When a Bishop Isn’t Celebrating but Present

October 15, 2023

Question: In a Mass presided over by a priest, but the diocesan bishop is present in the sanctuary, when a deacon reads the Gospel does he present the Book of Gospels to the bishop to kiss it, or can he (the deacon) kiss it? -- J.J., Banjul, The Gambia

Masters of Ceremonies

October 8, 2023

Question: Recently, my superior and I were reading the General Instruction of the Roman Missal [GIRM], and we were wondering what the rules are on the master of ceremonies—whether lay or ordained—assisting the main celebrant by flipping the pages of the altar missal for him. In another archdiocesan seminary assisting the celebrant in this way was normal, but some priests affirm that such a task is reserved for sacred ministers. So, I have two questions: 1) Is it permissible to be a master of ceremonies at a daily Mass, when there is not much coordinating of other altar servers going on? 2) Is it permissible for a lay MC to assist the priest, if the latter wishes, by flipping the pages of the altar missal for him? -- L.D., Toronto, Ontario

Bishops’ and Priests’ Gestures at an Ordination

September 30, 2023

Question: At the ordination of priests, when other bishops are present aside from the ordaining prelate, should they lay hands on the candidates or refrain from doing so? I have seen both practices. Also, is it appropriate during the prayer of ordination for priests to extend their hands toward the ordinandi? -- J.Z., Weston, Massachusetts

Proportion of Wine and Water

September 23, 2023

Question: Due to celiac disease diagnosis and doctor’s orders not to consume any gluten whatsoever (i.e., low-gluten host), I have permission from my pastor to bring my own small (celiac) chalice to Mass to receive the Precious Blood from it. Before the first Mass I attended with the pastor, he asked if I would like him to pour a small amount of wine into the chalice. Since previous priests have poured a copious amount of wine into my little chalice, I responded “yes” to the pastor, who told me that he prefers only a tiny bit of wine. To my shock, when I went to receive the Precious Blood, I discovered that the pastor had poured hardly any wine into my chalice. And the tiny bit that trickled down the chalice tasted like watered-down wine, leaving me seriously doubtful that what I had received was valid matter. I am concerned that if the pastor prepares his chalice as he did mine by placing only a tiny bit of wine and an equal or greater proportion of water in it, then the matter in his chalice is also invalid and that the Masses that he is celebrating are, consequently, invalid. I am not sure how to proceed. -- E.R., Orange County, California

After the Restoration of a Church

September 17, 2023

Question: My parish church has recently undergone a restoration where the roof has been replaced, along with the pews, floor, etc. The altar, however, has been left untouched. Must the church be rededicated? Or is a blessing of the church enough? -- D.F., Singapore

When the Main Celebrant Can’t Finish the Mass

September 9, 2023

Question: The following occurred during a concelebrated Mass on the East Coast while I was visiting the United States. The main celebrant fainted and was taken to the hospital for appropriate treatment. The two concelebrants could not continue the Mass because it was in Portuguese, which they could not speak. This happened during the Lord’s Prayer. What the two concelebrants did was to jump to the distribution of Communion. After the Mass, they were told by the vicar general who had come to inquire about the situation of the sick parish priest that the celebration was invalid because the main celebrant did not receive Communion. Is there any law in such a case when the main celebrant cannot finish the Mass, and there is no other way to continue it, whether the language limits the concelebrants or there is no other priest to continue the Mass? -- F.X.N., Zambia

Timing of the Angelus

September 3, 2023

Question: In our Catholic school, according to our lesson schedule, during period 6, within the last 20 minutes of lesson time, we usually stop explaining, and all students stand for the Angelus. I see that as a mismanagement of class time. I suggested moving the Angelus to the end of the lesson, just before our lunch at 2 p.m. I have argued to my colleagues that the Angelus is not strictly bound to 6 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m.; as long as we keep praying it daily, it is okay?

Sacramentary as a Term

August 27, 2023

Question: Is the term sacramentary obsolete? While visiting the United States, I noticed a new liturgical book used by the main celebrant. It is called “Excerpts from the Roman Missal.” Checking it, I noticed that it is what we used to call the sacramentary, i.e., the liturgical book containing the prayers for the presider. But in this new format, I could not find the Prayer over the Gifts. I am wondering why is it called this way now. Thank you for the enlightenment. -- F.X.N., Ndola, Zambia

Postures and Gestures During the Our Father

August 20, 2023

Question: May the CBCP (a lesser authority than the Holy See) allow during the Lord's Prayer at Mass the use by the Filipino faithful of gestures and postures, including those innovations (for example, holding and or raising hands), which have not been approved with a formal recognition by the Holy See? Will this not violate the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) paragraphs 395 and 396?

Oil Candles at Mass

July 30, 2023

Question: Can paraffin oil candles be used on the altar during Mass? Or should candles be made of at least 51% beeswax? -- M.R., Alton, Illinois