Q: On the day of the Rite of Election, do only those who are going to receive all three sacraments sign the book? Or do those sign who are going to be baptized but not receive first communion? == A: No adult can be baptized without receiving first communion. If an adult is not able to receive first communion—for example, because of an unresolved marriage situation—that adult cannot be baptized.
Anointing the sick
Q: I am trying to locate info on the indulgence that can be granted a person near death and its relationship to the apostolic pardon. You and I discussed at the time of the Covid pandemic. Unfortunately I cannot locate the document you provided. Please advise. Appreciate your patience and your help. == A: The rite of anointing the sick includes two versions of the Apostolic Pardon, which in Latin is called Plenary Indulgence. I’m sure that will get clarified in the revised English translation. The Enchiridion on Indulgences #28 says this: “To the faithful in danger of death, who …
First Communion and Confirmation
Q: What are your thoughts on this situation? I have had teens who are Baptized Catholic, had left the church with their families after Baptism, but who have returned and been practicing the faith for several years who now need both First Communion and Confirmation. Their peers are in the Teen Confirmation program and they would like to participate in that program verses RCIA (OCIA) / Adult Confirmation. We have been allowing them to make that choice and we simply have them receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion prior to Confirmation with their peer group. Do you see …
Easter ByPass
Q: What is your understanding of the need to ensure that Catechumens observe the “Easter ByPass?” It is the recommended norm in our diocese meaning that Catechumens must be in the formation program for at least 1 liturgical year before they can be initiated. This would mean that someone entering a program in August 2022, would need to wait at least until the Easter Vigil 2024 to be initiated. We are in the practice of discerning each individual’s readiness and desire (we do this together) to determine if they are ready for the Easter Vigil and it is not uncommon …
Sacraments of initiation
Q: I was happy to hear in your presentation that you were stressing that we need to separate the process and rites for those that are truly Catechumens from those that are Candidates (the Baptized and potentially catechized). We have long believed that that is what the Rites called for and have had separate processes for those that are Catechumens and those Candidates that have different formation and catechetical needs as a result of having established religious practices and understanding. We have completed those Sacraments for those using timing that is appropriate for each individual circumstance. We do allow them, …
Priest facing the people
Q: I read with some interest your January 18 blog which was forwarded to me by a brother deacon. However, you might wish to be aware that your assertion that “The General Instruction of the Roman Missal calls for the priest to face the people in no. 299” is not accurate. While the English rendering of GIRM 299 states that “…Mass can be celebrated at it [the fixed altar apart from the wall] facing the people, which is desirable wherever possible…”, that rendering is not accurate. One clue, even in the misrendered English, is the word “wherever” (ubicumque), as opposed to “whenever” (quotienscumque). The Latin, which is authoritative, …
Litany of saints
Q: In a recent post, https://paulturner.org/ordination-of-a-new-bishop/, you invited followers of your blog to help answer the question if a “Blessed” may be added to the litany of the saints. The question regarding adding names to litany piqued my interest, and so I dug into the matter a bit more. As you noted the Ordo Missae in Cantu as well as the Calendarium Romanum have a rather comprehensive list of Saints. I think that you might be reading the permission to add additional Saints to the Litany to be a bit restrictive. In consulting the Ceremonial of Bishops, the Missal, and the …
Bidding prayers
Q: Thank you for all your wisdom and for the help and nurture you give to us all In our parish we encourage the prayer of the faithful (or the ‘bidding prayers’ as we love to call them) to be prepared by members of the parish. I tell them to use the Good Friday intercessions as the model. The prayer of the faithful is the prayer of the community, prayers are not addressed to God directly. At the offices of morning & evening prayer this does not seem to be the case. There appears to be a variety of models …
Conditional Baptism
Q: I was reading your recent article in the Priest Magazine on the new OCIA translation, and I have read others of your liturgical commentaries, which I find very helpful. I thought I would pass along a question, if you wouldn’t minding guiding me in the right direction. This year, I have a person who wants to enter the Church, is being catechized, etc. However, they are not able to find a record of their baptism. Their Church (a Christian alliance community) was closed and all the Church’s records were destroyed by a severe storm. It was not part …
Blessing of a Chalice
Q: We just purchased two chalices, each with a paten, as well as a bowl ciborium. I found the Blessing of a Chalice and Paten in the Book of Blessings. This blessing seems to be intended for only one chalice. Could we modify it to include both? Also I don’t see a blessing for a ciborium. Is there one? Thank you for all the clarity and insights you bring to our liturgical questions. == A: Yes, you may modify the blessing accordingly. The blessing for the paten would apply to the ciborium. There is a revised translation available now in the last …