COMMON QUESTIONS ON LITURGICAL NORMS

2 Paschal Candles; Lights On at Vigil
Only one paschal candle may be blessed at the Easter Vigil. Lights are turned on at the Vigil after the third Lumen Christi.

3 Masses on Christmas
The first evidence of priests being privileged to celebrate three Masses on Christmas is found in the 12th century. Before that the privilege was reserved to the Pope.

Abstinence, Days of, Why No Chicken
Specifically forbidden on days of abstinence is "flesh meat," which is to say, the flesh of warm-blooded animals.

Accommodating the Deaf
Father observes that insufficient provision for people with disabilities is usually due to lack of resources rather than lack of concern.

Adapting the Mysteries of the Rosary
The Church gives wide leeway in the choice of mysteries to be celebrated in praying the Rosary, though one's choice should not conflict with a major liturgical celebration.

Adding Names in Eucharistic Prayers
Names may not be inserted in Eucharistic Prayers I, II, or IV, but only in III, or in one of the Eucharistic Prayers for various needs.

Adoration Without Exposition
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, both in the tabernacle and in exposition, are encouraged by the Magisterium.

Advent Prayer and the Incarnation
Advent prayers referring to Christmas as a celebration of the Incarnation should not be taken as strict biological or chronological statements, prejudicial to Christ's Incarnation beginning at the Annunciation.

After a Church is Attacked
After a church has been desecrated, worship may not be conducted there until a rite of reparation has been celebrated.

Agnus Dei, Beyond the Norms
The Agnus Dei is intended to be sung or said during the rite of fraction, but the same melody may be used with added invocations during Communion.

Alb Alone; Delayed Penance
Apart from a special dispensation, a single celebrant or principle celebrant at Mass must wear a chasuble. Acceptance of a penance is necessary for validity of the sacrament; delay in performing it does not, though may be sinful if due to neglect.

Albs, Stoles and Chasubles
Although the norm is for a priest to wear the stole hanging down, he may wear it crossed if covered by a planeta (chasuble). A priest may not celebrate Mass without being vested in alb, stole, and chasuble.

Altar Cloths
Although the extraordinary form of the Roman Rite specifies three altar cloths, the ordinary form requires only one. Symbolical interpretations of the number of cloths are not uniform.

Altar Crucifixes, Where They Should Face
An altar crucifix should be "located on, next to, immediately behind or suspended above the altar," so as to be visibly related to the altar in the view of the people.

Altar of Repose
The place of repose, after Mass of the Lord's Supper, "should be as beautiful as possible and should be sufficiently prominent so as to allow for adoration..."

Altar, Plexglass Cover
A plexiglass cover is not allowed to cover the white altar cloth during celebration of Mass, and the corporal should not be left on the altar after Mass.

Altar Rails, Removal of
Altar rails may be removed, if they are an obstacle to distribution of Communion, but "great care must be taken before altering churches of certain historical value or even particular elements of a church that may have particular artistic merit."

Altars, Use of by Non-Catholics
The Ecumenical Directory allows for use of a Catholic church and altar by a non-Catholic community, with authorization from the local Bishop.

Alternative English Texts for Mass
Different forms of the same Mass prayers are accounted for by the fact that there are currently more than one English translation of the Roman Missal in use throughout the world.

And Also With You
At the words, "And also with you," it is not appropriate for members of the congregation to extend their arms, in imitation of the priest.

Angelus Right After Mass
The Angelus may follow Mass as may other private or community devotions.

Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick should not be administered indiscriminately, but is "ordered toward the gravely ill from a physical condition."

Anonymity in the Confessional
"If a penitent desires anonymity, the priest should respect this desire and in the vast majority of situations he should never have any need or right to inquire as to the identity of the penitent."

Applause at Homilies
There may be occasions, in certain cultures, when applause is not out of place during the liturgy, but in Western parishes its regular practice is not encouraged.

Appropriate Penances
Two considerations determine a suitable penance, the nature of the sin (how grave) and the nature of the penitent (how well instructed).

Arriving After the Gospel: No Communion
One should attempt to be present at the whole Mass, not just in time for the Gospel, to receive Communion in good conscience.

Attending Mass at Other Parishes
The faithful should attend Mass at their own parishes, except where defects of doctrine and practice endanger the Christian's faith.

Baby Jesus in the Crèche
On a public thoroughfare, it is better to place the Infant in the crèche from the beginning, but in a liturgical setting, at the Midnight Mass.

Baptism and Presentation of Our Lord
The Baptism of the Lord precedes the feast of the Presentation, because the latter feast, following the Jewish precedent, occurs 40 days after His birth, while the Baptism is treated as a part of His manifestation, and so associated with Epiphany.

Baptism of the Lord and Ordinary Time
As to whether the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord belongs to the Christmas season or Ordinary Time, it brings Christmastide to a close.

Bells at the Consecration
The GIRM makes bell ringing at the consecration optional, but though it is not required, there are reasons for retaining it.

Benediction by a Bishop
Although the old rite did call for a triple sign of the cross when a Bishop gave Benediction, the present rite is unclear.

Blessed, Masses in Honor of the
Mass may be celebrated in honor of a Blessed in a locale where the Holy See has authorized his/her inclusion in a diocesan, regional, or national calendar, or, if the Blessed belonged to a Religious Order, in chapels or oratories of that Order anywhere in the world.

Blessed Sacrament Under Glass
The Blessed Sacrament should be reserved in a tabernacle which is immovable, of "solid and inviolable material," not transparent, and locked. Violation of these prescripts should be reported to the Bishop.

Blessings at First Masses
A plenary indulgence is still granted for attendance at a priest's first Mass, but it is no longer associated with a special "Apostolic" blessing imparted by the priest.

