Altar Candles?

[Spiller]

I know from the GIRM that the altar must have at least two burning candles on or next to it depending on the circumstances during the Mass. Our liturgical coordinator now wants to buy two piece candlesticks so the servers can remove the upper half, walk over and flank the ambo with the two candles while the Gospel is proclaimed.

This seems like very sloppy liturgy to me. While I think it would be a great idea to use two separate candles, I don’t see where the GIRM specifies two or more candles on or next to the altar except when the Gospel is being read.

To me the altar is a powerful icon of Jesus and it deserves to have two or more candles throughout the Mass. I also think it sends a mixed message to remove the light from the altar at that point. What do you think?

 

[OldRedleg]

I don’t have any written reference to quote and believe this is something governed by local custom.

However, in our parish we have two floor mounted candle holders with one placed at each end of the alter. We also have two table size candle holders (about two feet tall) that are on the credence table. When it comes time for Father to proclaim the Gospel, the alter servers pick-up the two table mounted candles and process to the ambo flanking Father. As he proclaims the Gospel they remain on each side of the ambo. After he is done they return the candle holders to the credence table.

This procedure might be a good compromise.

 

[idrum677]

I don’t have any written reference to quote and believe this is something governed by local custom.

However, in our parish we have two floor mounted candle holders with one placed at each end of the alter. We also have two table size candle holders (about two feet tall) that are on the credence table. When it comes time for Father to proclaim the Gospel, the alter servers pick-up the two table mounted candles and process to the ambo flanking Father. As he proclaims the Gospel they remain on each side of the ambo. After he is done they return the candle holders to the credence table.

This procedure might be a good compromise.

That’s about the same as we do. There are 2 candles on the altar of sacrafice, 2 on the altar of repose, and the alter servers process in with 2 floor candles.

When its time for the gospel, they get the candles and flank the priest at the ambo.

 

[John_Lilburne]

I think using the altar candles for the Gospel is permitted.

From the 2002 General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) approved for the USA, which can be accessed from romanrite.com/girm.html :
“117. … The candles and the cross adorned with a figure of Christ crucified may also be carried in the Entrance Procession.”

It is talking about the altar candles, saying they can also be the processional candles.

If the candles from the entrance procession are put on the altar, what other candles are available for the Gospel? The GIRM has in n. 118(c) a comprehensive list of things to be on the credence table at the beginning of Mass. But it does not include extra candles to be used for the Gospel.

So I think it is reasonable to understand that there is an option to use the altar candles for the Gospel reading.

 

[FrCorey]

From Modern Roman Rites:
**#66. Candles are required for Mass: two, four or six. Varying the number of candles is a way of distinguishing days and celebrations. A good custom has developed in some places of using two for ferial days and memorials, four for feasts and six for Sundays and solemnities or other important celebrations. The Roman Rite envisages an uneven number of candles on the altar, seven, only when the diocesan bishop celebrates on major occasions.

#67. White or cream wax is customary for altar candles. There is no obligation to use beeswax, but high-quality candles seem to be preferable. Ingenious substitutes are usually unnecessary, as are metal “candle savers”, which destroy the glow of the light through the wax. However, glass protectors may be useful in a place subject to draughts and are necessary outdoors. They should be made of clear glass to avoid confusion with lamps.

#68. A tendency to reduce the size of candles and candlesticks is giving way to common sense and better taste. Many traditional candlesticks of reasonable proportions can be used for Mass facing the people because in fact they do not obscure the celebrant and often enhance the dignity and proportions of the altar. There are various ways of arranging the candles on or near the altar.

#69. There is much to be said for standard candlesticks, which especially improve the appearance and proportions of a small altar. They may stand near the altar, and the top of each candlestick should be at least level with the surface of the mensa. Sets of six large candlesticks inherited from the past can be refurbished for use as standard lights. Whatever way of arranging the liturgical candles is chosen, these beautiful signs of divine light and the angelic presence should be visibly related to the altar, so as to draw all eyes to the central focus of the worshipping assembly.

**

 

[Spiller]

I think using the altar candles for the Gospel is permitted.

From the 2002 General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) approved for the USA, which can be accessed from romanrite.com/girm.html :
“117. … The candles and the cross adorned with a figure of Christ crucified may also be carried in the Entrance Procession.”

It is talking about the altar candles, saying they can also be the processional candles.

If the candles from the entrance procession are put on the altar, what other candles are available for the Gospel? The GIRM has in n. 118(c) a comprehensive list of things to be on the credence table at the beginning of Mass. But it does not include extra candles to be used for the Gospel.

So I think it is reasonable to understand that there is an option to use the altar candles for the Gospel reading.

