Communion services

[RAGGANDI]

What are acceptable forms of communion services? Who may preside over them? I do a lot of traveling and try to attend daily Mass, but about 2 times a week where a Mass is listed in masstimes.org, it is a communion service. I have seen 3 basic forms and all 3 have me scratching my head as to their validity. The one that I prefer is the service where the liturgy of the hours is read reverently, then the host is distributed (with the proper communion prayer). The other two were more of a Mass with all of the same rubrics except that there is no priest or deacon present. I am VERY uncomfortable with these. But if they are acceptable in areas with a shortage of priests, I will continue to receive our Lord in this manner, even though it makes me uncomfortable to do so.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

What are acceptable forms of communion services? Who may preside over them? I do a lot of traveling and try to attend daily Mass, but about 2 times a week where a Mass is listed in masstimes.org, it is a communion service. I have seen 3 basic forms and all 3 have me scratching my head as to their validity. The one that I prefer is the service where the liturgy of the hours is read reverently, then the host is distributed (with the proper communion prayer). The other two were more of a Mass with all of the same rubrics except that there is no priest or deacon present. I am VERY uncomfortable with these. But if they are acceptable in areas with a shortage of priests, I will continue to receive our Lord in this manner, even though it makes me uncomfortable to do so.

Both forms are valid. Basically it’s a Liturgy of the Word with the distribution of Holy Communion under one form.

However in my opinion a Communion service is improper when the Mass it is “substituted for” is not a Mass of obligation. In other words a daily Mass v/s say a Mass that cannot be said on a Holy Day or Sunday because no priest is available. They Faithful can gather for the Holy Day or Sunday to pray as a community, and receive Holy Communion.

 

[John_Lilburne]

What are acceptable forms of communion services? Who may preside over them? I do a lot of traveling and try to attend daily Mass, but about 2 times a week where a Mass is listed in masstimes.org, it is a communion service. I have seen 3 basic forms and all 3 have me scratching my head as to their validity. The one that I prefer is the service where the liturgy of the hours is read reverently, then the host is distributed (with the proper communion prayer). The other two were more of a Mass with all of the same rubrics except that there is no priest or deacon present. I am VERY uncomfortable with these. But if they are acceptable in areas with a shortage of priests, I will continue to receive our Lord in this manner, even though it makes me uncomfortable to do so.

A priest, deacon or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion can preside.

It is wrong having it with the Liturgy of the Hours. The correct way is the ceremony more like the Mass.

In the liturgical book “Holy Communion and the Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass” it has the ceremony for distributing Communion. The structure is:
Introductory Rites
Greeting
Penitential rite
Celebration of the Word of God “29. The Liturgy of the Word now takes place as at Mass.”
Lord’s Prayer
Sign of Peace
Invitation to Communion “This is the Lamb of God …”.
Communion “35. During the distribution of communion, a hymn may be sung.”
Silence, psalm or song of praise.
Concluding Prayer
Blessing
Dismissal.

There is also a shorter rite, which has a shorter reading instead of the “44. Omitting the celebration of the word of God, the minister or other person should read a short scriptural text referring to the bread of life.” (The Rites Volume One, Liturgical Press, 1990, ISBN: 0-8146-6015-0, page 655).

Another rite is for the sick.

The Liturgy of the Hours can be combined with Mass. But there are no instructions about combining it with a Communion Service in the liturgical books.

 

[Aramis]

The liturgy of the hours may be celebrated at its customary times by anyone, tho’ if a deacon is available, he should preside before a layman, and likewise a priest before a deacon or layman.

It is improper to combine it with any other service as an integration, but to have one of the hours precede the proper eucharistic service (be it mass or a communion service) is fully within the bounds.

There are exceptions to the “Don’t Integrate the hours into other services”, but these are mostly Eastern Rite, and in the particular Sui Iuris church’s typicon…

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

The liturgy of the hours may be celebrated at its customary times by anyone, tho’ if a deacon is available, he should preside before a layman, and likewise a priest before a deacon or layman.

It is improper to combine it with any other service as an integration, but to have one of the hours precede the proper eucharistic service (be it mass or a communion service) is fully within the bounds.

