How to Assist Spiritually at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass when it is not possible to be phyically present

    When one cannot physically be present at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and does not have a Missal to follow the Ordinary or Propers of the Holy Mass, following is a method for hearing Holy Mass spiritually as suggested by The Key of Heaven.

   In these times when the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass as always fulfilled in the Traditional Latin Mass - the Tridentine Mass (which Pope Saint Pius V decreed must be said "in perpetuity" in his Papal Bull Quo Primum) is so scarce throughout the universal Church, many have inquired what are they to do?

   More and more over the past 40 years, because of the absence of the True Mass, the lack of dedicated priests, and the insidious takeover of Holy Mother Church by apostate bishops, it is often not possible to physically attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass as it should be said. Other times, because of distances, illness, transportation problems, etc. many may not be able to hear Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. Causes may excuse bodily presence but do not dispense us from uniting ourselves in spirit to those who actually have the blessing of being physically in God's holy temple to assist at Holy Mass.

   The Sundays and Feasts were instituted by the Church that we may render unto God that worship which we owe Him every moment of our lives. This worship is, of course, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass; and it is offered for us even when we are not actually present. But to enjoy the benefits which it procures, we must by a SPIRITUAL COMMUNION become partakers of the altar from which we are temporarily banished.

   In order to do this in absentia of a church or chapel where the Tridentine Mass is offered, we should exhibit a longing to be there physically. In lieu of this, we should prepare a home shrine with a Crucifix, statues of Our Lord, His Blessed Mother Mary, a vigil light candle and pious pictures of saints or the Holy Mass such as an inspiring painting that unites the Communion of Saints. Before these sacramental reminders we should kneel together as a family - or individually, if alone.

   Then, transporting ourselves in spirit before the altar where the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is being celebrated, let us endeavor to follow the Holy Mass as performed there. Preparation is paramount for such an august prayer, always keeping in mind that this should never replace Holy Mass when one has reasonable access to assisting at the Holy Sacrifice itself. Also, it is very important to note that we cannot concelebrate with the priest, only assist in offering ourselves with Christ on the Cross through the alter Christi - the priest to the Father in propitiation for our sins, in praise and adoration, in petition, and thanksgiving for the graces and gifts God has bestowed upon each of us. Below you can go to the Ordinary of the Mass as well as for the Proper of the Day and pray at home before your shrine.

For assisting in absentia at the Daily Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, one can

• Pray a decade of the Rosary, then say the
• Confiteor,
• Our Father (Pater Noster),
• Domine non sum dignus, and the special
• Act of Union With the Sacrifice of the Mass when we cannot assist at it. Then quiet, meditative time spent in thanksgiving and the
• Leonine Prayers.
  

On Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation it is strongly recommended that one pray the Holy Rosary as preparation for Mass, then:

Form of Making a Good Intention Before Holy Mass

(To be used when, by reasonable cause, one is hindered from attending the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass as it was always intended to be said)

   I (we) believe, Lord Jesus, that in the Last Supper Thou offered up a true Sacrifice; I (we) believe it because Thou hast made it known to us through Thy Holy Catholic Church, which from apostolic times has constantly taught the same to us. Since Thou didst command the Apostles and the priests ordained by them to do the same until the end of time, I (we) therefore offer to Thee with the priest this Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (which I (we) believe to be one with that offered on Mount Calvary) to Thy honor and glory, in acknowledgment of my (our) most bounden service, in thanksgiving for the innumerable benefits which Thou hast conferred upon me (us) and upon the whole world, in satisfaction for my (our) sins and the sins of all mankind, and for obtaining the grace of perfect contrition for my (our) sins. I (we) also offer it for my (our) enemies, that they may be converted, for all the faithful departed, particularly for my (our) parents and relatives, and for the welfare of all Christendom.

Prayers During the Time of Divine Services

(Heartfelt desire to participate in the Holy Sacrifice.)

   Most Holy Trinity, God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, almighty Source of all things; my (our) best Father, my (our) merciful Redeemer, the Fountain of my (our) sanctification and happiness, I (we), Thy most unworthy creature (s), venture to appear before Thee, to show to Thee, my (our) true God and Creator, all honor, adoration, and trustful submission; to thank Thee for the innumerable benefits which I (we) have received from Thee, to praise Thee for Thy glory (for I am (we are) created for Thy praise); to implore Thy mercies, and to appease Thy justice, because I (we) have so often and so grievously sinned against Thee.

   All this I (we) cannot do in a worthier and more perfect manner than by hearing, with faith and devotion, Holy Mass. For in that Holy Sacrifice is offered to Thee the most sublime Sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, the most efficacious sacrifice of supplication and propitiation, the most worthy Sacrifice of salvation for the living and the dead. But because I (we) cannot this day be present bodily at Holy Mass, I (we) will, at least in spirit, place myself (ourselves) before the altar where Jesus Christ, in an unbloody manner, offers Himself, O Heavenly Father, to Thee. With this glorious Sacrifice I (we) unite my (our) present prayer; I (we) fervently desire, united with the Son of God, in the strongest manner of praise, love, supplicate Thee, O Heavenly Father, to repair all the wrong and shame that I (we) have wrought, and completely to accomplish all that can be accomplished by the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. To this end give me (us) Thy divine grace, and grant that I (we) may perform all this with sincere devotion. Amen.

