Q: A quick question regarding a small change from the old text to the new in HCWEMOM: In no. 6 of the introduction, the old text says that Christ is present “finally and above all in the eucharistic sacrament.” The new text replaces that with “…in the Eucharistic species.” Is this a change made to the typical edition? That is, does the Latin of the first edition say the equivalent of “sacrament,” and that was changed to the Latin equivalent of “species” when the typical edition was revised? Or is this English translation simply a more careful translation, and the first edition of …

Q:  What are your thoughts on the Gospel Procession? A friend of mine mentioned that in their parish, the procession of the gospel goes around the church to the ambo. Can they argue that in the GIRM it only mentions that it is from the altar to the ambo and did not say anything specific that it will be a short procession. What are your thoughts?  Thank you and God bless.  The Directory for Masses with children specifies that in Masses with children 34: The participation of at least some children in the procession with the Book of Gospels makes …

Q: Before reading the Gospel during the Mass, the deacon or a concelebrant makes a profound bow and asks for a blessing, if the main celebrant is a bishop. Having bowed to the altar, he then takes up the Book of the Gospels which was placed upon it.  My observation is that many deacons or concelebrants bow to the altar from the front side when the book of the Gospels is placed on it, and when there is no book of the Gospels, like during the weekday masses, they bow to the altar from the side facing the assembly.  Is …

Q: When we have new folks that want to come into OCIA, we should be asking certain questions right? Do you know of a template to start those conversations? == A: I don’t have a resource to recommend. However, there should be plenty of ideas out there. You may try neighboring parishes to yours to get some samples. I’m writing on book right now that throws a spotlight on our preparation for the baptized candidate, and I will have some specific questions in there for that first conversation. My book won’t be out for another year or so, and I …

Q: Should angels be mentioned in the Eucharistic Prayers on their memorial days or feasts? I mean, should they be mentioned in the place where the names of the saints are usually mentioned on their memorial days?  == A: I wouldn’t say they “should” be added. But I don’t see a problem with it if they are. The inclusion of the name of any saint in those few Eucharistic Prayers is optional. Angels are included in litanies of the saints, so they are invoked as saints are.  But, of course, they get a shout-out in every preface.

Q: I am reading your book, “Eucharistic Reservation.” Thank you for the book. The background (history) that you provide is very interesting, and the commentary very helpful. On p. 46 you state: “The General Instruction on the Liturgy of the Hours says that a presider who is not a priest ‘is only one among equals and does not enter the sanctuary or greet and bless the people’ (258).” When I looked this up, however, I found: “258. In the absence of a priest or deacon, the one who presides at the office is only one among equals and does not …

Q: Dear Fr Paul, greetings (once again!) from the UK!  A priest colleague has just moved, and has now begun his ministry in a new parish. He has inherited there a curious custom of two ambos: one for most of the Liturgy of the Word and notices etc, and one solely for the Gospel. I presume the idea of separating the elements of the L of the W like this is a hangover from the old rite and I understand the desire to somehow promote and exalt the Gospel by treating it differently (as we already do in the liturgy)… …

Q: I enjoy reading your liturgical works. I am planning and MCing for an Ordination to the Priesthood, which takes place on a Sunday.  May I ask, When should the Creed be recited? After the Kiss of Peace? Many thanks, == A: Thanks for following my work. I covered this on p.194 of my book, Present for God’s Call: An Overview of the Rites of Institution and Ordination. See nos. 138 and 166 of the Ordination ritual. I’m not sure if Canada has the most recent version as we do in the US, but that’s where it explains that the Profession of …

I’ve been browsing your blog and found lots of useful info on this, but still have some specific questions.  One of my parish pastors has been offering Communion during Mass in 2 ways – he and the Deacon in the main line give by way of intinction (on the tongue), and then an extraordinary minister gives just the body in a separate line for those that wish to receive in the hand. Lately, the “in the hand” line has not been offered, making me think that it’s an attempt to force the entire congregation to receive on the tongue. Is …

Q: With the Missal not saying a peep about a Closing Hymn I can still see some practical value in a Closing Hymn as it allows the priest and deacon to depart without there being a mad rush.  That said I dont love minimizing tbe Deacon’s “go in peace” by then not going in peace and instead staying to sing.  Having said that have you seen a different example or two of how the “no closing hymn” practice can still lead to calmness after the Deacon’s final words.  == A: I think the best practice is an instrumental recessional. I …