E SACRIFICE OF THE MASS

CHAPTER the SIXTH.
THE ORDINARY OF THE MASS.
PART THE FIRST.
From the Beginning to the Offertory.
THE priest after vesting in the sacristy puts on his
berretta, makes a profound inclination to the crucifix,
and preceded by his server advances to the altar with
covered head. The priest, as a token of his dignity,
wears the berretta until he reaches the altar, when he
hands it to the server ; he genuflects if the Blessed
Sacrament be reserved, otherwise he makes a profound
reverence to the cross, mounts the altar-steps, chalice
in hand, unfolds the corporal from the burse, places the
chalice on the corporal, opens the Missal at the Introit
of the day, returns to the altar, descends the steps,
genuflects or bows profoundly again, and begins Mass
with the words, In Nomine Patris, et Filii, et
Spiritus Sancti. Amen, at the same time making
the sign of the Cross.
The words, In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost, taken from our Lord s
own words in the last chapter of St. Matthew, are an
accurate description of the Godhead. In the name
of the Father means that with the authority of God the