![[home]](/liturgy/images/usccb_logo.gif){kind=logo}
Reflecting on Redemptionis Sacramentum: Questions for Reflection
The following questions have been developed by the Secretariat for the Liturgy as a tool for reflecting on the content of the instruction, Redemptionis Sacramentum: On Certain Matters To Be Observed Or To Be Avoided Regarding The Most Holy Eucharist. It may be freely reproduced by Bishops, Diocesan Offices for Worship, and parishes, provided that its copyright is duly acknowledged. These questions are arranged to correspond with the preamble and each of the seven major sections of the instruction. These are recommended for use especially in parish settings by pastors, deacons and all who are responsible for the promotion of the Liturgy.
Preamble
The Seriousness of Liturgical Abuses
Is it generally appreciated that the Eucharist is the source and summit of the whole Christian life? (RS, no. 2) Is there an understanding that while the liturgical reform has greatly contributed to participation in the Eucharist, abuses of liturgical norms are of great concern? (RS, no. 4) Do people appreciate that while the purpose of liturgical norms is to conform hearts to Christ, liturgical abuses obscure the Catholic faith and hinder the faithful from seeing Christ present in the Liturgy? (RS, nos. 5 and 6) Is there an appreciation of the necessary link between the lex orandi and the lex credendi? (RS, no. 10) Does a false sense of liberty, a lack of appreciation of the deeper meaning or antiquity of the liturgical rites, or do abuses of well-intentioned ecumenical initiatives contribute to a lack of appreciation of liturgical norms? (RS, no. 7, 8, and 9)
Are Liturgical Abuses Taken Seriously?
Is there an appreciation, especially among priests, that the Eucharist is too great an action of the whole Church for any individual to change of his own free will? (RS, no.11) Is there a sense of the way in which such changes compromise the substantial unity of the Roman Rite? (RS, no. 9) Do priests recognize the right of the faithful to enjoy celebrations of the Liturgy in conformity with the liturgical norms? (RS, no.12)
Chapter I
The Regulation of the Sacred Liturgy
The Regulation of the Sacred Liturgy
Is there a general understanding that the regulation of the Sacred Liturgy depends solely on the authority of the Church, which rests specifically with the Apostolic See and, according to the norms of law, with the Bishop? (RS, no. 14) Is there an appreciation that the Roman Pontiff enjoys full, immediate and universal ordinary power over the Sacred Liturgy? (RS, no. 15) Is the role of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments understood in regard to the regulation and promotion of the Sacred Liturgy? (RS, nos. 16 and 17) Is it clearly understood that the Liturgy may never seem to be anyone’s private property, whether of the celebrant or of the community and that the faithful have a right to a Liturgy well regulated by ecclesiastical authorities? (RS, nos. 17 and 18)
The Diocesan Bishop
Is the Bishop seen as the moderator, promoter and guardian of the whole liturgical life of his diocese? (RS, no. 19) Is Mass with the Bishop, his presbyterate, deacons and ministers and people in his Cathedral experienced as the pre-eminent manifestation of the Church? (RS, no. 20) Is it widely accepted that it is the role of the diocesan Bishop to set forth liturgical norms in his diocese by which all are bound? (RS, no. 21) Does the Bishop seek to teach the meaning of the liturgical rites and nourish the spirit of the Liturgy in the priests, deacons and lay faithful? (RS, no. 22) Do all in the diocese recognize the right and duty of the Diocesan Bishop to oversee and regulate the Sacred Liturgy in all churches and oratories in his territory? (RS, no. 23) Does the Bishop fulfill his responsibility to prevent the occurrence of abuses in ecclesiastical discipline, especially as regards the ministry of the Word, the celebration of the Sacraments and sacramentals, the worship of God and devotion to the saints? (RS, no. 24) Do liturgical commissions or committees dealing with the promotion of the Liturgy, sacred music and art act in accordance with the intentions and the norms of the Bishop? Has the Bishop re-examined these and all undertakings in liturgical matters to consider which changes or improvements should be made in their composition and activity? (RS, no. 25)
