From the General Instruction of the Roman Missal:
“
Things to Be Prepared
117 . The altar is to be covered with at least one white cloth. In addition, on or next to the altar are to be placed candlesticks with lighted candles: at least two in any celebration, or even four or six, especially for a Sunday Mass or a Holyday of Obligation, or if the Diocesan Bishop celebrates, then seven candlesticks with lighted candles. Likewise, on the altar or close to it, there is to be a cross with the figure of Christ crucified. Then candles and the cross with the figure of Christ crucified may also be carried in the procession at the Entrance. On the altar itself may be placed a Book of the Gospels distinct from the book of other readings, unless it is carried in the Entrance Procession.”
In the description of
Mass Without a Deacon it has:
“132 . During the singing of the
Alleluia or other chant, if incense is being used, the Priest puts some into the thurible and blesses it. Then with hands joined, he bows profoundly before the altar and quietly says the prayer
Munda cor meum (
Cleanse my heart).
133 . If the Book of the Gospels is on the altar, the Priest then takes it and approaches the ambo, carrying the Book of the Gospels slightly elevated. He is preceded by lay ministers, who may carry the thurible and the candles. Those present turn towards the ambo as a sign of special reverence for the Gospel of Christ.”
In the description of
Mass With a Deacon it has:
“175 . … He is preceded by a thurifier carrying a smoking thurible and by ministers with lighted candles.”
In the
Order of Mass in
The Roman Missal it has:
“15. The Deacon, or the Priest, then proceeds to the ambo, accompanied, if appropriate, by ministers with incense and candles.”
After the Prayer of the Faithful the
Order of Mass in
The Roman Missal has:
“21. When all this has been done, the Offertory Chant begins. Meanwhile, the ministers place the corporal, the purificator, the chalice, the pall, and the Missal on the altar.
- It is desirable that the faithful express their participation by making an offering, bringing forward bread and wine for the celebration of the Eucharist and perhaps other gifts to relieve the needs of the Church and of the poor.”
[Excerpts from the English translation of
The Roman Missal © 2010 International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.]
