Communion Service vs. Mass

[FrDavid96]

Here’s the problem:

Part I

You told the OP in post #8

You should expect that there will not be a “Communion Service” on a weekday…

However, the OP already said that most parishes “will have” a Communion service.

… most parishes will have simply a communion service. … what can we expect to see?..

The OP did not say “might.” The OP did not ask “what type of service should I expect?” The fact that it will be a Communion service has already been stated as a fact.

Whether it’s right or wrong, it is happening. Therefore, when you wrote that the OP should not expect it, that contradicts what we all know to be a fact. Again, I’m not getting into the question of right or wrong, simply the issue of whether or not it will happen.

What the OP actually asked was “what can we expect to see?” at that service.

That’s the reason why your response in post #8 doesn’t apply. The OP was not asking “is this proper?” but “what will happen?”

Part II

Also, in post #8, you quoted Redemptionis Sacramentum #165. You put this sentence in bold letters:

Nor is it ever appropriate to refer to any member of the lay faithful as “presiding” over the celebration.

However, #165 has nothing to do with the specific question asked in this thread.

It addresses 2 issues
1-dividing the parts
2-what to call the person leading

Neither of those points address the OPs question. No one mentioned dividing the parts (or not). No one mentioned the issue of what to call the person leading the service.

Now, it is possible that if this thread continues, one or both of those issues might be raised. Nevertheless, before you posted #8, neither of those issues were being discussed.

 

[HelenRose]

I can’t imagine a priests’ retreat that takes clergy away on a weekend.

In rural areas such as ours it happens quite often. One priest who takes care of more than one Church needs time away from their duties just like all the rest of us.

 

[zab]

Here’s the problem:

Part I

You told the OP in post #8

However, the OP already said that most parishes “will have” a Communion service.

The OP did not say “might.” The OP did not ask “what type of service should I expect?” The fact that it will be a Communion service has already been stated as a fact.

Whether it’s right or wrong, it is happening. Therefore, when you wrote that the OP should not expect it, that contradicts what we all know to be a fact. Again, I’m not getting into the question of right or wrong, simply the issue of whether or not it will happen.

What the OP actually asked was “what can we expect to see?” at that service.

That’s the reason why your response in post #8 doesn’t apply. The OP was not asking “is this proper?” but “what will happen?”

Part II

Also, in post #8, you quoted Redemptionis Sacramentum #165. You put this sentence in bold letters:

Nor is it ever appropriate to refer to any member of the lay faithful as “presiding” over the celebration.

However, #165 has nothing to do with the specific question asked in this thread.

It addresses 2 issues
1-dividing the parts
2-what to call the person leading

Neither of those points address the OPs question. No one mentioned dividing the parts (or not). No one mentioned the issue of what to call the person leading the service.

Now, it is possible that if this thread continues, one or both of those issues might be raised. Nevertheless, before you posted #8, neither of those issues were being discussed.

I could go back and forth arguing what is fact and what is not. The truth is, it was my understanding that the OP asked “what can we expect?” I gave an example of what is done in our parish. Please do not continue to make more of this than it is.

 

[CB_Catholic]

I just want to say that when a poster says something along the lines of “Most parishes in the diocese will be doing Communion Services” or some other general characterization like this , I have to wonder how the average parishioner knows what is going on in most parishes. I certainly don’t.

For one thing, in my Diocese, we have a bi-weekly Diocesan newspaper in which parishes publish their events, retreats, special Masses, news, etc. I know I am a member of Cursillo and my group reunion has women from 5 different parishes, plus we are in contact with other group reunions around the Diocese. Often there are Diocesan wide events or classes where people meet. There are also parish websites. While of course we don’t what every parish is doing, we have a pretty good idea of what’s going on. That’s for those of us interested enough to find out. Others have no clue.

For myself, I often benefit from going to events, classes etc. at other parishes, and in the summer, when parish activity is down, I visit other parishes for Mass and check out the bulletin. And my friends keep me informed.

And since I live in an area where there are 9 or more churches and a synagogue in about a 2 mile radius which I drive by almost daily, I pretty much know what’s going on in the Protestant churches in my neighborhood, too. And the Greek Orthodox one. I especially like the nights when the Methodists sell stuffed chicken dinners and the Greeks have their festivals, which consist mostly of eating. (And Icon sales).

 

[FrDavid96]

… most parishes will have simply a communion service. …

You should expect that there will not be a “Communion Service” …

 

[zab]

It is one thing that what we write does not always come out as clear as we intended. But when one has repeatedly clarified their position, then why should another insist on attacking was apparently not clear in the beginning? What is the point?

 

[zab]

For one thing, in my Diocese, we have a bi-weekly Diocesan newspaper in which parishes publish their events, retreats, special Masses, news, etc. I know I am a member of Cursillo and my group reunion has women from 5 different parishes, plus we are in contact with other group reunions around the Diocese. Often there are Diocesan wide events or classes where people meet. There are also parish websites. While of course we don’t what every parish is doing, we have a pretty good idea of what’s going on. That’s for those of us interested enough to find out. Others have no clue.

For myself, I often benefit from going to events, classes etc. at other parishes, and in the summer, when parish activity is down, I visit other parishes for Mass and check out the bulletin. And my friends keep me informed.

And since I live in an area where there are 9 or more churches and a synagogue in about a 2 mile radius which I drive by almost daily, I pretty much know what’s going on in the Protestant churches in my neighborhood, too. And the Greek Orthodox one. I especially like the nights when the Methodists sell stuffed chicken dinners and the Greeks have their festivals, which consist mostly of eating. (And Icon sales).

Well, that could be an explanation. I guess some people could keep up to date on what is going on in all the parishes of the diocese, particularly if they attend a lot of functions containing members of other parishes and closely read the diocesan newspaper. And unlike myself, some people like my daughter have a good memory for detail.