1 January 2015 - Circumcision of Christ (Octave Day of the Nativity)

Double of the Second Class – White

Holy Day of Obligation

INTROIT Isa. 9.6

A CHILD is born to us, and a Son is given to us: whose government shall be upon his shoulder: and his Name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor. Ps.97.1. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because he hath done wonderful things. V.: Glory be.

COLLECT

O GOD, who by the fruitful virginity of blessed Mary hast bestowed upon mankind the rewards of everlasting sanc-tification: grant, we beseech thee, that we may experience her inter-cession for us, through whom we have been made worthy to receive the Author of Life, Jesus Christ, thy Son, Our Lord: Who liveth and reigneth.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint Stephen

GRANT us, we beseech thee, O Lord, so to imitate what we revere, that we may learn to love even our enemies: for we celebrate the heavenly birthday of him who knew how to pray for his very persecutors to our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who liveth and reigneth.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint John

OF thy goodness, O Lord, shine upon thy Church, that, enlightened by the teachings of blessed John, thine Apostle and Evangelist, she may attain to everlasting gifts. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of the Holy Innocents

O GOD, whose praise the martyred Innocents on this day confessed, not by speaking, but by dying: destroy in us all the evils of sin, that our life also may proclaim in deeds thy faith which our tongues profess. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church
(as given after 29 December)

EPISTLE Tit. 2.11-15

DEARLY beloved, the grace of God our Savior hath appeared to all men, instructing us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly and justly and godly in this world, looking for the blessed hope and coming of the glory of the great God and our Savior Je-sus Christ: Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and might cleanse to himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good works. These things speak and exhort: in Christ Jesus Our Lord.

GRADUAL Ps. 97. 3, 4, 2

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God: sing joyfully to God, all the earth. V.: The Lord hath made known his salvation: he hath re-vealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: Heb. 1.1,2 God, who in divers manners spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, last of all in these days hath spoken to us by his Son. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke (2.21)

AT that time, after eight days were accomplished that the Child should be circumcised: his Name was called Jesus, which was called by the Angel before he was conceived in the womb.

The Creed is said.

OFFERTORY Ps. 88. 12, 15

Thine are the heavens, and thine is the earth, the world and the fulness thereof thou hast founded: justice and judgment are the preparation of thy throne.

SECRET

RECEIVE our gifts and prayers, we beseech thee, O Lord; cleanse us by these heavenly Mysteries, and mercifully hear us. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint Stephen

RECEIVE, O Lord, our gifts, in commemoration of thy Saints: that as suffering made them glorious, so our devotion may render us innocent. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint John

RECEIVE, O Lord, the gifts we bring to thee on the feast of him, by whose pleading we hope to be delivered. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of the Holy Innocents

LET not the loving prayer of thy Saints fail us, O Lord: may it render our offerings pleasing to thee, and ever obtain for us thy pardon. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church
(as given after 29 December)

COMMUNICANTES:
As at the Second Mass of the Nativity.

COMMUNION Ps. 97.3

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

POSTCOMMUNION

MAY this communion, O Lord, cleanse us from guilt: and through the intercession of the blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, make us sharers of the heavenly remedy. Through the same.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint Stephen

MAY the mysteries we have received, O Lord, help us, and through the intercession of blessed Stephen, thy Martyr, establish us by thine everlasting protection. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint John

WE who have been refreshed by heavenly food and drink, humbly entreat thee, O our God, that we may be strengthened also by the prayers of him, in whose commemoration we have received them. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of the Holy Innocents

WE have partaken, O Lord, of these votive gifts: grant, we beseech thee, that by the prayers of the Saints they may procure aid for us both in this life in that which is to come. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church
(as given after 29 December)

31 December 2014 - Saint Sylvester, Pope and Confessor (Christmas Octave)

Double - White

Saint Sylvester, Pope and Confessor, 

INTROIT John. 21. 15-17

SIMON Peter, if thou lovest me, feed my lambs, feed my sheep. Ps. 29.1. I will extol thee, O Lord, for thou hast upheld me: and hast not made mine enemies to rejoice over me. V.: Glory be.

COLLECT

Eternal Shepherd, regard graciously thy flock, and keep it with an everlasting protection, by the intercession of Sylvester thy Pope whom thou hast constituted chief shepherd of the whole Church. Through.

COMMEMORATIONS:
Octaves of the Nativity, St. Stephen, St. John, and the Holy Innocents

EPISTLE I Peter 5.1-4, 10-11.

DEARLY Beloved: The ancients that are among you, I beseech who am myself also an ancient and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as also a par-taker of that glory which is to be revealed in time to come: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care of it, not by con-straint but willingly, according to God: not for filthy lucre's sake but voluntarily: Neither as lord-ing it over the clergy but being made a pattern of the flock from the heart. And when the prince of pastors shall appear, you shall re-ceive a never fading crown of glory. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eter-nal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will himself perfect you and confirm you and establish you. To him be glory and empire, for ever and ever. Amen.

GRADUAL Ps. 106.32, 31

Let them exalt him in the church of the people: and praise him in the chair of the ancients. V.: Let the mercies of the Lord give glory to him: and his wonderful works to the children of men.

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: Matt. 16.18. Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church. Al-leluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (16.13-19)

AT that time, Jesus came into the quarters of Cesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is? But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets. Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answering said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: be-cause flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatso-ever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.

The Creed is said for the Octave of the Nativity.

OFFERTORY Jer. 1.9-10.

Behold I have given my words in thy mouth: lo, I have set thee over the nations, and over king-doms, to root up, and to pull down, and to build, and to plant.

SECRET

By the offered gifts we beg thee, O Lord: enlighten kindly thy Church: so that thy flock everywhere may be increasing, and the Shepherds, under thy direction, may be pleasing to thy Name. Through.

COMMEMORATIONS:
Octaves of the Nativity, St. Stephen, St. John, and the Holy Innocents

COMMUNION Matt. 16.18.

Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.

POSTCOMMUNION

O Lord, we beseech thee, graciously govern thy Church, which thou hast fed with a holy meal; so that, directed by a mighty wisdom, she may progress in liberty, and persist in the integrity of faith. Through.

COMMEMORATIONS:
Octaves of the Nativity, St. Stephen, St. John, and the Holy Innocents

30 December 2014 - Sixth Day of the Octave of Christmas

Octave - White

¶ For all masses after the 29th of December through the 2nd of February, the following are the appointed Sea-sonal Collects. 

OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

COLLECT 

O GOD, who by the childbearing of a pure Virgin has bestowed upon all mankind the rewards of everlasting life: grant, we beseech thee, that we may know the succor of her inter-session, through whom we have been found worthy to receive the author of life. (Even Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Who.)

SECRET 

WE beseech thee, O Lord, that by the bountiful goodness of thy mercy, and by the intercession of blessed Mary Ever-Virgin, these our oblations may be acceptable in thy sight: that we, being delivered in this present life from all adversities, may obtain in that which is to come peace everlasting. (Through.)

POSTCOMMUNION 

GRANT, O Lord, we pray thee, that this holy Communion may cleanse us from every guilty stain: and at the intercession of the blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, may be our healing unto life eternal. (Through the same.)

