

that they give witness to Christ

by lives built on faith and love:

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer.

Deacon or minister:

For their parents and godparents

who led them in faith,

that by word and example they may always encourage them

to follow the way of Jesus Christ:

let us pray to the Lord.

I?? Lord, hear our prayer.

Deacon or minister:

For the holy Church of God,

in union with N. our pope, N. our bishop, and all the bishops,

that God, who gathers us together by the Holy Spirit,

may help us grow in unity of faith and love

until his Son returns in glory:

let us pray to the Lord.

I?? Lord, hear our prayer.

Deacon or minister:

For all men,

of every race and nation,

that they may acknowledge the one God as Father,

and in the bond of common brotherhood

seek his kingdom,

which is peace and joy in the Holy Spirit:

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer.

41



Bishop:

God our Father,

you sent your Holy Spirit upon the apostles,

and through them and their successors

you give the Spirit to your people.

May his work begun at Pentecost

continue to grow in the hearts of all who believe.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

LORD'S PRAYER

48. All then say the Lord’s Prayer, which the bishop may introduce in these

or similar words:

Dear friends in Christ,

let us pray together

as the Lord Jesus Christ has taught.

All: Our Father, . .

.

SOLEMN BLESSING

49. After the Lord’s Prayer the bishop blesses all present. Instead of the

usual blessing, the following blessing or prayer over the people is used.

The deacon or minister gives the invitation in these or similar words:

Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing.

The bishop extends his hands over the people and sings or says:

God our Father

made you his children by water and the Holy Spirit:

may he bless you

and watch over you with his fatherly love.

Amen.

Jesus Christ the Son of God

promised that the Spirit of truth

would be with his Church for ever:

may he bless you and give you courage

in professing the true faith.

I? Amen.



The Holy Spirit

came down upon the disciples

and set their hearts on fire with love:

may he bless you,

keep you one in faith and love

and bring you to the joy of God’s kingdom.

Amen.

The bishop adds immediately:

May almighty God bless you,

the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE

Instead of the preceding blessing, the prayer over the people may be used.

The deacon or minister gives the invitation in these or similar words:

Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing.

The bishop extends his hands over the people and sings or says:

God our Father,

complete the work you have begun

and keep the gifts of your Holy Spirit

active in the hearts of your people.

Make them ready to live his Gospel

and eager to do his will.

May they never be ashamed

to proclaim to all the world Christ crucified

living and reigning for ever and ever.

Amen.

The bishop adds immediately:

And may the blessing of almighty God,

the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit
come upon you and remain with you for ever.

I? Amen.



Chapter III

RITE OF CONFIRMATION BY A MINISTER

WHO IS NOT A BISHOP50.

The minister of confirmation who is not a bishop and who confirms

either by concession of the general law or by special indult of the Apostolic See

observes the rite described above.

51.

If, because of the large number of candidates, other priests join the

celebrant in the administration of the sacrament, he chooses them in accord

with no. 8 above. These priests should also concelebrate the Mass in which

confirmation is conferred.

Chapter IV

CONFIRMATION OF A PERSON IN

DANGER OF DEATH

52.

It is of the greatest importance that the initiation of every baptized

Christian be completed by the sacraments of confirmation and the eucharist.

The sick person in danger of death who has reached the age of reason should

therefore be strengthened by confirmation before he receives the eucharist as

viaticum, after the necessary and possible catechesis.

Confirmation in danger of death and anointing of the sick are not ordinarily

to be celebrated in a continuous rite.

In the case of a child who has not yet reached the age of reason, confirmation

is given in accord with the same principles and norms as for baptism.

44



53.

When circumstances permit, the entire rite described above is followed.

54. In case of urgent necessity, the minister of confirmation lays his hands

upon the sick person as he says:

All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

by water and the Holy Spirit

you freed your son (daughter) from sin

and gave him (her) new life.

Send your Holy Spirit upon him (her)

to be his (her) Helper and Guide.

Give him (her) the spirit of wisdom and understanding,

the spirit of right judgment and courage,

the spirit of knowledge and reverence.

Fill him (her) with the spirit of wonder and

awe in your presence.

We ask this through Christ our Lord

Amen.

55. Then the minister dips his right thumb in the chrism and makes the sign

of the cross on the forehead of the one to be confirmed, as he says:

N., be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.

The newly confirmed responds, if he is able:

Amen.

Other parts of the preparatory and concluding rites may be added in individual

cases, depending on the circumstances.

56. In case of extreme necessity, it is sufficient that the anointing be done

with the sacramental form:

N., be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.

