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Ordinary Form·Concluding Rites

Dismissal

'Go forth, the Mass is ended' — the Church is sent on mission.

What happens

The deacon (or, in his absence, the priest) dismisses the people with one of the approved formulas: 'Go forth, the Mass is ended'; 'Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord'; 'Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life'; 'Go in peace.' The people respond, 'Thanks be to God.'

Why it happens

The Dismissal (Ite missa est) gives the Mass its very name: the faithful are 'sent' (missa) to bring forth the fruits of the into the world, continuing Christ's mission through their lives.

Sources

  • GIRM §90c
  • CCC §1332