Q: We have a number of parishes named “St. Mary” – but not further specified. May the parish simply choose under which title to celebrate the parish’s patronal solemnity? Or is something more “official” required? Likewise, we have a number of churches that have been renovated extensively and subsequently re-dedicated. I am assuming that the date of the re-dedication, not the original dedication, is observed as a solemnity in the parish. == A: I treat this in my forthcoming book, Sacred Times. Look at Calendaria particularia 35, DOL 481 (4030), p. 1253. You’ll see that the default titular day is the Assumption, August …
The prayer of purification
Q: Thanks for your helpful blog! I was speaking with a fellow Deacon and the topic of the prayer that is said during the Purification of the Sacred Vessels. My first pastor introduced me to the prayer and helped me to learn and memorize it. My brother Deacon said he had never heard of the prayer. When I consulted the Roman Missal, it allows for the Priest, Deacon or acolyte to purify, but the confusion is the line “while he carries out the purification, the Priest says quietly (the prayer of purification).” RM page 670 #137 So, is this prayer …
Exposition and Benediction
Q: We have been revising our worship aids for Exposition and Benediction according to the new edition of “Holy Communion and the Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside of Mass” and noticed that the dialogue “You have given them bread from heaven…”, normally said immediately before the prayer preceding Benediction, has been omitted. Should we stop using this dialogue or is it still an option? == A: You can find my previous posts on this here https://paulturner.org/?s=dialogue+exposition The reformed liturgical book (first known as Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass) never included that dialogue, which did appear in the …
New altar
Q: In our convent, there was a beautiful stone altar that was removed from its base some years ago and the top slab of marble was kept in our convent with the relic removed. A simple wooden altar replaced it, and I don’t know what happened to the original base for the stone altar. I had a new base made for the original altar which should be done very soon, and then we are going to put the original altar back into the chapel on the new base. I am looking for a relic to put into the altar (it …
Order of baptism for children
Q: I just wish to share my surprise, being a foreigner. I am wondering why at numbers 51, 88, 276, 314 of the 2020 USA order of baptism for children it is written that after anointing with oil of Catechumens, the presider in silence “lays his hand on the child”. On number 115 that gesture is even without the anointing. How did this end up in the US ritual? What sense does it make with this kind of anointing? Is it correct? I don’t think it’s an epiclesis, otherwise the Deacon could not do it. == A: The typical edition …
Reception into Full Communion
Q: I have a question. Can you recommend a good resource, book or articles, for the theology and practice that grounds Reception into Full Communion for children? Specifically, we are wrestling with working with children 7 or older who are baptized outside the Catholic Church whose parents and/or they are seeking Reception into Full Communion. What has been done here and many other places is a Profession of Faith and then the children are placed with their peers, usually separating First Eucharist and Confirmation. == A: I can’t think of anything that tackles exactly that question. There should be something! …
Vigil for the Assumption of Mary
Q: If our parish is having an evening, daily Mass on August 14, do we need to celebrate the Vigil for the Assumption of Mary (August 15) at that Mass, or can we celebrate the normal daily Mass which was for St. Maximilian Kolbe? In general, if a Mass is being celebrated after 4pm, does it have to be a Vigil Mass and when? Never, Only for all Holy Days of Obligation, for all Sunday Masses, all Solemnities, etc. I think the Missal permits it for all Solemnities, but I don’t think it is required. Thank you in advance. == …
Anointing those who are mentally ill
Q: We have been discussing the ministry of Anointing the Sick, especially what the Church teaches or gives as guidelines for giving the sacrament of the Anointing to those who are mentally ill, especially those who may be depressed or suicidal, whether professionally diagnosed, self-diagnosed or not diagnosed or under a doctor’s care. We have looked at the USCCB website and find the statements there and it seems to refer only to physical illness. It seems clear from the statements from the USCCB that physical illness only can invite the Sacrament of Anointing. It seems that interpretation and pastoral discernment are key …
Words of absolution
Q: I just received my copy of Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside Mass, the 2024 edition. Throughout the book, the proper words are specified, depending on whether the minister is a priest, deacon, or lay minister. What surprised me is that the general absolution, “May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and lead us to everlasting life,” is said by whoever is leading the service. It was my understanding that these words of absolution can be said by a priest only, and I have always omitted them when bringing Holy Communion to …
Solemn Intercessions
Q: We are being told that the 2015 revision to the Roman Missal changed the wording of the Solemn Intercessions for Good Friday. Can you point me to a source for this information? == A: The missal’s translation was revised for use beginning in Advent 2011. At that time, the Good Friday intercessions received a new translation of the same prayers that have been in the missal since 1970. I don’t know of any further revision in 2015.