The Proper of the Mass (Changeable Parts)
Table of Contents
1. Introit (Introitus)
- A short entrance antiphon from Scripture, usually a Psalm.
- Includes: Antiphon, a Psalm verse, and Gloria Patri, then the Antiphon again.
- It reflects the theme of the feast or liturgical season.
2. Collect(s) (Collecta / Oratio)
- The opening prayer of the Mass.
- Aimed at summarizing the spiritual focus of the day.)
- There may be one or more collects (especially during penitential seasons).
3. Epistle (Epistola)
- A reading from the New Testament, often one of the Pauline letters.
- Occasionally, Old Testament readings are used for certain feast days or Ember Days.
4. Gradual (Graduale) and Alleluia / Tract
- The Gradual is a meditative Psalm verse (or verses).
- In penitential seasons, the Alleluia is replaced by the Tract (longer and more somber).
- During Eastertide, there may be two Alleluias instead.
5. Sequence (Sequentia) – (on certain feasts only)
- A poetic chant placed between the Alleluia/Tract and the Gospel.
- Examples:
- Victimae paschali laudes (Easter)
- Veni Sancte Spiritus (Pentecost)
- Lauda Sion (Corpus Christi)
- Dies irae (Requiem Masses)
- Stabat Mater (Feast of the Seven Sorrows)
6. Gospel (Evangelium)
- The high point of the Liturgy of the Word.
- Changes daily to match the theme or feast.
- Often chosen to correspond typologically with the Epistle.
7. Offertory Antiphon (Offertorium)
- A short verse usually from the Psalms.
- Reflects the spirit of offering and sacrifice for the day’s liturgical celebration.
8. Secret Prayer (Secreta)
- Said silently by the priest before the Preface.
- Prays for the acceptance of the offerings and ties into the theme of the feast or season.
9. Communion Antiphon (Communio)
- Sung or said after the priest’s communion.
- Usually a verse from Scripture reflecting on the Eucharist or feast.
10. Postcommunion Prayer(s) (Postcommunio)
- The closing collect, thanking God for the graces of Communion and asking for its fruits to be fulfilled.
Summary Table
| Part | Latin Name | Liturgical Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Introit | Introitus | Entrance of Mass |
| Collect | Collecta / Oratio | Before Epistle |
| Epistle | Epistola | After Collect |
| Gradual/Tract/Alleluia | Graduale / Tractus / Alleluia | Between Epistle and Gospel |
| Sequence | Sequentia | On major feasts, before Gospel |
| Gospel | Evangelium | After Gradual/Alleluia |
| Offertory | Offertorium | Before Offertory prayers |
| Secret | Secreta | Silent prayer before Preface |
| Communion | Communio | After Communion |
| Postcommunion | Postcommunio | Before Dismissal |
Where These Propers Come From
- The Missal of 1962 (or older versions) contains a full Sanctorale (calendar of saints) and Temporale (liturgical seasons).
- The Proper texts are provided for every:
- Sunday
- Feast day
- Feria (weekday of a season)
- Votive Masses
- Masses for the Dead (Requiem)
Each Proper set forms a liturgical “portrait” of the feast, shaping the spiritual atmosphere and theological focus of the Mass.