The Master of Ceremonies at Solemn Mass

 

Magister Cæremoniarum
Per
Missa Solemnis

Auctore
Stephanus Petrus Benedictus Wolfe

 

Prolegomena

The Master of ceremonies (M.C.) or ceremoniar or Magister cæremoniarium or cæremoniarius should know not only what he has to do himself, but also the function of everyone else. (According to the Ceremonial, I. v, 1; the Bishop should have two masters of ceremonies, the first a priest, the second at least a subdeacon, who must know all functions performed by each person). It is his business to see that the ceremony is carried out correctly by all who take part in it. (Si quid erroris accidat, aut incaute fiat, ipsi uni Cæremoniario imputari solet. C.E. I. v, 2). He must, if necessary, guide the other servers by some sign, as little noticeable as possible. If the mistake is unimportant it is wiser to let it pass at the time and to point it out afterwards. He must give directions by signs, but these should be given in a way as little noticeable as possible. He should never pull or push anyone about in the sanctuary, or really try to not do so at least.

M.C. vests in Cassock and cotta and prepares chalice, if sacristan hasn’t done so, and a ciborium if necessary and puts it on the credence table. He marks the Missale, open at the Introit.[1]

1. 30 minutes before Mass:

• Consult ordo for Missale setup and special rubrics.
• Set Missale ribbons and review layout of propers, etc.
• Consult the Liber Usualis to examine chants for sedilia cue time.
• If necessary, determine Kyriale modes and review-prepare intonation card.
• Ensure altar and credence have been prepared correctly.
• If there is an Asperges, ensure card is prepared at the foot of the altar and aspersory in     sacristy.
• Supervise servers and ensure silence and order.

2. 10 minutes before Mass:

• Sees to it that the vesting of C, D, and Sd is carried out correctly. MC helps C vest if D     and Sd are still vesting.

3. 5 minutes before Mass:

• Arrange everybody for procession.

Preparations:

Sacristy:

• Vestments for Sacred Ministers.
• Birettas for all 3 Sacred Ministers

Sanctuary:

A. Credence table

• Sufficient room bust be allowed for the cruets on a tray to be placed behind the chalice assembly and for the Acolytes’ Processional Candles to be placed on the back corners and the intonation card and other required cards if necessary. Also,
• Epistolary/Evangelarium marked properly facing left and positioned on top of the left side folds of the humeral veil.
• Chalice prepared as usual, except burse and chalice veil are not placed on it.
• Humeral veil centered over chalice assembly and excess on sides are folded over each other or folded in the way the priest would assemble the chalice veil on the altar during Low Mass.
• Burse is placed on top of humeral veil/chalice assembly.
• Ciborium and its veil are placed behind the chalice.
• Communion plate is not used, unless needed for another priest distributing Holy          Communion. May be kept in sacristy or on credence table for this purpose.

B. Sedilia: 3 stools

General Rules:

• The Deacon (D) is usually to the right of the Celebrant (C), whereas the Subdeacon (Sd) is usually to C’s left.
• Solita oscula’s are only given to C; never to D or Sd, even if either is a priest.
• MC does not incense anyone during a Solemn Mass, or hold the Communion plate for another cleric in major orders distributing Holy Communion.[2]

Ceremonial:

Processional:

The MC processes in front of Sd, by himself. He remains uncovered the whole liturgy. If C is wearing a cope, D and Sd will hold C’s cope during the procession and the MC will process in front of them. Otherwise D and Sd will simply process in front of C.

If there’s an Asperges:

After receiving birettas from Sd and D in the sanctuary, MC Immediately signals a genuflection and then puts the birettas on the sedilia and then genuflects in front of the altar – behind the SMs and goes to the Gospel side – the Sd’s left, and then signals all to kneel. After Celebrant sprinkles the altar, the MC signals everyone to rise then he signals a genuflection. MC and Thurifer switch sides, and the C sprinkles the clergy in Choir and torchbearers in choir. Then he sprinkles the faithful. On the way back to the altar the MC and Th are already on their respective sides. MC signals genuflection at the foot. MC makes sure everyone bows at the Gloria Patri. Then MC signals C to sprinkle the MC, then the Th, and then the other inferior ministers. After the oration he signals a genuflection and SMs proceed to the sedilia to vest the C for Mass.

