[NYer]

John Paul II confirmed that the faithful who are not ordained may "carry out some tasks and functions of cooperation in pastoral service" only "when they are expressly appointed by their respective consecrated pastors, in keeping with prescriptions of the law."

I hope some of the US bishops heed these words. Of late, certain dioceses are according far too much responsibility to their laity.

[Salvation]

I hope some of the US bishops heed these words.

For someone who is quite active as a lay person I agree with you.

[Desdemona]

The excuse I keep hearing is that in extrordinary times, such as duress and a priest shortage, the laity can be used. Well, I know of one priest, who left the Episcopal church when they started ordaining women, who ALWAYS hands the Ciborium to a woman. That parish ALWAYS has both species and as they have two deacons.... It bothered me at the time and someone in the parish DID write a letter pointing out that this was in violation, but they were told - in the bulletin - that we are in extrordiary times, yada, yada, and basically, we'll do what we want.

This is one on the many reasons why I left that parish.