This guide collects common Latin responses Catholics may hear or pray at Mass and in liturgical settings. Some communities use more Latin than others, but these phrases are a strong starting point for beginners.
Dialogues
Dominus vobiscum.
The Lord be with you.
Response: Et cum spiritu tuo - And with your spirit.
Sursum corda.
Lift up your hearts.
Response: Habemus ad Dominum - We have them lifted up to the Lord.
Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Response: Dignum et iustum est - It is right and just.
Ite, missa est.
Go, the Mass is ended.
Response: Deo gratias - Thanks be to God.
Ordinary Texts
Kyrie eleison.
Lord, have mercy.
Greek, not Latin, but traditionally used in the Roman Rite.
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus.
Holy, Holy, Holy.
ct stays clear: SAHNK-toos.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
gn sounds like ny: AH-nyoos.
Good First Memorization Set
Start with three responses: Et cum spiritu tuo, Dignum et iustum est, and Deo gratias. They appear often, and each teaches useful Catholic Latin vocabulary.
Free printable PDF of this cheat sheet
One-page cheat sheet with all responses, ordinary texts, and pronunciation notes. Print it or save it to your phone for Mass.
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