If there is no Asperges, the MC takes the birettas from D and Sd in the sanctuary, not kissing them, and then signals a genuflection at the foot for the SMs. He then goes to the sedilia to put the birettas on their respective stools and then goes to the foot in plano and signals inferior ministers to kneel.

Preparatory Prayers at the Foot:

During the whole liturgy the MC remains uncovered. MC kneels at the Deacons right, maybe a little behind. MC answers, with D and Sd, during the prayers at the foot, in a low voice, and MC makes the usual signs of the cross and inclinations. When finished the MC signals all to stand.

1^st Incensing of the altar:

MC goes to the epistle side of the altar steps with Th. MC takes incense boat from Th and they immediately ascend the altar steps to the Predella. MC presents the incense boat to the D and supervises the imposition, ready to intervene if necessary. MC receives boat back from D and gives it to the Th. While the C is incensing the altar cross the MC removes the Missal and stands in plano with it, facing towards the Gospel side; MC replaces the Missal as soon as the Epistle side has been incensed, in neither case does the MC genuflect. MC then descends in plano, where he stands at the epistle corner while the C is incensed by the D.[3]

At the Introit, Kyrie, & Gloria:

After the incensing of the C, the MC goes directly to the Missal and stands at the Cs right, forming a semicircle with the D and Sd. He points out the Introit with the open palm of the right hand. The MC will be at the Missal, to attend to the C, indicating and turning the pages whenever the D is not there. The MC should also make sure that the D and Sd are on the corners of the Epistle Altar steps. The descending order should be – C on Predella, D on second altar step, and Sd on Sanctuary floor. They should be diagonally apart from each other, shoulder point to shoulder point. If the choir is going to take a long time to sing the Kyrie, after the C has finished the Kyrie, the MC will conduct the SMs to the sedilia. Whenever the SMs sit at the sedilia the MC will oversee the D handing C his biretta and then D and Sd bow to each other and then both bow to the C and then sit and cover themselves. The MC will then indicate to inferior ministers that they may sit as well. The MC will stand at the right hand of the Deacon facing down the nave or a little bit at an angle, facing the nave and south transept. When the choir sings the last invocation of the Kyrie Eleison, the MC bows to C as a sign that he should go back to the altar. He leads the SMs to the foot of the altar (seeing that they salute the choir on the Epistle side and then on the Gospel side), genuflects when they reverence the altar, and goes to the Epistle corner.[4]

If the C and SMs do not go sit down for the Kyrie, then, shortly before the last invocation is sung, the MC gives the indication to the D and Sd to line up behind the C. When the choir begins the last Kyrie the MC bows to the SMs to indicate to them to go to the middle of the altar. The MC goes to the credence to get the intonation card and then ascends the altar steps and faces the priest and indicates which Gloria intonation to intone on the card. When the C has intoned the first verse of Gloria in excelsis, MC bows head with C and then indicates to the other Sacred Ministers to ascend the Altar to stand next to the C to say the Gloria with the C. When they have finished reciting the Gloria, the MC makes the sign of the cross with the SMs, the MC leads them (after a due reverence to the altar) by the shorter way, to the sedilia. The MC must be watchful that they do not move on the way to the sedilia while any of the verses are being sung that require an inclination. They must wait until such a verse has ended. But if they have started, they go on. The MC stands by their side as they sit (as explained above), and bows to the C as a sign when he is to uncover at the verses Adoramus te, Gratias agimus tibi, Jesu Christe, Suscipe deprecationem nostram, and Jesu Christe. The MC bows to the altar during these words. After the last Jesu Christe has been sung, the MC signals the C to rise and he leads them to the foot of the altar, signals a genuflection. The MC then goes to the Missal at the Epistle side, points out the place for the Collects, and turns the pages.[5]

