Do you know if there is a booklet or website that gives in detail the proper way of using incense during Mass? I have seen it used differently at various churches and there seems to be no correct way.

At the parishes where I have seen incense used regularly and both very traditional and conservative the swings of the censor (or thurible) vary.

One of the parishes (besides using it at the beginning of the Mass, and before the Gospel) swings the thurible towards the altar during the Holy, Holy, Holy,and during the preparation of the gifts(the ringing of the bells is also done at this time.) After the preparation of the gift the priest incenses the altar, followed by the deacon or acolyte incensing the priest(s), altar servers and last the congregation. The thurifer will incense first the left side of the church, then the right, then the center. After this the thurifer swings the thurible during the consecration and last during the Doxology; Through Him, With Him, and In Him”. The other parishes does not ring the bells or use the incense until the consecration and stops after incensing the congregation.

I understand also that there is a protocol as to the number of swings, which vary from parish to parish. My understanding is the following: For the congregation and altar servers, it’s two swings one time. For the Deacons, it’s two swings two times, for the Priest(s), Bishop, two swings three times, and for our Lord, it’s three swings, three times.

I love the smell of incense and at these two churches, the instant you step inside the building you get this nice fragrance of incense that lingers. It reminds me so much of the old days. Some parishes do not use incense because “some of the parishioners may be allergic to incense.” Well, it does NOT have to be used at all the Masses, and the priest can announce a week ahead a time that incense will be used so that those allergic to it may make alternate plans. Growing up as a kid I don’t ever remember priest’s not using it because of allergies; nobody complained. Incense adds so much to the beauty and sacredness of the Mass.

Thanks.