Lawfully approved garb

In Paul Turner's Blog by Paul Turner

Q: We have just been told that the Roman Curia in 1997 decreed that any lay person who enters the sanctuary must wear an alb. Is that a requirement for Eucharistic ministers and sacristans? 
Thank you.

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A: News to me. Can you please provide a source?

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This is what our Pastor sent us which apparently he was sent:

“In 1997 several offices of the Roman Curia cooperated in an authoritative document called Ecclesia de mysterio, called in English “Instruction On Certain Questions Regarding The Collaboration Of The Non-Ordained Faithful In The Sacred Ministry Of Priest. This instruction clarified the distinct roles of laypeople and of priests. In that document, we find:

In liturgical celebrations each one, minister or layperson, who has an office to perform, should do all of, but only, those parts which pertain to that office by the nature of the rite and the principles of liturgy.” (SC art. 29). During the liturgy of the eucharist, only the presiding celebrant remains at the altar. The assembly of the faithful take their place in the Church outside the “presbyterium,” which is reserved for the celebrant or concelebrants and altar ministers. [Notitiae 17 (1981) 61]

Bottom line: the lay faithful (except those in liturgical serving roles) are not permitted to be inside the sanctuary, that is, “standing around the altar” during Holy Mass.

Moreover, the Ceremonial of Bishops 50 states,

“A minister who is not wearing a vestment, a cassock or surplice, or other lawfully approved garb may not enter the sanctuary during a celebration.”

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The “lawfully approved garb” in the United States of America is found in GIRM 339, which permits lay ministers to wear “the alb or other appropriate and dignified clothing.” If your pastor wishes to have all lay ministers wear an alb, he may do that. But he cannot credibly argue that the Vatican or the USCCB makes the same requirement.