There are exceptions to the “Don’t Integrate the hours into other services”, but these are mostly Eastern Rite, and in the particular Sui Iuris church’s typicon…

I read somewhere (I don’t remember where) that Rome is working on a new Communion Service that will follow the form of the LOH followed by the distribution of Holy Communion. This is to get away from the “mini Mass” look of the current form. Which leads some to think that the deacon or the Sister is “saying” Mass this morning because Father is out of town.

 

[RAGGANDI]

I read somewhere (I don’t remember where) that Rome is working on a new Communion Service that will follow the form of the LOH followed by the distribution of Holy Communion. This is to get away from the “mini Mass” look of the current form. Which leads some to think that the deacon or the Sister is “saying” Mass this morning because Father is out of town.

This is exactly how it felt. One of “Masses” I attended was led by a Sister. After reading the Gospel, she didn’t really have a “homilly” as such, but she did have a quite lengthy question and answer period with the congregation (about 30 of us) to help us discern what the Gospel meant to us that day. In the other “Mass”, the EM (female) read a meditation from The Word Among Us , a magazine which I’m sure many of you are familiar with and that I take with me every day to follow along. Are these actions acceptable?

 

[RAGGANDI]

This is exactly how it felt. One of “Masses” I attended was led by a Sister. After reading the Gospel, she didn’t really have a “homilly” as such, but she did have a quite lengthy question and answer period with the congregation (about 30 of us) to help us discern what the Gospel meant to us that day. In the other “Mass”, the EM (female) read a meditation from The Word Among Us , a magazine which I’m sure many of you are familiar with and that I take with me every day to follow along. Are these actions acceptable?

Oh, yeah–Also, I heard somewhere that it is not ok to change the words, even slightly, of most of the prayers said during certain Liturgies. Normally, I would not take notice, but since I was uncomfortable in the last service anyway, I seemed to be “nit-picking”. Anyway, during the communion prayer “This is the Lamb of God. Happy are THOSE…” she substituted “WE”. Ok or not? I would like to think that to God, these are inconsequential errors. Why shouldn’t they be inconsequential to me?

 

[John_Lilburne]

…It is improper to combine it with any other service as an integration, but to have one of the hours precede the proper eucharistic service (be it mass or a communion service) is fully within the bounds. …

No, it is not improper to combine the Liturgy of the Hours with Mass.

From the General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours:
“93. In particular cases, if circumstances require, it is possible to link an hour more closely with Mass when there is a celebration of the liturgy of the hours in public or in common, according to the norms that follow, provided the Mass and the hour belong to one and the same office.”

Then in n. 94 it describes how to link Mass and Morning Prayer.
Entrance song, or “introductory verse and hymn of morning prayer”.
Procession
Celebrant’s greeting
“one of the introductory rites is thus omitted.”
Psalmody of morning prayer, up to but not including the reading.
Penitential Rite omitted
Kyrie and Gloria, “as circumstances suggest”.
Opening Prayer of Mass
Liturgy of the Word as usual …

“After the communion with its communion song the Canticle of Zechariah, Blessed be the Lord, with its antiphon from morning prayer, is sung.”

In paragraphs 94-97 there are more instructions on combining Mass with Evening Prayer and daytime hours.

So the liturgical book provides explicit instructions for combining the Liturgy of the Hours with Mass. There are no such instructions for combining it with a Communion Service.

References: Documents on the Liturgy 1963-1979, Liturgical Press, Minnesota, 1982, ISBN 0-8146-1281-4, page 1109.
Divine Office, published by E.J. Dwyer, Sydney, 1974, ISBN 085574233X, pages li-lii.

 

[Aramis]

No, it is not improper to combine the Liturgy of the Hours with Mass.

From the General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours:
“93. In particular cases, if circumstances require, it is possible to link an hour more closely with Mass when there is a celebration of the liturgy of the hours in public or in common, according to the norms that follow, provided the Mass and the hour belong to one and the same office.”

Then in n. 94 it describes how to link Mass and Morning Prayer.
Entrance song, or “introductory verse and hymn of morning prayer”.
Procession
Celebrant’s greeting
“one of the introductory rites is thus omitted.”
Psalmody of morning prayer, up to but not including the reading.
Penitential Rite omitted
Kyrie and Gloria, “as circumstances suggest”.
Opening Prayer of Mass
Liturgy of the Word as usual …

“After the communion with its communion song the Canticle of Zechariah, Blessed be the Lord, with its antiphon from morning prayer, is sung.”