Blessings at Holy Communion
Although a formal decision has not yet come from the Holy See, it seems that a blessing given in place of Holy Communion is inappropriate for extraordinary ministers.

Blessings for Non-Communicants
There is nothing in the rubrics which permits or prevents the blessing of non-communicants. However, due reflection should be given regarding the custom's "pastoral utility."

Blessings Without a Stole
The stole is an "eloquent symbol of the priestly condition and ministry," but it is not necessary for the validity of sacramentals.

Both Hands at Elevation of the Host
Although the GIRM of the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite doesn't specify, the presumption is that the priest should use both hands at the elevations of Host and Cup, as obliged in the Extraordinary Form.

Bowing Before Communion
When there is a large number of communicants, bowing behind the person receiving communion is appropriate.

Breaking the Host Before Consecration
To break the Host prior to consecration is not only a departure from custom and contrary to liturgical law, it confuses the meaning of the Mass.

Brides, How They Should Dress
"Many dioceses and even parishes do have guidelines in order to respect Christian values such as modesty and a respect for the spirit of Christian poverty."

Broadcasting the Parish Mass
Since full liturgical participation requires physical presence in a single assembly, broadcasting the parish Mass to other spaces would not suffice.

Celebrating in an Eastern Rite
Before allowing Latin priests to use both a Latin and an Eastern rite, the Church seeks to verify both the pastoral necessity and the priest's adequate preparation.

Celebrating the Mass Silently
A priest celebrating alone or with an acolyte may use a subdued voice, but he may not "say" the Mass internally.

Ceramic Vessels, What To Do with Them
Ceramic vessels, taken out of sacred use according to the instruction against nonmetalic chalices or ciboria, may not be put to a common use.

Chair of the Priest Celebrant
In theory, the most appropriate place is behind the altar, facing the people. In practice, however, this position is often impracticable.

Chalice Received at Altar by Religious
Redemptionis Sacramentum 94 forbids a person, other than the celebrating priest, to administer Holy Communion to himself from the altar.

Changing the "Pray, Brethren ..."
The rubrics of many Missals in the vernacular permit the substitution of other phrases for "Pray, Brethren..."

Children: Let the Little Children Run?
"There should be a certain degree of balance between the presence of families at Mass and the overall atmosphere of reverence proper to the celebration."

Children's Liturgy of the Word
It is permitted for children to have their own Liturgy of the Word, for catechetical purposes.

Chinese State-Sponsored Mass
Attendance at a State-Sponsored Mass in China is permissable, if a church in full communion with the Holy See is unavailable.

Christmas Cribs in Church
Although there is no magisterial instruction on the subject, the Directory of Popular Piety, as well as ancient custom, indicates that the Christmas Crib has an honored place in the church.

Christmas Decorations, Overdoing Them
Christmas trees in the sanctuary are not encouraged, and decorations in general should not distract from the altar and ambo.

Christmas Decorations, When to Set Them Up
Customs vary on when to decorate for Christmas, but short of waiting till Christmas Eve, an appropriate time would be December 17 (except for the image of the Child), when liturgical preparation for the Birth of Christ intensify.

Christmas Vigil Masses; Options on Readings
Regarding readings for Christmas Masses, it is permitted to choose among the readings for the three Masses for Christmas Day, depending on pastoral needs.

Churches Dedicated and Consecrated
The dedication of a church is the same as what was its "consecration" prior to the liturgical reform. Only permanent houses of worship are dedicated (consecrated).

Civilly Married Couples
Father lists a number of factors which determine whether a civil marriage is valid.

Coffee and Food in the Sacristy
Having food and beverages in the sacristy is usually unnecessary and detracts from spiritual atmosphere of the place.

Cohabiting Brides and Grooms
Cohabiting couples should be informed that "their situation is not conducive to an adequate preparation for a Catholic wedding."

Commentator's Role
The role of the commentator at Mass is primarily to help the people understand unfamiliar rites.

Communion for Late Arrivals
We should be present at Mass from beginning to end, but a late arrival may be excused by circumstances.

Communion Hosts at Papal Masses
At Papal Masses, special provisions are sometimes made to accommodate places and numbers of communicants.

Communion Service Instead of Mass
Attendance at a Communion Service does not substitute for assistance at Mass on Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation except for a "grave cause."

Communion Services Before Daily Mass
A daily Communion Service, led by an extraordinary minister before Mass, is not "in conformity with the spirit of present Church legislation."

Complications of 2 Forms in 1 Rite
When both forms, ordinary and extraordinary, of the Latin Rite are celebrated in the same parish, the complications arising will be addressed by the Pontifical Commission "Ecclesia Dei" in the near future.

Concelebrants From Different Rites
Priests from different rites concelebrate according to the rite of the principal celebrant. There is to be no mixing of rites, though each should wear the vestments of his own rite.

Concelebrants Receiving Previously Consecrated Hosts
A Mass is not invalidated by concelebrating priests receiving Communion from previously consecrated Hosts, but the practice is illicit.

Concelebrating at Additional Masses
When a priest gives the homily at more than one Mass, as in a special appeal, having already celebrated, he is not expected to concelebrate at the additional Masses.

Concluding the Prayers of the Faithful
The priest celebrant is called upon by the rubrics to offer the concluding prayer in the Prayers of the Faithful.

Confession for RCIA Candidates
Some impediments to a valid confession are matters of Church law rather than divine law, such as the impediment limiting absolution to those already in full communion with the Catholic Church. It may be suspended for those about to enter the Church.

Confessor Doesn't Know Penitent's Language
Where penitent and confessor lack a common language, the confessor may make a prudential judgment as to the sincerity of the penitent's confession, or an interpreter may be used.

Confirmation and the Laity's Role
While the prayer of the whole assembly is called upon during confirmation, the administration of the sacrament is reserved to the bishop or priest who presides.