45





APPENDIX I

Opening Prayers

Prayers after Communion





FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that we may take Christ’s

coming seriously]

Pause for silent prayer

All-powerful God,

increase our strength of will for

doing good

that Christ may find an eager

welcome at his coming

and call us to his side in the

kingdom of heaven,

where he lives and reigns with you

and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[in Advent time

with longing and waiting

for the coming of the Lord]

Pause for silent prayer

Father in heaven,

our hearts desire the warmth of your

love

and our minds are searching for the

light of your Word.

Increase our longing for Christ our

Savior

and give us the strength to grow in

love,

that the dawn of his coming

may find us rejoicing in his presence

and welcoming the light of his truth.

We ask this in the name of Jesus

the Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Father,

may our communion

teach us to love heaven.

May its promise and hope

guide our way on earth.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

49



SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[in Advent time

for the coming Savior to teach us

wisdom]

Pause for silent prayer

Father in heaven,

the day draws near when the glory of

your Son

will make radiant the night of the

waiting world.

May the lure of greed not impede us

from the joy

which moves the hearts of those who

seek him.

May the darkness not blind us

to the vision of wisdom

which fills the minds of those who

find him.

We ask this in the name of Jesus

the Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Father,

you give us food from heaven.

Teach us to live by your wisdom

and to love the things of heaven

by our sharing in this mystery.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that nothing may hinder us

from receiving Christ with joy]

Pause for silent prayer

God of power and mercy,

open our hearts in welcome.

Remove the things that hinder us

from receiving Christ with joy,

so that we may share his wisdom

and become one with him

when he comes in glory,

for he lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

50



THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that God will fill us with joy

at the coming of Christ]

Pause for silent prayer

Lord God,

may we, your people,

who look forward to the birthday

of Christ

experience the joy of salvation

and celebrate that feast with love

and thanksgiving.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus

Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[this Advent

for joy and hope in the coming

Lord]

Pause for silent prayer

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

ever faithful to your promises

and ever close to your Church:

the earth rejoices in hope of the

Savior’s coming

and looks forward with longing

to his return at the end of time.

Prepare our hearts and remove the

sadness

that hinders us from feeling the joy

and hope

which his presence will bestow,

for he is Lord for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

God of mercy,

may this eucharist bring us your divine help,

free us from our sins,

and prepare us for the birthday of our Savior,

who is Lord for ever and ever.

51



FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[as Advent draws to a close,

that Christ will truly come into

our hearts]

Pause for silent prayer

Lord,

fill our hearts with your love,

and as you revealed to us by an

angel

the coming of your Son as man,

so lead us through his suffering

and death

to the glory of his resurrection,

for he lives and reigns with you

and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[as Advent draws to a close

for the faith that opens our lives

to the Spirit of God]

Pause for silent prayer

Father, all-powerful God,

your eternal Word took flesh on our

earth

when the Virgin Mary placed her life

at the service of your plan.

Lift our minds in watchful hope

to hear the voice which announces his

glory

and open our minds to receive the

Spirit

who prepares us for his coming.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Lord,

in this sacrament

we receive the promise of salvation;

as Christmas draws near

make us grow in faith and love

to celebrate the coming of Christ

our Savior,

who is Lord for ever and ever.

52



FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that this Lent will help us

reproduce in our lives

the self-sacrificing love of Christ]

Pause for silent prayer

Father,

through our observance of Lent,

help us to understand the meaning

of your Son’s death and resurrection,

and teach us to reflect it in our lives.

Grant this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[at the beginning of Lent

for the spirit of repentance]

Pause for silent prayer

Lord our God,

you formed man from the clay of the

earth

and breathed into him the spirit of life,

but he turned from your face and

sinned.

In this time of repentance

we call out for your mercy.

Bring us back to you

and to the life your Son won for us

by his death on the cross,

for he lives and reigns for ever

and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Father,

you increase our faith and hope,

you deepen our love in this communion.

Help us to live by your words

and to seek Christ, our bread of life,

who is Lord for ever and ever.

53



SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[for the grace to respond

to the Word of God]

Pause for silent prayer

God our Father,

help us to hear your Son.

Enlighten us with your word,

that we may find the way to your

glory.

We ask this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[in this season of Lent

for the gift of Integrity]

Pause for silent prayer

Father of light,

in you is found no shadow of change

but only the fullness of life and

limitless truth.

Open our hearts to the voice of your

Word

and free us from the original darkness

that shadows our vision.

