Is the priest's washing of his hands at Mass optional?

[mroeckell]

My son recently became an Altar Boy. During training and he was told two of our Priests do not wash their hands before the Eurcharistic Prayer is said and to remember that when serving. My son decided to ask one of the Priests about it and was told “There are options for saying the Mass”.

I have two questions. First, is this a legitimate option? Second, where can I find these “options”? When I read Church documents, Canon Law, GIRM, etc, they are pretty clear about not changing things, although you can find options for readings.

Can you help me clarify?

Thanks.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

The Lavabo (washing the hands) is NOT optional. “The priest washes his hands a an expression of his desire to be cleansed within.” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal)

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.