AGAINST THE PERSECUTORS 

OF THE CHURCH

COLLECT 

GRACIOUSLY accept the prayers of thy Church, we beseech thee, O Lord, that, overcoming all hostility and er-ror, she may serve thee in safety and freedom. (Through.)

SECRET 

PROTECT us, we beseech thee, O Lord, who assist at thy mysteries, that holding fast to things divine, we may serve thee both in body and soul. (Through.)

POSTCOMMUNION 

WE beseech thee, O Lord our God, that thou wouldst not allow to be exposed to human perils, those whom thou hast been pleased to make sharers of these divine mysteries. (Through.)

__________________________________________

INTROIT Isa. 9.6.

A CHILD is born unto us, and a Son is given unto us: Whose government shall be upon his shoulder: and his Name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor. Ps.97. 1. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because he hath done wonderful things. V.: Glory be.

COLLECT

GRANT, we beseech thee, almighty God, that the new birth of thine only-begotten Son in the flesh may set us free, who are held by the old bondage under the yoke of sin. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint Stephen

GRANT us, we beseech thee, O Lord, so to imitate what we revere, that we may learn to love even our enemies: for we celebrate the heavenly birthday of him who knew how to pray for his very persecutors to our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who liveth and reigneth.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint John

OF thy goodness, O Lord, shine upon thy Church, that, enlightened by the teachings of blessed John, thine Apostle and Evangelist, she may attain to everlasting gifts. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of the Holy Innocents

O GOD, whose praise the martyred Innocents on this day confessed, not by speaking, but by dying: destroy in us all the evils of sin, that our life also may proclaim in deeds thy faith which our tongues profess. Through.

EPISTLE Tit. 3.4-7.

DEARLY beloved, The goodness and kindness of God our Savior appeared: not by the works of justice which we have done, but according to his mercy. He saved us by the laver of regeneration and renovation of the Holy Ghost, whom he hath poured forth upon us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior: that, being justified by his grace, we may be heirs according to hope of life everlasting: in Christ Jesus our Lord.

GRADUAL Ps. 97. 3, 4, 2

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God: sing joyfully to God, all the earth. V.: The Lord hath made known his salvation: he hath re-vealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: A sanctified day has shone upon us: come ye Gentiles and adore the Lord: for this day a great light hath de-scended upon the earth. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke (2.15-20)

AT that time the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath showed to us. And they came with haste: and they found Mary and Joseph, and the Infant lying in the man-ger. And seeing they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this Child. And all that heard wondered: and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 

The Creed is said.

OFFERTORY Ps. 88.12,15

Thine are the heavens, and thine is the earth, the world and the fulness thereof thou hast founded: justice and judgment are the preparation of thy throne.

SECRET

SANCTIFY, O Lord, the gifts offered to thee, by the new birth of thine only-begotten Son: and cleanse us from the stains of our sins. Through the same.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint Stephen

RECEIVE, O Lord, our gifts, in commemoration of thy Saints: that as suffering made them glorious, so our devotion may render us innocent. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint John

RECEIVE, O Lord, the gifts we bring to thee on the feast of him, by whose pleading we hope to be delivered. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of the Holy Innocents

LET not the loving prayer of thy Saints fail us, O Lord: may it render our offerings pleasing to thee, and ever obtain for us thy pardon. Through.

COMMUNICANTES

As at the Second Mass of the Nativity.

COMMUNION Ps. 97.3

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

POSTCOMMUNION

GRANT, we beseech thee, almighty God, that as the Savior of the world, born on this day, is the Author of our heav-enly birth, so he may also be to us the Giver of immortality. Who liveth and reigneth.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint Stephen

MAY the mysteries we have received, O Lord, help us, and through the intercession of blessed Stephen, thy Martyr, establish us by thine everlasting protection. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint John

WE who have been refreshed by heavenly food and drink, humbly entreat thee, O our God, that we may be strengthened also by the prayers of him, in whose commemoration we have received them. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of the Holy Innocents

WE have partaken, O Lord, of these votive gifts: grant, we beseech thee, that by the prayers of the Saints they may procure aid for us both in this life in that which is to come. Through.

29 December 2014 - Saint Thomas, Bishop and Martyr (Christmas Octave)

Double – Red

Saint Thomas a Becket, otherwise known as Saint Thomas of Canterbury, was Archbishop of Canterbury in England in the late 12th century. A staunch proponent of the primacy of the Church, he ran afoul of the government of King Henry II of England. He did not hesitate to excommunicate as needed. Agents acting on behalf of the King (whether or not with his knowledge is still a matter of mystery) assassinated Saint Thomas in 1170 while he was at Vespers. 

INTROIT

LET us all rejoice in the Lord, celebrating a festal day in honor of blessed Thomas the Martyr: at whose martyrdom the Angels rejoice, and praise the Son of God. Ps. 32.1. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just: praise becometh the upright. V.: Glory be.

COLLECT

O GOD, for the sake of whose Church the glorious Bishop Thomas fell by the sword of ungodly men: grant, we beseech thee, that all who implore his aid, may obtain the good fruit of their petition. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of the Nativity

GRANT, we beseech thee, almighty God, that the new birth of thine only-begotten Son in the flesh may set us free, who are held by the old bondage under the yoke of sin. Through the same.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint Stephen

GRANT us, we beseech thee, O Lord, so to imitate what we revere, that we may learn to love even our enemies: for we celebrate the heavenly birthday of him who knew how to pray for his very persecutors to our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who liveth and reigneth.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint John

OF thy goodness, O Lord, shine upon thy Church, that, enlightened by the teachings of blessed John, thine Apostle and Evangelist, she may attain to everlasting gifts. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of the Holy Innocents

O GOD, whose praise the martyred Innocents on this day confessed, not by speaking, but by dying: destroy in us all the evils of sin, that our life also may proclaim in deeds thy faith which our tongues profess. Through.

EPISTLE Heb. 5.1-6

BRETHREN: For every high priest taken from among men, is ordained for men in the things that appertain to God, that he may offer up gifts and sacrifices for sins: who can have compassion on them that are ignorant and that err: because he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And therefore he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. Neither doth any man take the honor to himself, but he that is called by God, as Aaron was. So Christ also did not glorify himself, that he might be made a high priest: but he that said unto him: Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place: Thou art a priest for ever, accord-ing to the order of Melchisedech.

GRADUAL Eccl. 44.16.

Behold a great priest, who in his days pleased God. V.: Eccl. 44. 20. There was not found the like to him, who kept the law of the Most High.

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: John 10.14.

I am the good Shepherd: and I know my sheep, and mine know me. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to John (10.11-16)

AT that time: Jesus said to the Pharisees: I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep. But the hireling, and he that is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf com-ing, and leaveth the sheep, and flieth: and the wolf catcheth, and scattereth the sheep: And the hireling flieth, because he is a hireling: and he hath no care for the sheep. I am the good shep-herd; and I know mine, and mine know me. As the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father: and I lay down my life for my sheep. And other sheep I have, that are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd. 

The Creed is said during the Octave.

OFFERTORY Ps. 20.4-5

Thou hast set, O Lord, on his head a crown of precious stones: he asked life of thee, and thou hast given it to him, alleluia.

