In liturgical use the term Preface is applied to that portion of the Eucharistic Prayer that immediately precedes the Canon or central portion of the Eucharist (Mass or Divine Liturgy).[1] The Preface, which begins at the words, "It is very meet and just, right and salutary" (or a variation thereof) is ushered in, in all liturgies, with the Sursum Corda, "Lift up your hearts", and ends with the Sanctus, "Holy, Holy, Holy, etc."
In both the Ordinary and the Extraordinary Forms of the Roman Rite, the preface opens with the following:
Priest: Dominus Vobiscum
People: Et Cum Spiritu Tuo
Priest: Sursum Corda
People: Habemus ad Dominum
Priest: Gratias Agamus Domino Deo Nostro
People: Dignum et Iustum Est
In the current, imprecise ICEL English translation for the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, the preface opens with the following dialogue between the priest and the people:
Priest: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Priest: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.
People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
