The celebrant begins the Canon with a short introductory greeting to the congregation and dialogue followed by the Preface, the great prayer of praise and thanksgiving (proper to the Mass):
v. Dominus vobiscum.
r. Et cum spiritu tuo.
v. Sursum corda.
r. Habemus ad Dominum.
v. Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
r. Dignum et justum est.
v. The Lord be with you.
r. And with your spirit.
v. Lift up your hearts.
r. We lift them up to the Lord.
v. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
r. It is meet and right.
The following common Preface is said or sung by the celebrant throughout the year at Masses which have no proper Preface:
Vere dignum et justum est, aequum et salutare, nos tibi semper, et ubique gratias agere: Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, aeterne Deus: per Christum Dominum nostrum. Per quam majestatem tuam laudant Angeli, adorant Dominationes, tremunt Potestates. Caeli, caelorumque Virtutes, ac beata Seraphim, socia exsultatione concelebrant. Cum quibus et nostras voces, ut admitti jubeas, deprecamur, supplici confessione dicentes:
It is truly meet and just, right and availing to salvation, that we should at all times and in all places give thank to you, O holy Lord, Father almighty and everlasting God, through Christ our Lord. Through whom the angels praise your majesty, the dominions worship it, the powers stand in awe. The heavens, and the heavenly hosts, and the blessed seraphim join together in celebrating their joy. With whom we pray you join our voices also, while we say with lowly praise:
At sung Masses, all may join in singing the Sanctus and Benedictus.
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt caeli et terrae gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis.
Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
At sung Masses, the Benedictus is sung after the Elevations.