The Conference of Bishops
Has the role of the USCCB Committee on the Liturgy been re-examined to assure its effectiveness in serving the Bishops? (RS, no. 26) Has the USCCB halted all experimentation with liturgical texts and books? (RS, no. 27) Have all liturgical norms approved by the USCCB been submitted for the confirmation of the Holy See? (RS, no. 28)
Priests
Do Priests recognize the Bishop as truly their father and obey him reverently? (RS, no. 29) Does the priest adapt liturgical texts and rites in a way neither forseen nor sanctioned by the liturgical books? (RS, no. 30) Does the priest change the approved and confirmed liturgical texts through alteration, omission, or additions? (RS, no. 31) Does he encourage others to do the same? (RS, no. 31) Does the priest work to see that the faithful frequently celebrate the Most Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Penance? (RS, no. 32) Does he work to encourage families to pray at home and to participate consciously and actively in the Sacred Liturgy, especially on Sundays? (RS, no. 32) Under the authority of the diocesan Bishop, does the priest seek to carefully regulate and supervise the Sacred Liturgy? (RS, no. 32) Does the priest strive to deepen his own liturgical knowledge and ability? (RS, no. 33) Is he eager to be filled with that wonder and amazement which the celebration of the Paschal Mystery instills in the hearts of the faithful? (RS, no. 33)
Deacons
Does the deacon look on the Bishop as a father, and give assistance to him and to the priests in the ministry of the Word, of the altar, and of charity? (RS, no. 34) Does the deacon seek to ensure that the Sacred Liturgy will be celebrated according to the norms of the duly approved liturgical books ? (RS, no. 35)
Chapter II
Participation of the Lay Christian Faithful in the Eucharistic Celebration
Active and Conscious Participation
Are the people in the parish involved in the celebration of the Liturgy in differing ways according to the diversity of orders, ministries, and active participation? (RS, no. 36) Are the faithful conscious that they are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy people, a people God has made his own? (RS, no. 36) Are they aware that the common priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial or hierarchical priesthood, though they differ in essence and not only in degree, are ordered to one another, for both partake, each in its own way, of the one priesthood of Christ? (RS, no. 36) Are the faithful aware that by virtue of Baptism they are made part of a royal priesthood and have been deputed for worship? (RS, no. 37) Do they know that they are called to offer themselves though prayer and praise of God as a living and holy sacrifice? (RS, no. 37) Are they aware that at the Sacred Liturgy they are called to actively participate because of their baptismal dignity? (RS, no. 37) Have the faithful been led to understand that the Eucharist is not only a meal, but also and pre-eminently a Sacrifice? (RS, no. 38) Do the people see their participation at Mass as participation in Christ’s sacrifice? (RS, no. 38) Do the faithful understand that they too, in union with the priest, offer their own lives together with Christ’s sacrifice of himself to the Father?