Restore our sight that we may look

upon your Son

who calls us to repentance and a

change of heart,

for he lives and reigns with you for

ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Lord,

we give thanks for these holy mysteries

which bring to us here on earth

a share in the life to come,

through Christ our Lord.

54



THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[for confidence in the love of God

and the strength to overcome all

our weakness]

Pause for silent prayer

Father,

you have taught us to overcome our

sins

by prayer, fasting and works of mercy.

When we are discouraged by our

weakness,

give us confidence in your love.

We ask this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[to the Father and ask him

to form a new heart within us]

Pause for silent prayer

God of all compassion. Father of all

goodness,

to heal the wounds our sins and

selfishness bring upon us

you bid us turn to fasting, prayer, and

sharing with our brothers.

We acknowledge our sinfulness, our

guilt is ever before us:

when our weakness causes

discouragement,

let your compassion fill us with hope

and lead us through a Lent of

repentance to the beauty of

Easter joy.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Lord,

in sharing this sacrament

may we receive your forgiveness

and be brought together in unity

and peace.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

55



FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[for a greater faith and love]

Pause for silent prayer

Father of peace,

we are joyful in your Word,

your Son Jesus Christ,

who reconciles us to you.

Let us hasten toward Easter

with the eagerness of faith and love.

We ask this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that by growing in love this lenten

season

we may bring the peace of Christ to

our world]

Pause for silent prayer

God our Father,

your Word, Jesus Christ, spoke peace

to a sinful world

and brought mankind the gift of

reconciliation

by the suffering and death he endured.

Teach us, the people who bear his

name,

to follow the example he gave us:

may our faith, hope, and charity

turn hatred to love, conflict to peace,

death to eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Father,

you enlighten all who come into the world.

Fill our hearts with the light of your gospel,

that our thoughts may please you,

and our love be sincere.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

56



FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[for the courage to follow Christ]

Pause for silent prayer

Father,

help us to be like Christ your Son,

who loved the world and died for

our salvation.

Inspire us by his love,

guide us by his example,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[for the courage to embrace the

world in the name of Christ]

Pause for silent prayer

Father in heaven,

the love of your Son led him to accept

the suffering of the cross

that his brothers might glory in

new life.

Change our selfishness into self-giving.

Help us to embrace the world you

have given us,

that we may transform the darkness

of its pain

into the life and joy of Easter.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Almighty Father,

by this sacrifice

may we always remain one with your Son, Jesus Christ,

whose body and blood we share,

for he is Lord for ever and ever.

57



MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK

OPENING PRAYER

All-powerful God,

by the suffering and death of your Son,

strengthen and protect us in our weakness.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

God of mercy,

be close to your people.

Watch over us who receive this sacrament of salvation,

and keep us in your love.

We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

58



TUESDAY OF HOLY WEEK

OPENING PRAYER

Father,

may we receive your forgiveness and mercy

as we celebrate the passion and death of the Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

God of mercy,

may the sacrament of salvation

which now renews our strength

bring us a share in your life for ever.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

59



WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK

OPENING PRAYER

Father,

in your plan of salvation

your Son Jesus Christ accepted the cross

and freed us from the power of the enemy.

May we come to share the glory of his resurrection,

for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

All-powerful God,

the eucharist proclaims the death of your Son.

Increase our faith in its saving power

and strengthen our hope in the life it promises.

We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

60



SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[for a deeper awareness of our

Christian baptism]

Pause for silent prayer

God of mercy,

you wash away our sins in water,

you give us new birth in the Spirit,

and redeem us in the blood of Christ.

As we celebrate Christ’s resurrection

increase our awareness of these

blessings,

and renew your gift of life within us.

We ask this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[as Christians thirsting for the risen

life]

Pause for silent prayer

Heavenly Father and God of mercy,

we no longer look for Jesus among the

dead,

for he is alive and has become the

Lord of life.

From the waters of death you raise us

with him

and renew your gift of life within us.

Increase in our minds and hearts

the risen life we share with Christ

and help us to grow as your people

toward the fullness of eternal life

with you.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Almighty God,

may the Easter sacraments we have received

live for ever in our minds and hearts.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

61



THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that Chirst will give us

a share in the glory of his

unending life]

Pause for silent prayer

God our Father,

may we look forward with hope to

our resurrection,

for you have made us your sons and

daughters,

and restored the joy of our youth.

We ask this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[in confident peace and Easter

hope]

Pause for silent prayer

Father in heaven, author of all truth,

a people once in darkness has listened

to your Word

and followed your Son as he rose from

the tomb.

Hear the prayer of this newborn people

and strengthen your Church to answer

your call.

