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
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