We tend to think that the Eucharistic Prayer consists only of that part of the Mass we kneel during as the priest consecrates for us the Body and Blood of Jesus (which is technically known as the “anaphora”). The Eucharistic Prayer actually begins immediately after the Prayer over the Offerings with what is called the “Preface Dialogue” between the presiding Priest and the People: “The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right and just.” The priest then continues with the proper Preface for the given occasion, which as the name suggests “prefaces” the anaphora with the particular theme for the Mass we are celebrating. Notice that in the most recent translation of the Mass, the Preface always begins with the words: “It is truly right and just…” suggesting that it is a continuation of the dialogue which has just preceded it. There are general prefaces which can be used on any occasion, but some celebrations require a more specific preface such as during the festival seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. There are special prefaces for saints’ feast days according to whether the saint is Mary, Joseph, an Apostle, Martyr, Pastor, Religious, etc. When we celebrate a wedding or funeral in the context of Mass there are designated prefaces. Sometimes the anaphora we choose to pray has its own specific preface that must be used with it: the fourth Eucharistic Prayer, the anaphora for Reconciliation and those for Various Needs and Occasions. The Preface then, particularizes the Eucharistic Prayer, and alerts us to what particular season, feast or liturgical occasion we are celebrating in that Mass.