(Here you may turn to your missal and follow the Prayers at the foot of the Altar and Psalm 42 - Judica me for the Mass of the Catechumens.)

CONTRITION

   Holy Father, I (we) confess with sorrow that I (we) have seldom served Thee with an undivided heart, but rather have often offended Thee, and by my (our) slothfulness and neglect have brought upon myself (ourselves) infinitely great guilt before Thee.

Latin Confiteor Deo omnipotenti, beatae Mariae semper Virgini, beato Michaeli Archangelo, beato Joanni Baptistae, sanctis Apostolis Petro et Paulo, omnibus Sanctis, et tibi Pater: quia peccavi nimis cogitatione, verbo, et opere: (Strike breast three times) Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. Ideo precor beatam Mariam semper Virginem, beatum Michaelem Archangelum, beatum Joannem Baptistam, sanctos Apostolis Petrum et Paulum, omnes Sanctos, et te Pater, orare pro me ad Dominum Deum nostrum. Indulgentiam + absolutionem, et remissionem peccatorum nostrorum, tribuat nobis omnipotens et misericors Dominus.			Vernacular I confess to almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to you, Father, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed: (Strike breast three times) Through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech the blessed Mary, ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Saints, and you, Father, to pray to the Lord our God for me. May the + almighty and merciful Lord grant us pardon, absolution, and remission of our sins. Amen.

(Here you may turn to your missal for the Collect, Epistle, Gradual and Gospel for the Mass of the Day. Spend some time in quiet meditation on Christ's words in the Gospel. If said in a group, reverently discuss the message of the Gospel without self interpreting the meaning. Then, on Sundays and Holy Days, pray the Nicene Creed in preparation for the Mass of the Faithful.)

PETITION

   I (we) therefore take refuge in the merits of Thy Beloved Son, now present upon the altar, Who so freely commends and imparts to us His grace and favor. In the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass Jesus offers to Thee for me (us), the highest veneration and love, the most perfect praise, the most hearty thanksgiving, and the most kind expiation. For the perfect forgiveness of my (our) sins, O Heavenly Father, I (we) offer up to Thee the whole suffering and death of Jesus Christ, which are now, in an unbloody manner, renewed upon the altar. O most benign Father, Thy Son has suffered and died even for me (us), poor sinner (s). With thankful love I (we) bring before Thee, as a precious and pleasing offering, the infinite merits of His suffering and death. I (we) firmly trust that, on account of this inestimable sacrifice of Thy Son, Thou wilt not regard my (our) guilt, and that Thou wilt increase in me (us) Thy graces. Amen.

   O Father of mercies, and God of all consolation, to Thee I (we) turn for help and grace. Graciously took upon my (our) misery and wretchedness, and let my (our) supplications come before Thee. That I (we) may the more surely be heard by Thee, I (we) appear before the throne of Thy grace, which, for our salvation, is set up in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, where the innocent Lamb of God is mysteriously offered up to Thee, Holy Father, Almighty God, for the remission of our sins. Regard, I (we) beseech Thee, the innocence of this holy Sacrifice, and for the sake thereof extend to me (us) Thy mercy. O dear Savior, how great is that love of Thine for me (us) which, to make satisfaction for my (our) sins, and to gain me (us) the grace of Thy Father, impelled Thee to endure for me (us) such bitter pains, and even death itself! How great is yet that love of Thine for me (us) which causes Thee, in every Holy Mass, to renew, in an unbloody manner, Thy death of propitiation, in order to apply and communicate to me (us) Thy merits! With my (our) whole heart I (we) thank Thee for this, Thy great love, and from the depths of my (our) soul (s), I (we) beseech Thee to make me (us) partaker (s) of the fruit of it, and to strengthen and confirm me (us) by the grace of the Holy Ghost, that I (we) may detest sin and all unholy living, that I (we) may crucify my (our) flesh, with all its passions, deny myself (ourselves), and follow in Thy footsteps, that all my (our) thoughts and words, all that I (we) do or leave undone, may be a living service of God, and a sacrifice well pleasing to Him.

   As Thou hast offered up to Thy Heavenly Father Thyself, so take me (us) also in the arms of Thy love and mercy, and present me (us), poor erring sinner (s), as an offering to Thy Father, and let me (us) no more be separated from His love. Amen.

(Here you may turn to your missal for the Offertory Prayer and the Secret for the Proper of the Mass of the Day.)

In keeping with the august mystery and the silence of many prayers during Adoration and Spiritual Communion, it is recommended that those prayers are said in silence and singularly. You may want to follow the Canon in your Missal.