SECRET

SANCTIFY, O Lord, the gifts dedicated to thee, and by the intercession of blessed Thomas, thy Martyr and Bishop, through them look upon us with mercy. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of the Nativity

SANCTIFY, O Lord, the gifts offered to thee, by the new birth of thine only-begotten Son: and cleanse us from the stains of our sins. Through the same.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint Stephen

RECEIVE, O Lord, our gifts, in commemoration of thy Saints: that as suffering made them glorious, so our devotion may render us innocent. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint John

RECEIVE, O Lord, the gifts we bring to thee on the feast of him, by whose pleading we hope to be delivered. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of the Holy Innocents

LET not the loving prayer of thy Saints fail us, O Lord: may it render our offerings pleasing to thee, and ever obtain for us thy pardon. Through.

COMMUNICANTES

As at the Second Mass of the Nativity.

COMMUNION John 10.14.

I am the good Shepherd: and I know my sheep, and mine know me.

POSTCOMMUNION

MAY this Communion, O Lord, cleanse us from guilt; and, through the intercession of blessed Thomas, thy Martyr and Bishop, make us partakers of the heavenly remedy. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of the Nativity

GRANT, we beseech thee, almighty God, that as the Savior of the world, born on this day, is the Author of our heav-enly birth, so he may also be to us the Giver of immortality. Who with thee.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint Stephen

MAY the mysteries we have received, O Lord, help us, and through the intercession of blessed Stephen, thy Martyr, establish us by thine everlasting protection. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint John

WE who have been refreshed by heavenly food and drink, humbly entreat thee, O our God, that we may be strengthened also by the prayers of him, in whose commemoration we have received them. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of the Holy Innocents

WE have partaken, O Lord, of these votive gifts: grant, we beseech thee, that by the prayers of the Saints they may procure aid for us both in this life in that which is to come. Through.

28 December 2014 - Holy Innocents (Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity)

Double of the II Class with Non-privileged Octave – Red

The Holy Innocents were those infants who were killed by Herod the Great after the birth of Christ. He ordered all newborn male children in the vicinity of Bethlehem to be killed so that he might avoid the loss of his throne to the newborn King. 

INTROIT Ps. 8.3

OUT of the mouth of infants and of sucklings, O God, thou hast perfected praise, because of thine enemies. Ps. 8. 2. O Lord our God, how admi-rable is thy Name in the whole earth. V. Glory be.

¶ The Gloria in Excelsis is said this day since it falls on a Sunday. 

COLLECT

O GOD, whose praise the martyred Innocents on this day confessed, not by speaking, but by dying: destroy in us all the evils of sin, that our life also may proclaim in deeds thy faith which our tongues profess. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity

O almighty and everlasting God, direct our actions according to thy good pleasure; that in the Name of thy beloved Son we may deserve to abound in good works: Who liveth and reigneth.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of the Nativity

GRANT, we beseech thee, almighty God, that the new birth of thine only-begotten Son in the flesh may set us free, who are held by the old bondage un-der the yoke of sin. Through the same.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint Stephen

GRANT us, we beseech thee, O Lord, so to imitate what we revere, that we may learn to love even our enemies: for we celebrate the heavenly birthday of him who knew how to pray for his very persecutors to our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who liveth and reigneth.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint John

OF thy goodness, O Lord, shine upon thy Church, that, enlightened by the teachings of blessed John, thine Apostle and Evangelist, she may attain to everlasting gifts. Through.

¶ No seasonal collects.

LESSON Apoc. 14.1-5.

IN those days I beheld a Lamb stood upon Mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty-four thousand, having his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the noise of many waters and as the voice of great thunder: and the voice which I heard was as the voice of harpers, harping on their harps. And they sung as it were a new canticle before the throne, and be-fore the four living creatures and the ancients: and no man could say the canticle, but those hun-dred forty-four thousand who were purchased from the earth. These are they who were not de-filed with women: for they are virgins. These follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were purchased from among men, the firstfruits to God and to the Lamb: and in their mouth there was found no lie: for they are without spot before the throne of God.

GRADUAL Ps. 123. 7, 8.

Our soul hath been delivered as a sparrow out of the snare of the fowlers. V. The snare hath been broken, and we have been deliv-ered. Our help is in the Name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (2.13-18)

AT that time an Angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph, saying: Arise, and take the Child and his Mother and fly into Egypt, and be there until I shall tell thee. For it will come to pass that Herod will seek the Child to destroy him. Who arose and took the Child and his Mother by night and retired into Egypt: and he was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: Out of Egypt have I called my Son. Then Herod, perceiveing that he was deluded by the wise men, was exceeding angry, and sending killed all the men children that were in Bethlehem and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the prophet, saying: A voice in Rama was heard, lamentation and great mourning: Rachel bewailing her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. 

  The Creed is said throughout the Octave of the Nativity.

OFFERTORY Ps. 123.7.

Our soul hath been delivered as a sparrow out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are delivered.

SECRET

LET not the loving prayer of thy Saints fail us, O Lord: may it render our offerings pleasing to thee, and ever obtain for us thy pardon. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity

Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that the offering made in the sight of thy Majesty may obtain for us the grace of loving devotion, and the reward of a blessed eternity. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of the Nativity

SANCTIFY, O Lord, the gifts offered to thee, by the new birth of thine only-begotten Son: and cleanse us from the stains of our sins. Through the same.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint Stephen

RECEIVE, O Lord, our gifts, in commemoration of thy Saints: that as suffering made them glorious, so our devotion may render us innocent. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint John

RECEIVE, O Lord, the gifts we bring to thee on the feast of him, by whose pleading we hope to be delivered. Through.

COMMUNICANTES

As at the Second Mass of the Nativity.

COMMUNION Matt. 2.18

A voice in Rama was heard, lam-entation and great mourning: Rachel bewailing her children, and would not be comforted, be-cause they are not.

POSTCOMMUNION

WE have partaken, O Lord, of these votive gifts: grant, we beseech thee, that by the prayers of the Saints they may procure aid for us both in this life in that which is to come. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity

BY the working of this Mystery, O Lord, may our vices be cleansed, and our just desires fulfilled. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of the Nativity

GRANT, we beseech thee, almighty God, that as the Savior of the world, born on this day, is the Author of our heavenly birth, so he may also be to us the Giver of immortality. Who with thee.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint Stephen

MAY the mysteries we have received, O Lord, help us, and through the intercession of blessed Stephen, thy Martyr, establish us by thine everlasting protection. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint John

WE who have been refreshed by heavenly food and drink, humbly entreat thee, O our God, that we may be strengthened also by the prayers of him, in whose commemoration we have received them. Through.

¶ And note that Ite Missa Est (Depart in Peace) is not said.

27 December 2014 - Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist

Double of the Second Class with Non-privileged Octave – Red

Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist was one of the Twelve Apostles and brother of James, another of the twelve. He authored the Gospel of John, the three Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation. He is depicted at the Cross at the Crucifixion, for it was there that Christ said from the Cross "Woman, behold thy son," to the Blessed Virgin, and "Behold thy mother" to John. From then on, John was devoted to the care of Mary. John died around the year 100 of natural causes. 

