colectas

Colectas is a term used in several Christian liturgical traditions, most notably in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, to refer to specific prayers that serve as the opening of the Mass. The colectivo prayer, called the oratio or collecta, is pronounced by the celebrant after the Penitential Act and before the Liturgy of the Word. The purpose of the colecta is to gather the prayers and intentions of the gathered faithful and to request divine assistance for the celebration.

The form of the colecta is concise and directed to God the Father, often invoking the Holy Trinity and mentioning the particular day, season, or feast. The prayer typically concludes with a short doxology or a phrase such as “through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Collectas vary according to the liturgical calendar and are issued for Sundays, weekdays, solemnities, and feasts, reflecting the themes of the day.

In the Roman Rite, there is a distinct collect for each Sunday and major feast, and these texts are published in the Roman Missal and related liturgical books. While the primary purpose is liturgical focus and unity in prayer, the colecta plays a key role in setting the intention and tone for the celebration of the Eucharist.

In everyday Spanish-language usage, the term colecta can also refer to the collection of money given during Mass (the offertory) rather than to the opening prayer. The context usually clarifies whether the reference is to the opening prayer or the monetary collection.