New rules on the Holy Eucharist on Holy Thursday

Catholic Herald ^ | 03/15/2004 | Luke Coppen

[lrslattery]

The Vatican will publish strict new norms on the Eucharist next month, permanently changing the way Mass is celebrated throughout the world.

The Pope has authorised the publication of the norms on Holy Thursday, April 8, a year after his landmark encyclical on the Eucharist.

The final draft of the document, which is now being translated from Latin, will be a carefully edited version of the draft text leaked last September. The draft, which discouraged the reception of communion in both kinds and limited the role of altar girls, provoked an angry reaction from bishops in the English-speaking world.

After intensive episcopal lobbying, the Vatican is understood to have simplified the document and moderated some of the more controversial proscriptions.

The Catholic Herald has learned that the new norms will address some of the most divisive liturgical issues in the Catholic Church today. A source close to the Vatican said the document was part of a drive to "solemnise" the celebration of Mass and to counter a perceived lack of reverence for the Eucharist among Catholics.

It is also likely to challenge the view that the Second Vatican Council gave local bishops the authority to adapt the liturgy. It will also emphasise that Rome must guarantee the universality of the Mass.

[franky]

***"A source close to the Vatican said the document was part of a drive to "solemnise" the celebration of Mass and to counter a perceived lack of reverence for the Eucharist among Catholics."****

Yes, I am tired of seeing teenagers chomping on gum while recieving. And the lack of reverence after the concentration when leaning over two pews to shake hands.

And the hundreds who go to communion without knowing what a sin is or been to confession in a year.

[el_chupacabra]

bump for later

[B Knotts]

The presence of "girl altar boys" is an attack on the priesthood.

[NeoCaveman]

The presence of "girl altar boys" is an attack on the priesthood.

Pushed by the Weaklands and Hubba Hubba Hubbards of the world.

[B Knotts]

I think too many people buy into the idea that the use of girl altar boys is merely about "inclusiveness."

It is, but in a much more fundamental way: it is pushed by those who would like to see a laity-run Church, with an eliminated, or at least, greatly reduced priesthood.

[k omalley]

I hope it will end the practice of applause during Mass. Too often our priest encourages it, like "let's give a hand to show our support of the newly baptized baby", or "let's applaud the choir." Yesterday I attended Mass in another diocese and the parishoners broke into spontaneous applause at the end of Mass, like "good show!"

[johnb2004]

It is also likely to challenge the view that the Second Vatican Council gave local bishops the authority to adapt the liturgy. It will also emphasise that Rome must guarantee the universality of the Mass.

GOOD!

[johnb2004]

It's all part of the celebration of self. It is as if the Church exists to celebrate man.

[NeoCaveman]

Yesterday I attended Mass in another diocese and the parishoners broke into spontaneous applause at the end of Mass, like "good show!"

But we can still do the wave after a particularly good sermon, right?

Just kidding.

[NeoCaveman]

It's all part of the celebration of self. It is as if the Church exists to celebrate man.

We have seen the golden calf in the temple and it is us.

[heyheyhey]

It is also likely to challenge the view that the Second Vatican Council gave local bishops the authority to adapt the liturgy.

And where exactly is it in the docs of the Second Vatican Council?

"No person, even if he be a priest, may add, remove or change anything in the Liturgy on his own authority." [ Second Vatican Council, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, nos. 22, 3.]

[johnb2004]

You are much too preVatican II. You should be holding hands and singing a Cat Stevens tune.

[johnb2004]

The priest at my parish wears a Madonna headset. He truly is an M.C.

[heyheyhey]

Cat is a Muslim; I am a Roman Catholic and in love with my Church. :-D

[NeoCaveman]

The priest at my parish wears a Madonna headset. He truly is an M.C.

I was over at the folks for a weekend, and at this parish the priest walked around during the sermon like Phil Donahue. I kept expecting him to take questions from the studio audience or from callers.

[heyheyhey]

the priest walked around during the sermon like Phil Donahue

Whatever happened to the ambo? The "progressives" used to say, the "altar" of the Word of God. ;)

[Onelifetogive]

Yesterday I attended Mass in another diocese and the parishoners broke into spontaneous applause at the end of Mass, like "good show!"

Really??? Some people stayed until the end... I normally see people executing the "eucharistic departure." Gather up your stuff, get in line for eucharist, get the eucharist, head out the back door!

[Onelifetogive]

The priest at my parish wears a Madonna headset. He truly is an M.C.

Could be worse.....he could wear her pointy, metal brassiere.....

[StAthanasiustheGreat]

Any Details?