WHY IS THE PRIEST 
FACING THE OTHER WAY? 

During the four weeks of Advent, here at St. Paul Parish we are celebrating Mass “Ad Orientem.”  This means that at certain times of the Mass, both priest and people are facing the same direction toward the Lord.  This gesture is not as common as it once was and there are sometimes misunderstandings about its use.  This pamphlet aims to educate parishioners and visitors on the background and reasons for this practice.  It is not an exhaustive treatment but our hope is that it helps everyone to more deeply enter into the glorious mystery of the Sacrifice of the Mass, which is the source and summit of our lives.  

What does “ad orientem” mean?
It is Latin meaning, “toward the east.” It denotes the direction of our worship as toward God. The priest and people turn together in the one act of worship of the Father through the Son in the unity of the Holy Spirit. 

Why do this at all?
Within our Catholic worship there is a rich tapestry of varied yet ordered symbols in many parts of the Mass.  Many aspects remain constant, but for instance, musical settings, liturgical colors, and certain prayers may change depending upon the occasion or season.  Within this tapestry of structure and diversity, the Church gives different options to pastorally lead the faithful into full, actual, and conscious participation in the Mass. Options like incense, candles, and certain decorations may not be required, yet we use them to help us appreciate more the Mystery of God’s Presence. 
Since the early church, Christians, following in the footsteps of our Jewish ancestors, put great emphasis on symbols including how we stand and where we look in our worship. While “ad orientem” may not have been universal or codified in church law until much later, it has definitely been a large part of our liturgical tradition for centuries.  With this simple “turn” we can recall and connect with the generations before us who grew in holiness and showed their faith through this way of worshiping. Our goal is to grow in appreciation of the fullness of our Liturgical heritage, including “ad orientem.”

Is it allowed? 
Yes, this a legitimate option. Unfortunately, due in part to the almost exclusive use of the “versus populum” (turning to the people) option, the impression given is that “Ad orientem” is forbidden.  This is not true.  The current General Instruction of the Roman Missal foresees both options being used.  At St. Paul we try to expose people to as much of the Roman Rite as we can.
“Have we been doing it wrong?”
This is not a question of right or wrong.  We are dealing with two legitimate options the Church gives us for how the priest faces during certain parts of the Mass.  This is not a condemnation of previous practice for the same reason that “turning toward the people”  should not be a condemnation of the previous norm of “ad orientem.”  Ultimately we are called to be humble before the liturgical encounter with our Blessed Lord.

What is the symbolic significance of “ad orientem”?
A few aspects of the symbolic meaning of “Ad orientem” worship include: 

A focus on the transcendence of God, which directs our gaze heavenward toward our Creator.  This focus does not discount but indirectly highlights the immanence of God humbly coming to us through the sacrament. The Triune God does not remain distant or aloof but comes from the Heavens to dwell with His people.

Pointing to the end times.  We are awaiting the second coming of the Lord and so we “look east” which is where the sun rises.  How appropriate since the sun symbolizes the Son of God Who comes.  This is also why “Ad orientem” is so appropriate for the season of Advent when we not only prepare to celebrate Christ’s coming at Christmas, but also look for His Coming at the Final Judgment.

An emphasis on the Offertory and the Eucharistic Prayer parts of the Mass (since that is when the priest turns), thus visually showing their importance as central to the celebration.
Indirectly deemphasizing the individual priest celebrating Mass (since one cannot see his face at this time), which points to the truth that it is Christ Himself Who consecrates bread and wine into His Body and Blood making Present the event of our salvation.

Shows forth a pointed focus where all (priest and assembly) are looking beyond themselves contained in this place and time to the more universal and cosmic dimension of the Mass which extends  the world and across time.

Let us turn our eyes and hearts to the Lord and be renewed in His grace this Advent season!