Tonight at Ash Wed. mass there were two people other than the priest giving out ashes, saying the same prayers as the priest while doing so. Is this allowable or is this wrong?
According to the Book of Blessings a lay minister may assist the priest or deacon in the distribution of the ashes.
1659 This rite may be celebrated by a priest or deacon who may be assisted by lay ministers in the distribution of the ashes. The blessing of the ashes, however, is reserved to a priest or deacon.
(Book of Blessings—Blessing and Distribution of Ashes)
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