INTROIT Eccl. 15. 5

IN the midst of the Church the Lord opened his mouth: and filled him with the spirit of wis-dom and understanding: He clothed him with a robe of glory. Ps. 91. 2. It is good to give praise to the Lord: and to sing to thy Name, O Most High. V. Glory be.

COLLECT

OF thy goodness, O Lord, shine upon thy Church, that, enlightened by the teachings of blessed John, thine Apostle and Evangelist, she may attain to ev-erlasting gifts. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of the Nativity

GRANT, we beseech thee, almighty God, that the new birth of thine only-begotten Son in the flesh may set us free, who are held by the old bondage under the yoke of sin. Through the same.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint Stephen

GRANT us, we beseech thee, O Lord, so to imitate what we revere, that we may learn to love even our enemies: for we celebrate the heavenly birthday of him who knew how to pray for his very persecutors to our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who liveth and reigneth.

¶ No seasonal collects.

LESSON Ecclus. 15.1-6.

HE that feareth God will do good: and he that possesseth justice shall lay hold on her, and she will meet him as an honorable mother. With the bread of life and understanding she shall feed him and give him the water of wholesome wisdom to drink: and she shall be made strong in him, and he shall not be moved: and she shall hold him fast, and he shall not be confounded: and she shall exalt him among his neighbors, and in the midst of the Church she shall open his mouth, and shall fill him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and shall clothe him with a robe of glory. The Lord our God shall heap upon him a treasure of joy and gladness, and shall cause him to inherit an everlasting name.

GRADUAL John 21. 23, 19

This saying therefore went abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die. And Jesus did not say: he should not die. V. But: So I will have him to remain until I come: follow thou me.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. John 21.24. This is that disciple who giveth testimony of these things: and we know that his testimony is true. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to John. (21.19-24)

AT that time Jesus said to Peter: Follow me. Peter turning about saw that disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also leaned on his breast at supper and said: Lord, who is he that shall betray thee? Him therefore when Peter had seen, he saith to Jesus: Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith to him: So I will have him to remain till I come, what is it to thee? Follow thou me. This saying therefore went abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die. And Jesus did not say to him: He should not die; but: So I will have him to remain till I come: what is it to thee? This is that disciple who giveth testimony of these things, and hath written these things: and we know that his tes-timony is true. 

The Creed is said. 

OFFERTORY Ps. 91.13

The just shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall be multiplied like the cedar that is in Libanus.

SECRET

RECEIVE, O Lord, the gifts we bring to thee on the feast of him, by whose pleading we hope to be delivered. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of the Nativity

SANCTIFY, O Lord, the gifts offered to thee, by the new birth of thine only-begotten Son: and cleanse us from the stains of our sins. Through the same.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint Stephen

RECEIVE, O Lord, our gifts, in commemoration of thy Saints: that as suffering made them glorious, so our devotion may render us innocent. Through.

PREFACE: Of the Octave of the Nativity.

COMMUNICANTES

As at the Second Mass of the Nativity

COMMUNION John 21.23

This saying therefore went abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die. And Jesus did not say: He should not die; but: So I will have him to remain until I come.

POSTCOMMUNION

WE who have been refreshed by heavenly food and drink, humbly entreat thee, O our God, that we may be strengthened also by the prayers of him, in whose commemoration we have received them. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of the Nativity

GRANT, we beseech thee, almighty God, that as the Savior of the world, born on this day, is the Author of our heavenly birth, so he may also be to us the Giver of immortality. Who with thee.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of Saint Stephen

MAY the mysteries we have received, O Lord, help us, and through the intercession of blessed Stephen, thy Martyr, establish us by thine everlasting protection. Through.

26 December 2014 - Saint Stephen the Deacon and Protomartyr

Double of the II Class with Simple Octave – Red

Saint Stephen was among the first Deacons appointed by the Apostles, as attested in the Book of Acts, and is often considered to be the first such Deacon appointed. Though his teachings were challenged by the Jewish authorities, he always won in debate. Thus he was brought before the Sanhedrin and again challenged. He rebuked them, and so they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. Thus his symbols of martyrdom are three stones and a palm leaf. The three stones, sitting underneath an ombrellino, are featured within the Patriarchal coat of arms of the See of St. Stephen, of whom he is the celestial Patron. 

INTROIT Ps. 118. 23, 86

PRINCES sat, and spoke against me: and the wicked persecuted me: help me, O Lord my God, for thy servant was employed in thy justifications. Ps. 118. 1. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. V. Glory be.

COLLECT

GRANT us, we beseech thee, O Lord, so to imitate what we revere, that we may learn to love even our enemies: for we celebrate the heavenly birthday of him who knew how to pray for his very persecutors to our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who liveth and reigneth.

COMMEMORATION:
Of the Octave of the Nativity

GRANT, we beseech thee, almighty God, that the new birth of thine only-begotten Son in the flesh may set us free, who are held by the old bondage un-der the yoke of sin. Through the same. 

¶ No seasonal collects.

LESSON Acts 6. 8-10; 7. 54-59

IN those days Stephen, full of grace and fortitude did great wonders and signs among the people. Now there arose some, of that which is called the syna-gogue of the Libertines and of the Cyrenians and of the Alexandri-ans and of them that were of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen; and they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit that spoke. Now, hearing these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed with their teeth at him. But Stephen being full of the Holy Ghost, looking up steadfastly to heaven, saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. And he said: Behold I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. And they crying out with a loud voice stopped their ears, and with one accord ran violently upon him. And casting him forth without the city, they stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, invoking and saying: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And falling on his knees he cried with a loud voice, saying: Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep in the Lord.

GRADUAL Ps. 118. 23, 86, 117

Princes sat, and spoke against me: and the wicked persecuted me. V. Help me, O Lord my God: save me for thy mercy's sake.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Acts 7.56.

I see the heavens opened, and Je-sus standing on the right hand of the power of God. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (23. 34-39)

AT that time Jesus said to the Scribes and Pharisees: Behold I send to you prophets and wise men and scribes, and some of them you will put to death and crucify, and some you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city: that upon you may come all the just blood that hath been shed upon the earth, from the blood of Abel the just even unto the blood of Zacharias the son of Barachias, whom you killed between the temple and the altar. Amen I say to you, all these things shall come upon this generation. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered together thy children as the hen doth gather her chickens under her wings, and thou wouldst not? Behold your house shall be left to you desolate. For I say to you, you shall not see me henceforth, till you say: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

¶ The Creed is said throughout the Oc-tave of the Nativity.

OFFERTORY Acts 6.5; 7.59

The Apostles chose Stephen to be a levite, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost: whom the Jews stoned, invoking and saying: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit, al-leluia.

SECRET

RECEIVE, O Lord, our gifts, in commemoration of thy Saints: that as suffering made them glorious, so our devotion may render us innocent. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of the Nativity

SANCTIFY, O Lord, the gifts offered to thee, by the new birth of thine only-begotten Son: and cleanse us from the stains of our sins. Through the same.

COMMUNICANTES

As at the Second Mass of the Nativity

COMMUNION Acts 7. 56, 59, 60

I see the heavens opened, and Je-sus standing on the right hand of the power of God: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit, and lay not this sin to their charge.

