Vesture for Mass

In Paul Turner's Blog by Paul Turner

Q: Thank you for your hard work!  While reading through some rubrics for Bapistms, I noticed the Church gives the option to wear an alb or surplice with stole and cope. Yet, for Mass, a priest must wear an alb and not a surplice. Why can’t a priest where a suplice for Mass but he can for other celebrations of the sacraments. Also, is it correct to assume a priest wears a cassock with the surplice or does he wear regular clerical shirts (that seems silly in my opinion, but it is worth asking)? Thanks! == A: The origins for …

Feast of the Presentation

In Paul Turner's Blog by Paul Turner

Q: I believe this point has been covered before, but I would appreciate a “memory refresh!” As you probably know, this year, the feast of the Presentation occurs on a Sunday. The Missal presents two options: Procession or Solemn Entrance, with no mention being made of Simple Entrance at all, (unlike Palm Sunday, where there is that third option). To me, that says that Mass cannot begin in regular style on that day – period. OK…Any suggestions in terms of logistics/location, candles distribution, music, presider “entrance” or the like? What has, and can work, in your experience? Thanks! == A: …

Sign of peace

In Paul Turner's Blog by Paul Turner

Q: I just joined a new parish, and the sign of peace seems rather brief. In my previous parishes the pastor left the sanctuary to greet the people. Sometimes they even passed out name tags so people could meet one another. == A: Your new parish is following proper procedures. Go here  https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20040423_ redemptionis-sacramentum_en.html and scroll to numbers 71 and 72. In practice, exceptions are made in some ethnic communities.

Altar Candles

In Paul Turner's Blog by Paul Turner

Q: May we use oil candles on the Altar in place of beeswax? They are colored according to the liturgical season. == A: Here’s a previous post: https://paulturner.org/altar-candles-2/

Ritual masses

In Paul Turner's Blog by Paul Turner

Q: After reading “Sacred Times” can I conclude this about the ritual masses that are forbidden in certain occasions. When the liturgical books say that in such or such other occasion, the ritual mass is forbidden, does it mean that:1. The Mass can anyway be celebrated, provided that the readings of the day (not the readings of the ritual Mass) are considered;2. The rite, like funeral, can be celebrated outside of Mass? Thank you very much for your help. == A: You are correct. 1. For example, you may celebrate a wedding at Mass on the Solemnity of the Sacred …

Renovated sanctuary

In Paul Turner's Blog by Paul Turner

Q: What’s done has been done, but I’m aware of a parish church that very recently renovated its sanctuary to *remove* the freestanding stone altar so that only the high altar against the rear wall remains. The intent of that was to ensure that only ad orientem celebrations of Mass would be possible (2002 Missal). The ambo was also replaced by two wooden podiums: a small one on the assembly’s right side, used for the first and second readings; a larger one on the assembly’s left side, used for the Gospel reading and the homily. Finally, a Communion rail was …

Advent Wreaths

In Paul Turner's Blog by Paul Turner

Q: Throughout Advent, we have had two Advent Wreaths within the Nave of the Church. One was hanging above the pews over the center aisle, with battery operated candles that stayed lit 24/7, for the appropriate week of Advent we were in. At the bottom corner step of the altar was a second Wreath, that was lit by a family before each Sunday mass. The reasoning behind having 2 wreaths is that few people could see the wreath at the altar steps, and the pastor insisted a wreath be lit before mass by a family. It was the pastor who …

Holy Communion outside of Mass – Penitential Rite and Other Questions

In Paul Turner's Blog by Paul Turner

Question 1:#28 of the most recent publication of this ritual omits “Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy.” I believe it is presumed that they should follow as the other formulations allowed match the Missal, I would imagine the intention was for this one to match as well. Should it be included or omitted? Question 2:Assuming that the service is occurring in the church because a priest is sick or unavailable, if the missal indicates that the Gloria and/or Creed should be said, should it also be said in the communion service?   Question 3:If the service is …

Blessings of couples

In Paul Turner's Blog by Paul Turner

Q: A recent published article discussed what blessings of couples in irregular situations are not more than what they are. The article mentions that these blessings may be administered by “a priest,” meaning an ordained man encountered. My question is this: May deacons also give a spontaneous blessing to those in these type of situations who request it? The Book of Blessings explictly states that deacons are not to do the blessings that say they are not allowed to do but can do all the rest. If not, then are deacons to never give a spontaneous blessing as well? Number 35 …

Intinction Update

In Paul Turner's Blog by Paul Turner

Q: In your response on intinction, the questioner asked: “Why is intinction at Holy Communion not permitted for the whole congregation? It seems inconsistent that concelebrating priests may do so  but not the remainder of God’s worshipping People. Is there any move to review GIRM to permit intinction particularly as sharing of the chalice  is no longer a safe practice in the face of Covid and other virus?”  You answered  (rightly, as to be expected) concerning self-intinction, which is permitted for the priest, and not the  congregation. I was reading the question as to intinction was permitted at all. The …