Is there any reason a priest cant switch Eucharistic Prayers each week?

[Mater9]

A priest in our area almost never uses the standard Eucharistic prayers at Sunday Mass. He uses one from the Masses of Reconciliation found in the missalette, or else one of unknown origin. What are the rules on this?

 

[Joannm]

As long as it is an approved EP and there are 13 of them the last time I counted, he can use them basically at his choice.

 

[SenorSalsa]

Im not talking about making changes, I mean going from EP I to EP II, and so on and so on.

I think it would keep the Priest and people more alert, and have the potential to give people a different insight to their faith than they had previous. If nothing else, it would at least show them that there is in fact variety to the Catholic Liturgy.

To me, Mass has become such a robotic function that I can, 5 minutes ahead of time, imagine not only the line my Priest will say, but the tone of voice as well.

I understand that some priests dont like some prayers, but they cant possible dislike all but one. Let me hear some variety

 

[Lepanto]

Im not talking about making changes, I mean going from EP I to EP II, and so on and so on.

I think it would keep the Priest and people more alert, and have the potential to give people a different insight to their faith than they had previous. If nothing else, it would at least show them that there is in fact variety to the Catholic Liturgy.

To me, Mass has become such a robotic function that I can, 5 minutes ahead of time, imagine not only the line my Priest will say, but the tone of voice as well.

I understand that some priests dont like some prayers, but they cant possible dislike all but one. Let me hear some variety

It’s been my experience that many priests latch on to EP-II as if it was the only EP in existence.

EP-I takes a minute longer to say than EP-II, and EP-IV is considered politically incorrect because it uses the word “man” a couple times.

 

[SenorSalsa]

It’s been my experience that many priests latch on to EP-II as if it was the only EP in existence.

EP-I takes a minute longer to say than EP-II, and EP-IV is considered politically incorrect because it uses the word “man” a couple times.

I dont know that I have ever heard any one but EP-III. its ridiculous. I could probably say it in my sleep

 

[Aramis]

EP I, II, III, and IV: No reason not to, other than personal preference of the Bishop and Priest(s).

The other 8 all have specific instructions on when they are allowed.

 

[PhilotheaZ]

I think it would keep the Priest and people more alert, and have the potential to give people a different insight to their faith than they had previous. If nothing else, it would at least show them that there is in fact variety to the Catholic Liturgy. … Let me hear some variety

When we are at Mass, we are mystically PRESENT at Calvary — Christ’s one, perfect sacrifice, taking place outside the confines of time and space. The sacrifice does not change. The words do not need to change.

The words are not to entertain us or to keep us interested. They are the words of the Church offering Jesus to the Father. When the words are spoken by the priest in the person of Christ, the sacrifice takes place. Varying the words adds nothing.

As for giving people “a different insight to their faith,” that is the purpose of the Liturgy of the Word (readings and homily).

For hundreds of years there was only one Eucharistic Prayer (number I, the Roman canon). Nobody needed more.

When we are at Mass, we are doing what we will be doing for all eternity in heaven. I hope you will not find that boring!

 

[Aramis]

For hundreds of years there was only one Eucharistic Prayer (number I, the Roman canon). Nobody needed more.

Nobody except the Celtic Catholics, the Dominicans, the Carmelites, the Diocese of Toledo Spain (Mozarabic Mass), the Diocese of Florence (Ambrosian Rite), and except for the Celtic, these are all still valid alternatives to the Roman canon, within their traditional areas.

THe last time there was only one Canon of Catholic Divine Worship was before Peter got to Rome; by the time of Peter, the Petrine and Jamesian Liturgies already differed.

The Roman Rite has had multiple canons for the Mass since at least the 800’s… the Gallican vs Roman canons.

Look it up…

 

[btdn]

As long as it is an approved EP and there are 13 of them the last time I counted, he can use them basically at his choice.

