The Concluding Rite

     The priest extends his hands and then imparts:  The Priest's Blessing.  He says or sings the following:

C.:     The Lord be with you     [Bishop:  Peace be with you.]

R.:     And also with you.

C.:     May almighty God bless you:  The Father,  +  the Son and the Holy Spirit.

R.:     Amen.

     The celebrant or deacon says or sings:  The Dismissal.  He uses one of the following forms:

C.:     Go in the peace of Christ.

- or -

C.:     Let us bless the Lord.

R.:     Thanks be to God.

[PASCHALTIDE  DISMISSAL]

     On Easter through Pentecost (Paschaltide) the above dismissal is substituted with the following one, which the celebrant or deacon says or sings:

C.:     Go in the peace of Christ.  Alleluia, alleluia.

R.:     Thanks be to God.  Alleluia, alleluia.

     The above Concluding Rite is omitted when the Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament takes place, which is found on the next page.

     If the Mass has been offered during a funeral, then the celebrant will now continue with the remaining parts of the Funeral Rite.  Please kneel during the prayers of the Funeral Rite.

Announcements may be made at this time, please be seated.

     Prayers and blessings for special occasions or needs as well as for ceremonies (such as the presentation of awards) may take place after the announcements.  Please kneel  whenever prayer is offered at those times.

THE  CLOSING  HYMN

     Holy Mass may conclude with the singing of the Closing Hymn, which is usually the Hymn of Resolve or the Hymn of the PNCC below.  When a different Closing Hymn (particularly on Christmas, Easter and Pentecost and the Sundays following those high holy days) or when a recessional hymn will be sung, the selection will be announced or posted on the hymnal boards.  The Closing Hymn may also serve as the hymn for a recession out of the sanctuary and the church.

THE  HYMN  OF  RESOLVE

All:      Moved to the depths

                         of our very souls, Lord,

            We now turn homeward

                         with grateful tear.

            For words Divine the breaking

                         of Bread and

            Thy joyous myst’ries

                         which we did hear.

            For now, O Christ,

                         we gain understanding

            Of Thine own purpose

                         and judgments true;

            Thy fount of grace and

                         water of cleansing

            With which Thy children

                         Thou didst imbue.

     The celebrant bows or genuflects toward the crucifix and the tabernacle and proceeds usually to the back of the church to greet everyone or sometimes to the sacristy.

Please remember to leave the church quietly.

     We show our reverence to the presence of Christ in the tabernacle by remaining quiet whenever we are in the church.  We should also respect those who are offering private prayer or silent meditation in the church.

THE  HYMN  OF  THE  PNCC

All:     Through the years unto Thee, O Lord,

           Faithful service we have rendered,

           At the break of dawn marched sunward,

           At the chains of bondage straining,

           At the chains of bondage straining.

           Unto Thee we built a temple,

           Which for us became a treasure,

           Pouring gifts of faith and courage,

           In it is our hope forever,

           In it is our hope forever.

           Would to God we be faithful ever,

           Would to God this sacred banner

           In our souls and hearts be opened,

           Until death our life does sever,

           Until death our life does sever.

THE  BISHOP’S  BLESSING

     When a bishop is in the sanctuary, the Priest’s Blessing is substituted with the following, which the bishop says or sings:

B.:     Blessed be the name of the Lord.

R.:     Now and forever.

B.:     Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R.:     Who made heaven and earth.

B.:     May almighty God bless you:  The + Father, the + Son and the + Holy Spirit.

R.:     Amen.

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