Extraordinary Form·Mass of the Catechumens
Collect
The priest 'collects' the prayers of the faithful.
What happens
At the Epistle side, the priest greets the people ('Dominus vobiscum') and, with hands extended, prays the proper to the day. Additional Collects (commemorations) may follow as the rubrics prescribe.
Why it happens
The gathers the petitions of the faithful into a single priestly prayer offered to the Father through Christ. It expresses the particular grace sought on the day's or Sunday.
Sources
- 1962 MR Ordo Missae; Proprium
- RS V, 1