The Gospel

The Gospel Acclamation (Alleluia or Tract) may be sung or said before the Gospel. When appropriate, the Sequence follows. All stand.

Meanwhile, if incense is used, the Priest puts some into the thurible and blesses it. Then the Deacon who is to proclaim the Gospel, bowing profoundly before the Priest, asks for the blessing, saying in a low voice:

Bid, Father, a blessing.

The Priest says in a low voice:

The Lord be in thy heart and on thy lips, that thou mayest worthily and fitly proclaim his holy Gospel: + in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

The Deacon sings himself with the Sign of the Cross and replies: Amen.

If, however, a Deacon is not present, the Priest, bowing before the altar, says quietly:

The Lord be in my heart and on my lips, that I may worthily and fitly proclaim his holy Gospel. Amen.

The Deacon, or the Priest, (carrying the Book of Gospels) then proceeds in the customary manner to the place at which the Gospel will be proclaimed, accompanied, as appropriate, by servers with incense and candles.