The use of
the word "Propers" (from the Latin propria, belonging to), as in "the
Propers of the day," include the appointed Collect, Psalm, Readings from the
Bible, and Proper Preface (the words that usually precede the
Sanctus "Holy, Holy, Holy...." in the Eucharist). Propers vary according
to the day or season of the church year. In the Book of Common Prayer
please see "Concerning the Proper of the Church Year" (p. 158), "The
Lectionary" (pp. 890ff.) and "Proper Prefaces" (pp.344ff. and
377ff). The use of Propers began in the very early years of Christian
worship.