Let me see if I can explain this without sounding wishy-washy:
The GIRM indicates what “should” be done. The ideal setting, the norms by which we celebrate Mass, how Mass should be celebrated, questions on environment, music and postures. Everything that pertains to the Liturgy is written in it. As extensive as it looks, it is designed to give uniformity to the Church so that Mass and it’s various settings may have guidelines to what is proper.
For example: There is a sections on Celebration for Children, Celebrations with a Decan, Celebration without a Decan, Celebration where there is a Concelebrant, etc, etc, etc. There are every sections on posturing: when to sit, when to knee, when not to knee, when is it permissable to stand, not to stand, etc, etc.
However, there are always exceptions which tkae into account various circomstances which are unavoidable. The GIRM attempts to take this into account.
There are people within your Diocease that can answer any questions and/or concerns you have if you feel someting isn’t right in your Parish, or whether something being done is in line with the GIRM. In my Diocease it’s called the “Office Of Worship”. Yours may be called something else.
One example that occured several years ago had to do with Liturgical movement. As one thread put is, “Liturgical Dance”, a term we are not allowed to use in our Diocease anymore. The question was raised whether “dance” was appropriate within the Mass setting, and whether it should be included as part of the liturgical celebration. Of course, because this person was not satisfied with the answer from the Office Of Worship or the Bishop, it went all the way up to the Vatican where a “liturgical dance” was no longer permitted. However, “liturgical gestures” was appropriate as long as it enahces the Mass celebration and not considered a “performance” If you look in the GIRM, and I may have missed a thing or two, there is something called “liturgical movement”. Don’t remember if “dance” was every mentioned.
