To prepare for the paschal celebration, the last meal of Jesus before His suffering and death, we examine ourselves to be sure we are united with Him before receiving Him in the holy Eucharist.  We are to be one with Him and all of our brothers and sisters wherever they live.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and let us not be lead into temptation by the evil one.        Amen.

Pater noster, qui es in cælis: sanctificétur nomen Tuum;
advéniat regnum Tuum; fiat volúntas Tua, sicut in cælo,
et in terra. Panem nostrum cotidiánum da nobis hódie;
et dimitte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimittimus
debitóribus nostris; et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem;
sed libera nos a malo.        Amen.

The Church is a community of true Christians joined by the spirit in love.  Jesus said: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid."  Jn. 14:27

Christians are gathered for the "breaking of the bread," another name for the Mass. In communion, though many we are made one body in the one bread, which is Christ.

The priest breaks the host over the paten and places
a small piece in the chalice, saying quietly:

†        May this reuniting of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus
           be a sign of our faith in His coming resurrection.

            Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the faithful have mercy on us.
            Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the faithful have mercy on us.
            Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the faithful grant us peace.
OR:
            Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccáta fidelis, miserére nobis.
            Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccáta fidelis, miserére nobis.
            Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccáta fidelis, dona nobis pacem. 

The hymn may be repeated until the breaking of the bread is finished,
but the last phrase is al ways: "Grant us peace," or "dona nobis pacem."

Before communion, the priest says quietly one of the following prayers:

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, by the will of the Father
and the work of the Holy Ghost your death gave access to eternal life.
By your holy body and blood separate me from every evil. Keep me
faithful to your teaching, and never let me be parted from you.
OR:

Lord Jesus Christ, with faith in your love and mercy I eat your body
and drink your blood. Let it bring me the health in mind and body
that drives devils from my path.

Holding the bread elevated slightly over the paten and facing the people,
the priest says:

This is the Lamb of God who takes away the effect
of Adam's sin and the sin of repentant sinners.
Happy are those who are called to his supper.
OR:

This is the Lamb of God
who takes away the sin of the faithful.
Happy are those who are called to his supper.
OR:

This is the Lamb of God
who allows entry into God's kingdom.
Happy are those who are called to his supper.

Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,
but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

Before receiving communion, the priest says quietly:

Lord, may your holy teachings lead us to everlasting life.
OR:    Lord Jesus strengthen me in faith.
OR:    Lord Jesus lead me to everlasting life.


Lord, accept our offerings made for the good of the Church.
OR:    Lord Jesus help me to love as you have loved.
OR:    Lord Jesus, your shedding blood shows your love for us.

After priest's Holy Communion the priest says to the people:
It is time to present offerings (sacrifices) to Almighty God through Jesus.
OR:    It is time to present offerings (sacrifices) with Jesus to the Father.
OR:    It is time to unite your offerings (sacrifices) through the Lord Jesus
                to our Father in Heaven.

Priest then gives communion to the people.
Priest:             The Son of God. / The Son of man. / The Lamb of God. /
                        Filius Dei. / The Incarnate Word. / Our Lord and King. /
                        Mankind's final Judge. / The Son of the Blessed Virgin. /
Recipient:        Amen.
There should be a period of silence during and after Communion
to encourage spiritual reflection.

We have heard God's Word and been privileged with the living body of Christ. Now it is time for us to leave, to do good works, and to praise and bless the Lord in our daily lives.    (or similar Prayer)

PEOPLE:
Priest:          The Lord be with you.                 And also with you.
        OR:     Dóminus vobsicum.                      Et cum tuo.

Priest:          Benedicat vos omnípotens Deus, Pater, + et Fílius, et Ventus Sanctus.
        OR:
          May almighty God bless you, the Father, + and the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

People:        Amen.

Deacon (or priest):                                PEOPLE:

Go, you are dismissed.                          Thanks be to God.
Ite, Missa est.                                        Deo grátias.

A.    Go in the peace of Christ.                         Thanks and praise to God.
B.    The Mass is ended, go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
  The Lord has shown us the way.

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