Urgent Call for Liturgical Fidelity: Archdiocese Addresses Post-Vatican II Practice Deviations
The central message is a renewed commitment to the GIRM's guidelines, which emphasize that the Mass is a sacred prayer and anamnesis (re-enactment of Christ's sacrifice), and "NOT a show."
Key Concerns and Clarifications for the Sanctuary
The document addresses several common practices observed in parish churches:
- The Priest's Chair (Sedilia): The long-standing tradition of arranging three identical seats for the priest celebrant is explicitly discouraged. Post-Vatican II norms state that the celebrant’s chair must stand alone to clearly signify his role of presiding over the gathering and directing prayer (GIRM 310). Any other seats—for the deacon or concelebrants—must be distinct and not detract from the main chair's significance.
- Altar Server Placement: Servers should not be seated flanking the priest and facing the people "as if they were presiding." This arrangement is an outdated practice from the pre-Vatican II Solemn High Masses involving a Deacon and Subdeacon.
Misuse of Inculturation: The 'Personal Invention' Warning
A significant portion of the directive tackles the unauthorized introduction of elements into the Mass under the guise of "inculturation," which is described as a two-way symbiotic relationship between local culture and the Gospel.
“That the Church teaches and gives room for inculturation does not mean we can invent whatsoever we please in the liturgy.”
Unauthorized additions, such as elaborate, procession-like presentations of the Lectionary/Bible before the Gospel, sometimes accompanied by secular music and dancing, are cited as creating distraction and focusing attention on "the drama that is going on and not the Word of God." The Archdiocesan authorities stress that the only actions permitted before the Gospel are the prescribed solemn procession of the priest, carrying the Book of the Gospels (if applicable), preceded by the Thurible and candles (GIRM 132-133). Any deviation is a "personal invention" requiring formal ecclesiastical approval (imprimatur) that is often lacking.
Maintaining Reverence for the Altar
The practice of placing monetary offerings or other collections directly under or in front of the Altar table during Mass is deemed incorrect. Citing GIRM 73, the directive reminds parishes that monetary gifts "do not have the same ritual status as the bread and wine" and must be put in a suitable place "away from the Eucharistic table" during the Offertory procession.
Minimizing the Role of Liturgical Commentators
Frs. are urged to minimize the use and roles of liturgical commentators, noting that some are prone to turning celebrations into "social gatherings" through excessive, boring, or annoying remarks. The Lectors should announce the readings, and the Celebrant's liturgical greeting is the "true welcome."
The use of commentators to crack jokes, thank the priest for the homily, or comment on non-liturgical matters is explicitly discouraged. Their announcements should be "very brief and only when necessary," never accompanying the entrance procession.
Strict Rules for Newly Ordained and Church Spaces
- Late Concelebrants: Priests arriving late for Mass that has already started should not vest with a stole and chasuble, or a stole over an alb. They should simply take a reserved seat without vesting.
- The Ambo/Pulpit: The directive confirms that only one ambo or pulpit is permitted in the Church, just as there is only one Altar. This designated space is strictly for the proclamation of the Word of God and must not be used for announcements or making non-liturgical addresses.
In conclusion, the Archdiocese expresses gratitude for the community's willingness to accept correction, stating, "We cannot keep our eyes closed when we see what needs to be addressed and corrected."
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