Q: There are seven Old Testament readings for the Easter Vigil with option to narrow the selection to three. With the current situation of Masses without an assembly, no sacraments of initiation, and the current Decree from Pope Francis omitting the Easter Fire … paragraph 21 speaks of additional special circumstances … for the Easter Vigil, can the number of Old Testament readings be reduced to one? == A: The Vatican has not given permission for fewer than three Old Testament readings. But if you are concerned about the length of the ceremony causing safety concerns in 2020, the liturgy …

Q: Will it be possible to celebrate Holy Week after the masses resume in May or so? == A: No. Please take a look at the Vatican’s web site: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2020/03/25/0181/00409.html#en. Easter comes when it comes. It is always a time of rejoicing, even amid a pandemic.

Q: Since there is no Easter fire, does anyone know IF it is possible to being the vigil earlier in the evening, such as 7 pm? == A: The CDWDS has not changed the starting time for the Vigil. The missal’s directive remains in force, as far as I know, that the mass “begins after nightfall.” But I hold this opinion: “nightfall” is not the same as “sunset”. If people are turning on lamps at home, and drivers are turning on their headlights, then enough night has fallen to require light. In my opinion, a 7 pm start in this …

Q: I pray you and yours are well during this crisis. A quick question about Mass on TV. In this CoVid 19 pandemic, the faithful wish to at the very least ‘watch’ Mass on TV or YouTube.   I remember learning that if the Mass is live-streamed, you should consider yourself as part of the celebration.  So, besides joining in the prayers, if you are able, you would make the appropriate gestures, sit and stand as if you were in the church building itself.  However, if it a recorded Mass from earlier that same day (or prior), the recording should help …

Q: Well, I see that Rome has now also weighed in on providing an extra petition for Good Friday 2020.(https://www.cbcew.org.uk/vatican-decree-on-easter-celebrations/)……any suggestions for suitable phrasing of this suggested GoodFriday special intercession “for the sick, the dead, for those whofeel lost or dismayed”? Many thanks, and stay well. == A: I wrote one for our diocese, and Anthony Ruff has set it to music:https://www.praytellblog.com/index.php/2020/03/20/good-friday-special-intention-for-the-health-pandemic/

Q: Do you think it would be appropriate for a Bishop to add a special intention in light of the pandemic to the Good Friday solemn intercessions? This came up at a presbyteral gathering, and some felt that it was adequately expressed by n. 10 “For those in tribulation”; but others felt that a more specific intention would be better. Your input is appreciated! == A: Just before the solemn intercessions of Good Friday the missal offers this rubric: “In a situation of grave public need, the Diocesan Bishop may permit or order the addition of a special intention.” Prayer 10, …

Q: Please comment on whether in current Covid -19 Caronavirus times the Sacrament of Reconciliation can be conferred by video conferencing or phone. == A: No, the Vatican has not given permission for electronic reconciliation. Reconciliation is celebrated in person.

Q: We will not be having a baptism at the Easter Vigil. But many still want to have the Litany of Saints because of its beauty. What are your thoughts on this? == A: Even without baptisms, the litany is to be sung in places where baptisms will take place during the year. It is omitted only in places – such as chapels – where there are no baptisms at all.

Q: My question is about the Rite of Election. We recently celebrated the Rite of Election with the Bishop. The Bookof the Elect is presented to the bishop at the altar, where he signsand dates the book and greets the catechumens. No. 553 of the RCIA offers various possibilities for presenting thecatechumens to the bishop. However it does not specify that thesigning of the book take place on the altar. Is there another way inwhich this might be carried out? I would welcome your comments andsuggestions. Thank you. == A: There is no provision for the bishop to sign the …

Q: Hope you are staying well! In light of the coronavirus and the reality of a lack of Masses, a colleague asked if we could have a camera to offer virtual exposition.This doesn’t seem to be what the Church had in mind when it called for devotions to harmonize with Eucharistic liturgy, rather it seems to be a replacement for Mass hearkening to the practices of the Middle Ages. But then again, these are strange times. Thoughts?  Thanks so much!==A: I think it’d be fine. Do have people actually in the room with the monstrance, adoring. It will give people …