May we rise and come forth into the

light of day

to stand in your presence until eternity

dawns.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Lord,

look on your people with kindness

and by these Easter mysteries

bring us to the glory of the resurrection.

We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

62



FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that Christ our shepherd

will lead us through the difficulties

of this life]

Pause for silent prayer

Almighty and ever-living God,

give us new strength

from the courage of Christ our

shepherd,

and lead us to join the saints in

heaven,

where he lives and reigns with you

and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[to God our helper in time of

distress]

Pause for silent prayer

God and Father of our Lord Jesus

Christ,

though your people walk in the valley

of darkness,

no evil should they fear;

for they follow in faith the call of the

shepherd

whom you have sent for their hope

and strength.

Attune our minds to the sound of his

voice,

lead our steps in the path he has

shown,

that we may know the strength of his

outstretched arm

and enjoy the light of your presence

for ever.

We ask this in the name of Jesus the

Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Father, eternal shepherd,

watch over the flock redeemed by the blood of Christ

and lead us to the promised land.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

63



FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that we may enjoy true freedom]

Pause for silent prayer

God our Father,

look upon us with love.

You redeem us and make us your

children in Christ.

Give us true freedom

and bring us to the inheritance you

promised.

We ask this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Merciful Father,

may these mysteries give us new purpose

and bring us to a new life in you.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[in the freedom of the sons of God]

Pause for silent prayer

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

you have revealed to the nations your

saving power

and filled all ages with the words of a

new song.

Hear the echo of this hymn.

Give us voice to sing your praise

throughout this season of joy.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

64



SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that we may practice in our lives

the faith we profess]

Pause for silent prayer

Ever-living God,

help us to celebrate our joy

in the resurrection of the Lord

and to express in our lives

the love we celebrate.

Grant this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[in silence, reflecting on the joy of

Easter]

Pause for silent prayer

God our Father, maker of all,

the crown of your creation was the Son

of Man,

born of a woman, but without

beginning;

he suffered for us but lives for ever.

May our mortal lives be crowned with

the ultimate joy

of rising with him,

who is Lord for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Almighty and ever-living Lord,

you restored us to life

by raising Christ from death.

Strengthen us by this Easter sacrament.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

65



EPIPHANY Solemnity

Epiphany is celebrated on January 6 where it is a holyday of obligation; elsewhere it is celebrated on the

Sunday between January 2 and January 8.

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that we will be guided by the

light of faith]

Pause for silent prayer

Father,

you revealed your Son to the nations

by the guidance of a star.

Lead us to your glory in heaven

by the light of faith.

We ask this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[grateful for the glory revealed

today through God made man]

Pause for silent prayer

Father of light, unchanging God,

today you reveal to men of faith

the resplendent fact of the Word made

flesh.

You light is strong,

your love Is near;

draw us beyond the limits which this

world imposes,

to the life where your Spirit makes all

life complete.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Father,

guide us with your light.

Help us to recognize Christ in this eucharist

and welcome him with love,

for he is Lord for ever and ever.

66



ASCENSION Solemnity

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that the risen Christ

will lead us to eternal life]

Pause for silent prayer

God our Father,

make us joyful in the ascension

of your Son Jesus Christ.

May we follow him into the new

creation,

for his ascension is our glory and

our hope.

We ask this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[on this day of Ascension

as we watch and wait for Jesus’

return]

Pause for silent prayer

Father in heaven,

our minds were prepared for the

coming of your kingdom

when you took Christ beyond our sight

so that we might seek him in his glory.

May we follow where he has led

and find our hope in his glory,

for he is Lord for ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Father,

in this eucharist

we touch the divine life you give to the world.

Help us to follow Christ with love

to eternal life where he is Lord for ever and ever.

67



PENTECOST

VIGIL MASS

Solemnity

This Mass is celebrated on Saturday evening before or after Evening Prayer I of Pentecost.

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that the Holy Spirit

may bring peace and unity to

all mankind]

Pause for silent prayer

Almighty and ever-living God,

you fulfilled the Easter promise

by sending us your Holy Spirit.

May that Spirit unite the races and

nations on earth

to proclaim your glory.

Grant this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Or:

God our Father,

you have given us new birth.

Strengthen us with your Holy Spirit

and fill us with your light.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that the flame of the Spirit will

descend upon us]

Pause for silent prayer

Father in heaven,

fifty days have celebrated the fullness

of the mystery of your revealed love.

See your people gathered in prayer,

open to receive the Spirit’s flame.

May it come to rest in our hearts

and disperse the divisions of word and

tongue.