POSTCOMMUNION

MAY the mysteries we have received, O Lord, help us, and through the intercession of blessed Stephen, thy Martyr, establish us by thine everlasting protection. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of the Octave of the Nativity

GRANT, we beseech thee, almighty God, that as the Sav-ior of the world, born on this day, is the Author of our heavenly birth, so he may also be to us the Giver of immortality. Who with thee.

25 December 2014 - Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Double of the First Class with 

Non-privileged Octave –White 

First Mass of the Nativity

(at Night)

INTROIT Ps. 2, 7

The Lord hath said to me: thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. Ps.2.1. Why have the Gentiles raged, and the people devised vain things? V. Glory be.

¶ The Gloria in Excelsis is again sung.

COLLECT

O God, who hast made this most holy night to shine forth with the splendor of the true Light: grant, we beseech thee, that we, who have known the mysteries of his light on earth, may enjoy also his happiness in heaven. Who liveth and reigneth. 

¶ No seasonal collects.

EPISTLE Titus 2. 11-15

Dearly beloved, the grace of God our Savior hath appeared to all men, instructing us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly and justly and godly in this world, looking for the blessed hope and coming of the glory of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ: Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and might cleanse to himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good works. These things speak and exhort: in Christ Jesus our Lord.

GRADUAL Ps. 109.3,1.

With thee is the principality in the day of thy strength: in the brightness of the Saints, from the womb before the day star I begot thee. V. The Lord said to my Lord: Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Ps. 2. 7. The Lord hath said unto me: thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. Alleluia

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke (2. 1-14)

At that time there went out a decree from Caesar Au-gustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child. And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger: because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds watching and keeping the night watches over their flock. And behold an Angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them, and they feared with a great fear. And the Angel said to them: Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: for this day is born to you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign unto you: you shall find the Infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will.

The Creed is said during the entire Octave of the Nativity.

OFFERTORY Ps. 95.11,13.

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad before the face of the Lord: because he cometh.

SECRET

May our offering on this day's feast be acceptable to thee, O Lord, we beseech thee: that by thy bounteous grace, through this sacred intercourse, we may be found like unto him, in whom our nature is united to thee. Who liveth and reigneth.

Preface: Of the Nativity. This Preface is used throughout the Octave and until the Vigil of the Epiphany inclusive, except where otherwise stated in the rubrics.

COMMUNICANTES
Special form of the Communicantes for the Nativity:

In communion with and in honor of this most holy night, in which the spotless virginity of blessed Mary brought forth a Savior to this world; and also in worshipful remembrance of the same glor-ious Mary, ever Virgin, Mother of the same our God and Lord Jesus Christ: and also of thy blessed Apostles and Martyrs, Peter Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon, and Thaddeus; Linus, Cletus, Clement, Xystus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian; and of all thy Saints; by whose merits and prayers grant thou that in all things we may be defended with the help of thy protection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Or else in Latin:

Communicantes, et noctern sacratissimam celebrantes, qua beatae Mariae intemerata virginitas huic mundo edidit Salvatorem: sed et memoriam venerantes, in primis eiusdem gloriosae semper Virginis Mariae, Genetricis eiusdem Dei et Domini nostri Iesu Christi: sed et beati Ioseph, eiusdem Virginis Sponsi, et beatorum Apostolorum ac Martyrum tuorum, Petri et Pauli, Andreae, Iacobi, Ioannis, Thomae, Iacobi, Philippi, Bartholomaei, Matthaei, Simonis et Thaddai: Lini, Cleti, Clementis, Xysti, Cornelii, Cypriani, Laurentii, Chrysogoni, Ioannis et Pauli, Cosmae et Damiani: et omnium Sanctorum tuorum; quorum meritis precibusque concedas, ut in omnibus protectionis tuae muniamur auxilio. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

COMMUNION Ps. 109.3.

In the brightness of the Saints, from the womb before the day star I begot thee.

POSTCOMMUNION

Grant to us, we beseech thee, O Lord, that we, who rejoice in celebrating by these Mysteries, the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, may by worthy lives, deserve to attain unto fellowship with him. Who liveth and reigneth.

¶ If the same priest is celebrating the second and third masses, then the celebrant consumes the Precious Blood and purifies his fingers as usual. The chalice is left upon the corporal.

Second Mass of the Nativity

(at Sunrise)

INTROIT Isa. 9. 2, 6

A light shall shine upon us this day: for the Lord is born to us: and he shall be called Wonderful, God, the Prince of Peace, the Father of the world to come: of whose reign there shall be no end. Ps. 92. 1. The Lord hath reigned, he is clothed with beauty: the Lord is clothed with strength, and hath girded himself. V. Glory be.

COLLECT

Grant us, we beseech thee, almighty God, that we on whom the new light of thine Incarnate Word is poured, may show forth in our works that brightness, which now doth illuminate our minds by faith. Through the same.

Saint Anastasia was a Roman patrician. She has long been venerated as a healer. Her martyrdom came in the Diocletian persecution. 

Commemoration: Of St. Anastasia

Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that we who devoutly keep the Feast of blessed Anastasia, thy Martyr, may feel the effects of her pleadings with thee. Through.

¶ No seasonal collects.

EPISTLE Tit. 3.4-7

Dearly beloved, the goodness and kindness of God our Savior appeared: not by the works of justice which we have done, but according to his mercy. He saved us by the laver of regeneration and renovation of the Holy Ghost, whom he hath poured forth upon us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior: that, being justified by his grace, we may be heirs according to hope of life everlasting: in Christ Jesus our Lord.

GRADUAL Ps. 117. 27, 26, 23

Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord: the Lord is God, and he hath shone upon us. V. This is the Lord's doing: and it is wonderful in our eyes.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Ps.92. 1 The Lord hath reigned, he is clothed with beauty: the Lord is clothed with strenth, and hath girded himself with power. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke (2. 15, 20)

At that time the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath showed to us. And they came with haste: and they found Mary and Joseph, and the Infant lying in the manger. And seeing they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this Child. And all that heard wondered: and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 

The Creed is said.

OFFERTORY Ps. 92. 1, 2

God hath established the world, which shall not be moved: thy throne, O God, is prepared from of old; thou art from everlasting.

SECRET

May our gifts, we beseech thee, O Lord, prove worthy of the Mysteries of this day's Nativity and ever shed forth peace upon us: that, as he who was born as man, shone forth also as God, so may these earthly creatures bestow on us that which is divine. Through the same.

Commemoration: Of St. Anastasia

Graciously accept our offerings, we beseech thee, O Lord, and grant that, by the merits and intercession of blessed Anastasia, thy Martyr, they may prove a help to our salvation. Through.

