Ad Orientem - To the East

Ad Orientem simply means “to the East” and refers to the priest facing the same direction as the people during the Mass—towards the Lord. I first experienced praying the Mass this way as a lay person in a small chapel near New Ulm several years ago. The Sanctuary was very small so there was no option for a free-standing altar. In all other respects, the Mass was typical—in English, with the same readings, etc.—that you would normally have. But, when it came time for the Eucharistic Prayer—where the priest prays the words of consecration—I was transfixed!

Here was the priest facing the same direction as me towards our heavenly Father. It became clear that he wasn’t performing for the congregation, or even speaking to the congregation for that matter. He was speaking on behalf of the congregation to God! He was saying the same words as any other Mass, only the direction he was facing had changed. But this changed everything! This transcendent experience culminated when he lifted the host and chalice in offering to the Father, saying, “Through Him, and with Him and in Him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is Yours forever and ever.” I felt the “Amen” deeper in my soul, as it were. Needless to say, it was an incredibly powerful moment for me!

When it comes to praying the Mass Ad Orientem, the Church offers a beautiful opportunity to the faithful to stand before God as brothers and sisters, together with the clergy who beseech God’s blessing on His people. This is not so much a question of whether the clergy face the people as to Whom liturgical prayer is oriented. All liturgical prayer is directed to the Father, through the Son in the power of the Holy Spirit. Praying Ad Orientem allows for the exterior, physical posture to line up with the internal, spiritual posture.

For June, July and August, on the first Friday of the Month, the 8:00 AM Mass will be celebrated Ad Orientem as an opportunity for all to experience this way of praying the Mass together. Mass will follow this format:

• The Liturgy of the Word will be celebrated facing towards the congregation (this is how we currently celebrate) with the exception of the collect prayer as it is directed to God
• The Liturgy of the Eucharist will be celebrated with the congregation and the celebrant facing the altar together (with the exception of those dialogue parts which are directed from the celebrant towards the congregation)

All are invited to pray the Mass together in this beautiful expression of our Catholic faith. At the end of the summer, Father Tom will discern if this practice will continue and, if so, in which way. Any and all feedback is welcomed and encouraged—please let Father Tom know what you think!  To learn more about the beautiful practice of praying the Mass Ad Orientem, please take a look at this more in-depth article.

— Deacon Eric