GIRM and Congregation for Divine Worship

[cmacmac11]

I have asked three different parish priests this question and have received three totally different answers: Are instructions in the GIRM and instructions from the Congregation of Divine Worship ie Redemptionis Sacramentum, requirements or recommendations. The first said he didn’t know, the second said both, and the third said that the GIRM stands for General Instructions not General Suggestions. Please help.

 

[Deacon_Ed]

Okay, I think I understand the question you asked.

First, the GIRM (General Instruction of the Roman Missal) is the document from the CDW that regulates most aspects of the liturgy. Those aspects which it doesn’t regulate are clearly spelled out as being something the bishop has control over or where the priest/deacon may make adaptations (indicated by “…says in these or other words”). This is non-negotiable.

Redemptions Sacramentum is an instruction which clarifies law. In this case, the law is the GIRM. It has authority over everything except particular law and canon law. This means that, for example, it has no authority to prevent the pouring of the precious blood following the consecration in the United States which is permitted under particular law. Since particular law is promulgatged with the authority of the pope who has to approve it, an instruction cannot override it. (See canon 33 for more on this).

Since an instruction (a document from Rome with a particular canonical weight) clarifies the law, it must be followed except as noted above.

I hope this helps.

Deacon Ed

 

[Catholic2003]

You may find this table of liturgical documents of interest. (Scroll down to “Classification of Roman Documents” if the link doesn’t automatically position you there.) The GIRM is at level C1, and instructions such as Redemptionis Sacramentum are at level C3.

 

[cmacmac11]

Bottom line, are they recommendations or requirements. Aren’t we required to the best of out ability and physical limitations to follow the various instructions in the Girm and the instructions from the Congregation for Divine Worship?

 

[msproule]

cmacmac11:

Bottom line, are they recommendations or requirements?

Unfortunately, I do not think you can get a clear answer. You are seeking to assign a broad title to something that is very complex.

Even the example Deacon Ed provided has been debated many times in this Forum (and within the Church) and truly there are convincing legal arguments for either side.

At face value, the GIRM describes requirements. However, within the text, there may be recommendations (such as the giving of a homily during weekday Mass). RS reiterates law to make it more understandable and to clarify points of ambiguity. However, there may be local laws (particular) to which these clarifications do not apply.