Feasts, Solemnities, Sundays

[David_B]

In my experience here in the Northeast, it seems as though a lot of parishes will celebrate Holy Day Masses (solemnities) as if they were just a daily mass, short homily, but just add the recited gloria and credo if necessary.

Has anyone in their experienced in their parishes clear demarcations between ferias, feasts, and solemnities? Whether it involved more singing, incense, etc?

 

[benedictgal]

In my experience here in the Northeast, it seems as though a lot of parishes will celebrate Holy Day Masses (solemnities) as if they were just a daily mass, short homily, but just add the recited gloria and credo if necessary.

Has anyone in their experienced in their parishes clear demarcations between ferias, feasts, and solemnities? Whether it involved more singing, incense, etc?

There are supposed to be clear demarcations between solemnities and Holy Days of Obligation. That is one of the few things that the new bishops’ document on music got right. But, you also need to factor in something else.

Many of us (present company included), go to Mass during our lunch hours. Priests take that into consideration and do what they can within the limited time frame. There are others who go to Mass before they go to work. They, too, need to be considered.

Of course, Masses after work are no problem because the full blown celebration is possible and often happens.

I like my PV’s approach to things. During regular daily Mass, we sing the Gospel acclamation, the Sanctus, the Memorial Acclamation and the Great Amen. In lieu of an entrance hymn and a communion hymn, we recite the appropriate antiphons. Now, when the big feasts come, we sing the Gloria and recite the credo.

I hope this helps.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

There may be an opinion that a minimal Mass is sufficient, even it it is a Holy Day of Obligation, with the idea that people want to get it over with as quickly as possible. In my parish they really celebrate – the choir sings, there’s incense, it has all the trappings of a celebration. I love it that way!

Have you ever spoken with the pastor about it? Sometimes they need to hear that people want something more than the minimum.

 

[benedictgal]

There may be an opinion that a minimal Mass is sufficient, even it it is a Holy Day of Obligation, with the idea that people want to get it over with as quickly as possible. In my parish they really celebrate – the choir sings, there’s incense, it has all the trappings of a celebration. I love it that way!

Have you ever spoken with the pastor about it? Sometimes they need to hear that people want something more than the minimum.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not a minimalist. The full blown celebration certainly deserves to happen. What I merely pointed out were some of the practical concerns. In my case, sometimes I have to work late and so I get to Mass during lunchtime. Believe me, I would love to have the choir sing and smell the incense. It’s the best. However, you work with what you’ve got when you can.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Don’t get me wrong. I am not a minimalist. The full blown celebration certainly deserves to happen. What I merely pointed out were some of the practical concerns. In my case, sometimes I have to work late and so I get to Mass during lunchtime. Believe me, I would love to have the choir sing and smell the incense. It’s the best. However, you work with what you’ve got when you can.

I wasn’t addressing you specifically, just why a holy day Mass may be kind of quick. In the middle of the day I think that’s probably a good thing – someone can get to Mass, grab a bite to eat, and get back to work. I usually go in the evening when there’s less time pressure. We all do the best we can.