Common Preface is one of the general Roman Missal prefaces that expresses a broad motive of thanksgiving and may be used when the rubrics do not require a more specific proper or seasonal preface.[1]
A broad text within a richly varied preface collection
The current Roman Missal contains several Common Prefaces placed among the authorized prefaces for use where a more specific text is not prescribed. They proclaim fundamental reasons for thanksgiving in creation, redemption, the Church, and Christian life without being tied exclusively to one feast. Common means broadly available under the rubrics, not generic filler or a text of lesser theological worth.
The preface remains the opening of the Eucharistic Prayer. It follows the dialogue, leads to the Sanctus, and is proclaimed by the priest alone while the whole assembly's thanksgiving is voiced through him. A Common Preface may be selected only within the possibilities of the day, formulary, and Eucharistic Prayer; convenience cannot override a required proper text.
Not the Common of Saints
The Common of Martyrs, Pastors, Virgins, or Holy Men and Women supplies Mass and Office texts for classes of saints. A Common Preface is a differently classified part of the Missal. A saint's memorial can use a preface from an appropriate Common or another permitted preface, but the similar word common does not make these book structures identical.[2]
Use with Eucharistic Prayers
Eucharistic Prayer II may be used with other prefaces, especially those that summarize the mystery of salvation, such as the Common Prefaces. Eucharistic Prayer III also admits varying prefaces. Eucharistic Prayer IV's fixed preface restricts its use on days possessing a proper preface. These relations are liturgical rules, not preferences about rhetorical style.
Lawful selection
The priest first establishes the principal celebration and its rubric. If the day requires or strongly directs a seasonal, proper, ritual, saint, or dead preface, a Common Preface does not displace it. Where freedom exists, the chosen text should fit the readings and mystery and should preserve the unity of the Eucharistic Prayer.
A Common Preface cannot be rewritten to insert the name of a saint, civic event, donor, or local theme. Nor may several prefaces be stitched together. The Church's abundant approved selection exists precisely so that pastoral suitability can be achieved without private composition of the Eucharistic Prayer.
Catechetical value and exact citation
Because a Common Preface expresses central salvation history rather than one narrow occasion, it can illuminate the stable theological architecture of Christian thanksgiving. Its language should be preached and studied as part of the Church's prayer, while its precise doctrinal force follows the truths and authority embodied in each proposition.
Citation should identify the numbered or titled Common Preface, Missal edition, language, and territorial approval. Historical books may use common preface in another scheme, and an older text's numbering may not match the present edition. Clear references prevent a familiar translation or online worship aid from being mistaken for the current approved liturgical text.[3]
References
- 1.General Instruction of the Roman Missal, chapter VII — The approved rules for choosing readings, orations, prefaces, Eucharistic Prayers, proper texts, Commons, seasonal texts, and other permitted formularies
- 2.General Instruction of the Roman Missal — The confirmed English edition of the Roman Missal's general instruction governing the structure, texts, choices, ministers, gestures, and pastoral celebration of Mass
- 3.General Instruction of the Roman Missal, chapter VIII — The approved Roman norms for Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions, Votive Masses, Funeral Masses, and other Masses for the Dead