At the beginning of the last collect, the MC goes to the credence. Here he takes the Epistolary in both hands, the opening of the pages to his right; The MC hands it to the Sd, bowing once before he gives him the book and once after. The MC stands a little behind the Sd, at his left. As the last Collect is ending (having bowed to the cross at the words Jesum Christum, if they occur), the MC accompanies the Sd to the middle of the foot of the altar, genuflects with him, reverences to the clergy left and right, and goes with him to the place where the Epistle is chanted. If there is any place at which they should bow or genuflect, the MC bows or genuflects with the Sd at such places. As soon as the Sd had chanted the Epistle, the MC does not respond Deo Gratias, the MC leads the Sd back to the middle of the foot of the altar, signals a genuflection and bows to the choir with the Sd; they go to the Epistle side, where the Sd is blessed by the C. The MC takes the Epistolary from the Sd, with bows, and return the book to AC1 with bows near the credence. MC points out the Gradual, Alleluia, etc. to the C.[6] The C at the middle says the Munda cor meum, the Sd carries the Missal to the Gospel side. When the C has begun the reading of the Gospel the MC bows to the D and hands him Epistolary/Evangelium at the foot of the altar on the Epistle side. The MC waits at the Epistle corner while the C finishes the Gospel and then ascends the altar with Th to the predella to impose incense. He supervises the imposition of incense.  While the D says the Munda cor meum the MC will lead the Th and AC1 and AC2 to the middle of the Foot of the altar and wait there with them. Allow room for D and Sd and ensure AC1 and AC2 have left enough room. The Formation should ultimately look like this:

AC2  MC  Sd  D  AC1

All genuflect together, bow to the choir right and left, and so go in procession to the place where the Gospel is to be sung – procession proceeds with Th in front with AC1 and AC2, MC, then Sd and D. The Group at the place where the Gospel is sung is arranged as such:

AC2  Sd  AC1

Th  D  MC

The MC makes the sign of the cross on forehead, lips, and breast, with the thumb, as the D signs Sequentia (or Initium) s. Evangelii, etc. Then the MC takes the thurible from the Th and hands it to the D; when the Epistolary has been incensed he passes the thurible back to the Th. During the Gospel the MC stands at the right of the D and turns the pages. If the D genuflects at any verse, the MC does so as well. If the Holy Name is sung, the MC nods to the Epistolary just before it is read and then turns and bows to C (who bows to the Altar Cross). When the Gospel is finished Do Not respond with, “Laus tibi Christe.” As soon as the Gospel is ended, the MC leads AC1 and AC2, behind the Sd, to the foot of the altar. He signals a genuflection and retrieves the Epistolary from the Sd and puts it back on the credence table. Meanwhile the D incenses the C from where the Gospel was sung and then goes back to the sanctuary with the Th and genuflects at the foot with Th.

If there is a Sermon:

If there is a sermon at this point, the MC directs the SMs to the sedilia. The MC helps the C take off the Chasuble[7] either at the Altar or at the sedilia, and gives him his biretta. He accompanies the C to the pulpit for the Sermon.[8] If the D or another Deacon or Priest who is not one of the SMs gives the sermon the MC may accompany them to the pulpit or he may stay with the C at the sedilia.

Creed:

If there is no sermon the MC leads the SMs to the Center of the altar, lined up in a single file behind the C. If there was a sermon, and the sermon is finished, the MC leads C to the altar or sedilia and assists him in putting the chasuble back on. If this takes place at the altar the MC makes sure the D and Sd arrive at the altar with due reverences and line up behind the C. If it was the D, the MC helps the D put the Dalmatic and maniple back on. Then the MC leads the SMs to the foot signals a genuflection and goes to the credence to get the intonation card. The MC ascends the altar and shows the intonation card to the C indicating the intonation. The MC bows his head with C at the word Deum and then turns and bows to the D and Sd to ascend the altar and stand next to the C. The MC genuflects at the Et incarnutus est. The MC stands at the Epistle corner during this time. When the Choir is about to sing the Et Incarnatus est the MC goes to the foot and signals a genuflection for the SMs and inferior ministers to kneel. A cushion is required for a prelate and the MC will ensure all this is in place before the signal for the genuflection. After the verse has been sung the MC signals all to stand and leads the SMs to the sedilia. The MC then goes to the credence table and retrieves the burse. The MC brings the burse to the D, bowing before and after presenting the burse to him, and then stands at his usual place. At the words simul adoratur the MC bows to the C to remove his biretta, and at the words Et vitam venture sæculi he gives the sign to return to the altar. The SMs and the MC go by the longer way, bow to the choir, genuflect at the altar steps. The MC bows and genuflects with them and goes to his place at the Epistle corner. If there is no Creed, the MC takes his normal position and after the C says Oremus, leads Sd to credence.

