Q: What can you tell me about the origins of the hispanic/filipino marriage customs of the arras and lazo, now available in English in the US? A: John Chrysostom mentions the arras, but he’s referring to a betrothal ring. The 8th to 11th c. Mozarabic Liber ordinum has a prayer concerning the exchange of arras (pledges), and that’s probably the source that led to the present-day custom. The lazo can be traced at least to the same source, possibly earlier. My book will be out after the first of the year: https://www.litpress.org/Products/E6378/Inseparable-Love
Sing A New Church
Q: Have you heard of any theological objections to the song Sing A New Church? A: None that I consider serious. Some people seem to think that the song implies a schism, but the hymn is about building up the church, not replacing it.
Placing the Advent wreath
Q: Our church space is rather “small”. Placement of an Advent wreath is challenging. Our Narthex is almost non-existent, not enough space near our ambo, and our low ceiling does not lend itself to hanging a wreath. It is my understanding that in front of the altar is not appropriate. I’ve considered moving the presider chair (presently it is opposite the ambo with the altar in the middle) to behind the altar. If I did that, I could put the Advent wreath where the presider chair was and even put our Christmas Manger in that space during the Christmas Season. …
Dedication anniversary
May the”Common of the Dedication of a Church on the Anniversary of the Dedication” be prayed at parish Masses if that anniversary falls on a Sunday in Ordinary Time? Not only may it be prayed, it must be prayed. It is a parish solemnity that ranks above the Sunday in Ordinary Time. Even the readings should come from the Common. And when the anniversary falls on a weekday in Ordinary Time, you may still transfer it to a nearby Ordinary Time Sunday.
Paschal Candle
Q: Is it permissible for the Paschal Candle to be lit on the Commemoration of all the Faithfully Departed, with memorial candles for the deceased to be lit from it? Please advise. A: There is no legislation permitting it – or forbidding it. We are to light the paschal candle throughout Easter Time and for baptisms and funerals. Some parishes have the custom of lighting it for All Souls Day because it is a commemoration of the faithful departed. The practice is in keeping with the usage of the candle, but if you’re looking for an official “permission”, I cannot …
Koine Greek
Q: Which Greek is used in the original bible scrolls, and where can I learn it? Also, I know there are bibles that have the original Greek with the English transitions right next to it, but which is the best and most reliable edition? A: It’s called Koine Greek, and in Kansas city Rockhurst University offers a class TH3130: http://www.rockhurst.edu/academics/undergraduate/majors/theology-religious-studies/courses/ We use the New American Bible Revised Edition for mass, but I’m not sure if it comes with an interlinear translation. There is a Revised New Standard Version interlinear, and it would be fine.
Apologetics
Q: What is “Catholic apologetics”? A: That is generally understood to be a defense of Catholic teaching against those who challenge it. Within the liturgy, apologetics do not have a specific place. We proclaim the scriptures so that people can hear divine revelation. We offer prayers that express the faith of the church. According to the introduction to the lectionary, during the year “the homily sets forth the mysteries of faith and the standards of the Christian life on the basis of the sacred text.” Although some preachers may include apologetics in their homilies, the nature of the homily is less …
Purifying the vessels
Q: We have a new pastor who prefers purifying the vessels after communion at the altar. While I understand that this is an option, he takes between 3-4 minutes to accomplish this. In the meantime, song has ended and the people remain kneeling. He argues that this is a perfect time to close our eyes and be alone with Jesus. Do you have any thoughts regarding this? A: Well, it’s not the way I do things, but it is within the range of possibilities. GIRM 279 says that the credence table is the preferred place for cleansing the vessels, but …
Altar cloth
Q: I have a question about the altar cloth. Our parish’s practice has been to have the wooden altar bare at the start of Mass (other than the seasonally appropriate color strip of cloth that overhangs the altar) then to place the white altar cloth over that as the altar is prepared for the liturgy of the Eucharist. Then a corporal is placed over the altar cloth. After communion the corporal and altar cloth are removed. Is this within the realm of the rubrics or does the altar cloth need to be in place before the beginning of Mass? A: …
Take or receive
Q. In the marriage rite, the revised translation still has the couple say “I take you” but the word in the giving of rings is “accept this ring.” What are the words in Latin? Wouldn’t “I receive you” be better for the consent? A. In Latin, Ego N. accípio te N. in uxórem meam et promítto… I think that the word “take” is retained because of the antiquity of the formula in English. In Colombia, there are 6 different options for the consent. One of them is, “I N., give myself to you, N., as your spouse, and I …