Participation and Adaptation
Are the faithful encouraged to participate in the Liturgy through acclamations, responses, psalmody, antiphons, and canticles, as well as actions or movements and gestures? (RS, no. 39) Is there a sufficient appreciation of active participation in the Liturgy by means of sacred silence? (RS, no. 39) Is the Liturgy properly adapted to the needs of the participants, to their comprehension, their interior preparation and their gifts, according to the established liturgical norms? (RS, no. 39)
Toward Interior Participation
Is there an inappropriate insistence that everyone must necessarily have something concrete to do beyond the appropriate actions and gestures of the Mass to make their participation authentic? Have efforts been taken to instill in the faithful that sense of deep wonder before the greatness of the mystery of faith that is the Eucharist? (RS, no. 40) Is interior participation in the Liturgy encouraged by the continuous and widespread celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, the use of the sacramentals and exercises of Christian popular piety? (RS, no. 41) Is there an appreciation that the Church has been called together by God in the Holy Spirit, and that she responds through faith to his free calling? (RS, no. 42) Is there a lack of appreciation of the unique and indispensable role of the priest, resulting in a mistaken understanding of the Eucharistic Sacrifice as a concelebration of the priest and the people in equal roles? (RS, no. 42)
Lay Ministries at Mass
Recognizing the laudable exercise of lay liturgical ministries, do a number of persons distribute among themselves and exercise the various ministries or different parts of the same ministry? (RS, no. 43) Do temporarily deputed acolytes, lectors, sacristans, etc. exercise exclusively and fully their own ministry? (RS, no. 44) Is the complementary relationship between the action of clerics and that of laypersons obscured by a clericalization of lay liturgical ministers and a tendency by priests to inappropriately assume those things that are proper to the life and activity of the lay faithful? (RS, no. 45) Are all lay liturgical ministers morally fit, and faithful to the Church’s magisterium? Have such ministers received a liturgical formation in accordance with their age, condition, state of life, and religious culture? (RS, no. 46) Have young altar servers received the proper formation and have special associations been formed for them? (RS, no. 47)
Chapter III
The Proper Celebration of Mass
Matter
Is the bread used for Mass unleavened, purely of wheat, and recently made so that there is no danger of its decomposition? (RS, no. 48) Have other substances, such as fruit or sugar or honey, been illicitly introduced into such bread? (RS, no. 48) Is the Eucharistic Bread used by the celebrant such that at least some parts coming from the fraction may be distributed to at least some of the faithful during Communion? (RS, no. 49) Is the wine that is used at Mass natural, from the fruit of the grape, pure and incorrupt, [and] not mixed with other substances? (RS, no. 50) Is the wine well conserved? Are other drinks invalidly used at Mass? (RS, no. 50)
The Eucharistic Prayer
Are other prayers used to replace the Eucharistic Prayers of the Roman Missal? (RS, no. 51) Are any parts of the Eucharistic Prayer recited by the deacon or a lay person? (RS, no. 52) As the priest proclaims the Eucharistic Prayer, are other prayers being offered, or other musical pieces being played or songs sung (except for the approved acclamations)? (RS, no. 53) Are the people always actively participating in the liturgy, whether by responses, acclamations, actions, or active listening in silence? (RS, no. 54) Does the priest break the host at the time of the consecration? (RS, no. 55) Are the names of the Supreme Pontiff or the Diocesan Bishop omitted during the Eucharistic Prayer? (RS, no. 56)
The Other Parts of the Mass
Especially on Sunday, is there true and suitable sacred music? Are the altar, vestments and sacred linens dignified, proper, and clean? (RS, no. 57) Is the celebration of the Eucharist carefully prepared in all its parts so that the Word of God is properly and efficaciously proclaimed and explained? (RS, no.58) Are the liturgical texts and rites carried out with care according to the norms? (RS, no.58) Do deacons or the faithful alter or vary at will the texts of the Sacred Liturgy that they are to pronounce? (RS, no. 59) Are the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist of the same Mass celebrated at different times or places? (RS, no. 60)
Liturgy of the Word