The Offertory, Canon, Communion & Postcommunion:

After C says Oremus, for the offertory, lead Sd to the credence. MC should assist the Sd. Make sure that the veil is clasped or tied. Sd will bring the chalice to the altar alone. If there are ciborium, the MC may take these to the altar. The MC may wait at his position on the Epistle corner until it’s time to impose incense. The MC may assist with the cruets. AC1 will bring the cruets on the tray and the MC will take them and put them on the altar. The MC then takes them off the altar and hands the cruets and tray back to the AC1. For the incensing of the altar the MC meets the Th on the epistle side and both ascend the altar steps to the predella. MC gives the boat to the D and then supervises the imposition. The MC receives the boat back and gives it to the Th. The MC then descends with Th. The MC and Th go to the foot of the altar behind the Sd and both make a genuflection. Then the Th ascends to the predella and stands on the C’s left. The MC goes to the side of the altar and at a convenient moment, preferably when the C is incensing the Epistle side, goes up and takes the missal stand. The MC descends with the Missal stand and holds it in plano, until the Gospel side corner has been incensed.  The MC then replaces the Missal stand close to the corporal and stands by it, assisting the C. He faces the C while he is being incensed by the D. After the C has been incensed the MC remains at the Missal during the C’s lavabo all the way through to the Preface. The MC turns to his right to be incensed himself by the Th, bowing before and after.[9] At the Orate Fratres, the D and Sd should say the Suscipiat, otherwise if they are both preoccupied the MC can say it. The MC should indicate, however, to the D to make the response. The MC then indicated the Secrets to the C. After the Secrets the MC turns the Missal pages to the Preface. MC remains at the Missal during the Preface. When C sings “Angeli atque Archangeli,” the MC signals D and Sd to ascend to the predella and stand next to the C, the Sd to his left and the D to his right. The MC descends per breviorem and stands at the Gospel side corner in plano for the recitation of the Sanctus.[10] The MC then proceeds to the Epistle side genuflecting when he crosses over, also making sure he doesn’t interfere with Sd and the Tbs coming out of the Sacristy. The D takes the place of the MC at the Missal. Once at the Epistle side, a little before the Hanc igitur, the MC will see to it that the thurible has ample incense for the Consecration. At the Hanc igitur, the D will go from the Gospel side to the Epistle side, genuflecting on the second altar step while doing so. When the D has performed this action, the MC will give the signal for all to kneel for the Consecration. After the consecration the MC will signal all to rise[11] and the MC stands at or near the Epistle Corner. At the words nobis quoque peccatoribus or no later than per quem hæc omnia the MC goes to the Gospel side per longiorem, genuflecting behind the Sd and ascends to the Missal after the D has genuflected and switched to the Epistle side. The MC is now on the C’s left and turns the pages of the Missal. The MC genuflects each time the C and D genuflect. Before the Pater noster, when the C chants the words audemus dicere, the MC gives a sign to the D that he go stand behind the C. At the words dimitte nobis the MC signs to the D and Sd to genuflect and go to the Epistle side. AC 1 removes the humeral veil from the Sd. The MC is still on the left side of the C. The MC genuflects with C and D when the C uncovers the chalice for the fraction. At the words, Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum, the MC gives a sign to the Sd to genuflect and ascend the altar to the left of the C. The MC descends from the altar and stands in plano at the Gospel side corner and makes a medium bow of the body and strikes his breast for the Agnus Dei. After the Agnus Dei, the MC proceeds to the Epistle side, genuflecting in the middle behind the Sd. Once on the Epistle side he will stand to the Sd’s right, standing a little behind him, and wait for the D to give the Pax to the Sd. After the Sd receives the Pax from D, the MC signals a genuflection. Then the MC escorts the Sd to the senior cleric in choir. The Sd gives him the Pax. Then the MC escorts the Sd to the other side of the choir, first genuflecting in the middle and the Sd gives the Pax to senior cleric on that side. After this, the MC leads the Sd back to foot of the altar, signals a genuflection, and the Sd gives the Pax to the MC. The MC then gives the Pax to the Th or AC 1. The MC