SUMMARY

1. In the Early Church the normal Eucharist or Mass was a Pontifical High Mass i.e. sung by the bishop with his clergy.  The modern Low Mass or Said Eucharist is really a High Mass cut down.  It was introduced by the monks of the medieval Latin Monasteries.

2. Introit – this begins the Eucharist. It used to be an entrance chant but today an Introit hymn is often sung by the whole congregation.

3. Greeting – when we reply “And with thy spirit” (“And also with you”) we mean, “I am with you in everything you pray for”.  It reminds us that the Eucharist is done by priest and people together.

4. We say the Prayer of Preparation (Collect for Purity) and Prayers of Penitence, which may include singing or saying the Kyries.

5. We say or sing the Gloria, except during Advent and Lent.  The Gloria is followed by the Collect for the Day.

References

1. ©The Archbishops’ Council (2000) Common Worship.  The Order for the celebration of Holy Communion also called the Eucharist and the Lord's Supper, Order One.  Available from:
http://www.cofe.anglican.org/worship/liturgy/commonworship/texts/hc/orderone.html  (Accessed 24 August 2010) (Internet).

2. ©The Archbishops’ Council (2000) Common Worship.  The Order for the celebration of Holy Communion also called the Eucharist and the Lord's Supper, Order One.  Available from:
http://www.cofe.anglican.org/worship/liturgy/commonworship/texts/hc/orderone.html  (Accessed 24 August 2010) (Internet).