With one voice and one song

may we praise your name in joy and

thanksgiving.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Lord,

through this eucharist,

send the Holy Spirit of Pentecost into our hearts

to keep us always in your love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

68



PENTECOST

MASS DURING THE DAY

Solemnity

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that the Spirit will work through

our lives

to bring Christ to the world]

Pause for silent prayer

God our Father,

let the Spirit you sent on your Church

to begin the teaching of the gospel

continue to work in the world

through the hearts of all who believe.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus

Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[in the Spirit who dwells within us]

Pause for silent prayer

Father of light, from whom every good

gift comes,

send your Spirit into our lives

with the power of a mighty wind,

and by the flame of your wisdom

open the horizons of our minds.

Loosen our tongues to sing your praise

in words beyond the power of speech,

for without your Spirit

man could never raise his voice in

words of peace

or announce the truth that Jesus is

Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Father,

may the food we receive in the eucharist

help our eternal redemption.

Keep within us the vigor of your Spirit

and protect the gifts you have given to your Church.

We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

69



Sunday After Pentecost

TRINITY SUNDAY Solemnity

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[to the one God, Father, Son

and Spirit,

that our lives may bear witness

to our faith]

Pause for silent prayer

Father,

you sent your Word to bring us

truth

and your Spirit to make us holy.

Through them we come to know the

mystery of your life.

Help us to worship you, one God

in three Persons,

by proclaiming and living our faith

in you.

Grant this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Lord God,

we worship you, a Trinity of Persons, one eternal God.

May our faith and the sacrament we receive

bring us health of mind and body.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[to our God who is Father, Son, and

Holy Spirit]

Pause for silent prayer

God, we praise you:

Father all-powerful, Christ Lord and

Savior, Spirit of love.

You reveal yourself in the depths of

our being,

drawing us to share in your life and

your love.

One God, three Persons,

be near to the people formed in

your image,

close to the world your love brings

to life.

We ask you this. Father, Son, and

Holy Spirit,

one God, true and living, for ever

and ever.

70



Thursday After Trinity Sunday

CORPUS CHRISTI Solemnity

Where the solemnity of Corpus Christi is not observed as a holyday, it is assigned to the Sunday after Trinity

Sunday, which is then considered its proper day in the calendar.

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[to the Lord who gives himself

in the eucharist,

that this sacrament may bring us

salvation

and peace]

Pause for silent prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,

you gave us the eucharist

as the memorial of your suffering

and death.

May our worship of this sacrament

of your body and blood

help us to experience the salvation

you won for us

and the peace of the kingdom

where you live with the Father and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[for the willingness to make present

in our world

the love of Christ shown to us in the

eucharist]

Pause for silent prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,

we worship you living among us

in the sacrament of your body and

blood.

May we offer to our Father in heaven

a solemn pledge of undivided love.

May we offer to our brothers and

sisters

a life poured out in loving service of

that kingdom

where you live with the Father and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Lord Jesus Christ,

you give us your body and blood in the eucharist

as a sign that even now we share your life.

May we come to possess it completely in the kingdom

where you live for ever and ever.

71



Friday After the Second Sunday After Pentecost

SACRED HEART Solemnity

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that we will respond to the

love of Christ]

Pause for silent prayer

Father,

we rejoice in the gifts of love

we have received from the heart of

Jesus your Son.

Open our hearts to share his life

and continue to bless us with his love.

We ask this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Or:

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that the love of Christ’s heart

may touch the world with healing

and peace]

Pause for silent prayer

Father,

we honor the heart of your Son

broken by man’s cruelty,

yet symbol of love’s triumph,

pledge of all that man is called to be.

Teach us to see Christ in the lives

we touch,

to offer him living worship

by love-filled service to our brothers

and sisters.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Father,

we have wounded the heart of Jesus your Son,

but he brings us forgiveness and grace.

Help us to prove our grateful love

and make amends for our sins.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Father,

may this sacrament fill us with love.

Draw us closer to Christ your Son

and help us to recognize him in others.

We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

72



Last Sunday in Ordinary Time

CHRIST THE KING Solemnity

The solemnity of Christ the King takes the place of the Thirty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that all men will acclaim

Jesus as Lord]

Pause for silent prayer

Almighty and merciful God,

you break the power of evil

and make all things new

in your Son Jesus Christ, the King

of the universe.

May all in heaven and earth

acclaim your glory

and never cease to praise you.

We ask this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that the kingdom of Christ

may live in our hearts and come to

our world]

Pause for silent prayer

Father all-powerful, God of love,

you have raised our Lord Jesus Christ

from death to life,

resplendent in glory as King of

creation.

