"Let us pray" — and then a moment of silence, before the priest gathers the people's prayers into one. What is the Collect, why is it called that, and why does the priest lift his hands as King Solomon once did?
This session examines the Collect — the opening prayer that "collects" the silent prayers of the faithful into a single petition. Dr. Pitre breaks down its four-part structure (address, relative clause, request, Trinitarian conclusion) using the Collects for the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Day, and explains the bow of the head at the name of Jesus. He then grounds the gesture and form in Scripture: David's prayer as incense with uplifted hands (Psalm 141), and Solomon's great "collect" at the dedication of the Temple, hands spread toward heaven (1 Kings 8). Historical witnesses include St. Gelasius composing prayers for the sacraments, St. Gregory editing the sacramentary, and the Second Council of Lyons on bowing at the Holy Name. St. Robert Bellarmine supplies the mystical reading of the priest's uplifted hands. Why is it called a "Collect," and what does the posture mean?
Key passages & sources examined: Roman Missal, Order of Mass no. 9; GIRM 275; Collects for the 4th Sunday of Advent & the Nativity (Mass During the Day); Psalm 141:1–2; 1 Kings 8:22–25, 30; Phil 2:9–10; Exodus 17:11–12; 1 Timothy 2:8; Liber Pontificalis (Gelasius); Walafrid Strabo on Gregory's sacramentary; Second Council of Lyons (1274), Constitution 25; St. Robert Bellarmine, On the Mass, ch. 15
What is the Collect prayer in the Catholic Mass? It is the prayer that concludes the Introductory Rites, in which the priest "collects" the people's silent intentions into one petition addressed to God. The video walks through its structure and history.
Why is it called a "Collect"? The session takes up the name directly, tied to the gathering of the people's prayers — watch for the explanation.
Why does the priest extend his hands during the Collect? Dr. Pitre connects the gesture to Moses, Solomon, David, and St. Paul, with Bellarmine's mystical commentary — explored in full in the video.
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I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
