Extraordinary Form·Mass of the Catechumens
Introit
An antiphon and psalm verse proper to the day.
What happens
Having ascended the altar and kissed it (and incensed it at High Mass), the priest goes to the Epistle side and reads the Introit — an antiphon, a verse of a psalm, the Gloria Patri, and the antiphon again — proper to the day.
Why it happens
The Introit sets the theme of the day's celebration, drawing the mind of the priest and faithful into the mystery being honored. Its name (from introire, 'to enter') reflects its origin as the chant accompanying the entrance.
Sources
- 1962 MR Ordo Missae; Proprium de Tempore
- RS IV, 1