Church of Norway - Worship

Worship

The focus of church life is the Sunday Communion and other services, most commonly celebrated at 11:00 am. The liturgy is similar to that in use in the Catholic Church. The language is entirely Norwegian, apart from the Kyrie Eleison, and the singing of hymns accompanied by organ music is central. A priest (often with lay assistants) celebrates the service, wearing an Alb and Stole. In addition, a Chasuble is worn by the priest during Eucharist, and on an increasing scale during the whole service.

The Church of Norway baptises children, usually infants and usually as part of ordinary Sunday services.

This is a summary of the liturgy for High Mass:

• Praeludium
• Opening Hymn
• Greeting
• Confession of Sin
• Kyrie
• Gloria (This may be omitted during Lent)
• Collect of the Day

(If there is a Baptism it together with the Apostle's Creed may take place here or after the Sermon)

• First Lesson (Old Testament, an Epistle, the Acts of the Apostles or the Revelation to John)
• Hymn of Praise
• Second Lesson (An Epistle, the Acts of the Apostles, the Revelation to John or a Gospel)
• Apostle's Creed
• Hymn before the Sermon
• Sermon (concluding with the Gloria Patri)
• Hymn after the Sermon
• Church Prayer (i.e., Intercessions)

(If there is no Communion, i.e., the Eucharist, the service concludes with the Lord's Prayer, an optional Offering, the Blessing and a moment of silent prayer)

• Hymn before the Communion
• Threefold Dialogue and Proper Preface
• Sanctus
• Prayer before the Lord's Supper,
• Lord's Prayer
• Words of Institution
• Agnus Dei
• Reception of Communion
• Prayer of Thanksgiving after Communion
• Blessing
• Silent Prayer (as the church bell is toned nine(3x3)times)
• Postludium