Are the norms concerning the biblical readings carefully followed? (RS, no. 61) Are non-biblical texts substituted for the readings or Responsorial Psalm? (RS, no. 62) Does anyone other than an ordained minister proclaim the Gospel? (RS, no. 63) Are non-ordained persons ever permitted to proclaim the homily? (RS, nos. 64-65) Are even seminarians, students of theology, or pastoral assistants permitted to proclaim the homily? (RS, no. 66) Is the homily always based upon the mysteries of salvation as expounded in the biblical readings and the liturgical texts? (RS, no. 67) Are the homilist’s interpretations of Sacred Scripture always referred to Christ himself…in the specific context of the liturgical celebration? (RS, no. 67) Does the homilist address primarily political or profane subjects or draw upon notions derived from contemporary pseudo-religious currents as a source? (RS, no. 67) Has the Diocesan Bishop published norms and guidelines as auxiliary tools for the sacred ministers, and promoted meetings and other projects so that they may have the opportunity to consider the nature of the homily more precisely and to find help in its preparation? (RS, no. 68) Is an unapproved Creed used at Mass? (RS, no. 69)
Presentation of the Gifts
Are all the offerings brought forth in the Presentation of the Gifts representative of the true gift that God expects from us? (RS, no. 70) Are money and other contributions for the poor placed away from the altar but in an appropriate place where they can still be seen by the faithful? (RS, no. 70)
Sign of Peace
Is the exchange of the sign of peace experienced as sign of peace, communion and charity before the reception of the Most Holy Eucharist, rather than as a sign of reconciliation or the remission of sins? (RS, no. 71) Is the sign of peace given by each one present to those nearest them in a sober manner? (RS, no. 72)
Breaking of the Bread
Is the breaking of the bread understood to signify that the faithful, though they are many, are made one Body of Christ? (RS, no. 73) Is the rite carried out with great reverence and not unduly prolonged? (RS, no. 73)
Instruction by a Lay Person
Is instruction or testimony by lay persons normally done outside Mass? (RS, no. 74). When it does take place during Mass, does it occur exclusively following the Prayer After Communion? (RS, no. 74)
Joining Rites to the Celebration of Mass
Are rites sometimes joined to the Mass which are not forseen by the liturgical books? (RS, no. 75 and 79) Is the Sacrament of Penance ever joined to Mass? (RS, no. 76) Is the Mass ever celebrated in the context of a meal, in a dining room or another setting where the participants are seated at tables? (RS, no. 77) Is the Mass ever linked to political or secular events or celebrated merely out of a desire for show? (RS, no. 78)
Chapter IV
Holy Communion
Dispositions for Receiving Holy Communion
Is the Penitential Act at Mass ever understood as a substitute for the Sacrament of Penance? (RS, no. 80) Do people who are conscious of grave sin present themselves to celebrate or receive the Holy Eucharist without prior sacramental confession? (RS, no. 81-83) Do pastors lead the faithful to the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance at regularly scheduled times? (RS, no. 36) At larger celebrations, do non-Catholic Christians receive Holy Communion without regard for the established norms? (RS, no. 84) Are non-Christians admitted to Holy Communion? Do priests appreciate the canonical norms in regard to the distribution and reception of Holy Communion? (RS, no. 85)
First Holy Communion
Is the First Communion of children always preceded by sacramental confession and absolution? Is First Communion celebrated at the appropriate times during the liturgical year? (RS, no. 87) Is First Communion ever celebrated outside Mass or by someone other than a priest? (RS, no. 87)
The Distribution of Holy Communion
Is Communion distributed to the faithful at the time prescribed by the Roman Missal? (RS, no. 88) Is the Prayer after Communion ever begun before all have received Holy Communion? (RS, no. 88) At variance with the established norms, are hosts from the tabernacle regularly distributed to the faithful? (RS, no. 89) Is the posture for reception of Holy Communion and the sign of veneration which have been determined by the USCCB followed? (RS, no. 90) Are persons who are not prevented by law ever refused Holy Communion because they assume a different posture than the one prescribed? (RS, no. 91) Is the choice of the communicant to receive Holy Communion on the tongue or in the hand respected, except when there is the danger of profanation? (RS, no. 92) Is the use of the Communion-plate retained? (RS, no. 93) Do the faithful ever take the sacred host themselves or pass either of the consecrated species from one person to another? (RS, no. 94) Do brides and grooms administer Holy Communion to each other at the Nuptial Mass? (RS, no. 94) Do the faithful understand that they may receive Holy Communion a second time when they participate in a second Mass on the same day? (RS, no. 95) Are unconsecrated hosts or other breads ever given out in the manner of Holy Communion? (RS, no. 96)
The Communion of Priests
