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Father Edward McNamara, professor of
liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical Athenaeum, answers
common questions on liturgical norms, as published by ZENIT, the
international news agency reporting from Rome.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
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.
Coffee
and Food in the Sacristy
Having food and beverages in the sacristy is usually unnecessary and
detracts from spiritual atmosphere of the place.
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."
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
permissable.
Female Altar
Servers
The Holy See permits female servers, while commending the custom that
reserves the role to boys.
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
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."
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
"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.
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.
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.
Liturgical
Dancing
Although permitted in some African and Asian cultures, liturgical dance is
not permitted in the West because of its profane associations there.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Non-Catholics
Distributing Precious Blood
Non-Catholics are not normally permitted to take a liturgical role the
Holy Eucharist.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
Preparing
Corporal on the Altar
Altar servers may spread the corporal and otherwise prepare the altar for
Liturgy of the Eucharist.
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."
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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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