The Holy Mass has not only a ritual introducting the sacred rites, but a ritual bringing the Mass to an end: The Concluding rite. The end of the Mass comes about when the priest invites the people to join through attentive listening to a closing prayer that "caps off" the theme of the day's sacred liturgy. No longer, as in the pre-Vatican II days, are there numerous additions and appendages, some placed by Rome and others by national and local ecclesiastical authorities. The concluding ritual is shorter and moves directly to the point: blessing and dismissal.

Finally, as the priest leaves the altar, he kisses it, corresponding to the kiss with which he reverenced the altar at the beginning of the Mass. The priest takes leave of the altar as though it were Jesus Himself, and his leaving was accompanied by endearing words of farewell. The altar is afforded this respect and care because it is such a sacred symbol. It is the place of sacrifice, and as such it holds the center of dignity and importance in the Church building. It also represents liturgically the body of Jesus Christ Itself.

The altar holds the stylized "five wounds" -- five crosses either on the altar or on the mensa inserted in the sepulchrum (a small flat stone inserted into a flat opening in the altar -- not unlike a puzzle piece).

This small form of reverence and respect is a ritual way of showing the care and love that we, through the priest, have toward the Holy Mass.

Psalm 129:8 "The blessing of the LORD be upon you! We bless you in the name of the LORD!"