And also with you. Sisters and brothers in Christ, from the earliest days of the church, Christians have observed with great devotion the time of our Lord's passion and resurrection. It became the custom of the church to prepare for this by a season of penitence and fasting. At first this season was observed by those who were preparing for baptism at Easter and by those who, having been excommunicated, were to be restored to the communion of the church. By keeping these days with care and attention Christians might take to heart the call to repentance and the assurance of forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel, and grow in faith and devotion to our Lord.
Silence is kept.
The following may be used. Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us. The priest says Let us pray. One or two lessons and the Gospel Reading are read. The Sermon Silence is kept.