Q. I know a set of Catholic parents who are trying to understand why the non-Catholic groom cannot receive communion at a Catholic wedding mass. Is there a source you can recommend that cogently and simply explains why the Roman Catholic Church does not welcome other Christian traditions to the Eucharistic table? A. Here’s my own bulletin insert on the topic: http://www.rpinet.com/ml/2310bi2.html Here’s the actual teaching, see paragraph 129: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_25031993_principles-and-norms-on-ecumenism_en.html There are exceptions, as the same paragraph notes, but this wedding would not qualify. I was able to obtain permission for an Episcopalian prisoner to receive communion at the Catholic mass while …
So far in August
The following were added to www.paulturner.org Four new posts to Paul’s Blog. The homilies for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time in both English and Español. An endorsed book, “The Disciples at the Lord’s Table”. Updates to the Diocesan Liturgical Calendar.
Assumption on a Saturday
Q: Our bishop has told us that when the Assumption (August 15) falls on a Saturday, and the parish has a regularly scheduled Saturday evening mass, the mass should be for the Assumption, not for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Is this correct? A: No. In the United States the Assumption is not a holyday when it falls on a Saturday (or a Monday). In the Liturgy of the Hours, Evening Prayer II of the Assumption is prayed on Saturday night, but the rule for the mass is different because Sunday carries the obligation, and the Assumption-on-Saturday does not.
The word “fería”
Q: I struggle to maintain in my mind the meaning of the word “fería.” It shows up all the time, as you know. I once came across a definition of it that surprised me, but I don’t recall what it was or where I found it. The Ordo has two helpful pages in the beginning that explain their symbols and abbreviations and references, but “fería” does not appear there. I understand solemnities, feasts, memorials, optional memorials, etc. A: “Feria” is the Latin word for weekday, and you’ll see it on the calendar whenever no other saint’s day or feast applies. It …
Style Manual for Church Documents
Q: Is there a style manual that the Church uses when preparing official documents? I am familiar with literary styles such as MLA, APA, and Chicago style, and from the documents I’ve seen I conclude there must be a manual of some kind. I can deduce from the Roman Missal, for example, what words they capitalize when referring to Jesus or God; liturgical documents and even the Catechism have numbered paragraphs that seem to all be arranged in certain ways. Is there something I would call a Manual of Style that authors use? A: The Congregation for Divine Worship and …
Eucharist and becoming Catholic
Q: Some inquirers come in as candidates who have a good theological understanding of the Eucharist and the Real Presence, yet they cannot partake of the Eucharist until becoming Catholic. I understand this as a matter of faith, and one of community and unity. Before taking the Eucharist, we need to be in unity with the Catholic Church in faith. Is there a better explanation that you could share with me on this point? A: I’ve written a number of bulletin inserts on a variety of liturgical topics. Those who buy the CD from Resource Publications get the rights to …
Last week
Last week the following was added to www.paulturner.org Two blog posts. A wedding homily as well as the homilies for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time in both English and Español: http://paulturner.org/homilies-year-b-2015/ Three workshops for the Summer Gatherings at Holy Spirit Catholic Church: http://paulturner.org/workshops An article and a Book Review for Worship Magazine: http://paulturner.org/articles A new book, “Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass”, was added to “Books with Other Authors”: http://paulturner.org/with-other-authors/
Protestant service in a Catholic Church
Q: Can a Protestant service (i.e., wedding) be held in a Catholic Church without a priest being present? A: A Protestant service may take place in a Catholic church building with the permission of a bishop under certain circumstances. The case you propose seems not to fit these permissions. From the Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism by the Pontifical Council on Christian Unity (1993): “137. Catholic churches are consecrated or blessed buildings which have an important theological and liturgical significance for the Catholic community. They are therefore generally reserved for Catholic worship. However, if priests, …
Are two tabernacles allowed?
Q: I have a new pastor who has suggested that we have two tabernacles. One is already in the church proper and the other used to be in the chapel. Are two tabernacles allowed? A: Canon 938 §1 says that a church or oratory should have only one tabernacle.
Last week
Last week the following was added to www.paulturner.org The homily given at the Funeral Mass of Alice Turner, his Mother The homilies for the 17th Sundays in Ordinary Time in both English and Español: http://paulturner.org/homilies-year-b-2015/ A new book, Foundations for Preaching and Teaching 2016, was added to “Books with Other Authors”: http://paulturner.org/with-other-authors/ Scores for the Royals’ pre-game activities: http://paulturner.org/pre-game-grades/