Does the priest celebrant receive Holy Communion at another time than that prescribed by the Roman Missal or wait to receive after the Communion of the people? (RS, no. 97) Do concelebrating priests ever receive consecrated hosts from the tabernacle or under just one species against the established norms? (RS, no. 98) Do those from whom the concelebrant takes the sacred species refrain from uttering the customary formula? (RS, no. 98) Is Communion under both kinds always offered to priests who are unable to celebrate or concelebrate the Mass? (RS, no. 99)
Communion Under Both Kinds
Is it widely understood that Communion is sometimes distributed under both kinds to the faithful so that the sign value may be made more clearly evident? (RS, no. 100) Is such distribution under both species always preceded by proper catechesis regarding the dogmatic principles on this matter laid down by the Ecumenical Council of Trent? (RS, no. 100) Is the guidance of the Bishop followed in the distribution of Communion under both kinds in order to avoid all danger of profanation of the sacred species? (RS, no. 101) Are the USCCB Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds carefully observed? (RS, no. 101) Is Communion under both kinds ever distributed when the large number of communicants makes it difficult to gauge the proper amount of wine or when an adequate number of ordinary or extraordinary ministers is not possible, or when a notable number of people would not receive from the chalice? (RS, no. 102)
Intinction
When Holy Communion is distributed by intinction, are the hosts ever too thin or too small or is the intincted host ever given by someone other than the priest or placed in the hand of the communicant? (RS, no. 103) Is the communicant ever allowed to intinct the host? (RS, no. 104) Are non-consecrated hosts ever intincted in the Precious Blood? (RS, no. 104)
The Use of Several Chalices
When several chalices are used, is the main chalice larger than the other chalices? (RS, no. 105) Do all Priests present receive Holy Communion under both species? (RS, no. 105) Is the pouring of the Precious Blood from flagons, bowls or other vessels completely avoided? (RS, no. 106) Is the sacred species ever poured down the sacrarium or into the ground? (RS, no. 107)
Chapter V
Other Matters Regarding the Arrangement of the Celebration of Mass
The Place for the Celebration of Holy Mass
Is the judgment of the Bishop followed in regard to where Mass is celebrated? (RS, no. 108) Is Mass ever celebrated in a sacred place of a non-Christian religion? (RS, no. 109)
Priests at Mass
Do Priests celebrate Mass frequently and even daily, though the faithful are unable to be present? (RS, no. 110) Are priests always allowed to celebrate or concelebrate the Eucharist when they present a celebret? (RS, no. 111)
The Language of the Mass
Are priests ever denied the opportunity to celebrate Mass in Latin, apart from those Masses which have been previously scheduled in the vernacular? (RS, no. 112) In a concelebration of the Eucharist, is the Eucharistic Prayer ever prayed in a language other than one known to all the concelebrating priests and to the gathered people? (RS, no. 112) Do priests ever attempt to concelebrate when the language of the Eucharistic Prayer is unknown to them? (RS, no. 112)
Other Concerns
Is the celebration of Mass ever omitted under the pretext of promoting a fast from the Eucharist? (RS, no. 115) Are the provisions of the law carefully observed in regard to the multiplication of Masses and Mass stipends? (RS, no. 116)
Sacred Vessels and Linens
Do all sacred vessels conform with the norms of the USCCB and the Holy See, being made of worthy materials which are noble and not common, lacking in quality, devoid of artistic merit, or which break easily? (RS, no. 117) Are sacred vessels always blessed before use? (RS, no. 118) Are sacred vessels purified in accord with the requirements of liturgical law? (RS, no. 119) Are linens used at the altar, especially those which have received the sacred species, washed first in the sacrarium before a second washing? (RS, no. 120)
Liturgical Vesture
Is the amice always used when ordinary clothing is not completely covered by the alb? (RS, no. 122) Is the chasuble always worn over the alb and stole? (RS, no. 123) Is the stole ever omitted? (RS, no. 123) Likewise, is the dalmatic worn over the alb and stole? (RS, no. 125) Is the dalmatic frequently worn? (RS, no. 125) In a concelebration, does the principal celebrant ever fail to wear the color of the day? (RS, no. 124) Is a stole ever worn simply over a monastic cowl or religious habit, omitting the alb? (RS, no. 126) Are newly created vestments of other than the prescribed liturgical colors used on feast days? (RS, no. 127) On feast days, are gold and silver vestments ever used in place of purple or black? (RS, no. 127) Except in rare and exceptional cases, do priests take part in Mass as concelebrants, or otherwise wear the proper choir dress? (RS, no. 128) .
