Q: Please look over the attached order of service and let me know if it would work for a layperson leading a communion service in a prison. Is this OK?
A: I’ve looked at what you send me, and no, that’s not a good way to do a communion service. These points are going to sound picky, but here goes:
- People are not supposed to answer “And with your spirit” to someone who is not a priest or deacon.
- The Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei do not happen at a service outside of mass.
- It’s not a good idea to read the account of the Last Supper as if that replaces the eucharistic prayer.
- The embolism after the Lord’s Prayer and the peace prayer belong to a priest.
It would be far better to use the liturgical books that were prepared for this circumstance.
- See here for the USCCB overview: http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/the-mass/frequently-asked-questions/weekday-celebrations-in-the-absence-of-a-priest.cfm
- Chapter I of this book is the go-to place for the order of service: http://www.catholicbookpublishing.com/products/118
- This book is designed for Sundays, but it will give other ideas: http://store.usccb.org/sunday-celebrations-in-the-absence-of-a-priest-p/7-293.htm