Open our hearts,

free all the world to rejoice in his

peace,

to glory in his justice, to live in his love.

Bring all mankind together in

Jesus Christ your Son,

whose kingdom is with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Lord,

you give us Christ, the King of all creation,

as food for everlasting life.

Help us to live by his gospel

and bring us to the joy of his kingdom,

where he lives and reigns for ever and ever.

73



Octave of Christmas

January 1 MARY, MOTHER OF GOD Solemnity

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that Mary, the mother of the

Lord,

will help us by her prayers]

Pause for silent prayer

God our Father,

may we always profit by the prayers

of the Virgin Mother Mary,

for you bring us life and salvation

through Jesus Christ her Son

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[in the name of Jesus,

born of a virgin and Son of God]

Pause for silent prayer

Father,

source of light in every age,

the virgin conceived and bore your Son

who is called Wonderful God, Prince

of Peace.

May her prayer, the gift of a mother’s

love,

be your people’s joy through all ages.

May her response, born of a humble

heart,

draw your Spirit to rest on your

people.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Father,

as we proclaim the Virgin Mary

to be the mother of Christ and the mother of the Church,

may our communion with her Son

bring us to salvation.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

74



March 19 JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF MARY Solemnity

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that the Church will continue

the saving work of Christ]

Pause for silent prayer

Father,

you entrusted our Savior to the care of St. Joseph.

By the help of his prayers

may your Church continue to serve its Lord, Jesus Christ,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Lord,

today you nourish us at this altar

as we celebrate the feast of St. Joseph.

Protect your Church always,

and in your love watch over the gifts you have given us.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

75



March 25 ANNUNCIATION Solemnity

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that Christ, the Word made flesh,

will make us more like him]

Pause for silent prayer

God our Father,

your Word became man and was

born of the Virgin Mary.

May we become more like Jesus

Christ,

whom we acknowledge as our

Redeemer, God and man.

We ask this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that we may become more like

Christ who chose to become one

of us]

Pause for silent prayer

Almighty Father of our Lord Jesus

Christ,

you have revealed the beauty of your

power

by exalting the lowly virgin of Nazareth

and making her the mother of our

Savior.

May the prayers of this woman

bring Jesus to the waiting world

and fill the void of incompletion

with the presence of her child,

who lives and reigns with you and the

Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Lord,

may the sacrament we share

strengthen our faith and hope in Jesus, born of a virgin

and truly God and man.

By the power of his resurrection

may we come to eternal joy.

We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

76



June 24 BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Solemnity

VIGIL MASS

This Mass may be used on the evening of June 23, either before or after Evening Prayer I of the solemnity.

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that we will follow the way of salvation]

Pause for silent prayer

All-powerful God,

help your people to walk the path to salvation.

By following the teaching of John the Baptist,

may we come to your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Father,

may the prayers of John the Baptist

lead us to the Lamb of God.

May this eucharist bring us the mercy of Christ,

who is Lord for ever and ever.

This formulary may also be used as a votive Mass.

77



June 24 BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Solemnity

MASS DURING THE DAY

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that God will give us joy and

peace]

Pause for silent prayer

God our Father,

you raised up John the Baptist

to prepare a perfect people for

Christ the Lord.

Give your Church joy in spirit

and guide those who believe in you

into the way of salvation and peace.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus

Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[as we honor John the Baptist

for the faith to recognize Christ in

our midst]

Pause for silent prayer

God our Father,

the voice of John the Baptist challenges

us to repentance

and points the way to Christ the Lord.

Open our ears to his message, and

free our hearts

to turn from our sins and receive the

life of the gospel.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Lord,

you have renewed us with this eucharist,

as we celebrate the feast of John the Baptist,

who foretold the coming of the Lamb of God.

May we welcome your Son as our Savior,

for he gives us new life,

and is Lord for ever and ever.

78



June 29 SolemnityPETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES

VIGIL MASS

This Mass may be used on the evening of June 28, either before or after Evening Prayer I of the solemnity.

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that the prayers of the apostles

will lead us to salvation]

Pause for silent prayer

Lord our God,

encourage us through the prayers of

Saints Peter and Paul.

May the apostles who strengthened

the faith of the infant Church

help us on our way of salvation.

We ask this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[to be true to the faith

which has come to us through the

apostles Peter and Paul]

Pause for silent prayer

Father in heaven,

the light of your revelation brought

Peter and Paul

the gift of faith in Jesus your Son.