Confirmation, When Youngsters Request It
Although bishops may designate an age for Confirmation, it should be flexible enough to allow Confirmation at an earlier age, when canonical conditions have been met.

Consecrated Host, When It Falls
A fallen host should be picked up immediately, consumed if clean, dissolved is soiled, and the water poured into the sacrarium.

Consecrating a "Second Batch" of Hosts
It is never correct to consecrate new species, either of bread, wine, or both together, within a Mass.

Consecration
The change from bread and wine to Body and Blood is not gradual, but instantaneous.

Consecration at a Distance
"Liturgical norms require that all that is to be consecrated be present before the priest on the altar and upon a corporal."

Consecration Words: Why "For All"?
On the translation of pro multis as "for all," in the consecration of the Cup, it carries the biblical sense better to modern ears than "for many" does.

Corporal, On Changing the
The GIRM does not require a new corporal for each Mass, but only that the corporal be folded with due care after Communion, and not left open on the altar.

Creed, Substituting for
The Creed may be omitted from Mass only on special occasions, as the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday, when baptismal promises are renewed.

Creed, Why It Doesn't Mention the Eucharist
The Creed doesn't mention the Eucharist, since it wasn't a topic of controversy when the Creed was composed, but faith in the Real Presence is expressed throughout the Mass, especially at the consecration.

Crosses on the 14 Stations
A legitimate Way of the Cross consists of 14 crosses, to which images or sculptures representing the stations may be added.

Crowded Altar?
Ideally those who fulfill a ministry in the celebration should occupy a place within the sanctuary, but not so as to overcrowd or distract from the celebrant.

Crucifixes, Bows and Celebrants' Palms
(1) The crucifix is essential at celebration of Mass. (2) The priest bows to the altar, rather than the crucifix. (3) Concelebrants' hand gesture at consecration may vary, as do theories of its meaning.

Deacons and the Chrism Mass
At the Chrism Mass, might not deacons renew their commitment to the diaconate, as priests renew their commitment to the priesthood? Another occasion would be better, since the priesthood is the focus of the Chrism Mass.

Deacons and the Passion Narrative
If both priest and deacon are present for reading the Passion, the priest need not take part at all, leaving the part of Christ to be read by the deacon.

Deacons as Readers and Servers
While deacons may perform other functions where necessity dictates, the norm is that each ministry take its own proper role.

Deacon's Duties and Gestures
A deacon raises the chalice at the doxology of the Eucharistic Prayer; he does not spread his hands at the dismissal; and he may give the Eucharistic Benediction when a priest is not available.

Deacon's Position at Consecration
According to GIRM, the Deacon's proper position during consecration is near the priest but slightly behind.

Deacon, What He Can Do
A deacon may preside at Benediction, if a priest is absent or impeded, but never if a priest is present.

Decorating the Sanctuary
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, nos. 304ff., provides guidelines for decorating the sanctuary.

Distributing Communion to Concelebrants
In large celebrations, deacons may present patens and chalices to concelebrants, but not administer Communion to them.

Divine Mercy Sunday
On Divine Mercy Sunday a plenary indulgence is offered, under the usual conditions, to all who "take part in the prayers and devotions held in honor of Divine Mercy."

Divine Praises at Adoration
In Rite of Benediction, the Divine Praises customarily precede reposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle.

Double Alleluia
The double Alleluia is used at the end of Masses during the Easter Octave and on Pentecost Sunday.

Dress for Lectors
Standards for appropriate attire should be set ahead of time, to avoid situations that may offend or cause scandal.

Eastern Rites and Orthodoxy
Latin-rite Catholics may participate in the rites of an Eastern-rite Catholic Church, and vice versa, and so fulfill their Sunday/Holy Day obligation, but they can't formally change rites without a formal procedure.

East-West Difference Over Priestly Celibacy
Roman and Eastern Churches have distinct traditions on the subject of priestly celibacy, and both are legitimate, deserving of equal respect.

Electric Sanctuary Candles
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal calls for a sanctuary lamp fueled by oil or wax. An electric lamp would be permissible in certain limited circumstances.

Ending the Morning and Evening Prayer
There is no blessing at the end of Morning Prayer when Mass follows, nor at the end of Evening Prayer when Benediction follows.

Enthronement of Gospel
Although the Book of the Gospels is treated with honor during the Liturgy of the Word, enthronement of the Gospel is not "foreseen" as taking place during Mass.

Episcopalian Eucharist
A Catholic is not permitted to receive Communion at a Protestant liturgical celebration: to do so would be to testify in favor of a defective understanding of the Eucharist.

Eucharist for Non-Catholics
It is not possible to give Communion to Protestants, except in certain clearly defined cirumstances.

Eucharistic Exposition by a Lay Person
Solemn exposition is reserved to a priest or deacon, but a simple exposition may be done in certain circumstances by an authorized extraordinary minister of Holy Communion.

Eucharistic Prayer for the Celebrant(s) Alone?
The Eucharistic Prayer is reserved to the priest-celebrant alone, among other reasons, because Christ is the ultimate celebrant, and the priest represents Him to the congregation.

Eucharistic Prayer IV, When It Can Be Used
Eucharistic Prayer IV, which has its own Preface, can be used when no proper Preface is required for the Mass of the day.

Eucharistic Prayers for Reconciliation
Eucharistic Prayers for Reconciliation may be used during Lent, provided one respects the proper prefaces stipulated for certain Lenten Sundays.

Eucharist vs. the Word
There is no competition between Scripture and the Eucharist; the Eucharist is the goal toward which Scripture points.

Explaining the Mass During Mass
There are four moments when brief explanations of what is taking place in the Mass may be offered.

