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 …
Good Friday intercession
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/
Intercessions for Good Friday
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, …
Reconciliation in Covid-19 times
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.
Litany of Saints
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.
Rite of Election
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 …
Exposition and Coronavirus
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 …
Third Sunday of Advent
Q: I have an interesting question. When, on the Third Sunday of Advent, the Roman Missal says Preface I or Preface II of Advent is it used is the Roman Missal indicating that there is always a choice on the Third Sunday of Advent for Preface II to be used (because of the relation to John the Baptist), or is the Roman Missal rubric presuming that Preface I is used before or including December 16 and if it is December 17 or later, Preface II is used? Thank you for your kindness. == A: It’s referring to the years when …
Two prayers
Q: Thank you for answering all the questions you do. It’s very helpful to have some reliable to address these questions. My question is in regard to the two prayers in the Missal at the end of Sunday Mass during lent. One is the Prayer after Communion, the other is Prayer over the People. Are both of these prayers said or does the celebrant choose one? It seems to be confusing since most of the time the prayers end with the same words. I looked in your book “Let Us Pray” and it really didn’t address this question specifically. It …
Stations and Benediction
Q: It has been a tradition to have each Wednesday during Lent Stations of the Cross followed by Benediction. It is announced in the weekly bulletin as: Stations of the Cross and Benediction. This is not Eucharistic Adoration. Acceptable? == A: Yes, you should be fine. We are not allowed to expose the Blessed Sacrament just for the sake of a blessing, but if you include the traditional hymns and prayers, you are following a time-honored custom.