From a reader…
QUAERITUR:
While vesting for Mass, a member of the clergy (at least in the EF; the priests I know do it for OF too) will say a set of prayers as he is putting the different vestments on. As un-ordained servers wear some of the same vestments (exs: the cassock, sometimes an alb), would it be appropriate for a server to say the prayers for those vestments?
(ex: [look… if you are going to abbreviate “for example”, how about using a standard form? For example, “e.g.”] if a layman were to don an alb, would it be appropriate to pray the Dealba me, Domine prayer while putting it on?)
I don’t see any problem with any male reciting the prayers used when putting on these items.
However, to do it right, males should wash their hands before putting on any vestment, reciting the proper prayer:
Da, Domine, virtutem manibus meis ad abstergendam omnem maculam ut sine pollutione mentis et corporis valeam tibi servire.
Give virtue to my hands, O Lord, that being cleansed from all stain I might serve you with purity of mind and body.
When putting on the cassock, a male should say:
Dominus, pars hereditatis meae et calicis mei, tu es qui restitues hereditatem meam.
O Lord, the portion of my inheritance and my chalice, You are He who will restore my inheritance.
When putting on the surplice, a male should say:
Indue me, Domine, novum hominem, qui secundum Deum creatus est in iustitia et sanctitate veritatis. Amen.
Invest me, O Lord, as a new man, who was created by God in justice and the holiness of truth. Amen.