GIRM 117. The candles and the cross adorned with a figure of Christ crucified may also be carried in the Entrance Procession.

While the altar candles can clearly be carried in the entrance procession as specified, it doesn’t make any mention of removing them for use in the procession of the book of Gospels from the altar to the ambo.

It’s also not reasonable to suggest the the candles (or torches) would have to be on or next to the altar or on on the credence and no where else. Many are floor standing models, particularly the kerosene torches of years past.

There is also the matter of removing the candles from the altar. No where is permission given for the altar to be left without at least two burning candles during the Mass.

Again, it seems like bad liturgy to me

 

[jc-servant]

My parish does not move candles during mass. We have two candles (top of the 2-piece kind) come in during the processional that are placed on their large floor holders opposite the other 2 altar candles already in place. We have 2 different candles that are lit before mass begins that stand on either side of the ambo where the gospel is proclaimed.

Our book with the gospels is carried in the processional and then placed facing the people on a holder built on the front of the ambo. It is raised by the deacon after he is blessed and while we sing the gospel acclamation. When he lowers it he is on the back side of the ambo in the position to read.

I have attended a parish in another state where the candles carried in the processional were placed by the altar then carried over to an ambo for the gospel and then replaced by the altar right after.

I don’t see any disrespect or sloppiness in moving the two candles from the altar where Jesus is not yet present to the location of the gospels where He is present in the Liturgy of the Word and back to the altar before the Liturgy of the Eucharist begins.

 

[Spiller]

My parish does not move candles during mass. We have two candles (top of the 2-piece kind) come in during the processional that are placed on their large floor holders opposite the other 2 altar candles already in place. We have 2 different candles that are lit before mass begins that stand on either side of the ambo where the gospel is proclaimed.

Our book with the gospels is carried in the processional and then placed facing the people on a holder built on the front of the ambo. It is raised by the deacon after he is blessed and while we sing the gospel acclamation. When he lowers it he is on the back side of the ambo in the position to read.

I have attended a parish in another state where the candles carried in the processional were placed by the altar then carried over to an ambo for the gospel and then replaced by the altar right after.

I don’t see any disrespect or sloppiness in moving the two candles from the altar where Jesus is not yet present to the location of the gospels where He is present in the Liturgy of the Word and back to the altar before the Liturgy of the Eucharist begins.

Sounds like you guys have a far better plan when it comes to dealing with processional candles.

The altar is a very strong icon of Jesus and His Ultimate Sacrifice. Plus the Church makes no mention about removing and then replacing the altar candles during the Mass. That’s why I cannot see it as being proper to move the candles.

We now do the same thing with the book of Gospels as you do which is sad. We used to process it in and place it on the altar, a praiseworthy practice per the Church. Now we place it on a stand in front of the ambo, losing the praiseworthy practice in the process.

 

[John_Lilburne]

…It’s also not reasonable to suggest the the candles (or torches) would have to be on or next to the altar or on on the credence and no where else. Many are floor standing models, particularly the kerosene torches of years past. …
No where does it mention the preparation of Gospel candles. From the GIRM:

1. The following are also to be prepared:
   a. Next to the priest’s chair: the Missal and, as needed, a hymnal;
   b. At the ambo: the Lectionary;
   c. On the credence table: the chalice, a corporal, a purificator, and, if appropriate, the pall; the paten and, if needed, ciboria; bread for the Communion of the priest who presides, the deacon, the ministers, and the people; cruets containing the wine and the water, unless all of these are presented by the faithful in procession at the Offertory; the vessel of water to be blessed, if the asperges occurs; the Communion-plate for the Communion of the faithful; and whatever is needed for the washing of hands.

 

[Spiller]

No where does it mention the preparation of Gospel candles. From the GIRM:

That’s because they are not required. It certainly mentions their possible use though:

GIRM 133. If the Book of the Gospels is on the altar, the priest then takes it and goes to the ambo, carrying the Book of the Gospels slightly elevated and preceded by the lay ministers, who may carry the thurible and the candles. Those present turn towards the ambo as a sign of special reverence to the Gospel of Christ.

Can the processional candles be put on the credence table? Yes, and then used for the Gospel. Can they be put on the altar? Yes, and then used for the Gospel.

They could also be placed in floor stands or wall-mounted racks. Absolutely nothing however in the GIRM suggests that it is permissible to have no candles burning at the altar during the reading of the Gospel. Quite the opposite actually:

*“GIRM 117 On or next to the altar are to be placed candlesticks with lighted candles: at least two in any celebration…” *

It does not say “at least two except while the Gospel is being read which reduces the required number to zero during that activity.”

I still think it’s quite irreverent to leave the altar without candles during any part of the Mass.