In paragraphs 94-97 there are more instructions on combining Mass with Evening Prayer and daytime hours.

So the liturgical book provides explicit instructions for combining the Liturgy of the Hours with Mass. There are no such instructions for combining it with a Communion Service.

References: Documents on the Liturgy 1963-1979, Liturgical Press, Minnesota, 1982, ISBN 0-8146-1281-4, page 1109.
Divine Office, published by E.J. Dwyer, Sydney, 1974, ISBN 085574233X, pages li-lii.

The GIRM is effectively part of the Typicon of the Roman Church.

 

[John_Lilburne]

This is exactly how it felt. One of “Masses” I attended was led by a Sister. After reading the Gospel, she didn’t really have a “homilly” as such, but she did have a quite lengthy question and answer period with the congregation (about 30 of us) to help us discern what the Gospel meant to us that day. In the other “Mass”, the EM (female) read a meditation from The Word Among Us , a magazine which I’m sure many of you are familiar with and that I take with me every day to follow along. Are these actions acceptable?
The Sister may be able to give a homily in this situation.

“Homilies in non-eucharistic liturgies may be preached by the non-ordained faithful only when expressly permitted by law and when its prescriptions for doing so are observed.”
[From Article 3 §4, From the 1997 Instruction “On certain questions regarding the collaboration of the non-ordained faithful in the sacred ministry of priests” also know as “Ecclesiae de mysterio”]

A communion service is not a eucharistic liturgy, it does not have a Eucharistic Prayer.

The Code of Canon Law has in canon 766: “The laity may be allowed to preach in a church or oratory if in certain circumstances it is necessary, or in particular cases it would be advantageous, according to the provisions of the Bishops’ Conference and without prejudice to Can. 767 §1”. [The Code of Canon Law: New revised English Translation, HarperCollins Liturgical, 1997, ISBN 000599375X, page 177.]

The 1988 Directory for Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest has:
“43. … Since only a priest or a deacon may give a homily, [footnote 36: See CIC, can. 766-767] it is desirable that the pastor prepare a homily and give it to the leader of the assembly to read. But in this matter the decisions of the conference of bishops are to be followed.”

In Australia it is clear that a lay person can give this talk. “13. … Liturgical preaching or giving a reflection on the scriptures is carried out by women and men formed and delegated for this ministry by their bishop. [footnote 11: See Directives for Preaching by Laypersons, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (2003). …].” From Pastoral Handbook for the Dioceses of Australia, National Liturgical Commission, 2004, page 21.

Can a homily involve questions? At least in the case of children it can. From the 1973 Directory for Masses with Children: “48. The homily explaining the word of God should be given great prominence in all Masses with children. Sometimes the homily intended for children should become a dialogue with them, unless it is preferred that they should listen in silence.”

 

[John_Lilburne]

Oh, yeah–Also, I heard somewhere that it is not ok to change the words, even slightly, of most of the prayers said during certain Liturgies. Normally, I would not take notice, but since I was uncomfortable in the last service anyway, I seemed to be “nit-picking”. Anyway, during the communion prayer “This is the Lamb of God. Happy are THOSE…” she substituted “WE”. Ok or not?..

Not OK.

From the 2004 Instruction “Redemptionis Sacramentum”:
“[59.] The reprobated practice by which Priests, Deacons or the faithful here and there alter or vary at will the texts of the Sacred Liturgy that they are charged to pronounce, must cease. For in doing thus, they render the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy unstable, and not infrequently distort the authentic meaning of the Liturgy.”

In a Mass could have been some confusion on this point, but there should be no confusion in a Communion Service:
“32. The minister genuflects. Taking the host, he raises it slightly over the vessel or pyx and, facing the people, says:
This is the Lamb of God
who takes away the sins of the world.
Happy are those who are called to his supper.”
(Holy Communion and the Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass, in The Rites Volume One, Liturgical Press, 1990, ISBN: 0-8146-6015-0.

