Homily

[amalatt]

*FROM THE REDEMPTIONIS SACRAMENTUM *

64.] The homily, which is given in the course of the celebration of Holy Mass and is a part of the Liturgy itself,[142]* “should ordinarily be given by the Priest celebrant himself. He may entrust it to a concelebrating Priest or occasionally, according to circumstances, to a Deacon, but never to a layperson.[143] In particular cases and for a just cause, the homily may even be given by a Bishop or a Priest who is present at the celebration but cannot concelebrate”.[144]
[65.] It should be borne in mind that any previous norm that may have admitted non-ordained faithful to give the homily during the eucharistic celebration is to be considered abrogated by the norm of canon 767 §1.[145] This practice is reprobated, so that it cannot be permitted to attain the force of custom.*

[66.] The prohibition of the admission of laypersons to preach within the Mass applies also to seminarians, students of theological disciplines, and those who have assumed the function of those known as “pastoral assistants”; nor is there to be any exception for any other kind of layperson, or group, or community, or association.[146]

Our Respect Life Ministry has been speaking after the Gospel during Roe v. Wade weekend for 5 years now. I just read this and have assumed that we have been wrong. There is more on this subject in this encyclical and it does make sense that no ministry, not even finance , should speak until after the final blessing. Is it correct that we the people, no matter how much we speak to the readings or to morals, should speak until Mass is blessed at the end. How about if the Priest gives a short Homily and we finish it up? Need to know…I love the Holy Father and Christ’s Church and I want to do the right thing.

Help.

 

[kmktexas]

amalatt,

Our RL committee member have spoken at Mass. The first year it was after Father’s homily and the next it was after the Communion silence in the spot where Father usually has announcements. In neither case was it after the blessing.

As long as it is in addition to the homily, is not in place of the homily, and is informational instead of “preaching”, it seems ok according to the new RS.

 

[amalatt]

Where might I find that in the RS? I need to feel comfortable that it is OK…I cannot trust myself to make up my own mind.

Thanks,

 

[bear06]

When our Church has any info from any group in the parish, our pastor has them do it directly after the opening of the mass. He then does his homily in the usual place.

 

[amalatt]

That might really set the stage for the focus of the whole Mass for say a Respect Life Sunday. I like that idea, but I wonder if it is correct. I secretly hope so…I really like that idea.

 

[Catholic2003]

Also from Redemptionis Sacramentum:

[161.] As was already noted above, the homily on account of its importance and its nature is reserved to the Priest or Deacon during Mass. As regards other forms of preaching, if necessity demands it in particular circumstances, or if usefulness suggests it in special cases, lay members of Christfs faithful may be allowed to preach in a church or in an oratory outside Mass in accordance with the norm of law. This may be done only on account of a scarcity of sacred ministers in certain places, in order to meet the need, and it may not be transformed from an exceptional measure into an ordinary practice, nor may it be understood as an authentic form of the advancement of the laity. All must remember besides that the faculty for giving such permission belongs to the local Ordinary, and this as regards individual instances; this permission is not the competence of anyone else, even if they are Priests or Deacons.

 

[Deacon_Ed]

The general interpretation of the Church is that any talk that happens after the Gospel is a homily. Thus it would be improper for a priest or deacon to give a short homily and then have a lay person “finish it.” Witness talks or talks by various parish organizations should be done after the announcements which should always be done after the prayer after communion and before the final blessing and dismissal.

Deacon Ed

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

amalatt:

That might really set the stage for the focus of the whole Mass for say a Respect Life Sunday. I like that idea, but I wonder if it is correct. I secretly hope so…I really like that idea.

In my opinion then what should happen is a special Mass be said for that specific intention “Respect Life Sunday” at say 2PM, not at any of the regular Mass times. Or maybe a special Mass one evening during the week. Then I would think it would be “ok” to bend the rule and have someone speak after the homily or before the final blessing for a few minutes.

 

[Ray_Marshall]

Over the years, I’ve been to many parishes where, on Stewardship Sunday, around All Saints Day in these parts, often a member of the parish is called upon to give the “message” to the folks in the pews. Not my current parish, the pastor is a pro at that kind of thing.

I suspect most Bishops might be willing to “break” the rules for more alms in the collection baskets. I would imagine that there is a “blanket” indult for that particular occasion.