then remains in plano at the Epistle corner. After the D and Sd switch sides and open the tabernacle, the MC signals all to kneel. The MC then hands the second Confiteor card to the D while kneeling behind him. The MC will take the card back from the D at about ideo precor. Or, the MC will have a duplicate second Confiteor card, in which case, the D keeps his card and the MC ascends directly to the predella to present the card to the C. After the Absolution, the MC descends and puts the cards back on the credence table and immediately leads the inferior ministers to the foot of the altar for communion. The MC should make sure that the Communion cloth is brought by the inferior ministers for their Communion. Preferably this should all be done before the C starts the Ecce Agnus Dei. If the MC is receiving Communion, he will personally lead the inferior ministers to the foot and will stand to the right of the Th. If he does not receive Communion[12] he will motion by some sign for the inferior ministers to process over to the foot of the altar to receive Communion and the MC will kneel in plano on the Epistle side facing the SMs on the predella. After the last Domine non sum dignus, the MC will stand and oversee the distribution of Holy Communion. The MC ensures that the Communion cloth on the communion rail is draped over for the faithful and makes sure that two torch bearers escort the SMs to the Communion rail. If there is another Priest or Deacon to help distributing Holy Communion, the MC will see to it that the Priest or Deacon has an inferior minister with a communion plate. Otherwise, the MC oversees the distribution of Holy Communion at the Communion rail. After the distribution of Holy Communion the MC will follow the SMs back to the foot and help with the C’s alb if the D or Sd forget to do this and then he kneels in plano on the Epistle side facing the SMs on the predella. When the C closes the tabernacle, the MC signals for everyone to stand. The MC then oversees the ablutions. He may stand on the second altar step facing towards the nave to do so. At this time the MC should make sure that AC2 is draping the Communion cloth on the communion rail over to the sanctuary side. After the D has switched the Missal to the Epistle side, the MC may go up to turn the pages to the proper place for the Communio & Postcommunio and remains at the Missal. The MC may place the intonation card for the Ite, Missa est/Benedicamus Domino behind the Missal stand if he wishes to do so. This will save time if the credence is some distance from the altar. While the Sd is finishing the ablutions, the MC indicates the Communio to the C at the Missal. Then the MC indicates for the C to go to the center of the altar to chant Dominus vobiscum and then the MC indicates the Postcommunio to the C when he has returned to the Missal.  After the Postcommunio and subsequent commemorations, if there are any, the MC indicates to the C to proceed to the middle of the Altar and closes the Missal.[13]  The MC then takes the intonation card and stands at the D’s left and holds the intonation card in front of him while the C is chanting Dominus vobiscum. The D then chants the Ite, Missa est or the Benedicamus Domino facing the altar. After the D has done this, the MC takes the intonation card back to the credence and then remains in plano on the Epistle side. Before the C says, Benedicat vos…, the MC will indicate for everyone to kneel. After the blessing the MC will signal all to stand. If there is a proper Last Gospel, the MC will see to it that the Sd transfers the Missal to the Gospel side.[14] During the Last Gospel, the MC will indicate to the inferior ministers to line up in formation for the procession back to the sacristy. When the Last Gospel is finished, the MC will make sure the SMs bow to the altar cross before descending to the foot and then take the birettas from the sedilia and go to the foot to the D’s right. The MC indicates a genuflection and then gives the C’s biretta to the D along with the D’s biretta. The MC gives the Sd his biretta directly. Then the MC line up in front of the Sd and processes out to the sacristy in front of the Sd. Once in the Sacristy, the MC will indicate for everyone to bow to the processional cross, if there is one, or to the Crucifix in the sacristy and then indicates for everyone to bow to the C. The C then gives the blessing traditionally given to all the ministers and officers of Mass. Then the MC will help with the divesting of the SMs, and see to it that everyone is carrying out their post-Mass clean up assignments, and then he will spend some time in thanksgiving to the Lord.

