The Sacrifice of the Mass; the Celebrant

The Sacrifice of the Mass.—In the Eucharist is contained not only a Sacrament which confers the grace of spiritual nutrition on its recipients, but also a sacrifice which offers to God Christ’s oblation as an act of adoration, thanksgiving, satisfaction and intercession. It is this sacrifice—which is one with the sacrifice of the cross, though offered unbloodily—that is known as the Mass. The chief persons who have duties in reference to the Mass are the celebrant and the assistants.

(a) The celebrant is the priest, who acts in the name and person of Christ. To say Mass validly one must have the power of Orders conferred in the presbyterate or priesthood, and must intend to consecrate (see 2701 b); to say Mass licitly one must be free from impediments which debar from Mass, such as suspension or irregularity. Strange priests who wish to say Mass are required to present a celebret or testimonial letter to the rector of the church (Canon 804), without prejudice, however, to their right to say Mass once or twice when they present themselves in clerical garb and sign the visiting priest’s book.

(b) The assistants are all those who hear Mass. Their duties were already explained in the question on the first precept of the Church (2576 sqq.). We shall confine ourselves here, therefore, to the duties of the celebrant.