PRAISE AND ADORATION

   O most holy Jesus, before Thee the Heavenly choirs kneel and adore; with them I lift up my voice and cry: Holy, holy, holy, art Thou, O Lord of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of Thy grace and glory. Tho art present, O Jesus under the appearance of bread and wine. Hear, O my prayer! I strike my breast and confess my unworthiness; but with firm confidence I implore Thee, O Jesus, be merciful to me! O most benign Jeus, forgive me my sins! O holy Blood, wash me from my sins! O precious Blood of Jesus, O Blood of Jesus, rich in grace, cry out to Heaven for mercy upon me! Most holy God, receive this precious Blood, together with the love through which it was shed; receive it as an offering of my love and thankfulness, for the greatest glory of Thy Name; for the forgiveness of my sins; in satisfaction of the punishments which I have deserved; for the washing away of the stains of my guilt, as reparation for all my neglects, and as amendment for all the sins which I have committed through ignorance or frailty; receive it also as a sacrifice for the consolation of the afflicted; for the conversion of sinners; for the recovery of the sick and suffering; for the strengthening of those who draw near to death; for the refreshment, purification, and deliverance of souls of the departed in Purgatory. Amen.

   To Thee, O most benign Jesus, I lift up my eyes and my heart. Oh, turn upon me Thy gracious countenance, and Thy true love. Behold, O Lord, my manifest need, and the great danger of my soul. Receive me, O Thou Who art my only true mediator and helper! Be Thou, through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mas, my salvation, and obtain for me the entire remission of my sins. Oh, represent to Thy Father how cruelly Thou wast scourged, crowned, crucified and put to death for us, and thereby reconcile with the strict justice of God me, miserable sinner. Amen.

Latin Pater noster, Qui es in Caelis: Sanctificetur nomen Tuum: Adveniat regnum Tuum: Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in Caelo, et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie: Et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem. Sed libera nos a malo. Amen.			Vernacular Our Father Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our tresspasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. Amen.

   O Lamb of God, Who didst suffer for us, miserable sinners, have mercy upon me, and offer up to the Father Thy Passion for the forgiveness of my sins!

O Lamb of God, Who didst die for us, miserable sinners, have mercy upon me, and offer up to God Thy death in satisfaction for my sins!

O Lamb of God, Who didst sacrifice Thyself for us, miserable sinners, have mercy upon me, and offer up Thy holy Blood to the Father for the cleansing of my soul!

   Heavenly Father, I offer up to Thee, this precious and most worthy oblation. My sins are more in number than the hairs of my head, but, O just and merciful God, lay this precious offering in the one scale and my sins in the other, and that will far outweigh my guilt. O merciful, O holy God, give me Thy blessing before I end my prayer, and through this blessing let me obtain grace at once to begin to amend my life, and to renounce whatever is sinful and displeasing to Thee. Support me in my weakness; strengthen me when temptations assail me, and let me never forget that Thou art near me.

   O precious day! but perhaps the last of my life! O happy day! if it shall make me better! Holy Mother of God, Mary, holy Angels and friends of God, pray for me and lead me in the way of truth. O God, grant Thy love to the living, and Thy peace to the dead. Amen. Hail Mary...

Latin Domine non sum dignus, ut intres sub tectum meum: sed tantum dic verbo et sanabitur anima mea.			Vernacular Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; say but the word and my soul shall be healed.

Act of Union With the Sacrifice of the Mass when we cannot assist at it

   As I cannot this day enjoy the happiness of assisting at the holy Mysteries, O my God! I transport myself in spirit at the foot of Thine altar; I unite with the Church, which by the hands of the priest, offers Thee Thine adorable Son in the Holy Sacrifice; I offer myself with Him, by Him, and in His Name. I adore, I praise, and thank Thee, imploring Thy mercy, invoking Thine assistance, and presenting Thee the homage I owe Thee as my Creator, the love due to Thee as my Savior. Apply to my soul, I beseech Thee, O merciful Jesus, Thine infinite merits; apply them also to those for whom I particularly wish to pray. I desire to communicate spiritually, that Thy Blood may purify, Thy Flesh strengthen, and Thy Spirit sanctify me. May I never forget that Thou, my divine Redeemer, hast died for me; may I die to all that is not Thee, that hereafter I may live eternally with Thee. Amen.

THANKSGIVING

(Here it is recommended to spend some quiet time in meditation and thanksgiving, interiorly visualizing receiving Jesus in Holy Communion. Then prayers such as the Anima Christi, Obsecro Te, and/or the Prayer Before the Crucifix, or other prayers after Communion in your missal. Then, you can read the Communion and Post Communion Prayer for the Proper of the Mass of the Day.)

Make the Sign of the Cross for the Blessing, and then, if you wish, you may pray in silence the Last Gospel of John 1: 1-14.

   Afterwards, finish aloud the Leonine Prayers.

ASSISTING IN ABSENTIA AT HOLY MASS www.DailyCatholic.org