Instructions for Laity Attending Mass

 

A Priestly People – Participation in the Mass 

In Preface I of the Eucharist for Sundays in Ordinary Time we hear:

For through the paschal Mystery, he (Jesus) accomplished the marvelous deed, by which he freed us from the yoke of sin and death, summoning us to the glory of being now called a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for your own possession, to proclaim everywhere your mighty works, for you have called us out of darkness into your own wonderful light.

Recently Fr Paul Turner, an expert in the liturgy, came to speak to the clergy of the Palmerston North Diocese about how best to preside at Mass. His clarification of the liturgy has implications for everyone as they participate in the holy sacrifice, which is the Mass. To this end I provide an instruction to assist Mass attendees in their understanding and participation in the Mass. The laity are truly a priestly people and need to fully participate in the Mass according to their priestly dignity, founded in baptism and confirmation.

1.  Baptismal Dignity

Our participation at Mass is an obligation and privilege given through baptism and confirmation. It strengthens our communion as Catholics gathered in “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Those who are baptized cannot participate in ministries. They should not do readings, prayers of the faithful, take up gifts at the offertory, act as altar servers or, in fact, pray the prayers of the Mass. It is only through baptism that we can cry out “Our Father.”

Those who are baptized but are not in full communion with the Catholic Church can perform some roles related to the ministry of the Word since we share it with them. They are not permitted, as a rule, to participate in those actions and roles associated with the Holy Eucharist since the unity asked of us by the Lord (see Jn 17: 21) is yet to be perfected. Bishops, priests, deacons, minsters and congregation members all have their own function and way of participating which has its own standing which should be respected.

This aspect of the liturgy needs some nuance when schools and colleges are involved. Nevertheless, baptism is a crucial aspect of our Catholic life which his implications in how we participate in the worship of the Church.

2.   Unity of Posture

Unity of posture speaks of the unity of the People of God. It is obvious that all cannot stand or kneel the same due to their health or stage of life. Nevertheless, as a rule, everyone should strive for unity, according to the instructions given in the liturgy and the laws of the Church. This does not mean our participation is to be mechanical as we realize our need to embody the truths we speak and hear.

3.   Preparation before Mass

As a priestly people, the baptized are required to be present for the whole of the celebration. Parishioners are urged to strive to be on time for Mass so that they can prayerfully prepare themselves for the liturgy. This is best done in a prayerful silence in the main body of the church. Those wishing to converse with others are best to do this outside or in the gathering area which is designed for this purpose. All Mass attendees, even if they arrive late, should be in the main body of the church to be united in the one Body of Christ. Fasting at least one hour before Mass can prepare us for the sacrament and make us mindful of the holiness of the gathering.

4.   Processions

The procession at the start of Mass is representative of the congregation as a pilgrim people. Processing with dignity, ministers, servers and clergy arrive at the sanctuary. They perform a profound bow together with the priest. Those holding candles and processional crosses do not need to bow at this point or genuflect if there is a tabernacle in the sanctuary. Throughout the Mass anyone coming forward to perform a ministry bows to the altar or, in the case of the servers, when they interact with the priest. The tabernacle is not acknowledged again until the conclusion of Mass.

5.  Posture throughout Mass

Throughout the celebration posture is governed, as a rule, by a Deacon although in his absence the priest will act. In general, Mass attendees should be aware of the required posture and act accordingly. When the presider stands, including when incense is used, all should stand and not wait until the deacon is in front of them. The invocation, “Let us pray” is not an instruction to stand. Rather, it invites us to pray as the words indicate. The posture for the Eucharistic Prayer, in the Diocese of Palmerston North, will be finalized by Bishop John Adams at the conclusion of the consultative process.

6.  Liturgy of the Word

The First and Second Readings, along with the Psalm, belong to the laity. The Gospel is proper to the clergy, especially deacons, as well as the homily. Readers bow to the altar as they come forward to proclaim the Word. All actions take place with suitable dignity and pace so that everyone understands what is proclaimed. Readers, along with Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, need to be mindful that their attire is suitable to their role even when deputed at late notice. The Alleluia or Gospel Acclamation is always sung otherwise it is omitted,

7.  Mass Parts

The parts of the Mass require the congregation to manifest their priestly dignity, in their baptism, and participation in the Eucharistic sacrifice. They need to be ready to speak from the start of prayers after the introduction given by the priest, “I confess…”, “I believe” and “Our Father” although it is traditional for the presider to initiate the Gloria. The “Holy, holy,” “Acclamation of Faith,” “Great Amen,” “Embolism” after the Our Father, and “Lamb of God” belong to the people and should not be led or spoken by the presider. If required, however, he may prompt the Acclamation of Faith to identify the option all can use.

8.  Silence

Silences are important throughout the Mass. They can take place after the readings, Gospel and homily, and after Holy Communion. The are times for prayer and reflection on what has just been received or done. Ministers or musicians should not pre-empt or prompt the presider but wait until he stands or indicates by other means that the next element of the liturgy can proceed.

9.  Holy Communion

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should not approach the altar as if they were concelebrants. To this end, they need to stand on the side or the foot of the sanctuary, rather than directly behind the altar alongside the deacon or concelebrants. It is appropriate for everyone to receive the Holy Eucharist under both species to reflect the banquet nature of the Mass and the fulness of the symbol. Holy Communion should be received from the altar by those who are present to that sacrifice. It should not be received, as a rule, from the tabernacle. 

1  Reception of Holy Communion

Priests take Holy Communion while others receive it. Only the ordained can communicate by intinction, when they dip the Host in the Precious Blood. Dipping the Host is not permitted by laity. They consume the Host as soon as it is handed to them. Extraordinary Ministers cannot depute one another with chalices or bowls. The posture and mode of reception of Holy Communion is up to the communicant. The standard means is standing and on the hand. This applies also to whether the communicant receives under or both kinds. Extraordinary Ministers say to those who come forward, who are not receiving Holy Communion, the invocation “Peace be with you.”

11 Conclusion of Mass

The people stand when the priest stands. They should not need to use “Let us pray” as a prompt. Notices should be kept short as the people remain standing. Sometimes, there may be longer speeches or presentations which will require for everyone to resume their seats. The presider venerates the altar and the other ministers process out with him after bowing to the altar. Once the recessional hymn is concluded it is helpful for people to depart without too much conversation so that those who are praying in thanksgiving can do so.