First Communicants in the Sanctuary

[blackrobe]

Today I witnessed once again the invitation of first communicants into the sanctuary for the Eucharistic Prayer. I’'m not complaining; I’m just curious as to whether the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has ever commented on this practice. It seems to me that the GIRM is a prescriptive document and if does not call for an action or practice, such practice should not imposed on the liturgy.

 

[MSSheBear]

Yes, I was wondering if it was okay. I have seen it in two different parishes in my diocese. I live on the Left Coast.

 

[pianistclare]

You are complaining, in fact.
Take it up with the pastor if it bugs you.
There are many liturgy experts in the pews.
Not saying it’s right what’s happening, but there’s no way anonymous people on the internet can help you with this issue.
Speak to your priest.

 

[Sunbreak]

Fr Z answered this, in part, when asked something similar:
**For example, in GIRM 295 we read.

The sanctuary is the place where the altar stands, where the word of God is proclaimed, and where the priest, the deacon, and the other ministers exercise their offices. It should suitably be marked off from the body of the church either by its being somewhat elevated or by a particular structure and ornamentation.

Lay people are not to be in the sanctuary unless they have a ministerial role. “Standing around” is not a ministerial role!**

 

[Brendan]

In addition, there were two Catholic movments ( Neocatecumenate Way and Lifeteen) that both practiced what you described, in that the laity with no ministerial roles were gathered around the altar during the Consecration.

In both cases, the Vatican instructed the respective movements to cease that practice,

jimmyakin.com/2004/07/flash_lifeteen_.html

 

[smead2942]

Today I witnessed once again the invitation of first communicants into the sanctuary for the Eucharistic Prayer. I’'m not complaining; I’m just curious as to whether the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has ever commented on this practice. It seems to me that the GIRM is a prescriptive document and if does not call for an action or practice, such practice should not imposed on the liturgy.

This is SO wrong.