Eucharistic Prayer

[Doom]

I bought a copy of the complete Sunday Missal and I have been bringing it along to Mass, and I can follow along except when it comes to the eucharistic prayer. According to the introduction essay in the beginning of the book, there are 10 different eucharistic prayers. I thought there were only 4 but I guess I was wrong. Is there is any rule that governs which is used on any day or is it solely at the discretion of the priest presiding at that particular Mass?

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

365. The choice between the Eucharistic Prayers found in the Order of Mass is suitably guided by the following norms:

a) Eucharistic Prayer I, or the Roman Canon, which may always be used, is especially suited for use on days to which a proper text for the Communicantes (In communion with those whose memory we venerate) is assigned or in Masses endowed with a proper form of the Hanc igitur (Therefore, Lord, we pray) and also in the celebrations of the Apostles and of the Saints mentioned in the Prayer itself; likewise it is especially suited for use on Sundays, unless for pastoral reasons Eucharistic Prayer III is preferred.

b) Eucharistic Prayer II, on account of its particular features, is more appropriately used on weekdays or in special circumstances. Although it is provided with its own Preface, it may also be used with other Prefaces, especially those that sum up the mystery of salvation, for example, the Common Prefaces. When Mass is celebrated for a particular deceased person, the special formula given may be used at the proper point, namely, before the part Remember also our brothers and sisters.

c) Eucharistic Prayer III may be said with any Preface. Its use should be preferred on Sundays and festive days. If, however, this Eucharistic Prayer is used in Masses for the Dead, the special formula for a deceased person may be used, to be included at the proper place, namely after the words: in your compassion, O merciful Father, gather to yourself all your children scattered throughout the world.

d) Eucharistic Prayer IV has an invariable Preface and gives a fuller summary of salvation history. It may be used when a Mass has no Preface of its own and on Sundays in Ordinary Time. On account of its structure, no special formula for a deceased person may be inserted into this prayer.

Essentially, you can do whatever you want. I've never used the "extra" six when I have a choice. In fact, it's been a couple years since I've used #IV.

[BobCatholic]

I've seen priests pretty much use Eucharistic prayer #2 everywhere. It is a rare treat to get 1,3 or 4.

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

That is indeed very widespread, but I think more priests are moving away from it.

[peregrinator]

Hopefully someday it will be consigned to the dustbin of history

[Jack3]

According to the introduction essay in the beginning of the book, there are 10 different eucharistic prayers. I thought there were only 4 but I guess I was wrong.

You have the four main ones. Then there's four more for "various needs anes occasions", and two for "reconciliation"

[Jack3]

Hopefully someday it will be consigned to the dustbin of history

Why?

[peregrinator]

Hopefully someday it will be consigned to the dustbin of history

Why?

Because it's terrible

[Jack3]

Why?

[peregrinator]

It doesn't engender the reverence due to the Blessed Sacrament

It doesn't belong to the tradition of the Church - the source from which it is drawn is very dubious

It's too short, detracting from the summit of the Mass in favor of either (a) getting the Mass over and done as quickly as possible or (b) elevating some less-important part of the Mass

[BobCatholic]

The second eucharistic prayer has almost no mention of a sacrifice. The other prayers are more clear that a sacrifice is being offered.
It does not have the beautiful majestic language describing God the Father, and Christ.