Extraordinary Ministers
The services of extraordinary ministers are supplemental, where necessary, to the services of ordinary ministers, a bishop, priest or deacon.

Extraordinary Ministers and Both Species of Communion
Other considerations, than preference for distribution of Holy Communion by ordinary ministers, should determine whether distribution is under both kinds, requiring the use of extraordinary ministers.

Extraordinary Ministers and Communion Under Both Species
Norms for training of extraordinary ministers are given by the diocesan bishop. An extraordinary minister may give the Precious Blood when no priest or deacon is available and Communion under both kinds is permitted.

Extent of a Bishop's Authority
A Bishop has a authority to limit options offered by the Roman Missal, such as celebrating Mass facing East, for serious pastoral reasons, but not to establish these amendments as particular law.

Exposition During Stations of the Cross
While there is no restriction on following the Way of the Cross when the Blessed Sacrament is in the Tabernacle, during exposition, the Sacrament should be the focus of attention.

Face-to-Face Confessions, and Other Queries
Responding to a list of traditional practices departing from the liturgical norms or customs since Vatican II, Father tells which are permissible.

Female Altar Servers
The Holy See permits female servers, while commending the custom that reserves the role to boys.

Female Altar Servers in the Extraordinary Form
In the extraordinary form, the restriction of altar servers to males would seem to remain in force.

Frequency of the Extraordinary Form
There are various ways in which celebration according to the extraordinary form, if desired, may be harmonized with the ordinary celebration of Mass in the parish.

Funeral, Formula at Priest's
As interpolations in general are not permitted in the liturgy, so an interpolation in the Eucharistic Prayer at a priest's funeral is out of place.

Funeral Masses
Funeral Masses are withheld from notorious apostates, heretics, and schismatics; those who chose cremation for reasons contrary to the Faith; other manifest sinners for whom funeral Masses could not be celebrated without scandal.

Funeral Masses for a Suicide
Suicide does not automatically debar a person from a Funeral Mass and Religious Burial. Cases are examined individually.

General Absolution in a Nursing Home
Proximity of a large number of people in a nursing home gathered for Mass does not warrant a general absolution. Confessions can be heard beforehand in the patients' rooms.

Genuflections by Concelebrants
If concelebrants approach the altar to receive the Body and Blood, then they genuflect before receiving. If the paten and cup is passed to them, they do not genuflect.

Glass Chalices
Though not strictly prohibited, glass is of doubtful suitability for a chalice.*

Gloria's Sin and Agnus Dei's Sins
There is no difference in the Latin original, being peccata (sins) in each instance, but only in the English translations.

Good Friday, Ensuring Enough Hosts for
Regarding the extra Hosts consecrated on Holy Thursday for Good Friday, it is preferable they be consecrated in the same church where the Good Friday liturgy is to be celebrated.

Good Friday, Prostration and Vestments
In the Good Friday liturgy, prostration is the preferred posture for priest and deacon on approaching the altar, though kneeling is permitted.

Gospel Acclamation, Before and After
On whether a Gospel Acclamation is sung after, as well as before the Gospel, the answer is, not normally.

Gospel Reflection by a Layperson?
A layperson may not give a homily or any substitution for the homily at Mass.

Gregorian Chant
"Gregorian chant may be used in any parish, even when Mass is celebrated in the vernacular."

Gregorian Masses
Present regulation of Gregorian Masses, 30 consecutive Masses for a soul in purgatory, allows interruption of the sequence for sufficient reason.

Guarding Against Swine Flu
The Bishop does have the authority to place restrictions, in response to a pandemic, on "passing the peace," receiving Communion on the tongue, receiving from the Chalice, and even attendance at Mass.

Head Coverings for Women
Canon Law no longer requires women to cover their heads in church, because it no longer has the same cultural significance as it had in St. Paul's day.

Healing Masses
Celebration of the Mass for the Sick is permitted, as provided in the Roman Missal, but prayers for the sick may not be inserted in a Mass where not liturgically provided.

Hearing Confessions During Mass
It is not forbidden for confessions to be heard during Mass, if by a priest other than the celebrant.

Holding Hands
There is no liturgical norm calling for hand-holding during the Our Father, and there are reasons against it.

Holy Oils, Storage of
Holy oils should not be stored in the altar, lest they be confused with relics, but rather in an ambry, located in the baptistry, sacristy, or a side altar.

Holy Water, Abstinence and Mimes
Holy Water fonts not to be emptied in Lent until the Triduum; Friday abstinence in Lent, on pain of sin, venial or mortal; mimes allowed at extraliturgical events, not at Mass.

Homilies While Walking?
The GIRM does not strictly forbid walking while preaching the homily, though if it draws attention away from the message to the priest's personality, it tends toward showmanship.

Honoring the Book of the Gospels
If a Book of the Gospels in the vernacular of the Mass is not available, the Book in another language may be shown the traditional honors, together with any additional honors approved by the Bishops of that country.

Hosts From the Tabernacle
Extraordinary ministers are supposed to receive from the hands of a priest or deacon the vessels containing either species of the Holy Eucharist.

Hosts, Gluten-Free
The Church does not have authority to alter a sacrament instituted by Christ. But a person with celiac disease may receive the Precious Blood or possibly a very low-gluten (0.01%) bread recently approved.

Incensing the Congregation
In the Roman rite, the congregation is incensed by a deacon, instituted acolyte, or altar server, in order of preference.

Incensing the Host, Altars, Etc.
Here Father lists the objects, occasions, and methods of liturgical incensation.

Indulgences on Sold Items
Indulgences are lost on the sale of an item. Whether a donation, instead of a price, preserves the indulgence depends on the purpose of the distributor, charitable or for personal gain.

Indult for 3 Daily Masses?
The canonical norm is that no more than two Masses may be celebrated by a priest on weekdays, and no more than three on Sundays and holy days of obligation.

