Gregorian Sacramentary owned by Bishop Hildoard of France

 In the Gregorian Sacramentary owned by Bishop Hildoard of France, circa 810 or so, the following directions are given at the beginning of the text; it is not as intricate as the directions contained in the Mass Ordines of the same time, but, it gives basic directions:

In the Name of the Lord begins the Book of the Sacraments [Liber Sacramentorum] concerning the cycle of the year, expounded by St. Gregory, the Roman Pope, edited from the authentic book of the Library Chamber, written just as the Roman Mass is celebrated.

There is, in the first place, the Introit [Entrance] such as was made in stational times or feast days or regular days, as well as daily, then the Kyrie eleison. Then also is said the “Gloria in excelsis Deo”, if a Bishop is present, and only on the Lord’s Day [Sunday] or Feast Days; however, it is not said by Presbyters except only on Pascha. But when the Litany is done, neither the “Gloria in excelsis Deo” nor the “Alleluia” is sung. Afterwards is said the Oration [Collect], then follows the Apostle [Epistle]. Then the Gradual or Alleluia. Afterwards is read the Gospel. Then the Offertory and the Prayer Over the Oblation [Secret] is said, thence the Priest says in an high voice, “Through all the ages of ages. Amen.”

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And with thy spirit.

V. Lift up your hearts.

R. We lift them up unto the Lord.

V. Let us give thanks unto Our Lord God.

R. It is meet and right so to do.

V. It is very meet and just, right and available for our salvation, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Everlasting God….[here follows the Proper of the Preface]..through Christ Our Lord; through Whom Angels praise Thy Majesty, Dominions adore, Powers tremble. The Heavens, and the Virtues of Heaven, and the Blessed Seraphim unite in one glad voice in extolling Thee. Together with whom, we pray Thee, that Thou wouldest command that our voices should have entrance, humbly confessing Thee, and saying:

Holy, Holy, Holy….

[The Canon of the Mass, Our Father, Embolism Prayer, Pax, and Agnus Dei, follow]