Through their prayers

may we always give thanks for your

life

given us in Christ Jesus,

and for having been enriched by him

in all knowledge and love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Father,

you give us light by the teaching of your apostles.

In this sacrament we have received

fill us with your strength

We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

79



June 29 SolemnityPETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES

MASS DURING THE DAY

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that we will remain true to

the faith of the apostles]

Pause for silent prayer

God our Father,

today you give us the joy

of celebrating the feast of the

apostles Peter and Paul.

Through them your Church first

received the faith.

Keep us true to their teaching.

Grant this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[one with Peter and Paul in our faith

in Christ the Son of the living God]

Pause for silent prayer

Praise to you, the God and Father of

our Lord Jesus Christ,

who in your great mercy

have given us new birth and hope

through the power of Christ’s

resurrection.

Through the prayers of the apostles

Peter and Paul

may we who receive this faith through

their preaching

share their joy in following the Lord

to the unfading inheritance

reserved for us in heaven.

We ask this in the name of Jesus

the Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Lord,

renew the life of your Church

with the power of this sacrament.

May the breaking of bread

and the teaching of the apostles

keep us united in your love.

We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

80



August 15 ASSUMPTION Solemnity

VIGIL MASS

This Mass may be used on the evening of August 14, either before or after Evening Prayer I of the solemnity.

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that the Virgin Mary will help us

with her prayers]

Pause for silent prayer

Almighty God,

you gave a humble virgin

the privilege of being the mother

of your Son,

and crowned her with the glory

of heaven.

May the prayers of the Virgin Mary

bring us to the salvation of Christ

and raise us up to eternal life.

We ask this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[with Mary to the Father,

in whose presence she now dwells]

Pause for silent prayer

Almighty Father of our Lord Jesus

Christ,

you have revealed the beauty of your

power

by exalting the lowly virgin of Nazareth

and making her the mother of our

Savior.

May the prayers of this woman clothed

with the sun

bring Jesus to the waiting world

and fill the void of incompletion

with the presence of her child,

who lives and reigns with you and the

Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

God of mercy,

we rejoice because Mary, the mother of our Lord,

was taken into the glory of heaven.

May the holy food we receive at this table

free us from evil.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

81



August 15 ASSUMPTION

MASS DURING THE DAY

Solemnity

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that we will join Mary,

the mother of the Lord,

in the glory of heaven]

Pause for silent prayer

All-powerful and ever-living God,

you raised the sinless Virgin Mary,

mother of your Son,

body and soul to the glory of heaven.

May we see heaven as our final goal

and come to share her glory.

We ask this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that with the help of Mary’s

prayers,

we too may reach our heavenly

home]

Pause for silent prayer

Father in heaven,

all creation rightly gives you praise,

for all life and all holiness come from

you.

In the plan of your wisdom

she who bore the Christ in her womb

was raised in glory to be with him

in heaven.

May we follow her example jn reflecting

your holiness

and join in her hymn of endless life

and praise.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Lord,

may we who receive this sacrament of salvation

be led to the glory of heaven

by the prayers of the Virgin Mary.

We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

82



November 1 ALL SAINTS Solemnity

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that the prayers of all the saints

will bring us forgiveness for our

sins]

Pause for silent prayer

Father, all-powerful and ever-living

God,

today we rejoice in the holy men

and women

of every time and place.

May their prayers bring us your

forgiveness and love.

We ask this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray.

[as we rejoice and keep festival

in honor of all the saints]

Pause for silent prayer

God our Father,

source of all holiness,

the work of your hands is manifest

in your saints,

the beauty of your truth is reflected

in their faith.

May we who aspire to have a part in

their joy

be filled with the Spirit that blessed

their lives,

so that having shared their faith on

earth

we may also know their peace in your

kingdom.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Father, holy one,

we praise your glory reflected in the saints.

May we who share at this table

be filled with your love

and prepared for the joy of your kingdom,

where Jesus is Lord for ever and ever.

83



December 8 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Solemnity

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[that through the prayers of the

sinless Virgin Mary, God will free us

from our sins]

Pause for silent prayer

Father,

you prepared the Virgin Mary

to be the worthy mother of your Son.

You let her share beforehand

in the salvation Christ would bring

by his death,

and kept her sinless from the first

moment of her conception.

Help us by her prayers

to live in your presence without sin.

We ask this through our Lord

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the

Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray

[on this feast of Mary

who experienced the perfection of

God’s saving power]

Pause for silent prayer

Father,

the image of the Virgin is found in the

Church.

Mary had a faith that your Spirit

prepared

and a love that never knew sin,

for you kept her sinless from the first

moment of her conception.