Interpreting Liturgical Norms
Liturgical laws are generally understandable to non-experts, though on disputed questions authentic interpretations may be provided by the Congregation for Divine Worship.

Kissing the Hands of a New Priest
Kissing the hands of a newly ordained priest, still practiced in some places, signifies veneration for the priesthood, particularly associated with priestly hand gestures.

"Lamb of God," Substitutions for?
Only with warrant from the Holy See many any words be added to the Liturgy.

Layman's Gestures During Eucharistic Prayer
As to whether laymen should imitate the celebrant, "the general principle involved in gestures that accompany prayers is that they are performed only by those who actually say the words."

Laypeople Distributing Ashes
There seems to be no prohibition against a lay person helping to distribute ashes during Mass, provided they have been blessed by a priest.

Laypeople's Use of Oil
"In no instance may the non-ordained [extraordinary ministers] perform anointings either with the Oil of the Sick or any other oil."

Lay Preaching on Good Friday
Although the Good Friday celebration is not a Mass, the homily is still reserved to an ordained minister.

Leavened vs. Unleavened Bread
Leavened bread (without special permission) is not licit matter for the Latin Rite, though it is licit for Eastern Rite Churches. For validity, the bread, whether leavened or unleavened, must be made from wheat.

Leaving Right After Communion
Leaving Mass right after Communion shows a lack of respect to God, and a lack of understanding of one's part in the worship and mission of the Church.

Lector in an Irregular Relationship
It is not permissible for a person who is impeded from receiving Communion to have a public role in the liturgical assembly.

Lectors, Should They Sit in Pews?
It is basically a practical question. Lectors, whether instituted or commissioned, may have a place in either the sanctuary or the pews.

Lent, Covering of Crosses and Images
The veiling of crosses and images, either on the eve before the Fifth Sunday of Lent, or on Holy Thursday, has a long history as a sign of public penance.

Lent, Picking the Day It Begins
Lent begins 40 days before Easter, excluding Sundays. Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after March 21.

Lighted Candles at the Lecturn
There is no authorization of lighted candles at at the ambo, during Liturgy of the Word, and it tends to blur the traditional distinction between reading of the Gospel and other scripture readings.

Lighting the Easter Candle
During Eastertide, the Paschal candle is lit for "liturgical acts celebrated with some degree of solemnity." 

Liturgical Dancing
Although permitted in some African and Asian cultures, liturgical dance is not permitted in the West because of its profane associations there.

Liturgical Garb for Habit-Wearers
A priest wearing a religious habit should cover it with an alb and, if necessary, an amice when celebrating Mass.

Marian Hymns at Offertory
Marian hymns at the offertory are not inappropriate, particularly if a Marian feast is being celebrated, or the feast of a Saint noted for Marian devotion.

Marian Masses in Lent and Advent
During Advent or Lent, substitution of Masses from the Collection of Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for the Masses assigned in the General Roman Calendar, is normally permitted only at Marian shrines.

Masses for Priestly Vocations
Mass may be offered for priestly vocations as a stipended intention any day of the year, excepting All Souls' Day, but there are restrictions on when the liturgical form for vocations may be used.

Mass Intentions
Any Catholic may offer a Mass at which he/she attends for any good intention, but special graces result from the offering of Mass by a priest for the same intention.

Mass in 2 Languages
Mass in more than one language at a time should have a "congruent reason," "usually involving a special occasion drawing members of two or more nationalities for the celebration." Latin for the common, along with the vernacular for the rest of the Mass, is always permissible.

Mass, Starting Without a Priest
To the question of whether a catechist should start the Mass if the priest is late, the answer is no. Also a question about whether a priest may concelebrate from the pew.

Mass, When Celebrating Alone
For occasions when a priest is obliged to celebrate Mass alone, Father provides a list what is omitted from the liturgy.

Masses for Non-Catholic Officials
Masses may be offered for non-Catholic officials without necessarily being offered for their intentions.

Masses for the Living and the Dead
Masses for the living are more effective in this regard, that they can increase a person's sanctity, while Masses for the dead can only speed their purification.

Masters of Ceremonies
A master of ceremonies is not, properly speaking, "in charge" of a celebration, but it is his responsibility to see that it is carried out with grace, simplicity, and order.

May Crownings of Mary
The order of crowning in the Rites of the Catholic Church, which is done once by a Bishop or his delegate, is not the same as the annual May crowning, for which no official rite is provided.

Meaning of Should
The word "should," in liturgical use, is not a strict canonical term, but is to be taken in its ordinary meaning of obligation.

Membership in the Masons
Membership in the Masons is still forbidden to Catholics on account of the fundamental principles on which the organization is founded.

Mentioning Bishops in the Eucharistic Prayers
Only those bishops with pastoral authority in the diocese are mentioned by name in the Eucharistic Prayer, usually only the diocesan and one coadjutor or auxiliary.

Mentioning the Mass Intention
It is not required, but appropriate that the celebrant mention the primary intention for which a Mass is being offered, particularly if the person requesting the Mass is present.

Midnight Mass at 9 p.m.
Although the readings may be chosen from any of the four Masses for Christmas, the Midnight Mass ought not to be anticipated.

Missing or Faulty Forms of Absolution
A shortened form of absolution, containing the words, "I absolve you from your sins," would be valid, though the full formula should normally be used.

Mixing Blessed and Unblessed Oils
In case of necessity, any priest may bless new oil for Anointing of the Sick, but only in actual celebration of the sacrament.

Moms Giving First Communion
It is not lawful, and conveys the wrong message, for mothers to give their children First Communion.

Musicam Sacram
Musicam Sacram, though largely overlooked, is still in force, except where superceded by the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (2000).