 

 

Deo Gratias

_________________________________________

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[1] Key: C – Celebrant, D – Deacon, Sd – Subdeacon, SMs – Sacred Ministers, AC – Acolyte, Th – Thurifer, Cr – Crucifer, Tb – torchbearer.

[2] The MC will be overseeing the Sacred Ministers distributing Holy Communion and watching for enemies of the Church, Saboteurs, proper dispositions of the laity, and any accidents committed by the Sacred Ministers.

[3] The MC must remember that, throughout the liturgy, his normal place is at the C’s side, so that he may assist him in any way needed. He is an attendant to the Celebrant, he is not an inferior minister of the altar. This is why his hands are folded in a way that is distinct (his hands cupped together) from the other servers. This is also why he does not assume any duty that an inferior minister has to do. What is set out in this whole instruction is simply a general guide to an MC. Because of this, it is supposed that he has accurate knowledge of the entire function and the De Defectibus. Also, in the discharge of his duties he has no fixed place, nor act. Much will depend on circumstances. He must be considered quite free in his movements in order that he may secure the most perfect possible position overseeing the ceremonies. In general, of course, the [first] MC is to be regarded as chiefly concerned with the C at any function.

[4] N.B.: if any inferior minister must go to the sacristy, he must reverence the C sitting at the sedilia with a bow. If it’s just the D and Sd sitting at the sedilia he does not bow. If an inferior minister must leave the sanctuary, on the way back he must reverence both sides of the choir and then genuflect and then reverence the C at the sedilia if he is sitting there.

[5] At ferial Masses of Advent, Lent, Ember days, fasting vigils and at Masses for the dead the members of choir and inferior ministers (AC 1&2, Th, Cr, Tb, etc.) kneel for the Collect and Postcommunion & in Lent the Oratio super populum.

[6] Should there be a long Sequence or Tract, after the Sd has been blessed, the MC may lead the SMs – without any previous reverence to the altar – to the sedilia, and conduct them back – as after the Gloria – towards the end of the chant. During the Lenten feriæ of which the Adiuva nos is sung – Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays – the SMs kneel at the edge of the predella and the MC kneels at his place during this versicle, the incense being put into the censer afterwards. Incense may be put into the censer before the SMs kneel for the Adiuva nos, in which case the MC will have to ensure the C reads the Gospel in time.

[7] This would seem to be a French custom. However, it is maintained by some to be Romanitas as well, but research is lacking. In any case, the author adds it here as an option.

[8] If the C gives the sermon at the predella or a lectern on the sanctuary floor, he doesn’t have to take off the chasuble and may wear his biretta.

[9] While the MC is at the Missal, he is attending the C so he cannot really oversee the whole execution of everybody getting incensed. However, he should keep his senses on the alert in case something goes wrong during the incensing of the clergy, SMs, Choir, and inferior ministers.

[10] MC makes a medium bow of the body and recites the Sanctus with SMs and signs himself.

[11] At ferial Masses of Advent, Lent, Ember days, fasting vigils and at Masses for the dead the members of choir and inferior ministers (AC 1&2, Th, Cr, Tb, etc.) kneel from the Sanctus to Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum inclusive. The exception to this rule is the vigils of Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, and the Ember days in Whitsun week.

[12] If the MC is a Priest it is most likely he will have already celebrated his private Mass in the morning, and if he is a cleric it is more than likely he will have received Holy Communion at an earlier Low Mass or Communion Service outside-of-Mass. If the MC is a layman it would be meritorious for his interior life if he has the opportunity to attend two Masses – a Low Mass to receive Holy Communion and then the Missa Cantata or Missa Solemnis in which he serves as MC. It will be more conducive to his duties as attendant to the Celebrant if he has already received Holy Communion at a previous Mass. A good number of saints and holy Popes in the Middle Ages would, as a common practice, celebrate multiple Masses and as a part of their thanksgiving after Holy Communion assist at multiple Masses as a part of their devotion.

[13] If there is a proper Last Gospel, the Missal remains open.

[14] There are different methods for doing this ceremonial action. The subdeacon can make the transfer of the missal stand in one complete action by taking the missal stand, genuflecting on the lowest step, and then placing the missal stand on the Gospel side, all of which is done while the Celebrant is reciting the Placeat tibi. Or the subdeacon may take the missal stand and then stand beside the deacon as he would for the final blessing, kneel for the final blessing and then complete the action by placing the missal stand on the Gospel side. The subdeacon then stands at his usual position, by the missal stand, while the Celebrant recites the Proper Last Gospel.