Now, as part of this prayer service, the lay leader is invited to offer some "reflections." The rite is careful to say that this must not be a homily, but it is, in fact, a homily by another name if the leader reflects on the readings.
It is a very simple step from allowing lay leaders to reflect on the readings in a prayer service, to allowing them to reflect on the readings at a Mass.
It would surprise me if the Vatican gave the Swiss bishops a particular dispensation for lay theologians to preach. If it did, I can think of a dozen other episcopal conferences which will immediately petition for the same dispensation. The US would be part of that 12.
The C.C. also said Protestants are not allowed to receive communion in the C.C. as story claims.
The difference there, of course, is one of necessity.
The "Word & Communion" service is supposed to be used only when it is impossible for a priest to be present on Sunday (yes, it is commonly used as a substitute for daily Mass, but this is actually illicit).
If a priest is present, you can have a Mass. And if you have a Mass, there can be no good reason to have a layman give the homily. As you obviously are quite aware, if the priest is not up to it, a deacon can do so.
Yeah, the parish next to mine has three outlying mission parishes without resident priests and one of our permanent deacons got moved over to the home parish full time plus they usually have one of our other two deacons assist them.
The outlying parishes get a Communion Service every other week and the priest from the home parish or one from our parish makes the trip to say Mass on the alternate weeks.
Of course, if we lived in the Andes we might not see a priest for a month or more. And have to walk thirty miles to boot. I guess we have it pretty easy.
Of course you are pleased as punch with this, as it dovetails very nicely into the agenda which you support - as evidenced by your posts.
How much does the USCCB actually pay you?