Q:  At a past parish, we invited the HS Seniors to join together for a Parish Mass and Reception. The HS Seniors wore their caps and gowns or a nice outfit. They processed in, removed their caps and worshiped with the community. Some participated in the Mass as ministers. At a neighboring parish, the pastor will not allow caps/gowns or their specific recognition. In which document(s) could I find some reference? Are there any liturgical laws being “broken” with the seniors and their graduation celebration? A:  As far as I know, you’re not breaking any laws. I can’t think of …

Q:  I have a question from our Vicar General that I am not confident in the answer. One of our parishes named for the Assumption is celebrating 125 years this year and they want to move the Mass to Sunday the 13th so the whole community can gather and celebrate. I am pretty sure they can move it, but the question is about the obligation to attend Mass on the 15th. Does that get abrogated in this case or must they still attend Mass on the 15th? I presume it’s the latter, but this is an area of lit law …

Q:  I received a call this morning from a gentleman who said he and his wife had been told their in utero baby had been diagnosed with Turner’s Syndrome and that it was not expected to live to term. If the child is born alive, ought it be baptized (I would say “yes” if it brings comfort to the parents but “no” as a soteriological necessity)?  If the child is stillborn should it be baptized (I would say definitely not)? Ought the child be given a funeral  (I would “yes” and to the extent the parents wish)? Do you have …

Q:  What are your thoughts about Eucharistic Ministers using hand sanitizer after the Sign of Peace and before distribution? When that flu broke out years ago (can’t remember what it was called), it was understandable. But today, isn’t it unnecessary? A:  There’s no rubric for communion ministers to wash their hands, of course. Some people are concerned about hygiene at communion (even though they touch door handles and pew tops without a moment’s concern). I’m OK with using hand sanitizer, but I don’t like it to become its own ritual. I think it’s best if communion ministers carry sanitizer in …

Q:  Father, how many copies are there for the book “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults” ? I am trying to get the latest copy of this rite for my personal use. Is the one that was published in 1988 still ok for liturgical use ? I asked my two pastors and they have no idea about this. They use the one which was published in 1988. Please clarify for me. Thanks. A:  The 1988 is the current book. The translation is being revised, but it will be a few years before the 1988 is replaced.

Q:  Could I get a clarification on a confirmation name. Does the person the candidate picks have to be a Saint or can it be a person who has been beatified. The family would like to use the name Alberto Marveli.    Your advice is greatly appreciated. A:  There are absolutely no universal laws governing confirmation names. The Order of Confirmation actually presumes that the bishop will use the candidate’s own name. Confirmation names are customary in some countries, but not universally. If a person wishes to use a confirmation name, I think it makes sense to follow what canon 855 …

Q:  I read somewhere that during the Easter Season everyone stands during the singing of the litany of saints at ordinations.   Can you please verify this info. A:  #127 of the Rite of Ordination of Priests and #203 in the Rite of Ordination of Deacons give the same rubric: “The elect prostrate themselves and the Litany is sung; all reply. On Sundays and during Easter Time, all in the assembly remain standing. On other days, however, they kneel.”

Q:  Is there any update on Masses with Children?  Is the Directory for Masses with Children still accepted although I was told that there were some issues with it. A:  The Directory for Masses with Children is still in force. I’ve included many of its provisions in my book Let Us Pray.

Q:  One of my students claims that the priest does not join with the people in the memorial acclamation. The Missal says: “The people continue”. I have always taken that to mean joining the priest.  Who’s right? A:  Your student. But your answer was correct prior to the revised English translation of the missal. Formerly, the rubric instructed the priest and people to sing the acclamation, and you recall that the priest’s invitation used to be “Let us proclaim the mystery of faith” – including himself in the command. However, what the Consilium gave us after Vatican II was a …

Q:  With Pentecost coming up in a few weeks, I am aware according to the rubrics that the sequence is required for Pentecost Day but not the vigil.  It occurs between the second reading and the Alleluia.  This has been our practice.  Is this correct?     I recently came across and article that suggested it be sung following the Alleluia to accompany the Gospel procession.  I suspect that this may be the practice in the extraordinary form.   Looking forward to your reply. A:  I treated this in my book Let Us Pray. The postconciliar but pre-2000 GIRM did not say …