Music, Pre-recorded at Mass
Pre-recorded music at Mass is not expressly forbidden, but live participation by choir and people is presumed.

Music, Non-Liturgical in Cathedrals
On the permissability of non-liturgical music in cathedrals, it may be permitted by the Ordinary in individual cases, though if only not contrary to the sacred character of the place.

Mustum, Use at Mass
When a priest has permission to use mustum instead of wine at Mass, he must also consecrate wine for concelebrants and communicants receiving under both kinds.

New Priests Blessing Bishops
Father responds to several questions on diverse topics, sent from a priest in Bangladesh. A Bishop may ask for the first blessing of a priest he has ordained, but it does not form part of the rites.

Non-Catholics Distributing Precious Blood
Non-Catholics are not normally permitted to take a liturgical role the Holy Eucharist.

Non-Catholics Preaching the Seven Last Words
The Good Friday reflection on the Seven Last Words is not an appropriate venue for ecumenical or interreligious dialogue.

Non-Ordained Presider
A layperson may, for good reason, be seated in the sanctuary, but he may not preside at Mass.

Novenas and Devotions During Mass
Novenas, nonliturgical litanies, etc., may be recited immediately before or after Mass, but they should not be introduced into the Mass itself.

Obedience to a Priest
The presumption should be that directions from a priest are correct in liturgical and devotional matters, though there is no obligation to obey if he contradicts the Church's liturgical norms.

Office of Readings, Combining with Morning Prayer
When the Office of Readings immediately precedes another Hour of the Office, the hymn for that Hour may replace the hymn for the Office of Readings.

Office of Readings the Evening Before
If the Office of Readings is anticipated on the evening before, it should be read after Vespers for that evening, and preferably before Compline.

Old Testament Figures, Invoking
The historical process by which the liturgical calendar was formed accounts for the absence of feast days honoring Old Testament Saints.

On Paraliturgies
Where Bishops' conferences have authorized forms for the community celebration of the Word in the absence of a priest or deacon, this is liturgy, not paraliturgy. A paraliturgy is a celebration with a quasi-liturgical format not determined by Church authority.

Orthodox, When He Joins the Catholic Church
An Orthodox Christian, already baptized, confirmed, and receiving the Eucharist, can be received into the the Catholic Church by profession of faith, after doctrinal and spiritual formation. He may also participate in the Church's sacramental life even before formal incorporation.

Padre Pio, Monsignor Escrivá and the Roman Missal
As to why Saints Pio and Escrivá are not included in the Roman Missal, they were canonized after the current edition was published.

Papal Funerals and the Sede Vacante
Father McNamara answers questions, liturgical and otherwise, on the passing of the Holy Father.Father McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical Athenaeum, answers questions of general interest on liturgical norms.

Papal Funeral Continued
Father McNamara answers further liturgical questions on the funeral of Pope John Paul II.

Paper Towel Purificators
Paper towels, whatever their quality, are not suitable for use as altar linens.

Paschal Candle, Origin and Use of
The origin of the paschal candle is ancient, "probably inspired by the Jewish custom of lighting a lamp at the conclusion of the Sabbath."

Pedophiles and Ordination
Unfortunately, a mental or moral disorder which would disqualify a man from the priesthood, would not invalidate his ordination, if it should take place.

Penance Delayed; An Alb Alone
Apart from a special dispensation, a single celebrant or principle celebrant at Mass must wear a chasuble. Acceptance of a penance is necessary for validity of the sacrament; delay in performing it does not, though may be sinful if due to neglect.

Penitential Rite in the Mass
Musical settings are provided for parts of the Penitential Rite, with the exception of the "I confess" of the first form.

Penitential Rite, Its Efficacy
The absolution in the penitential rite at Mass forgives venial sins, but not mortal sins, for which the Sacrament of Penance is necessary.

Picture of Martin Luther King in a Church
Canon 1186 permits public veneration of "only those servants of God whom the authority of the Church has recorded in the list of the saints or the blessed."

Pius V's 1570 Bull
Quo Primum, establishing the liturgy of the Mass "in perpetuity," was a disciplinary measure aimed at those who would change it without authority.

Polka Masses
When we label the Mass we diminish its universal meaning as Christ's sacrifice renewed upon the altar and the sacred banquet uniting us in His Mystical Body.

Polygamy, Sons, and the Priesthood
Although illegitimacy is not a canonical impediment to priestly ordination, in some cultures there may be a social stigma that would hinder a priest's pastoral effectiveness.

Pontifical Masses and the Exultet
Father answers questions on certain ceremonial acts of a Bishop in a Pontifical Mass, and on the singing of the Exultet at the Easter Vigil.

Pope, When He Dies
During an interregnum, there is no intercession for the Pope in the Eucharistic Prayer; deceased popes are traditionally vested in red, the color of the Apostles.

Pope's Processional Cross
The "new" pastoral cross carried by Benedict XVI originally belonged to Blessed Pius IX.

Postures at Adoration and After Communion
After Communion, it is best to follow parish custom on whether to sit when the celebrant sits, or at some other time.

Prayers of the Faithful, Ad-libbing
"Generally, and especially on a Sunday, the intentions should be prepared beforehand and approved by the pastor or celebrant."

Prayers Recited Quietly
Regarding prayers to be said "silently" by the celebrant at Mass, the Latin rubric secreto means quietly.

Praying for the Departed
Prayers for the faithful departed, that they be delivered from the Evil One, most likely refer to the particular judgment, that the departed be counted among the faithful.

Precious Blood for Children
There is no norm forbidding children from receiving the Precious Blood, though it is advisable that they begin with intinction.

Prelude Music; Eucharist in Sacristy Safe
During Lent, the organ should be played only to support the singing; and the Blessed Sacrament should remain on the altar of repose after Mass on Holy Thursday till Communion on Good Friday.

