Following the Penitential Act we say or more properly sing the Glory to God. This text recalls the song of the angels who appeared to the shepherds after Christ’s birth in Luke’s Infancy Narrative. The angel announces news of great joy for the people: “And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests,’” (Luke 2:13-14). This hymn of praise is one of the most ancient in the Church’s history. It first began to be used in the East, and then spread to the Western Church. Initially it was used only at Christmas, and then only at Masses where a bishop was present. Later it came to be used on all Sundays and Solemnities at Masses the bishop celebrated. Finally about the 11th century it was extended for use at all Masses on all Sundays and Solemnities, including those celebrated by priests. Due to its celebratory nature it is not used during the penitential seasons of Advent or Lent. The Introductory Rites conclude with the Collect, or opening prayer. The presider calls the assembly to prayer with the words, “Let us pray” and then pauses in silence. This silence allows for the members of the praying assembly to bring to mind our personal intentions – the needs and concerns we wish to pray for and about at this particular Mass. The presider then “collects” these intentions into this formal opening prayer (which often doubles as an introduction to the feast or season we are celebrating at that Mass). The priest presents these “collected” prayers to God the Father on our behalf, “through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever,” – once again a reference to the Trinity.