RDCA V, 8-19: Blessing a Church, Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word

The outline for the first two parts of the Mass for blessing a church:

Introductory Rites

• Entrance into the Church
•          Greeting
• Blessing and Sprinkling of Water
• Hymn: Gloria
• Opening Prayer

The entrance is a simple one, the third form of chapter II. There is no reverencing the altar; the bishop goes right to the chair (V, 8). The Sprinkling Rite (10-13) always follows. The Gloria (14) is omitted if this blessing rite takes place during Advent or Lent.

Liturgy of the Word

• First Reading
• Responsorial Psalm
• Second Reading
• Gospel Acclamation
• Gospel
• Homily
• [Profession of Faith)

The readings may be taken from the church dedication rites, or from the liturgy of the day (16). No lights or incense at the proclamation of the Gospel (17). The homily (18), creed, and general intercessions (19) follow. So the blessing of the Church will take place at the juncture between the liturgies of Word and Eucharist.