ABOUT THE MASS SERIES VOL2.
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| The Mass: About the Mass Series Icon. |
CONCLUDING RITE
In the Mass, the Concluding Rite is the final part of the liturgy, which includes the dismissal and sending forth of the congregation. Announcements are often made during this time, but their placement may vary depending on local custom.
GENERAL
STRUCTURE OF THE CONCLUDING RITE:
1. Brief
Announcements: If announcements are to be made, they typically occur after the Prayer
After Communion and before the final blessing. These are often given by the
priest, deacon, or possibly designated member of the congregation. The
announcements might include parish activities, upcoming events, or important
notices for the community.
2. Final
Blessing: Following any announcements, the priest gives the final blessing,
which is a sign of God's grace and protection over the people as they go back
into the world.
3. Dismissal:
After the blessing, the deacon (or priest if there is no deacon) gives the
dismissal, such as "Go forth, the Mass is ended" or "Go in
peace, glorifying the Lord by your life." This dismissal sends the
faithful out to live their faith in daily life.
PLACEMENT
OF ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Before
the Final Blessing: Announcements here allow the priest or deacon to transition
smoothly into the blessing and dismissal, maintaining a sense of reverence
while sharing practical parish matters.
After the
Dismissal: In some places, the announcements come after the final blessing and
dismissal, signalling that the liturgical part of the Mass has ended. This
method keeps a clear distinction between the liturgical and non-liturgical
elements.
Tone and
Content:
The tone
of announcements should be brief and to the point, focusing on parish life,
upcoming events, or any immediate needs of the community. Liturgical integrity
is maintained by keeping them succinct and respectful of the sacred space and
time of the Mass.
While
announcements are practical, they should not overshadow the spiritual nature of
the Mass, and care should be taken to keep them appropriate and concise.
Nowadays, the announcements are made immediately after the prayer after
communion, so that they are kept completely separate from the homily. These
announcements are meant to be short, necessary and generally of concern to the
whole community. Longer and more particular information is considered
better communicated in other ways, such as, through the parish bulletin and/
notice board.
Since the lectern is reserved for the proclamation of God’s word, it is
preferable that the announcements are given elsewhere, although for practical
reasons, this may not always be possible.
HISTORY
OF ANNOUCEMENTS.
The giving of announcements has occurred at various locations within
the Mass. In the late 7th century papal liturgy, it
was immediately after the communion of the pope, and before the communion of
the clergy and congregation, that the archdeacon announced the time and place
of the next papal Mass, because non-communicants were accustomed to leave the
church at this time.
Another place, which was considered appropriate for announcements, was after the homily. For example, Pope Leo the Great (440-461) at the conclusion of his sermons reminded the faithful of the fast days during the week ahead, and invited them to attend the vigil on the eve of the next Sunday.
Apart from the practical issues related to announcements, they are important also because it helps to build a sense of community and highlight the unity of purpose, which is crucial for the vitality of parish life. Announcements are not a ‘switch out’ time, rather a ‘switch in’ time to see how YOU can make a difference.
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