Even in Mass, the 2002 General Instruction of the Roman Missal is clear:
“31. It is also up to the priest, in the exercise of his office of presiding over the gathered assembly, to offer certain explanations that are foreseen in the rite itself. Where it is indicated in the rubrics, the celebrant is permitted to adapt them somewhat in order that they respond to the understanding of those participating.”
Nothing in the rubrics indicates that the priest can change these words.

On this point I was a little concerned by Cardinal Pell’s homily of 3 February 2008. According to sydney.catholic.org.au/Archbishop/Homilies/2008/200823_1748.shtml he said: “… As always when I read this section of Scripture I change the word “happy” to “blessed” because it is a more accurate translation and also makes the teaching somewhat easier to understand. Incidentally we have no right to change Our Lord’s teaching just because it is strange or difficult, but in this case a better translation does make it easier for us. …”

The translation in the Lectionary for Australia is “… How happy are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven. …”. (Lectionary Volume 1 Study Edition, Collins Liturgical Australia, 1983, ISBN 0 00 599764-X, page 631). If he is reading this Gospel in the liturgy he has no right to change it to “How blessed are the poor in spirit” regardless of whether he thinks it is a better translation.

 

[Yulejule]

When I was given instruction on how to conduct (as a Lay Leader of Prayer) a communion service, we were instructed we could give a reflection on the reading from Scripture (and the reading could be either from the gospel or other reading for the day) - but it was not to be confused with giving a homily. Attendees have often said “enjoyed your homily,” so they do not know the distinction between a reflection and a homily. I do not “instruct” them on the misuse of the word homily, but simply thank them. It has become a blessing to me - both in the preparation of the reflection and in the service itself, very much a time of prayer and paying attention to what message the Holy Spirit might be offering me during the time of preparation, always trying to direct attention to the message and not myself. However, sometimes the reflection becomes a time of personal testimony to the living message of the Word.

 

[John_Lilburne]

… Attendees have often said “enjoyed your homily,” so they do not know the distinction between a reflection and a homily. I do not “instruct” them on the misuse of the word homily, but simply thank them. …

Then I suppose you think the Vatican’s document is mistaken. As I quoted above in post #10:
“Homilies in non-eucharistic liturgies may be preached by the non-ordained faithful only when expressly permitted by law and when its prescriptions for doing so are observed.”
[From Article 3 §4, From the 1997 Instruction “On certain questions regarding the collaboration of the non-ordained faithful in the sacred ministry of priests” also know as “Ecclesiae de mysterio”, at http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/p...ocuments/rc_con_interdic_doc_15081997_en.html ]

Sometimes the talk by a lay person is called a homily.

 

[Sheeniac]

My parish has 2 churches, and each of the two resident priests say one mass a day at each in the morning. In the main church, there’s a 5:30 communion service lead by an EMHC.

They’re always looking for volunteers to lead the communion service, and as an EMHC I have considered it. HOWEVER… I thought I read somewhere that it is improper to have a Communion Service if a priest was actually available.

Any insight?

 

[John_Lilburne]

… HOWEVER… I thought I read somewhere that it is improper to have a Communion Service if a priest was actually available.
Any insight?

A priest can lead a Communion Service. From the liturgical book Holy Communion and the Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass, Chapter 1 Holy Communion Outside Mass:
“17. It belongs first of all to the priest and the deacon to minister holy communion to the faithful who ask to receive it. It is most fitting, therefore, that they give a suitable part of their time to this ministry of their order, depending on the needs of the faithful.
It also belongs to an acolyte who has been properly instituted to give communion as a special minister when the priest and deacon are absent or impeded by sickness, old age, or pastoral ministry or when the number at the holy table is so great that the Mass or other service may be unreasonably prolonged.”
(I have removed the footnotes. From The Rites Volume One, Liturgical Press, 1990, ISBN: 0-8146-6015-0, pages 644-645).

So if a priest or deacon where at the actual ceremony, I would say it would be wrong for a lay person to lead it. But if they are busy with “pastoral ministry” then the Extraordinary Minister can lead it.

Perhaps you are thinking of a Communion Service on Sunday. Then there are further restrictions on a Communion Service. From the 1988 Directory for Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest:
“21. … Therefore a gathering or assembly of this kind can never be held on a Sunday in places where Mass has already been celebrated or is to be celebrated or was celebrated on the preceding Saturday evening, even if the Mass is celebrated in a different language. Nor is it right to have more than one assembly of this kind on any given Sunday.”

