Stoles Over Chasubles

July 23, 2023

Question: I see wider use of beautifully decorated stoles (concelebration style) being used and worn over the chasuble by concelebrants. What norms are available on this? -- F.C., Durban, South Africa

‘Holy Angel’ in the Roman Canon

July 16, 2023

Question: I would like to know about the "Holy Angel" in the Roman Canon, or Eucharistic Prayer I, that takes the gift to the altar on high. The Latin text refers to the text in capital letters (per manus sancti Angeli tui). Who exactly is the Angel? It cannot be Christ, right? Why is it in a capital letter? -- V.N., Rome

Psalm Prayers in the Breviary

July 9, 2023

Question: Will the psalm prayers be included in the new English Liturgy of the Hours? -- E.M., Victoria, Kansas

Altar Wines and Their Validity

July 1, 2023

Question: Several readers have asked for clarification regarding reports that, in an archdiocese in the United States, some parishes were found to have made long-term use of wines that were “invalid matter for the confection of the Eucharist.”

Mass Kits

June 25, 2023

Question: I have noticed that certain parish or diocesan ministries or committees own a Mass kit for use when a session, retreat or seminar is organized by that ministry or committee. The reason given by that ministry/committee on why it owns a Mass kit is that the priest invited to celebrate Mass for the session, retreat or seminar might not have his own kit, or he might have come from overseas and wasn’t able to bring a kit with him. Can a parish or diocesan ministry/committee own a Mass kit for such reasons, or should Mass kits be obtained only from a parish, or from the priests of a parish? Is it permissible for a parish or diocesan ministry/committee to own a Mass kit? -- A.K., Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Placement of the Book of the Gospels

June 18, 2023

Question: In my diocese, when the Book of the Gospels is carried at the entrance procession the deacon places it at a little lectern beside the altar. Is this right? I thought the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) states that the Book of the Gospels is placed on the altar. Also, can you enlighten me on the practice of carrying lighted candles for the reading of the Gospel during Easter season? In my diocese many priests believe that with the presence of the paschal candle the altar servers should not carry candles for the Gospel. Is this correct? -- G.O., Orlu, Nigeria

When Chrism Spills on a Chasuble

June 11, 2023

Question: A priest accidentally poured a large amount of chrism on his chasuble. Are there any directives or suggestions about how to launder this? Is there anything that needs to be done before it can be sent to the cleaners? -- S.T., Sacramento, California

Blow to the Cheek at Confirmation

June 2, 2023

Question: When celebrating the sacrament of confirmation, is it right for the bishop or his delegate to slap the candidates on their right cheeks at the words, "Peace be with you"? Maybe as a sign that they are now soldiers for Christ in the world? Also, what is the reason that bishops may impart blessings with the Book of the Gospels? And why is only the Book of the Gospels carried in procession for the Mass but not the lectionary? -- S.T.M., Benue State, Nigeria

Postures at an Ordination

May 28, 2023

Question: At ordinations, is it right for the bishop to stand during Litany of the Saints to bless the candidates? If yes, why? Also, at the ordination of priests and consecration of bishops, is it right for those who lay hands on the head of the candidates to keep their right hands raised as they return to their seats and maintain this posture till the prayer of consecration is said? -- S.M., Benue State, Nigeria

Designs on Chasubles and Stoles

May 20, 2023

Question: My concern is about the liturgical vestments, mostly the chasuble and stole. Are there required motifs that can be put there, like a cross, cup, bread etc.? Can the logo or the image of the founder of a religious congregation be put on the chasuble or the stole, or it should be something Eucharistic? Would you like to provide the documents of the Church instructing about this topic? – N.S.K, Copperbelt Province, Zambia