Several days ago, I told a story about seeing something at Mass that I'd never seen before, and I appreciate the charity and kindness extended by commenters on that post.
Well, yesterday at Mass, I saw another unusually rare occurrence. Ladies and Gentlemen: Eucharistic Prayer #1.
In the Ordinary Mass that most of us are familiar with, there are some options for the priest here and there to use at his discretion. A lot of the daily prayers have an option between different texts, the priest can pick which one he likes better or would fit the situation (say, a Mass attended by schoolchildren and a pre-work Mass at 6:15 AM have distinctly different needs). During the "Liturgy of the Eucharist" part of Mass (the communion part that happens after the "Liturgy of the Word" where the biggest bulk of Bible readings are read), there are four "Eucharistic Prayers" that the priest can pick from. As far as I understand, the priest can pick any of the four for any reason--or no reason in particular (I will stand to correction if I'm wrong).
Typically you hear EP II or EP III. EP 2 is the shortest and simplest, if a bit... dippy. EP 3 is also uncomplicated and a common fixture at Mass. EP 1 is quite similar to the old Latin Mass, translated to English and regularizing the language a bit. But it's extremely rare. Not as rare as EP 4, which might as well be purged from the book for its total disuse.
I guess since yesterday was the feast day of Saint Peter and Saint Paul-- two of the greatest saints in Christian history, father decided to "step it up" a bit and use an Eucharistic Prayer that mentions a couple of saints in it.
I wanted to thank the priest after Mass for doing something radical like that, but didn't get a chance to do so. I know that priests only hear complaints about Mass or get the vague "nice homily" comments, so a specific compliment would probably be a welcome change of pace. But I did like the little variation. I wonder what it'd take to get father to even try EP 4? I guess I shouldn't push my luck, and using a Mass prayer for novelty's sake probably isn't fitting either.
But still, the rarity wasn't lost on me this time. So here's your homework, gentle reader. The next time you're at Mass, follow along in the daily missal during the Eucharistic Prayer part, and if you hear anything besides EP 2 and EP 3, let me know. It's nice to think that the Church will use all of her liturgy every now and then, not just the shortest versions.
Comments (4)
I love EP1 (The Roman Canon) I am always impressed when it is used, and you are right EP # 4 is rare and I can only recall hearing it a handful of times.
For the record there are suggested guidelines on when each Anaphora is suppose to be used, it stats that the EP1 is fitting ANY and ALL times.
I usually record the mass that is on the Hallmark Channel from the University of Norte Dame (alas June 29th was the last one televised but you can still catch it online. I usually put it on and listen to it as background noise as I do whatever I do... 2 Sundays ago.. I was listening as the priest Started the Canon and I was Shocked to hear EP #4 its quite different Im honestly still not sure how to feel about it. There are other EP's as well that Im Leary of Such as EP for Reconciliation 1 and 2 and the EP for children s liturgy.
It was much simpler when we couldnt even hear the words of institution we could just kneel there in Awe and wonder
Posted by Christopher | June 30, 2008 10:40 AM
Posted on June 30, 2008 10:40
Recently, EWTN has been using EP I for their daily Masses. I have heard it at least three times in the last 10 days. I always perk up when I hear EP I, first of all because of the list of Saints' names, and secondly because it was the first, and for quite some time, the ONLY EP when the Novus Ordo was initiated. I love the "litany of saints" in EP I.
pam j
Posted by pam j | June 30, 2008 7:45 PM
Posted on June 30, 2008 19:45
3 months ago, we started having the TLM on Tuesday mornings. About a month ago, Father used the Roman Canon, EP1, on a Sunday. I think I've only heard it a few times in my 25 years in the Novus Ordo. Since then, he's been alternating it. I think he's trying to slowly break it in so as not to scare people :). I made sure to mention my gratitude that he used that prayer. The invocation of the Saints is truly powerful and it really seems like there is something missing without it.
Posted by captainbozo | June 30, 2008 10:55 PM
Posted on June 30, 2008 22:55
Hi Christopher-- I'm impressed that you've ever seen EP4, even more that it was on a TV Mass! I doubt that I've ever seen it at all.
Hi pam j-- this is like the ten bajillionth reason that I'd like to get EWTN again. If it ever comes back on the "standard tier" of the cable package, I'll totally check that out. Thanks for the tip.
Hi 'cap-- you make an interesting point how the TLM seems to "re-orient" your thinking about the Novus Ordo (and despite what a lot of the blogosphere would suggest, not always in a bad way). It has made me really focus in on the Liturgy, so it's good to see your priest introduce the formal tone of EP1 as a bridge between the TLM and the Ordinary Mass.
Posted by WRC | July 2, 2008 10:06 AM
Posted on July 2, 2008 10:06