Preparing Corporal on the Altar
Altar servers may spread the corporal and otherwise prepare the altar for Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Pre-recorded Masses
Father lists criteria for pre-recorded Masses, televised for the benefit of those prevented from attending a live Mass.

Priest at Kiss of Peace
The priest is supposed to remain within the sanctuary for the kiss of peace except (in the U.S.) in special circumstances.

Priest in Mortal Sin
If a priest is in mortal sin, he is obliged to confess before celebrating any sacrament, though the sacrament is not thereby invalidated if he is not in a state of grace.

Procession, Who Goes First?
In the procession at Mass, the Book of the Gospels is carried right in front of the priest. The lectionary is not carried at all.

Proper Posture After Communion
The priest may either stand or sit after Communion, while the deacon gathers the remaining hosts into one vessel and carries it to the tabernacle.

Protestant Events, Participation in
Catholics may take part in (other than eucharistic) Protestant services, including reading of lessons.

Protestant Songs at Mass
Protestant hymns may be used in the liturgy provided they conform to Catholic doctrine and are approved by episcopal authority.

Purification, How to Understand It
The word "purification" here refers to preparation of sacred vessels for further use by reverently consuming all traces of Christ's Body and Blood.

Purification of Sacred Vessels in U.S.
Regarding purification of sacred vessels by extraordinary ministers, the indult formerly permitting it has been withdrawn.

Purifying Vessels Away From the Altar
It is permissible, "especially if there are several vessels to be purified, to leave them suitably covered on a corporal, either at the altar or at the credence table, and to purify them immediately after Mass following the dismissal of the people."

Questionable Baptism
In a valid baptism, it is necessary for the same person to both pour the water and speak the words.

Readers' Bows to the Presider
From liturgical texts, it does not seem that a reader's bow to the celebrant, although appropriate, is obligatory.

Redemptionis Sacramentum
Father addresses questions on the liturgical instruction, regarding use of extraordinary ministers, joining other rites to the Mass, and gifts at the Offertory.

Relics in the Altar
The tradition of placing relics beneath altars should be preserved, provided the authenticity of the relics can be determined.

Rent-a-Priest on Cruise Line
Sacraments celebrated by a priest who has left the clerical state would be at best illicit, and in some cases invalid.

Reservation and Exposition of Blessed Sacrament
"Liturgical norms do not allow the Blessed Sacrament to remain exposed in church during Mass."

Reserving the Precious Blood
The Precious Blood may not be reserved except for Communion of the sick who cannot receive the Lord under the form of bread.

Rite of Marriage
In a nuptial Mass, the penitential rite is omitted, and Gloria and Creed are included only if they would normally be used in the Mass for that day.

Rite of Sprinkling with Holy Water
It is not appropriate to replace the new rite of sprinkling before Mass with the Asperges of the old rite.

Sacristan, the Duties of
Father outlines the responsibilities of a sacristan, in preparing for liturgical celebrations and providing for the upkeep of church furnishings.

Saints' Prayers for Souls in Purgatory
We don't know whether the Saints, on their own initiative, pray for the souls in Purgatory, but we can be confident they will if we on earth ask them to do it.

Sanctus, The
To the question of why, in the phrasing of the current English translation of the Latin Missal, the third "Holy" is joined with "Lord," rather than "Lord" with "God," the answer is that the Latin punctuation is ambiguous.

Saturday Mass for Sunday
If there is danger of anyone mistaking a ritual Mass, e.g., a nuptial Mass, on Saturday afternoon, as valid for Sunday, then care should be taken that guests know in advance that their Sunday obligation will not be covered.

Scriptural Basis of the Mass as Sacrifice
Evidence that the Mass is a Sacrifice is found in the connection between Old Testament sacrifices and the Lord's words at the Last Supper.

Scriptural Translations
English language lectionaries differ in their translations of Scripture. The selections from Scripture are made to convey essential elements of salvation history.

Scripture Readings, Rhythm of
Here is explained the general structure of the schedule of readings at Mass, for Sundays and weekdays.

Second Collection, When to Take It Up
The appropriate time for a second collection would be following the Prayer after Communion and before the final blessing.

Shifting or Substituting the Sunday Liturgy
While permission may be granted for the Sunday liturgy to be celebrated on a Friday or Saturday morning, it is not the case that Sunday itself is a transferable feast.

Sign of Peace
If there is no invitation to the sign of peace, it is not to be exchanged by the people on their own initiative.

Silence
Liturgical silence encourages interior silence, which is a necessary state of mind for full participation in the Eucharist.

Singing the Consecration
One of the changes brought about by Vatican II's liturgical reform was the possibility of a sung consecration. Until then, "the Latin rite was practically the only one that did not sing the words of the consecration."

Slide Shows at Homilies
Slide shows may not replace the homily, nor, in general, are they to be preferred to the spoken word.

Solemnities, Feasts, Memorials
Father McNamara explains how "feasts" are classified, and how their classification is reflected in the celebration of Mass.

So Very Dry Liturgy
Liturgy, celebrated according to rubrics, can seem dry only to those who haven't been instructed in the meaning of the Mass and what actually occurs there.

Spanish Homilies Read by a Layman
A homily read by a layman, even if composed by a priest, is not advisable, since it creates a false impression and lacks the personal element.

St. Joseph Added to the Eucharistic Prayer
The Holy See may one day direct that St. Joseph be named in all Eucharistic Prayers, but until that day, unauthorized insertion of his name is not the way to honor the Patron of the Universal Church.

Standing During the Eucharistic Prayer
In dioceses of the U.S.A., the people should kneel from after Sanctus to the Amen at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer.

Stoles Without Chasubles
The chief celebrant should wear a chasuble, and concelebrants also, as far as circumstances permit.