COMMUNICANTES

In communion with and in honor of this most holy day, in which the spotless virginity of blessed Mary brought forth a Savior to this world; and also in worshipful remembrance of the same glo-rious Mary, ever Virgin, Mother of the same our God and Lord Jesus Christ: and also of thy blessed Apostles and Martyrs, Peter Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon, and Thaddeus; Linus, Cletus, Clement, Xystus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian; and of all thy Saints; by whose merits and prayers grant thou that in all things we may be defended with the help of thy protection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Or else in Latin:

Communicantes, et diem sacratissimum celebrantes, quo beatae Mariae intemerata virginitas huic mundo edidit Salvatorem: sed et memoriam venerantes, in primis eiusdem gloriosae semper Virginis Mariae, Genetricis eiusdem Dei et Domini nostri Iesu Christi: sed et beati Ioseph, eiusdem Virginis Sponsi, et beatorum Apostolorum ac Martyrum tuorum, Petri et Pauli, Andreae, Iacobi, Ioannis, Thomae, Iacobi, Philippi, Bartholomaei, Matthaei, Simonis et Thaddai: Lini, Cleti, Clementis, Xysti, Cornelii, Cypriani, Laurentii, Chrysogoni, Ioannis et Pauli, Cosmae et Damiani: et omnium Sanctorum tuorum; quorum meritis precibusque concedas, ut in omnibus protectionis tuae muniamur auxilio. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

COMMUNION Zach. 9.9.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Sion, shout for joy, O daughter of Jerusalem; behold thy king cometh, holy, the Savior of the world.

POSTCOMMUNION

May the new life of this Sacrament, O Lord, ever restore us, especially on the Nativity of him whose wondrous Birth hath overcome the old nature of our manhood. Through the same

Commemoration: Of St. Anastasia

Thou hast satisfied, O Lord, thy household with holy gifts: refresh us always, we beseech thee, by the intercession of her, whose feast we celebrate. Through.

Third Mass of the Nativity

(during the Day)

INTROIT Isa. 9.6.

A child is born to us, and a Son is given to us: Whose government is upon his shoulder: and his Name shall be called, the Angel of Great Counsel. Ps.97.1. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because he hath done wonderful things. V. Glory be.

COLLECT

Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that the new birth of thine only-begotten Son in the flesh may set us free, who are held by the old bondage under the yoke of sin. Through the same.

EPISTLE Heb. 1.1-12.

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the world: Who being the brightness of his glory and the figure of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, making purgation of sins, sitteth on the right hand of the Majesty on high: being made so much better than the angels as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they. For to which of the angels hath he said at any time: Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee? And again: I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith: he that maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But to the Son: thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of justice is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And: thou in the beginning, O Lord, didst found the earth: and the works of thine hands are the heavens. They shall perish, but thou shalt continue: and they shall all grow old as a garment: and as a vesture shalt thou change them and they shall be changed: but thou art the selfsame, and thy years shall not fail.

GRADUAL Ps. 97. 3, 4, 2

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God: sing joyfully to God, all the earth. V. The Lord hath made known his salvation: He hath revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. A sanctified day hath shone upon us: come ye Gentiles and adore the Lord: for this day a great light hath descended upon the earth. Alleluia.

+ The Beginning of the Holy Gospel according to John (1.1-14.)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was in God's presence, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was made nothing that was made: in him was life, and the life was the Light of men; and the Light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to testify concerning the Light, that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he was to testify concerning the Light. That was the true Light, which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him to them he gave power to become sons of God, to them that believe in his Name, who are born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.(All kneel.) And the Word was made flesh, (All rise.) and dwelt among us: and we saw his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 

The Creed is said. 

OFFERTORY Ps. 88. 12, 15

Thine are the heavens, and thine is the earth, the world and the fulness thereof thou hast founded: justice and judgment are the preparation of thy throne.

SECRET

Sanctify, O Lord, the gifts offered to thee, by the new birth of thine only-begotten Son: and cleanse us from the stains of our sins. Through the same.

COMMUNICANTES
As at the Second Mass of the Nativity.

COMMUNION Ps. 97.3

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

POSTCOMMUNION

Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that as the Savior of the world, born on this day, is the Author of our heavenly birth, so he may also be to us the Giver of immortality. Who with thee.

+ LAST GOSPEL Matt. 2. 1-12.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Juda in the days of king Herod, behold there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying: Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and are come to adore him. And king Herod hearing this was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. But they said to him: In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the Prophet. And thou Bethlehem, the land of Juda, are not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the Captain that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them: and sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently inquire after the Child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come and adore him. Who having heard the king went their way. And behold the star, which they had seen in the East, went before them until it came and stood over where the Child was. And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And entering into the house, they found the Child with Mary his Mother, (Here genuflect.) and falling down they adored him. (Here rise.) And opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.

24 December 2014 - Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Privileged Vigil of the I Class – Purple

INTROIT Ex. 16.6-7

This day ye shall know that the Lord will come and save us; and in the morning you shall see his glory. Ps. 23:1. The earth and its fullness is the Lord's; the world and all those who dwell therein. V. Glory be.

¶ The Gloria in Excelsis is not said.

COLLECT

O God, who each year makest us happy with the anticipation of our redemption, grant that as we now joyfully welcome thine only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, we may also look with confidence on the same Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, when he cometh as judge; who liveth and reigneth.

SEASONAL COLLECT
Of Saint Mary

EPISTLE Rom. 1.1-6

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God. Which he had promised before, by his prophets, in the holy scriptures, Concerning his Son, who was made to him of the seed of David, according to the flesh, Who was predestinated the Son of God in power, according to the spirit of sanctification, by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith, in all nations, for his Name: Among whom are you also the called of Jesus Christ.

GRADUAL Ex. 16.6, 7; Ps. 79.2-3

This day you shall know that the Lord will come and save us; and in the morning you shall see his glory. V. Take heed, you who rule Israel, you who are shepherd over Joseph. You who are enthroned above the Cherubim, reveal yourselves to Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasses.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (1.18-21)

When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child, of the Holy Ghost. Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things, behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus. For he shall save his people from their sins.

OFFERTORY Ps. 23.7

Lift up your gates, O princes, and be lifted up, O eternal gates, and the king of glory shall enter in.

SECRET

O Almighty God, we eagerly look forward to the adorable birthday of thy Son; grant that we may also receive his everlasting gifts with joy; who liveth and reigneth.

SEASONAL COLLECT
Of Saint Mary

COMMUNION Isa. 40.5

The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all men shall see the salvation of God.

POSTCOMMUNION

O Lord, grant us new life as we celebrate the birthday of thine only-begotten Son, for his heavenly rite is our food and drink. Through the same.

SEASONAL COLLECT
Of Saint Mary

23 December 2014 - Feria III after Advent IV

Feria - Purple 

INTROIT Isa. 45.8

Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above and let the clouds rain the just one. Let the earth be opened and bud forth a savior. Ps. 18.2. The heavens show forth the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. V. Glory be.

COLLECT

O Lord, show thyself an all-powerful God and come to us. Aid us with thy powerful assistance so that, through thy grace and merciful forgiveness, we may attain salvation, which now is hindered by our sins; who livest and reignest.

SEASONAL COLLECT
Of Saint Mary

EPISTLE I Cor. 4.1-5

Brethren: Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ and the dispensers of the mysteries of God. Here now it is required among the dispensers that a man be found faithful. But to me it is a very small thing to be judged by you or by man's day. But neither do I judge my own self. For I am not conscious to myself of anything. Yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore, judge not before the time: until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts. And then shall every man have praise from God.

