Before priest washes his fingers

[Lost4words]

I see some priest do not say any words to the congregation during the presenting of the Host and wine before they wash their fingers. I know the are permitted to do this, just wondering why when everyone can join in?

Also, one priest i know is so quick i was wondering is the wording different at that point when they dont address the congregation but decide to carry out this part to themselves?

Thank you

 

[Reuben_J]

The priest offering prayer of blessing over the gifts can be said quietly or aloud. If it is the latter, the congregation would respond by saying, “Blessed be God forever.”

 

[FrDavid96]

I see some priest do not say any words to the congregation during the presenting of the Host and wine before they wash their fingers. I know the are permitted to do this, just wondering why when everyone can join in?

Also, one priest i know is so quick i was wondering is the wording different at that point when they dont address the congregation but decide to carry out this part to themselves?

Thank you

Either way is optional.

Personally, the way I decide is this: If a hymn is being sung at the moment, I say it quietly. If there’s no hymn (or the hymn has ended by that point) I say it aloud.

There is no single reason that would apply to every priest.

What I described above (about the hymn) is actually what is described in the rubrics however, because that situation is fluid the rubric is not a strict one—the rubric says “may speak the words aloud” not “must” or “does.” For example, some priests simply wait until the hymn has ended.

 

[Lost4words]

Either way is optional.

Personally, the way I decide is this: If a hymn is being sung at the moment, I say it quietly. If there’s no hymn (or the hymn has ended by that point) I say it aloud.

There is no single reason that would apply to every priest.

What I described above (about the hymn) is actually what is described in the rubrics however, because that situation is fluid the rubric is not a strict one—the rubric says “may speak the words aloud” not “must” or “does.” For example, some priests simply wait until the hymn has ended.

Thank you.

If said to oneself, are the words the same and does the priest also say the response to himself?

 

[FrDavid96]

Thank you.

If said to oneself, are the words the same and does the priest also say the response to himself?

Yes, the words are the same.

There is no response, although maybe anyone who happens to hear it might say the response out of habit.

Also, this is only about the 2 prayers “Blessed are you…”

The other prayers (called the secrets) “With humble spirit and contrite hearts…” (& al.) always must be said in a whisper, and never aloud.

 

[G_S]

Father David,

I read once that the secret prayers should be at least be audible to the priest or deacon saying them. Here is a related question: Shouldn’t the sotto voce prayers be said in Latin rather than the vernacular?

 

[FrDavid96]

Father David,

I read once that the secret prayers should be at least be audible to the priest or deacon saying them.

No. They don’t have to be heard by the speaker, nor anyone else. The standard is that they had to be truly spoken, so to determine if the action of speaking truly occurs, ones lips have to be moving.

Here is a related question: Shouldn’t the sotto voce prayers be said in Latin rather than the vernacular?

No, there is no such rule or standard or custom. Either Latin or vernacular makes no difference.