The Introductory Rites:
Entrance Song or Antiphon: Sets the “theme” for the day’s liturgy.
Greeting: As we make the sign of the cross, we begin by placing ourselves under the cross of Christ and the reign of God, we invoke the splendor of the Most High himself in his triune majesty
Penitential Rite: We call to mind our sins and acknowledge them so that we can come to the foot of Jesus’ cross and ask forgiveness. All: I confess to Almighty God and to you my brothers and sisters that I have sinned through my own fault. [Js 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.”] In my thoughts [ Mk 7: 15 there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile."]…
The priest then says “May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.” We respond “Amen”
Kyrie: This is both an acclamation and a plea. We acclaim the Lord and acknowledge that only by his mercy can we even think to be in his presence. We ask for mercy not only for ourselves but also for all of creation especially those who cannot or will ask. (We function as priests by interceding for others.)
Gloria: An ancient hymn that is pure praise. It begins by addressing the Father in words similar to those that the angels sang in announcing the birth of our Lord. Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth [(Lk 2: 14) "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"] It then praises the Son in words that bring to mind the Passover, John the Baptist’s greeting of Jesus and John’s Revelation. Lord God Lamb of God you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us. [Jn 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”] It ends recalling God as the Trinity.
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