Dear Dr. Geraghty,

Regarding Mary's question posted on 8-23-12 about whether you can have a Mass without a homily, here are some references regarding this-

From the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM):

66. The Homily should ordinarily be given by the Priest Celebrant himself or be entrusted by him to a concelebrating Priest, or from time to time and, if appropriate, to the Deacon, but never to a lay person.[64] In particular cases and for a just cause, the Homily may even be given by a Bishop or a Priest who is present at the celebration but cannot concelebrate.

On Sundays and Holydays of Obligation there is to be a Homily at every Mass that is celebrated with the people attending, and it may not be omitted without a grave reason. On other days it is recommended, especially on the weekdays of Advent, Lent, and Easter Time, as well as on other festive days and occasions when the people come to church in greater numbers.[65]

It is appropriate for a brief period of silence to be observed after the Homily.

(Here is link for the whole document on the USCCB's website http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/roman-missal/general-instruction-of-the-roman-missal/index.cfm )

Also, noted in SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM:

52. By means of the homily the mysteries of the faith and the guiding principles of the Christian life are expounded from the sacred text, during the course of the liturgical year; the homily, therefore, is to be highly esteemed as part of the liturgy itself; in fact, at those Masses which are celebrated with the assistance of the people on Sundays and feasts of obligation, it should not be omitted except for a serious reason.

The full link from the Vatican website found here:

http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19631204_sacrosanctum-concilium_en.html

Thank you Dr. Geraghty and all at EWTN for your work in this wonderful ministry.

Dear J.C. Taylor,

Thank you for your expertise.

Dr. Geraghty

COPYRIGHT 2013

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