C
cjaubert
Guest
Thanks very much for finally answering this question to my satisfaction, once and for all. I wish I had been wrong, but I am happy to learn that at least my somewhat limited knowledge of liturgy is accurate.
More specifically, let me provide a brief analysis, if I may, of the Zenit analysis and supporting information. My comments will be presented in no particular order.
I find interesting that Father McNamara concedes that his answer “is a stronger element of personal opinion than in other cases.” I do, however, of course, respect his opinion.
In answer to the question of whether a “commissioning service of newly qualified instructors at the end of their teacher-training course” would be appropriate in a Mass, he cites Article 75 of Redemptionias Sacramentum. Article 75 reads: “On account of the theological significance inherent in a particular rite at a Eucharistic celebration, the liturgical books sometimes prescribe or permit the celebration of Holy Mass to be joined with another rite, especially one of those pertaining to the Sacraments. The Church does not permit such a conjoining in other cases, however, especially when it is a question of trivial matters.”
Thus, it is apparent that, as Father McNamara astutely points out, unless there is something significantly appropriate to the rite, there should be no interruption of the Mass. Indeed, he writes in response to another part of the same answer, “[In the Mass] we are engaged in a most solemn act of worship to which we strive to bring our entire hearts and souls.”
Of perhaps most importance, at least in my view, is the end of Article 75 that rejects interruptions of the Mass for “trivial matters.” Indeed, Father McNamara agrees, when he writes, “If the commissioning service is similar to a graduation, involving the handing over of degrees and certificates, then it would be inappropriate to include it within the Mass.” The subject ceremony (if one wants to call it that) had nothing to do with any liturgical rite, any sacrament, or any rite that might otherwise be permitted at Mass pursuant to the Book of Blessings articles 526 through 529. In fact, all that really happened was the recognition of scouting service in a pinning ceremony, which I would think is virtually identical to (if even less significant) than conferring degrees on students.
So, to answer the succinct question in a preceding post, “Do you agree that the Mass in question was one that was celebrated with another rite as allowed by the Liturgical books?” My answer, in a word, is, “No, not at all.” (Okay – in four words, sorry.) I also do not believe that the “Ad Altare Dei” emblem is an Ecclesiastical honor, but I do not profess expertise in Ecclesiastical honors. Perhaps someone else can answer that question better than I can.
More specifically, let me provide a brief analysis, if I may, of the Zenit analysis and supporting information. My comments will be presented in no particular order.
I find interesting that Father McNamara concedes that his answer “is a stronger element of personal opinion than in other cases.” I do, however, of course, respect his opinion.
In answer to the question of whether a “commissioning service of newly qualified instructors at the end of their teacher-training course” would be appropriate in a Mass, he cites Article 75 of Redemptionias Sacramentum. Article 75 reads: “On account of the theological significance inherent in a particular rite at a Eucharistic celebration, the liturgical books sometimes prescribe or permit the celebration of Holy Mass to be joined with another rite, especially one of those pertaining to the Sacraments. The Church does not permit such a conjoining in other cases, however, especially when it is a question of trivial matters.”
Thus, it is apparent that, as Father McNamara astutely points out, unless there is something significantly appropriate to the rite, there should be no interruption of the Mass. Indeed, he writes in response to another part of the same answer, “[In the Mass] we are engaged in a most solemn act of worship to which we strive to bring our entire hearts and souls.”
Of perhaps most importance, at least in my view, is the end of Article 75 that rejects interruptions of the Mass for “trivial matters.” Indeed, Father McNamara agrees, when he writes, “If the commissioning service is similar to a graduation, involving the handing over of degrees and certificates, then it would be inappropriate to include it within the Mass.” The subject ceremony (if one wants to call it that) had nothing to do with any liturgical rite, any sacrament, or any rite that might otherwise be permitted at Mass pursuant to the Book of Blessings articles 526 through 529. In fact, all that really happened was the recognition of scouting service in a pinning ceremony, which I would think is virtually identical to (if even less significant) than conferring degrees on students.
So, to answer the succinct question in a preceding post, “Do you agree that the Mass in question was one that was celebrated with another rite as allowed by the Liturgical books?” My answer, in a word, is, “No, not at all.” (Okay – in four words, sorry.) I also do not believe that the “Ad Altare Dei” emblem is an Ecclesiastical honor, but I do not profess expertise in Ecclesiastical honors. Perhaps someone else can answer that question better than I can.