Q: Thank you for your insightful answers. GIRM 69 seems rather clear. Visiting various churches, many tend to ignore the usual suggestions a) and b). Some parishes have 8-9-10 prayers. Is there a specific number of prayers? Then there are redundances: 1) Let us pray for all the faithful departed that they be shown Gd’s […]
Q: I have recently moved to a new Parish. The former Pastor had six candles on the altar. I prefer two candles either on the altar or beside the altar. In my last parish there were four freestanding candle stands surrounding the altar; one candle at each corner. When I became pastor I removed all […]
Q: There is a member of the congregation who always turns to the back of the Chapel at the opening and conclusion of the Mass as the priest processes in and out. It is notable to see him facing the opposite direction of the rest of the congregation at those times. Is this consistent with […]
Q: I see here in my country that in many parishes, during this season of Advent, the musical instruments are not allowed during the Eucharistic celebrations. I have tried to search for any document that support that, I cannot find one. Do you have any clarification to offer. Thank you in advance. == A: GIRM […]
Q: Whenever the bishop is present at a Mass where the people are gathered, “it is most fitting that he himself celebrates the Eucharist and associate priests with himself as concelebrants in the sacred action” (GIRM 92). My question is about a retired bishop who is a religious. In a case of the celebration of funeral […]
Q: Is it liturgically correct to put the Advent wreath on the sanctuary? == A: The Book of Blessings says, “If [the Advent wreath] is placed in the presbyterium [sanctuary], it should not interfere with the celebration of the liturgy, nor should it obscure the altar, lectern, or chair” (1512). View All Blog Posts | […]
Q: Thank you, Father, for all you do! I’m celebrating a wedding Mass on Friday, December 12. What Mass formulary and readings do I use? == A: Ritual Masses are not prohibited on feast days (GIRM 372). So you may celebrate the Ritual Mass For the Celebration of Marriage with readings appropriate for a wedding. […]
Q: Worship Council business–many of our Eucharistic Ministers need updated training. We have a minister who is blessing each person receiving, making a Sign of the Cross, with the Eucharist, when distributing Communion at Mass. I’m told that’s NOT correct. Right? == A: That is so not correct. Blessing with the host is what […]
Q: My community is building a new monastery that includes a chapel. We are looking at options for the readings for the Mass of Dedication of our new chapel, Of course we will be working with our diocesan Office for Worship on this, and so we are doing some preparation in anticipation of those meetings. […]
Q: Our Archdiocesan Music Committee was discussing the upcoming new translation of the Lectionary, and, of course, the psalms. As a musician and someone who works with cantors, how big are the changes that are coming? I am confused by these terms: The Grailville psalms and the Abbey psalms. How different or similar are they? […]