Chapter VI
The Reservation and Worship of the Eucharist
Reservation of the Most Holy Eucharist
Is the Blessed Sacrament reserved in a part of the church that is noble, prominent, readily visible, and adorned in a dignified manner, and suitable for prayer in accord with the norms of the Diocesan Bishop? (RS, no. 130) Is the Blessed Sacrament ever taken home by anyone without the Bishop’s permission for its reservation? (RS, no. 133)
Communion to the Sick
When the Eucharist is brought to the sick, does the minister make very effort go directly to the sick person’s home? Is the proper rite for the administration of Holy Communion always used? (RS, no. 133)
Worship of the Most Holy Eucharist
Is both public and private devotion to the Most Holy Eucharist vigorously promoted by the pastors of the Church? (RS, no. 134) Do the members of the faithful regularly make visits during the day to the Most Holy Sacrament? (RS, no. 135) Except in grave circumstances, is the church open to the faithful for at least some hours each day, so that they can spend time in prayer before the Most Holy Sacrament? (RS, no. 135) Does the Bishop diligently foster Eucharistic adoration? (RS, no. 136) Does the Bishop foster associations of the faithful for the carrying out of adoration? (RS, no. 141)
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Is exposition of the Most Holy Eucharist always carried out in accordance with the prescriptions of the liturgical books? (RS, no. 137) Is prayer before the Blessed Sacrament seen essentially as a contemplation of the mystery of the life of Christ the Redeemer and the Almighty Father’s design of salvation, with a special emphasis on scripture, though not excluding the Rosary? (RS, no. 137) Is the exposed Blessed Sacrament ever left unattended, even for the briefest space of time? (RS, no. 138) Does exposition of the Holy Eucharist take place at least once a year? (RS, no. 139)
Perpetual Adoration
Is perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament observed in larger cities and towns? (RS, no. 137) Is the Exposition concluded prior to the celebration of Mass? (RS, no. 140) Is the host consecrated at the Mass preceding exposition used for the adoration? (RS, no. 140) Is the monstrance placed upon the altar after Communion? (RS, no. 140)
Eucharistic Congresses and Processions
Are the regulations of the Bishop followed in regard to Eucharistic processions? Does the Bishop foster associations of the faithful for the carrying out of Eucharistic adoration? (RS, no. 142) Are processions through the streets held at the discretion of the Diocesan Bishop, especially on the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ? (RS, no. 143) Are efforts made to diligently prepare Eucharistic Congresses? (RS, no. 145)
Chapter VII
Extraordinary Functions of Lay Faithful
Pastoral Assistants
Is there any doubt in the mind of the faithful that the only minister who can confect the sacrament of the Eucharist is a validly ordained priest? (RS, no. 146) Is the proper role of pastoral assistants relative to the ordained ministers generally understood? (RS, no. 149) Do pastoral assistants sometimes take on ministries which belong more properly to priests and deacons? (RS, no. 149) Do pastoral assistants work to facilitate the ministry of priests and deacons and to encourage vocations to ordained ministry? (RS, no. 150) Do they carefully train the faithful in various liturgical ministries in accordance with the norm of law? (RS, no. 150)
Extraordinary Ministers in General
Is the supplementary and provisional nature of extraordinary ministry of the laity understood, and is such ministry seen as fostering the fuller participation of the laity in the liturgy? (RS, no. 151) Are prayers regularly and urgently offered for vocations to Holy Orders in those places where the number of priests and deacons is lacking? (RS, no. 151) Because of the presence of extraordinary ministers, do priests sometimes neglect the celebration of Mass or the personal care of the sick? (RS, no. 152) Do extraordinary ministers preside at Baptisms, weddings or funerals when priests or deacons could be made available? (RS, no. 152) Do extraordinary ministers sometimes dress like priests or deacons? (RS, no. 153)
