The Mass is Ended, All go in Peace

This is a folk-style hymn for the end of Mass.  

It is an example of a type of hymn written in the 1960s / 1970s to teach people about what was happening at points within the liturgy. Over time the need for this material has decreased, although these songs are still sometimes used in missionary countries, or when working with children.

It was written by South African born, secular Franciscan singer/song-writer Sebastian Temple (1928-1997).

Books it was published in include 20th Century Folk Hymnal Volume 1 and Hymns Old and New for the Irish Church: it appears that it is not included in any currently in-print hymn books, and no on-line examples have been found.

With meter 9.9.9.9 it is set to an un-named tune which was originally published in the key of Bb.

Downloads

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Lead sheet
(melody + guitar chords)

Examples

Choir with electronic organ

Small group with guitars

Choir with guitars

Instrumental - with sheet music on screen

Lyrics

The words are copyright, but can currently be found here. There are four verses, each with four lines. A rough outline is:

The Mass is ended all go in peace,
we must diminish and Christ increase.
We take him with us wherever we go,
that through our actions his life may show.

We witness his love to everyone
by our communion with Christ the Son.
We take the Mass to where one may be,
so Christ may shine forth for all to see.

Go forth among the people, see men of every nation.
With the gift of faith He gave,
Tell them how He came to save.
Tell them how He came to bring salvation.

Thanks to the Father who shows the way.
His life within us throughout each day.
Let all our living and loving be
to praise and honour the Trinity.

See more ...

• Chiildren's hymns
• Folk-style hymns

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
The Mass is ended, all go in peace,
we must diminish and Christ increase.
We take him with us wherever we go,
that through our actions his life may show.

We witness his love to everyone
by our communion with Christ the Son.
We take the Mass to where one may be,
so Christ may shine forth for all to see.

Go forth among the people, see men of every nation.
With the gift of faith He gave,
Tell them how He came to save.
Tell them how He came to bring salvation.

Thanks to the Father who shows the way.
His life within us throughout each day.
Let all our living and loving be
to praise and honour the Trinity.