Liturgical Guidelines For Mass With The Bishop
Liturgical Guidelines For Mass With The Bishop
Liturgical Guidelines For Mass With The Bishop
3. DEACONS
At a liturgical celebration presided over by the bishop there should be at least three deacons, one to proclaim the gospel reading and to minister at the altar, and two to assist the bishop. If more than three deacons are present, they should divide the ministries accordingly. (Ceremonial of Bishops, 26) If a parish or institution has a deacon and he is able to serve, the expectation is that he serves at the Mass with the Bishop. If there are two deacons, the roles may be divided into the customary Deacon of the Word and Deacon of the Eucharist. If there are more than two deacons, the roles are divided as stated in the Ceremonial above. Please refer to the attached, Notes for Deacons
4. ALTAR SERVERS
Seven Altar Servers (cross bearer, 2 candles bearers, thurifer, miter bearer, crosier bearer, Sacramentary bearer). Please select servers that are well trained, experienced and prepared to accomplish their assignment. For example, the thurifer should be able to use incense. They should be vested and ready to be briefed by the Master of Ceremonies no later than one half hour before the beginning of the ceremony.
5. INCENSATION
Thurification or incensation is an expression of reverence and of prayer, as is signified in Sacred Scripture. Incense may be used if desired in any form of Mass: a. b. c. d. During the Entrance procession; At the beginning of Mass, to incense the cross and the altar; At the Gospel procession and the proclamation of the Gospel itself; After the bread and the chalice have been placed upon the altar, to incense the offerings, the cross, and the altar, as well as the priest [bishop and concelebrants] and the people; 2
e. At the showing of the host and the chalice after the consecration. (General Instruction to the Roman Missal, 276) Generally, the Bishop will use incense at the beginning of Mass for the altar and cross, at the Gospel, and at the Preparation of the Gifts. Incensation during the showing of the host and chalice after the consecration, while always an option, is usually reserved for the highest of feasts and celebrations. In such liturgies, if a deacon is serving, he does the incensation at the showing of the host and chalice. Singing or instrumental music should continue during the incensation at the beginning of Mass and during the preparation of the gifts.
6. THE READINGS
Three readings, that is, from a Prophet, an Apostle, and a Gospel, are assigned to Sundays and solemnities. By these readings, the Christian people are brought to know the continuity of the work of salvation according to the wonderful, divine plan. These readings are to be followed strictly. During the season of Easter, according to the tradition of the Church, in place of the reading from the Old Testament, the reading is taken from the Acts of the Apostles. (General Instruction to the Roman Missal, 357) In reverence to the Word of God, please make sure that the readings are proclaimed from the Lectionary (not from photocopies, etc.) by a trained and prepared lector. Please note the Responsorial Psalm needs to be a lectionary text rather than an adaptation of a Psalm.
It is praiseworthy for the faithful to present the bread and wine, which are then accepted at an appropriate place by the bishop or deacon who carries them to the altar. Even though the faithful no longer, as in the past, bring from their own possessions the bread and wine intended for the liturgy, nevertheless the rite of carrying up the offerings still retains its power and spiritual significance. This is also the time to receive money or other gifts for the poor or the Church brought by the faithful or collected in the church. These are to be put in a suitable place but away from the Eucharistic table. (General Instruction to the Roman Missal, 73) No other gifts or symbols may be presented at this time.
INCENSATIONS
Generally, the Bishop will use incense at the beginning of Mass for the altar and cross, at the Gospel, and at the Preparation of the Gifts. Singing or instrumental music should continue during the incensation at the beginning of Mass and during the preparation of the gifts.
Psalm from the Lectionary, as found either in the Roman Gradual or Simple Gradual or in another musical setting; or an antiphon and Psalm from another collection of the psalms and antiphons, including psalms arranged in metrical form, providing that they have been approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops or the Diocesan Bishop. Songs or hymns may not be used in place of the responsorial Psalm. (General Instruction to the Roman Missal, 73) Please note the Responsorial Psalm needs to be a lectionary text rather than an adaptation of a Psalm. Please contact the Office of Worship with any questions regarding psalm texts.
COMMUNION SONG
During the priests (bishops) reception of the Sacrament the Communion chant is begun. This singing is meant to express the communicants union in spirit by means of the unity of their voices, to give evidence of joy of heart, and to highlight more the communitarian nature of the Communion procession. The singing continues for as long as the faithful are receiving the Sacrament. If, however, there is to be a hymn after Communion, the Communion chant should be ended at a suitable time. (General Instruction to the Roman Missal, 86) When the distribution of Communion is finished, as circumstances suggest, the priest and faithful spend some time praying privately. If desired, a psalm or other canticle of praise or a hymn may also be sung by the entire congregation. (General Instruction to the Roman Missal, 88) Communion songs and psalms should be chosen that are Eucharistic in theme and that are consistent with our Catholic theology and belief about the Eucharist. It is preferable to use a song with an antiphon and refrain so that the faithful may continue singing in the communion procession without having to carry a hymnal or song sheet.
10. VESTMENTS
The Bishop will bring his own vestments with him. Concelebrants and deacons are requested to bring their own alb. If they are available, you may borrow the diocesan concelebrant chasubles and deacon dalmatics and stoles. The parish or group hosting the event is responsible for the transportation of these vestments to and from the ceremony site. A vestment request form is attached.
The people rise and make their response: Suscipiat Dominus (May the Lord accept). (General Instruction to the Roman Missal, 146) If a printed program is being used, it would helpful to include this text: After the bishop says Pray, brothers and sisters, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God the Almighty Father, the people rise and make their response May the Lord accept this sacrifice at your hands, for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his Church. Please note that if incense is used at the Preparation of the Gifts, the assembly is most likely already standing since they have been incensed.
Prepared by the Office of Worship, Diocese of Harrisburg Updated July 25, 2006.