A Closer Look at the Holy Mass

The Communion Rite

Invited by the priest, all recite or sing the Lord’s Prayer, an excellent transition to the Communion Rite.  It’s mention of our “daily bread” turns our minds and hearts to the Eucharist.  The priest extends the final petition of the prayer:  “Deliver us Lord from every evil…” The people respond with the doxology, “For the kingdom, the power…” The plea for forgiveness in the Lord’s Prayer, leads to the prayer from peace and an invitation to exchange a sign of peace (strictly optional)  It is a reminder that we should be one with each other before approaching the altar for Holy Communion.
 
After the exchange of peace, the people say or sing the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) This triple invocation became part of the Roman Liturgy in the 7^th century. It evokes the title given to Jesus by St. John the Baptist; a title found in the Scripture over 30 times. Jesus is the lamb sacrificed for our sins. During the Agnus Dei, the priest breaks the host and silently places a particle in the precious blood. It is an ancient custom that was meant to signify the unity with the Pope and the local bishop. In the early Church, the Pope at his Mass, broke off several particles of the host and sent them to several churches. The priests in these places would drop them into their own chalices. It was a gesture of unity.

For the complete explanation of the Holy Mass, see the page A Closer Look at the Holy Mass.