 

[Phemie]

Having a Communion Service every day when there is already a Mass flies in the face of Redemptionis Sacramentum which says that allowing a Communion Service, as opposed to a simple Celebration of the Word, on Sunday, when no priest is available, has to be carefully considered. It goes on to say that no such celebration should happen on a weekday if Mass was, or will be, celebrated on Sunday.

[165.] It is necessary to avoid any sort of confusion between this type of gathering and the celebration of the Eucharist.[271] The diocesan Bishops, therefore, should prudently discern whether Holy Communion ought to be distributed in these gatherings. The matter would appropriately be determined in view of a more ample co-ordination in the Bishops’ Conference, to be put into effect after the recognitio of the acts by the Apostolic See through the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. It will be preferable, moreover, when both a Priest and a Deacon are absent, that the various parts be distributed among several faithful rather than having a single lay member of the faithful direct the whole celebration alone. Nor is it ever appropriate to refer to any member of the lay faithful as “presiding” over the celebration.

[166.]Likewise, especially if Holy Communion is distributed during such celebrations, the diocesan Bishop, to whose exclusive competence this matter pertains, must not easily grant permission for such celebrations to be held on weekdays, especially in places where it was possible or would be possible to have the celebration of Mass on the preceding or the following Sunday. Priests are therefore earnestly requested to celebrate Mass daily for the people in one of the churches entrusted to their care.

 

[John_Lilburne]

Well, it would seem appropriate that the bishop follow the liturgical book on making his decision about Communion Services (which Redemptionis Sacramentum says is his to make). From Holy Communion and the Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass:
“14. The faithful should be encouraged to receive communion during the eucharistic celebration itself.
Priests, however, are not to refuse to give communion to the faithful who ask for it even outside Mass. [footnote 2: See Instruction *Eucharisticum mysterium, no. 33a]
In fact it is proper that those who are prevented from being present at the community’s celebration should be refreshed with the Eucharist. In this way they may realize that they are united not only with the Lord’s sacrifice but also with the community itself and are supported by the love of their brothers and sisters.
Pastors should see that an opportunity to receive the Eucharist is given to the sick and aged, even though not gravely sick or in imminent danger of death, frequently and, if possible, daily, especially during the Easter season. …”
(The Rites Volume One, Liturgical Press, 1990, ISBN: 0-8146-6015-0, page 643).

 

[Phemie]

But that talks about taking Communion to the elderly and shut-ins who can’t come to Mass, not having a Communion Service at the church when you’ve already had Eucharist that day.

 

[Yulejule]

Then I suppose you think the Vatican’s document is mistaken. As I quoted above in post #10:
“Homilies in non-eucharistic liturgies may be preached by the non-ordained faithful only when expressly permitted by law and when its prescriptions for doing so are observed.”
[From Article 3 §4, From the 1997 Instruction “On certain questions regarding the collaboration of the non-ordained faithful in the sacred ministry of priests” also know as “Ecclesiae de mysterio”, at http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/po...081997_en.html ]

Sometimes the talk by a lay person is called a homily.

The above is from John Lilburn - and I think you misunderstood what I said - I said I do not instruct them on their misuse of the word homily - I did not say I disagreed with the Vatican document. I just think it is inappropriate to correct members of the congregation who misuse the word homily when complimenting on a reflection I have made.

And I was instructed (as a lay person) not to consider my reflective words on the Scripture a homily, that only an ordained person gives a homily - lay people give reflections. If that is the word usage Rome says is proper, who am I to argue semantics?
I daily reflect on Scripture and journal about the reflection - but on days I preside at distribution of communion, I share my reflection.

 

[John_Lilburne]

But that talks about taking Communion to the elderly and shut-ins who can’t come to Mass, not having a Communion Service at the church when you’ve already had Eucharist that day.

Well it says “In fact it is proper that those who are prevented from being present at the community’s celebration should be refreshed with the Eucharist.” They may be prevented by age or sickness. But the bishop may also decide (for example) that people are prevented by work and school to attend daily Mass at 9.00 am, and so may grant their request for Communion at 5.30 pm.