LEARNING THE MASS - SanctaMissa.org

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTORY PRINCIPLES
1. VOICE
TWO TONES
There are two tones of voice used in the Low Mass: the loud tone, indicated in the
rubrics by the words,vox clara and the low tone, the vox secreta.
The rubrics of the Missal suppose that a priest using the vox clara, loud tone,
should be able to be heard by all who are not at a great distance from the altar, but add
the warning that no priest should interfere with or disturb other priests saying Masses at
the same time.
The modified or medium tone is midway between the loud and low tones. It
should be heard by the server and by those near the altar.
The low tone should be heard by the priest himself, but not by anyone beyond the
steps of the altar. It is described thus in the rubrics: ut et ipsemet se audiat, et a
circumstantibus non audiatur.
When Tones Are Used
The loud tone or vox clara is used in a Low Mass in those parts which are sung in
a Solemn Mass by the celebrant, deacon, sub-deacon, choir, or schola cantorum; in
addition, the Nomine Patris, etc., and the Prayers at the Foot of the Altar, the two words,
Orate Fratres, Sanctus, Benedictus, the words, Nobis Quoque Peccatoribus, the words
Domine non sum dignus, before the celebrant’s Communion, the formula for the
Communion of the faithful, the Blessing and the Last Gospel.
The low tone or vox secreta is used at all other times (ef. Motu Proprio, July 26,
1960).
II. EYES
A. The eyes are raised to the cross nine times during Mass:
1. Just before the Munda cor meum
2. Before the Suscipe, sancta Pater in offering the host
3. During the entire Offerimus tibi
4. At the words Veni, sanctificator
5. Before Suscipe, sancta Trinitas
6. At the words Deo nostro in the versicle Gratias agamus of the Preface
7. Before the words Te igitur in the beginning of the Canon
8. At the words elevates in caelum before the Consecration of the host
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