GRADUAL Ps. 144.18, 21

The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. V. My lips shall speak the praise of the Lord; let all men bless his holy Name. Alleluia, alleluia. V. Come, O Lord; do not delay. Forgive the sins of Israel, thy people. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke (3.1-6)

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina: Under the high priests Annas and Caiphas: the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert. And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins. As it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be brought low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways plain. And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

OFFERTORY Luke 1.28, 42

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

SECRET

Look with favor upon these offerings, O Lord, that they may be an aid to our devotion and to our salvation. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECT
Of Saint Mary

COMMUNION Isa. 7.14

Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and his Name shall be called Emmanuel.

POSTCOMMUNION

O Lord, may we, who have received thy Gifts, be brought closer to our salvation by each performance of this Sacred Rite. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECT
Of Saint Mary

22 December 2014 - Saint Thomas the Apostle (transferred) (Feria II after Advent IV)

Double of the Second Class – Red

Saint Thomas was one of the original 12 chosen by Christ. According to tradition, Thomas was the only Apostle to witness the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. As she was assumed, she dropped her girdle, which was taken up by Thomas and has long been a symbol of the Assumption. Thomas is perhaps best known for his mission into India. 

INTROIT Ps. 138. 17

Thy friends, O God, are made exceedingly honorable; their power is  become very great. Ps. 138.1,2. Lord, thou hast proved me and known me: Thou hast known my sitting down and my rising up. V.: Glory be.

COLLECT

Grant unto us, we beseech thee, O Lord, to glory in the solemn feast of thy blessed Apostle Thomas: that we may ever both be helped by his patronage, and with due devotion follow his faith. Through.

Commemoration: Of the Advent Feria.

EPISTLE Eph. 2. 19-22

Brethren: Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow-citizens with the Saints, and domestics of God: built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets. Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone. In whom all the building being framed together, groweth up into a holy temple in the Lord. In whom you also are built together into a habitation of God in the Spirit.

GRADUAL Ps. 138. 17, 18.

Thy friends, O God, are made exceedingly honorable: their principality is exceedingly strengthened. V.: I will number them, and they shall be multiplied over the sand.

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: Ps. 32.1 Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just: praise becometh the upright. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to John (20. 24-29)

At that time: Now Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him: We have seen the Lord. But he said to them: Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said: Peace be to you. Then he saith to Thomas: Put in thy finger hither, and see my hands; and bring hither thy hand, and put it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing. Thomas answered, and said to him: My Lord, and my God. Jesus saith to him: Because thou hast seen me, Thomas, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and have believed.

The Creed is said.

OFFERTORY Ps. 18. 5

Their sound went forth into all the earth; and their words to the ends of the world.

SECRET

We render unto thee, O Lord, the bounden duty of our service, humbly entreating thee: to guard thy gifts within us, by the prayers of the blessed Apostle Thomas, on the feast of whose blessed martyrdom we offer thee the sacrifice of praise. Through.

Commemoration: Of the Advent Feria.

Preface: Of the Apostles.

COMMUNION John 20. 27.

Put thy hand and know the place of the nails, and be not incredulous, but believing.

POSTCOMMUNION

Be present with us, O merciful God, and through the intercession of the blessed Apostle Thomas, on our behalf, mercifully guard thy Gifts bestowed upon us. Through.

Commemoration:
Of the Advent Feria.

21 December 2014 - Fourth Sunday in Advent

Sunday of the II Class, Seidouble

Purple 

Nota bene: The Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle is transferred in accordance with the rubrics to Monday. 

INTROIT Isa. 45.8

Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above and let the clouds rain the just one. Let the earth be opened and bud forth a savior. Ps. 18.2. The heavens show forth the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. V. Glory be.

COLLECT

O Lord, show thyself an all-powerful God and come to us. Aid us with thy powerful assistance so that, through thy grace and merciful forgiveness, we may attain salvation, which now is hindered by our sins; who livest and reignest.

SEASONAL COLLECT
Of Saint Mary

EPISTLE I Cor. 4.1-5

Brethren: Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ and the dispensers of the mysteries of God. Here now it is required among the dispensers that a man be found faithful. But to me it is a very small thing to be judged by you or by man's day. But neither do I judge my own self. For I am not conscious to myself of anything. Yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore, judge not before the time: until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts. And then shall every man have praise from God.

GRADUAL Ps. 144.18, 21

The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. V. My lips shall speak the praise of the Lord; let all men bless his holy Name. Alleluia, alleluia. V. Come, O Lord; do not delay. Forgive the sins of Israel, thy people. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke (3.1-6)

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina: Under the high priests Annas and Caiphas: the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert. And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins. As it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be brought low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways plain. And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. 

The Creed is said.

OFFERTORY Luke 1.28, 42

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

SECRET

Look with favor upon these offerings, O Lord, that they may be an aid to our devotion and to our salvation. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECT
Of Saint Mary

COMMUNION Isa. 7.14

Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and his Name shall be called Emmanuel.

POSTCOMMUNION

O Lord, may we, who have received thy Gifts, be brought closer to our salvation by each performance of this Sacred Rite. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECT
Of Saint Mary

20 December 2014 - Ember Saturday in Advent (Commemoration of the Vigil of Saint Thomas the Apostle)

Greater Non-Privileged Feria – Purple 

INTROIT Ps. 79.4, 2

Come, O Lord, and shew us thy face, thou that sittest upon the Cherubim: and we shall be saved. Ps. 79.2. Give ear, O thou that rulest Israel: thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep. V. Glory be.

¶ After the Kyrie Eleison, the Celebrant begins:

V. Dominus vobiscum.
(Let us pray.)

R. Flectamus genua.
(Let us kneel.)

R. Levate.
(Arise.)

COLLECT

O God, who seest that we are afflicted because of our iniquity, mercifully grant that we may be comforted by thy visitation: Who livest.

FIRST LESSON Isa. 19.20-22

In those days, they shall cry to the Lord because of the oppressor, and he shall send them a Saviour and a defender to deliver them. And the Lord shall be known by Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the Lord in that day, and shall worship him with sacrifices and offerings: and they shall make vows to the Lord, and perform them. And the Lord shall strike Egypt with a scourge, and shall heal it, and they shall return to the Lord, and he shall be pacified towards them, and heal them.

GRADUAL Ps. 18.7, 2

His going out is from the end of heaven: and his circuit even to the end thereof. The heavens show forth the glory of God: and the firmament declareth the work of his hands.

V. Dominus vobiscum.
(Let us pray.)

R. Flectamus genua.
(Let us kneel.)

R. Levate.
(Arise.)

COLLECT

Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that we who are bowed down by our old bondage under the yoke of sin, may be freed by the new Birth of thine only begotten Son, for which we look. Who liveth and reigneth.

SECOND LESSON Isa. 35. 1, 7

Thus saith the Lord: The land that was desolate and impassable shall be glad, and the wilderness shall rejoice and shall flourish like the lily. It shall bud forth and blossom, and shall rejoice with joy and praise: the glory of Libanius is given to it: the beauty of Carmel, and Saron, they shall see the glory of the Lord and the beauty of our God. Strengthen ye the feeble hands, and confirm the weak knees. Say to the faint hearted: Take courage, and fear not. Behold your God will bring the revenge of recompense: God himself will come and will save you. Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall be free: for waters are broken out in the desert, and streams in the wilderness. And that which was dry land shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: saith the Lord almighty.

