04/27/2004: "New document on Mass protocol"
The Church has just released a document about how we are to celebrate Mass and specifically in regards to the Eucharist. The document is called 'Redemptionis Sacramentum' and can be found here.
The document highlights a number of abuses that the Holy Father believes needs to be stopped. Some of those things were:
-The Homily being given, or any preaching for that matter, by laypeople.
-Breaking of the Host at the time of consecration
-Priests forming their own Eucharist prayers
-Singing/use of musical instruments during the Eucharistic Prayer
-Excessive commotion during the Sign of Peace
-Eucharistic services should be avoided if at all possible
Two other things were of interesting note. The first is that the right of priests to say Mass in Latin has always existed. The second is that, except where absolutely necessary, Eucharist should be distributed by ordained ministers.
Thoughts on any of these?
