Lay Speakers at Mass

[C794]

I know it’s not appropriate to have lay people give homilies, but is it okay for the priest to give a short homily and then allow someone else to speak, before the Creed? For example allow a member of the laity come up and speak about parish finances, a mission trip, getting your kids involved in the faith, or playing a video that advertises a new parish program. Would any of these be okay?

 

[malphono]

AFAIK, in the Novus Ordo that sort of thing should be left for the “Announcements” (which often end-up being a second sermon but I digress) after Communion, or else after Mass itself.

I’m assuming this is not the Usus Antiquior, but if it is, the problem is far more serious.

 

[Bergon]

I know it’s not appropriate to have lay people give homilies, but is it okay for the priest to give a short homily and then allow someone else to speak, before the Creed? For example allow a member of the laity come up and speak about parish finances, a mission trip, getting your kids involved in the faith, or playing a video that advertises a new parish program. Would any of these be okay?

It’s inappropriate for that to happen. The homily is an opportunity for catechesis on the Faith based on the readings at that Mass. I know that is not a definitive statement of the purpose of the homily but you get the gist. It would IMHO be inappropriate for a priest to do that at the time of the homily. If it must be done it should be done when the notices are read out at the end. What’s wrong with the parish bulletin or a one-off leaflet or pamphlet? Why not call a meeting to present these issues?

 

[GRATEFULONEjim]

Liturgically it is wrong, but again…It happens all the time. We have a priest who, after the Entrance Antiphon, has us turn to our left and to our right and tell those around us our name and greet them.:banghead:

 

[Bergon]

Liturgically it is wrong, but again…It happens all the time. We have a priest who, after the Entrance Antiphon, has us turn to our left and to our right and tell those around us our name and greet them.:banghead:

 

[C794]

Thanks for the replies.

I’m assuming this is not the Usus Antiquior, but if it is, the problem is far more serious.

You’re correct this was just a standard Novus Ordo Mass. What’s the Usus Antiquior? I have never heard that term.

 

[fastenatingguy]

Shouldn’t we already know our neighbors?

 

[adawgj]

Normally the best time to do that would be for announcements which happens after communion. Not during homily.

 

[Bergon]

Shouldn’t we already know our neighbors?

I’m not sure what you’re asking.

Are you implying we should already know who we’re at Mass with?

Are you implying it’s right that after the Greeting the priest then asks the congregation to introduce themselves to each other?

If it’s the latter, where in the rubrics is this catered for? Why should a priest introduce something into the Mass contrary to the Church’s discipline?

 

[C794]

I’m not sure what you’re asking.

Are you implying we should already know who we’re at Mass with?

Are you implying it’s right that after the Greeting the priest then asks the congregation to introduce themselves to each other?

If it’s the latter, where in the rubrics is this catered for? Why should a priest introduce something into the Mass contrary to the Church’s discipline?

In regards to the greeting: what if the priest asks the congregation to greet each other right before the entrance hymn/procession? Technically this is before the Mass starts, so would this be okay?

 

[Bergon]

In regards to the greeting: what if the priest asks the congregation to greet each other right before the entrance hymn/procession? Technically this is before the Mass starts, so would this be okay?

Is it necessary? Why do we need to do this? IMHO it’s one of those things that creep into the liturgy that draw the focus away from where it should be. We don’t go to Mass to socialise with our fellow worshippers. We’re there to worship God; that’s on Whom the focus should be.

 

[C794]

Is it necessary? Why do we need to do this? IMHO it’s one of those things that creep into the liturgy that draw the focus away from where it should be. We don’t go to Mass to socialise with our fellow worshippers. We’re there to worship God; that’s on Whom the focus should be.

I agree, I can’t stand the practice. Especially since it can cause people to get out of the pew and walk around and become very loud. I’m not sure it demonstrates proper reverence, but I just don’t know if it’s an abuse.

 

[gracepoole]

Wait… Priests shouldn’t be devoting their homilies to diocesan appeals (including videos) once a year??

 

[Bergon]

Wait… Priests shouldn’t be devoting their homilies to diocesan appeals (including videos) once a year??

No!

 

[Tarpeian_Rock]

No!

I would suggest that most bishops would disagree with this, given the criticality of their annual diocesean appeal to the array of social services and charities typically supported by the annual drive.

 

[Bergon]

I would suggest that most bishops would disagree with this, given the criticality of their annual diocesean appeal to the array of social services and charities typically supported by the annual drive.

I have no objection to appeals for goods, money and/or volunteers for parochial, diocesan or other charitable, fundraising, social welfare, etc. activities. IMHO the homily at Mass is neither the time nor the place.

 

[fastenatingguy]

I’m not sure what you’re asking.

Are you implying we should already know who we’re at Mass with? yes

Are you implying it’s right that after the Greeting the priest then asks the congregation to introduce themselves to each other? of course not

 

[fastenatingguy]

Is it necessary? Why do we need to do this? IMHO it’s one of those things that creep into the liturgy that draw the focus away from where it should be. We don’t go to Mass to socialise with our fellow worshippers. We’re there to worship God; that’s on Whom the focus should be.

I agree with you; however, I have been an active member in my parish for 55 years. I tend to sit in the same location regardless of which of the six masses I attend on Sunday. Since we are there to worship as God’s children, it’s good to know your brothers and sisters. I know most of them and those I don’t know seem to know me.

For socializing: there is plenty of time after Mass. But it is appropriate to offer a pleasant smile or nod to acknowledge your neighbor.

*They’ll know we are Christians by our love. *

 

[malphono]

What’s the Usus Antiquior? I have never heard that term.

Usus Antiquior, also sometimes known as the Vetus Ordo, is another term for what is frequently called the “EF” or “TLM” in this forum.

 

[Bergon]

But it is appropriate to offer a pleasant smile or nod to acknowledge your neighbor.

I agree totally and have unpleasant thoughts, I’m afraid, when your smile or nod is returned with a frozen stare. What my original objection was, and remains, is to the idea that at some point immediately before or during the Introductory Rites, the priest gets us all shaking hands and introducing ourselves. I’ve never seen it done, and luckily, I don’t think I will, it’s just not very British, you know