Options With Mass and Liturgy of the Hours
April 11, 2021
Q1: When celebrated by a single community (for instance, of religious), should the Liturgy of the Hours and the Mass use the same “option” on days when options are permitted?
Readings for Votive Masses and Those for Various Needs
March 28, 2021
Q: I like to celebrate Masses for various needs and occasions and also votive Masses. According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM): "370. In all the Masses for Various Needs and Occasions, unless expressly indicated otherwise, it is permissible to use the weekday readings and also the chants between them, if they are suited to the celebration. 371. Among Masses of this kind are included Ritual Masses, Masses for Various Needs and Occasions, and Votive Masses.” Where can I find a prohibition to use weekday readings for a particular Mass? In the Roman Missal, the color of the vestments is clearly stated for some days (for example, votive Mass of the Most Holy Eucharist). However, I do not find any indication about the readings. In the lectionary for Masses for various needs and occasions and votive Masses, I find several options for readings for each Mass but no prohibition to use weekday readings.
Baptismal Promises at Easter Dawn Mass
March 21, 2021
Q: I like to know why the current Roman Missal omits the renewal of baptismal promises on the Mass at dawn of Easter Sunday? What is the rationale for this, considering that some people are not able to attend the Easter Vigil ceremonies?
Attendance at Chrism Mass
March 15, 2021
Q: Are all the priests of the diocese obliged to attend/concelebrate at the Chrism Mass to show the unity of the presbyterate?
A: The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) explains the significance of concelebration with the bishop:
Disregard for an Alb at a Priest-Only Mass
March 8, 2021
Q: One of my priest companions does not want to wear the alb when only some priests are present as concelebrants. When students or faithful attend, he does wear one; but I feel that he should not be satisfied with the stole even when only companion priests are present. How can I convince him? I tried but in vain.
Celebrating Mass Without Candles
March 1, 2021
Q: As an elderly retired priest who offers daily Mass in my apartment, I suffer from severe allergies to fragrances. Burning candles give off a fragrance that causes health problems. Is it permitted to offer Mass not using candles?
Communion After a Livestreamed Mass
February 17, 2021
Q: I am confused and somewhat concerned about watching a virtual Mass on television or a computer, and then driving by one’s parish to receive Communion. Are there Church documents, or is there a precedent to support this practice?