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Is it clearly understood that those in Holy Orders are the only ordinary ministers of Holy Communion? (RS, no. 154) Is it known that by virtue of his office, the instituted acolyte is an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion? (RS, no. 155) Are other extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion appointed for a specified time? (RS, no. 155) When the conferral of this ministry takes place by a liturgical rite, does the celebration resemble an ordination to Holy Orders? (RS, no. 155) Is the full and proper title used for extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion? (RS, no. 156) Is this extraordinary ministry ever exercised in the presence of a sufficient number of ordinary ministers or when the distribution of Holy Communion would be prolonged for but a brief period of time? (RS, no. 157) Do extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion ever delegate others to distribute Holy Communion? (RS, no. 159) Has the diocesan Bishop issued norms concerning extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion? (RS, no. 160)
Preaching
Do lay persons preach outside of Mass according to the norms of the Diocesan Bishop? (RS, no. 161) Is such a practice ever transformed from an exceptional measure into an ordinary practice or understood as an authentic form of the advancement of the laity? (RS, no. 161)
Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest
Is the right of the faithful to the celebration of Mass clearly understood? (RS, no. 162) Have Bishops considered all possible alternatives when a priest is not available for the celebration of Mass? (RS, no. 162) Do priests ever refuse either to celebrate Mass for the people or to have it celebrated by another priest? (RS, no. 163) Does the diocesan Bishop provide for those grave circumstances in which it is not possible for the Mass to be celebrated on Sundays by providing extraordinary celebrations led by a deacon or lay minister? (RS, no. 164) Do such celebration foster a genuine hunger for the Eucharist? (RS, no. 164) Are such celebrations ever confused with the celebration of the Eucharist? (RS, no. 165) Does the Diocesan Bishop determine whether Holy Communion is distributed in such celebrations? (RS, no. 165) Are the provisions of the USCCB edition of Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest carefully followed? (RS, no. 165) In the absence of a priest or deacon, are the parts for such a celebration distributed among the faithful, rather than one person being seen as the presider? (RS, no. 165)
Weekday Celebrations
Do priests make every effort to celebrate Mass daily for the good of the faithful? (RS, no. 166) Is the direction of the diocesan Bishop followed in regard to other celebrations in the absence of a priest, especially when they include the distribution of Holy Communion? (RS, no. 166) Do such celebrations regularly take place when Mass has been celebrated on Sunday? (RS, no. 166)
Ecumenical Celebrations
Are ecumenical celebrations sometimes seen to substitute for the Holy Mass? (RS, no. 167)
Those Who Have Left the Clerical State
Do clerics who have lost the clerical state celebrate the Sacraments in any way, except in those exceptional instances forseen by the law? (RS, no. 168) Do such men undertake any other office or duty in the celebration of the sacred Liturgy? (RS, no. 168).
X Conferencia Nacional de Liturgia
The National Institute of Hispanic Liturgy, celebrating the Twenty Fifth Anniversary of its founding, will hold its Tenth National Conference in Los Angeles, California from Thursday, August 12th, 2004 through Sunday, August, 15, 2004 at the Omni Hotel. The Conference theme is: Con Piedras Vivas: De Un Lugar a Un Hogar (With Living Stones: the Church, From a Place to a Home). |
Liturgical Books for Sight Impaired Priests
The Secretariat for the Liturgy receives occasional inquiries concerning the availability of liturgical books for sight impaired priests. Large type Sacramentaries and Lectionaries are available from Sr. Mary Amata, O.P., St. Dominic’s Monastary, 4901 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20011 (phone 202-726-2107).
© 2004, by the USCCB United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington D.C. All Rights Reserved.