Q: May the Chrism Mass be celebrated on March 19, the Solemnity of St. Joseph? It seems that would pose a liturgical conflict because of the high rank of that solemnity and the fact that the Roman Missal has propers for Mass celebrated on that day in observance of the solemnity as well as a […]

You may already be aware but all those things you mentioned in the post about Catholics sitting at the back, leaving during Communion etc, this happens not just in the US but here in Australia as well, most probably never challenged or even commented on, so any effort to change it is almost futile unless […]

Q: Is it permissible for a woman to participate in the reading of the Gospel of the Passion of the Lord at Mass? Thank you! == A: The missal says that the Passion may be read “by readers, with the part of Christ, if possible, reserved to a priest” (Palm Sunday, no. 21).  Readers may […]

Q: Greetings, deacons in my diocese use a white stole with the diocesan coat of arms as the “Diocesan Stole.”  We wear it at deacons’ funerals, ordinations, and at diocesan liturgies. Our priests also have a white stole with the diocesan coat of arms. Our diocese is discussing the idea of a violet stole with the […]

Q: When anointing the Catechumen with oil is it always placed on the hands or is that just a preferred method ?  Also is it the Oil of the Catechumen that is used for this anointing ?   I know during a normal baptism of a child the oil of the catechumen is placed on […]

Q: I have a question about the Scrutinies in the OCIA.    The rite indicates in #156 that after the dismissal of the elect,  and the celebration of the Eucharist begins, “…the Universal Prayer …begins immediately.  Then if required, the Creed is said, and the Preparation of the Gifts follows.”   Of course, it goes on to […]

I read with interest the blog entry on “Old Books” concerning the disposal of old, liturgical books. The USCCB’s Committee on Divine Worship had a Newsletter at  Mar-Apr 2011.pdf (page 14) with a section on “How to dispose of Old Copies of the Sacramentary” where they recommended either burying books on church grounds, placing in a coffin […]

Q: I’ve noticed that some priests are leaving the corporal on the altar after Mass. Obviously, I think this is a no-no. But, recently one priest said to me, rather boldly, that if the corporal is left on the altar (unfolded), the Mass is illicit? Not invalid, but illicit. Have you ever heard that? == […]

Q:  During the Lamb of God, I’ve noticed some priests fracturing the bread, then praying the silent prayer (bowing profoundly), and then genuflecting as the Lamb of God is still going on, then starting to raise the chalice and host just as the people are beginning to kneel. In my interpretation of the Roman Missal, […]

Q: There are 6 “Feasts of the Lord”: Apparently, Feasts of the Lord (#5) are ranked above OT Sundays (#6). This makes me think the Feasts need to have at least the same level of ceremonies and music as OT Sundays.  Questions: How we should observe Feasts of the Lord? Why don’t these Feasts normally […]