Q. 1. Can a priest omit the Penitential Rite during the Holy Mass?

A. 1. A priest can never omit the Penitential Rite during the Holy Mass. While he may choose to use the Rite of Blessing and sprinkling as given in the Order, in which case he must omit the "Lord have mercy," he can never omit the Penitential Rite altogether.