Q: Fr. Turner in a Post-Covid world I have seen a number of people receive the Precious Blood while kneeling. Is there a general policy about this? From a practical side it makes me nervous to see our Extraordinary Ministers pass the chalice to a kneeling parishioner but I don’t want to prohibit something if is permitted. Thank you. == A: The norms for posture at communion time may change from one conference of bishops to another, according to GIRM 160. “The norm established for the Dioceses of the United States of America is that Holy Communion is to be …
Former Altar
Q: What is the regulation on “set up” for former altars against the back wall, behind the present free-standing altar? Often these are in use for their tabernacle. Often they have 6 candles and a crucifix. == A: GIRM 117 says that candles are to be placed “on or next to the altar.” It gives no other location for candles, apart from processions. I know it’s customary to see candles set in place at the ambo and by the tabernacle, but the GIRM envisions them connected only to the altar of sacrifice for the Mass.
Lace albs and fiddleback vestments
Q: Recently I attended a Mass in a city distant from where I live and minister. The aspects about the Mass that most struck me were prevalence of lace albs and the near absence of congregational singing. I have a question related to each of these: 1. The albs: is there anything about albs that are made of lace at their lower sleeves and below the waist that is objectively unacceptable to Liturgical principles and counter the renewal of the Liturgy from Vatican II? I associate the style with a certain ecclesiology and with a rejection of the council and …
Deacon stole
Q: I remember a conversation I had when I was in the seminary with a seminarian from another diocese that his bishop will wear a deacon stole for the foot washing on Holy Thursday. The purpose being the connection of service with the diaconate and that every priest and bishop is still a deacon. In a brief search I could not find anything on this. I’m wondering if you have any insight. Is this just for a bishop? Can priests do it? If so, would you even recommend doing it? Thanks for the help and for this wonderful blog! Blessings …
Posture for the procession of the gifts
Q: I have a parochial vicar from Nigeria that has the people stand when the bread and wine are brought forward. In my 19 years of celebrating mass, I have never seen this happen before. I have the people sit, and he has them stand, so half now stand and half sit. What is the proper posture when the gifts are brought forward? == A: GIRM 43 says that the people stand for the Profession of Faith and the Universal Prayer. It says they sit “during the Preparation of the Gifts at the Offertory.” And they stand at the invitation …
Wedding couple distributing communion
In a wedding within a Eucharist is it permissible for the couple to distribute holy communion and not the priest? (I’m pretty sure the answer is no because they are not ordinary ministers, but I just wanted to see it in writing.) == A: A couple may not distribute holy communion instead of the priest, but they may distribute communion together with him. The easiest place to find this is in the front of the missal, right after the GIRM, in the Norms for Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the United States of …
Mass of Ordination
Q: Our diaconate ordination is taking place on Saturday, September 14. In my reading of the intro to the diaconate the Mass of Ordination may be used. What about the readings? == A: September 14 ranks as a feast (of the Lord), and not a solemnity. Therefore the entire Ritual Mass complete with its readings may be used.
Confirmation
Q: I have Confirmation in the Parish next Sunday. Regretably the bishop cannot attend so I have delegation to confirm (which I view as an honour as much as I’d prefer the bishop to confirm). Recently, my view that candidates are for themselves now pro/claiming their Catholic faith, (a faith initially pronounced by parents/godparents), has been challenged. Kindly offer your view on what children are saying ‘yes’ to, if in fact this is what they are doing? Thankfully, the Readings for Trinity Sunday are providential as the context for conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation. Thanks and Blessings == A: I’ve …
Second chalice
Q: I went to mass at a local high school that has several sisters who teach there. One sister sat at the back of the chapel for most of the mass and went to communion last. After she received the host, the priest went to the altar and picked up a second chalice, not the one he used, and brought it down for her to receive the precious blood. After that, she went and sat with the other sisters. I don’t remember ever being at a mass where only one member of the congregation was offered the chalice. Is this …
Liturgy of the Hours
Q: Thank you for all you do! Recently, I found it difficult to pray the liturgy of the hours. I’ve read the same cycle of psalms over and over, and I have felt a dryness in my prayer. I do not even want to pray for Morning and Evening Prayers. I enjoy the Office of Readings because the Biblical and Patritic readings are different each day. Do you know if there are any ways I can “adapt” (as permitted by the Church) the Liturgy of the Hours to enhance my prayer, such as other psalms or readings? Thank you! == …