 

[John_Lilburne]

A pall is not required. But because of its possible use, it is mentioned as something to be prepared on the credence table in
GIRM 118. Same with ciboria. Same with vessel of water, if needed for sprinkling.

Here are some things I like about using the altar candles for the Gospel.

• There is less of a distraction with an altar servers lighting candles on the credence table (or having lighted candles on the credence table).
• Both the Book of the Gospels and the candles are removed from the altar, making for a orderly procession to the ambo;
• Often I see too much set up on the altar at the start of Mass. For example it often has a corporal, chalice, cruets, and missal. These are abuses, failing to observe what the GIRM says about them being set up on the altar for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. By removing the candles from the altar there is a sense of attempting to correct these mistakes.
• The GIRM has: “309. The dignity of the word of God requires that the church have a place that is suitable for the proclamation of the word and toward which the attention of the whole congregation of the faithful naturally turns during the Liturgy of the Word.” I think moving the candles from the altar helps with this.

Of course using the altar candles, or any candles, for the Gospel is not compulsory. But it is not forbidden either.

 

[Spiller]

A pall is not required. But because of its possible use, it is mentioned as something to be prepared on the credence table in
GIRM 118. Same with ciboria. Same with vessel of water, if needed for sprinkling.

Here are some things I like about using the altar candles for the Gospel.

• There is less of a distraction with an altar servers lighting candles on the credence table (or having lighted candles on the credence table).
• Both the Book of the Gospels and the candles are removed from the altar, making for a orderly procession to the ambo;
• Often I see too much set up on the altar at the start of Mass. For example it often has a corporal, chalice, cruets, and missal. These are abuses, failing to observe what the GIRM says about them being set up on the altar for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. By removing the candles from the altar there is a sense of attempting to correct these mistakes.
• The GIRM has: “309. The dignity of the word of God requires that the church have a place that is suitable for the proclamation of the word and toward which the attention of the whole congregation of the faithful naturally turns during the Liturgy of the Word.” I think moving the candles from the altar helps with this.

Of course using the altar candles, or any candles, for the Gospel is not compulsory. But it is not forbidden either.

There are more than a few things that may be used during the Mass where no preparation is mentioned. Sanctus bells. Ablution cups. A Sacramentary stand or pillow. Tabernacle key. A priest’s homily notes, etc.

My comments have never suggesting that moving the candles away from the altar to the ambo would in any way be bad or unsuitable from the ambo/Gospel standpoint. The problem lays with moving them away from the altar and even more importantly, leaving the altar without any candles during the Mass which is not approved per the GIRM.

It most certainly appears that moving the altar candles to the ambo is forbidden at least in those situations where it would leave the altar without at least two remaining candles.

 

[jbebeau]

An interesting discussion.

I’ll have to disagree that GIRM 117 says that the altar candles can be used at processional candles as well, at least this is how it appears on face value. The use of the article, which isn’t present in the Latin seems to suggest that the same candles in the first part are the same ones it takes about in the second part. I think the Latin is a little more vague and merely suggests that candles and a crucifix can be used in the procession. However, reading the GIRM in conjunction with Ceremonial of Bishops, n. 129. reveals that this is the intent behind this section. Furthermore in a Station Mass, acolytes with candles are required at the proclamation of the Gospel.

 

[spellinggirl]

My parish just did that. We had 8 candles on the altar platform at the time (our altar is on top of a big raised wooden platform. The candles were on the angled steps up the altar). There were 4 altar servers (I was one). The two who processed in with the candles took those same candles for the Gospel. I was the cross-bearer, so I was not one of those two, but my brother was.

The altar looked fine without those two for that time. Personally, I think you should buy 4 candles. I think the altar should have lit candles on it during Mass. Good luck!

ALTAR SERVERS ROCK!

 

[Tracy07]

I don’t have any written reference to quote and believe this is something governed by local custom.

However, in our parish we have two floor mounted candle holders with one placed at each end of the alter. We also have two table size candle holders (about two feet tall) that are on the credence table. When it comes time for Father to proclaim the Gospel, the alter servers pick-up the two table mounted candles and process to the ambo flanking Father. As he proclaims the Gospel they remain on each side of the ambo. After he is done they return the candle holders to the credence table.

This procedure might be a good compromise.

That is what we do at our church here in the uk, but in our neighbouring parish it is not done i think it varies from parish to parish and also there is not enough servers to carry the floor candles in at the beginning of mass or at the end so they remain on the floor at the foot of the altar in our neighbouring parish, it must feel strange to father as he is priest for both churches and dashes between the two but i suppose it is something he has to get used to i was at our neighbouring parish recently and although it was lovely it felt a little strange so many things were done differently.
A lot of things vary from parish to parish i think.
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