Roman Rite Solemn Requiem Mass
Overview¶
Roman Rite Solemn Mass, with changes for a Mass of Christian Burial.
Roles¶
- Thurifer
- Acolyte 1, Lucifer 1
- Acolyte 2, Lucifer 2
- Crucifer / Bell Ringer
- Book Bearer
- Holy Water Bearer
If we only have 4 Servers:
- Omit the Processional Candles for the #Final Commendation and Farewell and #Recession.
- Acolyte 1 becomes the Book Bearer.
- Acolyte 2 becomes the Holy Water Bearer.
Preparation¶
As usual for Roman Rite Solemn Mass, with:
- Catafalque set at the foot of the Sanctuary. Feet facing the Altar (unless the deceased is a Priest or Bishop, in which case the head faces the Altar)[^catafalqe].
- Paschal Candle lit.
- Aspersorium on Credence Table.
- Extra charcoal near the Thurible Stand.
Order of Mass¶
As usual for Roman Rite Solemn Mass#Order of Mass, except after the Postcommunion Prayer, there is the Final Commendation and Farewell.
Introductory Rites¶
Entrance¶
During the Procession, walk to the left side of the Catafalque.
Reverence to the Altar through Postcommunion Prayer¶
As usual for Roman Rite Solemn Mass#Order of Mass, except:
- Thurifer adds charcoal after receiving Communion.
Transition¶
- Crucifer and Candle bearers get their items and process out of the Sanctuary, and stand several paces down the main aisle, facing East.
- Thurifer (with Thurible and Incense Boat) and Holy Water Bearer (with Aspersorium), and Book Bearer (with Ritual) go to Catafalque and wait off to the South side, facing North, flush with the main aisle pews.
- Celebrant joins the Thurifer, Holy Water Bearer, and Book Bearer.
Final Commendation and Farewell¶
If the Celebrant turns to bow to the Processional Crucifix at any point, Servers (other than the Crucifer and Candle bearers) do the same.
- Book Bearer holds the Ritual.
- Holy Water Bearer assists with Aspersorium, then retrieves it.
- Thurifer assists with incense, then retrieves it.
- Book Bearer holds the Ritual (again).
Recession¶
- When Celebrant is finished, all get into position for the Recession:
- Thurifer walks past Crucifer so as to lead the recession
- Crucifer and Candle bearers stay in place.
- Holy Water Bearer and Book Bearer in a pair immediately behind Crucifer (still holding Aspersorium and Ritual).
- Concelebrants will leave the Sanctuary and join the Celebrant.
- All reverence and turn to recess out as usual.