Trace in our actions the lines of

her love,

in our hearts her readiness of faith.

Prepare once again a world for your

Son

who lives and reigns with you and the

Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Pause for silent prayer, if this has not preceded.

Lord our God,

in your love, you chose the Virgin Mary

and kept her free from sin.

May this sacrament of your love

free us from our sins.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

84



APPENDIX II

Biblical Readings



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READINGS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT (763)-

1. Isaiah ll:l-4a On him the Spirit of the Lord rests.

2. lsaiah42:l-3 I have endowed my servant with my Spirit.

3. Isaiah 61:l-3a, 6a, 8b-9 The Lord God has anointed me and has sent me

to bring Good News to the poor, to give them the oil of gladness.

4. Ezekiel 36:24-28 I will place a new Spirit in your midst.

5. Joel 2:23a, 26-30a (Hebrew 2:23a; 3:l-3a) I will pour out my Spirit on

all mankind.

READINGS FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT (764)-

1. Acts 1:3-8 You will receive the power of the Holy Spirit, and you will be

my witnesses.

2. Acts 2:1-6, 14, 22b-23, 32-33 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit,

and began to speak.

3. Acts 8:1, 4, 14-17 They laid hands on them, and they received the Holy

Spirit.

4. Acts 10:1, 33-34a, 37-44 The Holy Spirit came down on all those

listening to the word of God.

5. Acts 19:lb-6a Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?

6. Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 The love of God has been poured into our hearts by

the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.

7. Romans 8:14-17 The Spirit himself and our spirit bear united witness

that we are children of God.

8. Romans 8:26-27 The Spirit himself will express our plea in a way that

could never be put to words.

9. 1 Corinthians 12:4-13 There is one and the same Spirit giving to each as

he wills.

10. Galatians 5:16-17, 22-23a, 24-25 If we live in the Spirit, let us be directed

by the Spirit.

11. Ephesians 1:3a, 4a, 13-19a You have been signed with the seal of the

Holy Spirit of the promise.

12. Ephesians 4:1-6 There is one body, one Spirit, and one baptism.

*Lectionary Number

87



RESPONSORIAL PSALMS (765)-

1. Psalm 22:23-24, 26-27, 28 and 31-32

(23): I will proclaim your name to my brothers.

or (John 15:26-27): When the Holy Spirit comes to you, you will be my
witness.

2. Psalm 23:l-3a,3b-4, 5-6

(1): The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

3. Psalm 96:l-2a,2b-3,9-10a, 11-12

(3): Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations.

4. Psalm 104:lab and 24, 27-28, 30-31, 33-34

(30): Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.

5. Psalm 117:1, 2

(Acts 1:8): You will be my witnesses to all the world,

or; Alleluia.

6. Psalm 145:2-3, 4-5, 8-9, 10-11, 15-16, 21

(lb): I will praise your name for ever. Lord.

ALLELUIA VERSE AND VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL (766)-

1. John 14:16

The Father will send you the Holy Spirit, says the Lord, to be with you for

ever.

2. John 15:26b, 27a

The Spirit of Truth will bear witness to me, says the Lord, and you also will

be my witnesses.

3. John 16:13a; 14:26b

When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will teach you all truth and bring to

your mind all I have told you.

4. Revelation 1:5a, 6

Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness, firstborn from the dead; you

have made us a kingdom of priests to serve our God and Father.

5. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful; and kindle in them the

fire of your love.

6. Come, Holy Spirit; shine on us the radiance of your light.

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GOSPEL (767)=

1. Matthew 5: 1-1 2a Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

2. Matthew 16:24-27 If anyone wishes to follow me, let him deny himself.

3. Matthew 25:14-30 Because you have been faithful in small matters,

come into the joy of your master.

4. Mark 1:9-11 He saw the Spirit descending and remaining on him.

5. Luke4:16-22a TheSpiritof the Lord is upon me.

6. Luke 8:4-10a, 1 lb-15 Some seed fell into rich soil. These are the people

who receive the word and bear fruit in patience.

7. Luke 10:21-24

8. John 7:37b-39

water.

9. John 14:15-17

10. John 14:23-26

I bless you. Father, for revealing these things to children.

From the heart of the Lord shall flow fountains of living

The Spirit of Truth will be with you for ever.

The Holy Spirit will teach you everything.

11. John 15:18-21, 26-27 The Spirit of Truth who issues from the Father, will

be my witness.

12. John 16:5b-7, 12-13a (Greek 5-7, 12-13a) The Spirit of Truth will lead

you to the complete truth.

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