4“Lord, have mercy”

What you’ll see: a short silence. On some Sundays, especially at Easter, the priest walks round sprinkling everyone with holy water instead.

Together we admit that we’re sinners and ask for God’s mercy, like the blind men who called out to Jesus. This prepares us for Mass, but it isn’t Confession: serious sins still need the Sacrament of Penance before Communion.

Do At “through my fault”, tap your chest gently.

Say “I confess to almighty God…” and “Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.”

Learn it in Latin: Confiteor and Kyrie

Did you know?

Which three ancient languages can you hear at Mass?

For parentsThe theology behind this moment, and where every fact comes from

Go deeper

Sin, Confession and CommunionWhat the “Lord, have mercy” does, what Communion does, and when Confession comes first.

Worth knowing

The priest’s prayer at the end “lacks the efficacy of the Sacrament of Penance” (GIRM 51). Anyone aware of a serious sin goes to Confession before receiving Communion (CCC 1385; Can. 916). Teaching

Where this comes from

Teaching The Kyrie praises the Lord and asks for his mercy (GIRM 52).
Teaching The sprinkling recalls our baptism (GIRM 51).
Two blind men call out, “Lord, Son of David, have pity on us!” (Matthew 20:30–31); the tax collector beats his breast and prays, “O God, be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13).

What the labels mean: Teaching, Tradition and Tip.