GRADUAL Ps. 18. 6, 7

He hath set his tabernacle in the sun: and he is as a bridegroom coming out of his bridechamber. V. His going out is from the end of heaven: and his circuit even to the end thereof.

V. Dominus vobiscum.
(Let us pray.)

R. Flectamus genua.
(Let us kneel.)

R. Levate.
(Arise.)

COLLECT

We beseech thee, O Lord, gladden by the coming of thine only-begotten Son, us thine unworthy servants, who are made sorrowful by the guilt of our own deeds. Who liveth and reigneth.

THIRD LESSON Isa. 40. 9-11

Thus saith the Lord: Get thee up upon a high mountain, thou that bringest good tidings to Sion: lift up thy voice with strength, thou that bringest good tidings to Jerusalem: lift it up, fear not. Say to the cities of Juda: Behold your God: behold the Lord God shall come with strength, and his arm shall rule: behold his reward is with him, and his work is before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather together the lambs with his arm, and shall take them up in his bosom, the Lord our God.

GRADUAL Ps. 79. 20, 3

O Lord God of hosts, convert us: and show thy face, and we shall be saved. V. Stir up thy might, O Lord, and come to save us.

V. Dominus vobiscum.
(Let us pray.)

R. Flectamus genua.
(Let us kneel.)

R. Levate.
(Arise.)

COLLECT

Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that the coming solemnity of thy Son, may both bestow upon us healing in this present life and grant to us rewards in the life to come. Through the same.

FOURTH LESSON Isa. 45. 1-8

Thus saith the Lord to mine anointed Cyrus: whose right hand I have taken hold of, to subdue nations before his face, and to turn the backs of kings, and to open the doors before him, and the gates shall not be shut. I will go before thee: and will humble the great ones of the earth: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and will burst the bars of iron. And I will give thee hidden treasures and the concealed riches of secret places: that thou mayest know that I am the Lord who call thee by thy name, the God of Israel. For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have made a likeness of thee, and thou hast not known me. I am the Lord, and there is none else: there is no God besides me: I girded thee, and thou hast not known me: that they may know who are from the rising of the sun, and they who are from the west, that there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is none else: I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create evil: I, the Lord, that do all these things. Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the just: let the earth be opened and bud forth a Savior: and let justice spring up together: I the Lord have created him.

GRADUAL Ps. 79. 3, 2

Stir up thy might, O Lord, and come to save us. V. Give ear, O thou that rulest Israel: Thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep: thou that sittest upon the Cherubims, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasses.

V. Dominus vobiscum.
(Let us pray.)

R. Flectamus genua.
(Let us kneel.)

R. Levate.
(Arise.)

COLLECT

Mercifully hear, O Lord, we beseech thee, the prayers of thy people: that we who are justly afflicted for our sins may be conforted by the visitation of thy loving kindness. Who livest and reignest.

FIFTH LESSON Dan. 3. 47-51

In those days the Angel of the Lord went down with Azarias and his companions into the furnace: and he drove the flame of the fire out of the furnace, and made the midst of the furnace like the blowing of a wind bringing dew. And the flame mounted up above the furnace nine and forty cubits: and it broke forth, and burnt such of the Chaldeans as it found near the furnace, the king's servants that heated it. And the fire touched them not at all, nor troubled them nor did them any harm. Then these three as with one mouth praised and glorified and blessed God in the furnace, saying:

¶ The usual response, Deo gratias or Thanks be to God, is not said at the end of the Fifth Lesson, but rather the Hymn below is begun immediately.

HYMN Daniel 3. 52-56

Blessed art thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers: and worthy to be praised and glorified for ever. And blessed is the name of thy glory, which is holy: and worthy to be praised and glorified for ever. Blessed art thou in the holy temple of thy glory: and worthy to be praised and glorified for ever. Blessed art thou on the holy throne of thy kingdom: and worthy to be praised and glorified for ever. Blessed art thou upon the sceptre of thy divinity: and worthy to be praised and glorified for ever. Blessed art thou that sittest upon the Cherubims, beholding the depths: and worthy to be praised and glorified for ever. Blessed art thou that walkest upon the wings of the wind, and on the waves of the sea: and worthy to be praised and glorified for ever. Let all thy Angels and Saints bless thee: and praise thee and glorify thee for ever. Let the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all the things that are in them, bless thee: and praise thee and glorify thee for ever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, who is worthy to be praised and glorified for ever. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. And worthy to be praised and glorified for ever. Blessed art thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers: and worthy to be praised and glorified for ever.

COLLECT

O God, who didst deaden the flames of fire for the three children: mercifully grant that the flame of vice may not consume us thy servants. Through the same.

Commemoration: Vigil of St. Thomas

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that we who on this day anticipate the feast of thy holy Apostle, blessed Thomas, may by the devout observance of the same increase in godliness to the attainment of everlasting salvation. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECT
Of Saint Mary

EPISTLE II Thess. 2.1-8

Brethren, we beseech you, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and of our gathering together unto him: That you be not easily moved from your sense nor be terrified, neither by spirit nor by word nor by epistle, as sent from us, as if the day of the Lord were at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for unless there come a revolt first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition Who opposeth and is lifted up above all that is called God or that is worshipped, so that he sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself as if he were God. Remember you not that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now you know what withholdeth, that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity already worketh: only that he who now holdeth do hold, until he be taken out of the way. And then that wicked one shall be revealed: whom the Lord Jesus shall kill with the spirit of his mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.

TRACT Ps. 79.2, 3

Give ear, O thou that rulest Israel: thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep. Thou that sittest upon the Cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasses. Stir up thy might, O Lord, and come and save us.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke (3.1-6)

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina: Under the high priests Annas and Caiphas: the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert. And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins. As it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be brought low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways plain. And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

OFFERTORY Zac. 9.9

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Sion, shout for joy, O daughter of Jerusalem: Behold thy King will come to thee, the Holy and Savior.

SECRET

O Lord, we beseech thee, look down favorably upon these present Sacrifices: that they may profit us unto both devotion and salvation. Through.

Commemoration: Vigil of St. Thomas

O Lord, who didst exalt thy blessed Saint Thomas to be numbered among thine Apostles: grant that we thy people, who on this day, anticipating his heavenly birth, do offer unto thee these holy mysteries, may be assisted by his intercession both in the making of our supplications before thee, and in the obtaining of all that we desire. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECT
Of Saint Mary

COMMUNION Ps. 18.6, 7

He hath rejoiced as a giant to run the way: his going out is from the end of heaven, and his circuit even to the end thereof.

POSTCOMMUNION

We beseech thee, O Lord, our God, that the most holy Mysteries, which thou hast given us for a safeguard of our renewal, may become our remedy both now and for time to come. Through.

Commemoration: Vigil of St. Thomas

We beseech thee, O Lord, mercifully to hear the prayers of thy holy Apostle Thomas: that we may thereby obtain the pardon of our sins and the healing gifts of everlasting life. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECT
Of Saint Mary