Substituting the Psalm
The responsorial Psalm should be taken from the Lectionary, without substitution from a nonscriptural source.

Tabernacle, Where It Should Be
The Tabernacle may be either in the sanctuary or in a chapel visible from the main body of the church.

Tabernacles, Adoration and Double Genuflections
Genuflection on one knee may be used in adoring Christ, either in the tabernacle or exposed on the altar, though some countries have retained the double genuflection.

Table Wine for Mass
Table wine may be used at Mass if formal inquiry has been made to the manufacturer, to insure that the wine meets canonical conditions for valid consecration.

Televised Masses
Most guidelines giving norms for televised Masses are issued by the national bishops' conference. They are for the edification of the home bound, do not substitute for those able to assist at Mass, and do not fulfill the Sunday precept.

The Lord Be With You
The priest is not authorized to change the approved text, "The Lord Be With You," to, "The Lord Is With You," which is not approved.

Through Him, With Him ...
The GIRM (no. 151) clearly states that the doxology, "Per ipsum," at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer, is to be said or sung by the priest alone.

Unauthorized Baptism
The question is addressed of whether a child ought to be baptized without the parents' consent, and if the baptism would be valid.

Unbaptized Children Who Die
"...the celebration of funeral rites for an unbaptized child usually requires the permission of the local bishop who considers the pastoral circumstances involved."

Using Classrooms for Mass
There may be occasions when Mass in a classroom is desirable, but in general it's best to have it in a sacred place.

Using Multiple Chalices and Patens
The main chalice and paten should be placed directly in front of the celebrant, but if more chalices and patens are necessary, they should have a place on the altar as well.

Using the Chalice Pall
Guidelines are given from common practice on when the pall should cover the chalice during celebration of Mass.

Ustedes vs. Vosotros
The substitution of ustedes for vosotros in the Mass has been permitted in Mexico, and for pastoral reasons may be permitted by bishops in other countries where Mexican faithful worship.

Venerating Relics at Mass
Genuflections are not made to relics, excepting only a relic of the True Cross, or other relic of the Passion, when publicly exposed.

Veneration of Altar at End of Mass
Concelebrants bow to the altar, leaving the principal celebrant and deacon to kiss the altar at the end of Mass.

Veneration of a Venerable
Public liturgical or paraliturgical veneration of a Servant of God, not beatified, is forbidden, though private, personal veneration is permitted.

Washing of Hands
"The washing of hands at the end of the offertory rites may never be omitted at any Mass."

Washing of the Feet on Holy Thursday
Although the Holy See made an exception for a particular United States diocese, the norm is for men only to have their feet washed on Holy Thursday.

Water With Wine, Why?
The custom of mixing water with wine goes back to the time of Christ, and theological meanings have been attached to this custom, so that it is absolutely forbidden to neglect it at Mass.

Way of the Cross Within Mass
"No priest has the authority to add or remove anything prescribed in the liturgical books by his own decision."

Wearing the Cassock
While, apart from special circumstances, a priest should be readily identifiable in public by his dress, the form of clerical garb differs with culture and custom.

Wedding, Why No Litanies
"...[I]t would not be correct to independently replace the prayer of the faithful for a litany of the saints, as this would alter the established rite of Christian marriage."

What a Concelebrant Must Recite
"For a concelebrant's Mass to be valid the words of consecration recited in a low but audible voice is strictly necessary," though for regularity, he is obliged to recite also all parts required by the GIRM.

When a Church is Desacralized
On how a church is desacralized, it is done by a formal decree of the Bishop "with the consent of those who legitimately claim rights for themselves in the church."

When a Host Isn't Swallowed
When a Host, partially consumed by a sick person, needs to be disposed of, it should be dissolved in water and poured into the sacrarium or in the ground.

When Reading the Passion
Father answers a series of questions relating to the reading of the Passion on Palm Sunday and Good Friday.

When the Faithful Take the Host Directly
Magisterial documents on the proper mode of intinction direct that the people are not to take the Host directly from the ciborium or themselves dip the Host into the chalice.

When the Mass Officially Begins
The Mass officially begins with recitation of the antiphon, or the singing of a hymn or entrance chant.

When the Priest Should Receive Communion
The so-called "servant model" of distributing Holy Communion, in which the priest receives after the people, is illicit.

When There's a Medical Emergency
When a medical emergency interrupts Mass, the celebrant's response is governed by no general rule beyond using common sense and pastoral tact.

When Words Over the Host Are Repeated
If the celebrant is distracted, and doesn't use the proper words to consecrate both species, he should be quietly informed before he proceeds much further.

Where the Priest Should Begin Mass
The priest should begin the Mass at the celebrant's chair, which is most appropriately placed to the side of the altar.

Why No Amen at End of the Our Father
The Amen, delayed after the end of the Our Father in the Mass liturgy, should not be omitted when the Our Father is said in non-liturgical contexts.

Why the Various Postures at Mass
Father gives the significance of the different postures at Mass, relating them to the various parts of the Liturgy.

Wine Consecrated in Flask or Bottle
While not explicitly forbidden, neither is it authorized to consecrate wine other than in a chalice/cup.*

Withholding Communion at Mass
At weddings and funerals, an announcement restricting Communion to Catholics in a state of grace is sufficient to avoid indiscrimate distribution of the Sacrament.

Words After Gospel
The GIRM 2000 gives the correct versicle(s) and responses at the beginning and conclusion of the Gospel.

Year-of-the-Eucharist Indulgence
To gain the special plenary indulgence for saying Evening Prayer and Night Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, they must both be said, but not necessarily together. What an indulgence is is also covered, and a list of other plenary indulgences is provided.

* An issue formally decided with publication of Redemptionis Sacramentum, 23 April 2004.

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