Incense at Mass with one server?

[haribo1]

A church in town sometimes has visiting priests offer the EF on weekends. Because there’s usually only one server, the Mass is typically sung but uses most of the rubrics for Low Mass. A new priest came recently, and even though I was the only one serving, he asked for incense. This was difficult to manage, especially at the offertory and the elevation. Is incense allowed with one server? If so, where can I find rubrics?

 

[corsair]

If, as you say, it is a “low” Mass, then to use incense is a violation of the rubrics. a low Mass is never sung. (There maybe some music offered but the Mass is never sung)
Sounds to me like the visiting priest doesn’t understand the TLM and is improvising.

 

[triumphguy]

A church in town sometimes has visiting priests offer the EF on weekends. Because there’s usually only one server, the Mass is typically sung but uses most of the rubrics for Low Mass. A new priest came recently, and even though I was the only one serving, he asked for incense. This was difficult to manage, especially at the offertory and the elevation. Is incense allowed with one server? If so, where can I find rubrics?

And are you going to teach your grandmother to suck eggs too?

 

[haribo1]

If, as you say, it is a “low” Mass, then to use incense is a violation of the rubrics. a low Mass is never sung. (There maybe some music offered but the Mass is never sung)
Sounds to me like the visiting priest doesn’t understand the TLM and is improvising.

Actually, one of the priests who does this is an FSSP priest. Fortescue O’Connell describes two forms of a Missa Cantata: the solemn form (which is what we normally think of as a “High Mass”) and the less solemn form (with rubrics that are almost identical to a Low Mass). He doesn’t mention incense in the second form though, which is why I asked.

 

[YoungTradCath]

Actually, one of the priests who does this is an FSSP priest. Fortescue O’Connell describes two forms of a Missa Cantata: the solemn form (which is what we normally think of as a “High Mass”) and the less solemn form (with rubrics that are almost identical to a Low Mass). He doesn’t mention incense in the second form though, which is why I asked.

Technically incense is only expressly permitted in Solemn Mass. It is, I believe, a violation of rubrics to use it in the Missa Cantata at all, but is “tolerated” via a document of the SCR in places where it has been done for 100 years or more.

 

[malphono]

Technically incense is only expressly permitted in Solemn Mass. It is, I believe, a violation of rubrics to use it in the Missa Cantata at all, but is “tolerated” via a document of the SCR in places where it has been done for 100 years or more.

That is no longer the case. In previous times an episcopal indult was required, but the entire question was put to rest by PP John XXIII. See the Code of Rubrics of 1960, #426 which says:

Incensationes quae in Missa solemni fieri debent, fieri possunt etiam in omnibus Missis cantatis

The incensations which must be performed in Solemn Mass, may also be performed in all Missa Cantatas.

 

[haribo1]

The incensations which must be performed in Solemn Mass, may also be performed in all Missa Cantatas.

So I guess that includes Missa Cantatas with only one server?

 

[codefro]

And are you going to teach your grandmother to suck eggs too?

where did that come from?

 

[triumphguy]

where did that come from?

It seemed appropriate to me: so the altar server is going to look up the rubrics in order to take the priest to task for using incense.

Sounds exactly like trying to teach grandma to suck eggs to me.

 

[JGMendes4049]

So I guess that includes Missa Cantatas with only one server?

Missae Canatae with only one server are, ipso facto, Missae Cantatae.

 

[tbtcom1213]

The rubrics call for an MC, thurifer and two acolytes. However situations sometimes require the doubling of roles.

If I was serving a Missa Cantata w/ incense by myself this is what I would do.

If the Asperges rite takes place (principal Sunday Mass) hold cope with left hand and aspersory/aspergillum with right hand while standing at priest’s right. Hold the book for the versicles, responsories and prayers.

Assist the priest in vesting into the maniple and chasuble

Answer the prayers at the foot of the altar

Keep the thurible and boat on it’s stand right by the bottom of the altar steps if feasible.

After the introductory prayers retrieve the thurible for the first incensation.

For the Gospel first move the Missal to the Gospel side, then present the thurible for the imposition of incense prior to the Gospel.

For the Offertory present the cruets of wine and water as usual.
After you incense the Celebrant, set aside the thurible and wash the priest’s hands. Then incense the faithful as usual.

Ring the bells at the Sanctus and Hanc Igitur.

After the Hanc Igitur impose incense in the thurible. Go to the right corner of the altar at the bottom of the steps having the bells at your left and the thurible in your right hand . At the first genuflection ring the bell with your left hand and then swing the thurible twice using your right hand alone. Repeat for the presentation of the Sacred Host and second genuflection. Follow the same procedure for the consecration of the Precious Blood.
If possible have someone in the choir or congregation ring the bells at the appointed times.
After the consecration the thurible is set aside and will not be needed for the rest of Mass.

The bells are last rung at the priest’s recitation of* Domine non sum dignus* three times.

 

[haribo1]

tbtcom1213,
That’s very helpful. Thank you. Mutatis mutandis, I think the incensing of the congregation and the incensing at the elevations would have to be omitted. The bell at the elevations seems like a priority here, and I can’t count on a member of the congregation to ring it throughout Mass. It would also be impossible to incense the congregation after the lavabo and make it back in time for the “orate fratres.” In traditionalist monasteries I’ve visited, all incensings but the offertory are omitted at daily Mass with one server, and I think something similar makes sense here.