- From catholicculture.org
Coming from a Latin word meaning “pertaining to Mass,” the missal, also called the Roman Missal, is a book which contains all of the prayers and readings recited by the priest and other ministers during Mass as well as any additional instructions the priest needs, such as proper motions to make or additional information about a feast or additions to a particular Mass such as processions. As such, it is a key part of any Mass or liturgical celebration. The missal not only contains all of the prayers used on Sundays, but prayers for weekday Masses, special celebrations such as weddings or funerals, and prayers for all of the various feast days and solemnities which occur throughout the year. In addition to the missal used by the priest, members of the congregation often use their own personal missals. These can range from simply containing the readings used at Mass on Sundays to missals which contain everything that would be found in the missal used by the priest. These personal missals serve as a wonderful tool and resource for individuals to grow in their faith, follow along with the lectors at Mass, and come to a better understanding of the Mass itself and the different seasons and cycles of the liturgical year.