I don’t think that that’s quite true. From the USCCB website, which quotes Postquam de Precibus:

Use of a Eucharistic Prayer for Masses with Children is restricted to Masses that are celebrated with children alone or Masses at which the majority of the participants are children.

 

[japhy]

A priest in our area almost never uses the standard Eucharistic prayers at Sunday Mass. He uses one from the Masses of Reconciliation found in the missalette, or else one of unknown origin. What are the rules on this?

All 13 approved EPs can be found here. Some of them are only to be used for specific occasions.

 

[puzzleannie]

Im not talking about making changes, I mean going from EP I to EP II, and so on and so on.

I

no reason at all
it is for the priest to choose, except for the variations mandated for feasts and solemnities and other special Masses

suggestion received from a priest during a catechist prep class has been one of the most valuable ever received:
pray silently the EP, paying attention to the immense doctrinal content, and meditate upon what we are professing in this prayer, and the action of the priest on our behalf that is described therein.

 

[puzzleannie]

ongoing thread same topic
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=255772
it is for the priest to decide which EP to use.

 

[bpbasilphx]

the Diocese of Florence (Ambrosian Rite),

**The Ambrosian Rite is the Archdiocese of Milan, not Florence.

And its canon is nearly identical with Roman canon, though the doxology at the end has some striking differences:

From Him, and through Him, and in Him, is all honor, virtue,
praise, and glory, king ship, foundation unshakable [perpetuitas], and power,in the unity of the Holy Spirit, through infinite ages of ages.**

 

[Aramis]

the Diocese of Florence (Ambrosian Rite),

**The Ambrosian Rite is the Archdiocese of Milan, not Florence.

And its canon is nearly identical with Roman canon, though the doxology at the end has some striking differences:

From Him, and through Him, and in Him, is all honor, virtue,
praise, and glory, king ship, foundation unshakable [perpetuitas]**, and power,in the unity of the Holy Spirit, through infinite ages of ages.

I stand corrected, Father Bishop.

Still, it is different.

 

[SenorSalsa]

When we are at Mass, we are mystically PRESENT at Calvary — Christ’s one, perfect sacrifice, taking place outside the confines of time and space. The sacrifice does not change. The words do not need to change.

The words are not to entertain us or to keep us interested. They are the words of the Church offering Jesus to the Father. When the words are spoken by the priest in the person of Christ, the sacrifice takes place. Varying the words adds nothing.

As for giving people “a different insight to their faith,” that is the purpose of the Liturgy of the Word (readings and homily).

For hundreds of years there was only one Eucharistic Prayer (number I, the Roman canon). Nobody needed more.

When we are at Mass, we are doing what we will be doing for all eternity in heaven. I hope you will not find that boring!

Its not that Im bored, I just think that doing such a thing would deepen the realization in people of what is happening. Because it wouldn’t be so robotic every time. Like I said, most priests have it down to a science, I could time it, and it would probably be the same length start to finish give or take 1 or 2 seconds.

By changing it, it would require all those present to put more attention into what is happening on the Altar.

And I bet you there are many at my church and yours that would have no idea there were 13 EP, probably not even that there are 4 “main ones”

 

[benedictgal]

Bear in mind that the EPs for Reconciliation carry their own prefaces and these must be used with their particular EP. Furthermore, the EPs for Children must be used only when children make up a majority of the faithful at the Mass. You can’t use the EP for Children on Sundays just because you have young children. They have to make up the majority.

 

[japhy]

Its not that Im bored, I just think that doing such a thing would deepen the realization in people of what is happening.

I think, generally-speaking, that people who are only exposed to EP I have a better idea of what is happening than people who are only exposed to EP II.

By changing it, it would require all those present to put more attention into what is happening on the Altar.

I think we should seek a different solution to the problem (people not paying attention to what is happening on the altar) than by “changin’ it up” to keep them on their toes.

And I bet you there are many at my church and yours that would have no idea there were 13 EP, probably not even that there are 4 “main ones”

Because pastors of souls simply fail to teach their flock about the liturgy.