How To Pray the Mass, Part 3: The Collect

“Let us pray …”

As Catholics, we’re all familiar with this invitation. It introduces many different prayers, both in private devotions and in the public Liturgy. We might be familiar with the Latin version: Oremus! We may be so familiar, in fact, that we hardly stop to think about the meaning of these words. As it turns out, they are key to helping us pray the Mass more effectively. Let’s explore this concept a little more deeply…

In the Mass, we first hear these words before the Opening Prayer - or, as it is officially called, the Collect. The rubrics of the Liturgy call for the priest to say or sing these words, and then observe a brief period of silence. Perhaps you’ve noticed this and wondered at it before. “Did the altar server open to the wrong page?” “Did Father lose his train of thought?” Or perhaps your priest is less emphatic about the pause, and you’ve never thought twice about it. Whatever Father’s “style,” the fact remains that you should respond to this invitation to prayer!

In this little moment, you have the chance to silently gather up your intentions and place them upon the altar. Remember, the ordained priest is not the only one who offers the Mass! You, as a baptismal priest, are called to offer the Liturgy in your own way. For whom, or for what, do you offer it? Just a few suggestions …

• For a family member or friend who has strayed from the faith

• For someone struggling with serious illness

• For wisdom in a difficult situation you’re facing

• In thanksgiving for a special grace

• In reparation for sins - your own and those of others

Spending a little time in prayer before Mass is an excellent way to formulate these intentions and have them ready to place into the Collect-ion “basket” when the time comes!

After that metaphorical “basket” has been filled with the prayers of the congregation, the priest then offers Mother Church’s official prayer. This oration collects all the individual intentions (hence the name) and unites them to the offering of the Eucharistic sacrifice. While your particular intention may or may not be explicitly mentioned in the text, it is still lifted up in the hands of the Church. What a beautiful manifestation of how you, as a member of the Mystical Body, truly contribute to the Liturgy!