Page:Low Mass Ceremonial (Burnett).djvu/29

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inches above the altar and makes with it, horizontally, the sign of the cross, and then places it upon the corporal a little behind the paten. Then, having his hands joined, and bowing moderately, he says the prayer, "In the spirit," etc. Standing erect, and having his hands extended and raised as high as his shoulders he says, "Come, O Holy Ghost," and then joining his hands, he says "almighty and everlasting God," and then placing his left hand on the altar to the left of the corporal, he makes, with his right hand, the sign of the cross over the paten and chalice, saying "and bless this sacrifice, prepared for thy holy name." The priest then goes to the Epistle-side of the altar, near the corner, where he stands facing the altar. Here he receives the basin containing the offerings of the people, and "presents" them by raising the basin about as high as his breast and immediately lowering it and placing it upon the altar, meanwhile saying "Receive, O Holy Trinity," etc. Immediately after it has been presented, the basin containing the offerings should be removed from the altar and set down upon the credence. The priest now goes to the Epistle-corner, where he stands facing south and recites privately the psalm Lavabo, (Ps. xxvi, 6–12) while water is poured over the extremities of his fingers by the server; or, if he have no server, while he thus ministers for and to himself: and then having wiped his fingers dry with the lavabo-towel, he stands facing the altar while he concludes the psalm and the Gloria Patri. Then he returns to the midst where, bowing moderately, and having his hands joined upon the altar, he says, privately, the prayer, "Receive O Holy Trinity this oblation," etc. Having said this prayer, the priest places his hands extended on each side of (i. e., beyond) the corporal, kisses the altar, stands erect, turns to the people, and, as he extends and raises his hands and again joins them before his breast, says, "Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church militant." Then turning (completing the circle) back to the altar, he says the prayers for the Church. If no offerings of money have been received, the words "alms and," in the first of the said prayers, should be omitted.

If the Bishop permit, the Exhortation, General Confession, Absolution, and prayer of Humble Access, will be transferred to the point immediately after the Prayer of

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