Master of Ceremonies at Novus Ordo

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ItalianBoy1993

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Where can I learn how to act as Master of Ceremonies at the Novus Ordo mass? I already am the head altar server at my parish and i know the order of the mass and everything, but i am looking for specific instruction on exactly what an MC should do (ie: turning pages of book, at what time to remove pall from chalice, etc)
Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
I’m sure your pastor has definite ideas about what the MC should do; don’t you?

Ask him.
 
you know, i thought of that after i posted this…but i thought i’d leave it up just to see what kind of feedback i get… thanks though.

P.S. i will definitely ask him
 
From the 2002 General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) approved for the USA, which can be accessed from romanrite.com/girm.html :

" 106. It is appropriate, at least in cathedrals and in larger churches, to have some competent minister, that is to say a master of ceremonies, to oversee the proper planning of sacred actions and their being carried out by the sacred ministers and the lay faithful with decorum, order, and devotion."

The “Ceremonial of Bishops” is another liturigcal book with more information on the Master of Ceremonies in n. 34-36. Some extracts:
“The master of ceremonies should be well-versed in the history and nature of the liturgy and in its laws and precepts. But equally he should be well-versed in pastoral science, so that he knows how to plan liturgical celebrations in a way that encourages fruitful participation by the people and enhances the beauty of the rites.”
“35. … during the celebration he should exercise the greatest discretion: he is not to speak more than is necessary, nor replace the deacons or assistants at the side of the celebrant.”
(Ceremonial of Bishops, Liturgical Press, 1989, ISBN 0-8146-1818-9, page 26.)

Generally the liturgical laws are in the liturgical books, such as the Roman Missal and Ceremonial of Bishops. But the instructions are not as specific as, for example, when to turn the pages of the book.
 
Get the book “The Ceremonies of the Catholic Church” it give the duties, and positions of everone in all the different masses and ceremonies (incl. the master of ceremonies [MOC]); you need to know, throughly, the duties etc. of everyone as part of the job.
I rely on this book when I act as MOC, esp.durring holy week and solemn masses.

You can get it at any good Catholic book store or at “Ignatiuspress.com”

God bless you,

Danny
 
I’ve been MC at Novus Ordo Masses and functions before. Baiscly you’d base the role of the MC, on the MC of the extra ordinary form. This means, his role increases and decreases with the form of Mass.
For example at a solemn Mass with a Deacon the MC would over see the mass making sure that everyone does what they have to do, maintain order and also he would assist at the missal(whilst the deacon assists with the Pall) and assist during the Gospel. At a Solemn Mass with two deacons, the MC would oversee, maintain order (he’s not needed at the altar) and just assist at the Gospel. Whilst at a Solemn Mass with no deacon (Missa Cantata in the old form), the MC would oversee, maintain order and just assist at the Gospel and at the missal.

The MC, would need to know everyone’s roles and he also needs to be ready to assist the Sacred Ministers (priests and Deacon) if need be, so he generally would stick close to them.

Please check out my blog et-clamor-meus-ad-te-veniat.blogspot.com/2007/06/corpus-christi-actual-procession.html
I tend to post about MCing a bit.
 
Hello i just wanted to say that what do i need to know to become an MC. Rite now im an MC in training i know the mass and i know how to set up the altar. What else do i need to know i would reall be thankfull for your help

God Bless You
 
The MC never covers or uncovers the chalice pall during the Mass. That is the function of the deacon or the priest himself.
 
Every year I serve as the MC during the Triduum at my home parish. It has always been my understanding that the MC should not act as a Deacon of sorts. Meaning that it is not the MCs job to remove the chalice veil, remove/place the pall, etc but rather to A) plan the details and orchestration of the Mass as well as B) ensure the smooth execution of the Mass while it occurs. This mostly means assisting the bishop/priest/deacon with things related to vestments (bishop mitre), pages in the Sacramentary, and where to stand etc, as well as helping those to be confirmed/baptized and other people know where to be and when to be there.

In other words, the MC is not there to do the jobs assigned to other ministers like the Deacon but rather to orchestrate.

(P.S. before everyone jumps on me… When I say “plan the details and orchestration” I do not mean “make things up” but rather ensure that the elements of the Rite are performed correctly and easily. I just say that because many people [including myself] make comments on this forum about “liturgical planners” or “liturgists”.)

P.P.S (edited) I have also served as the MC for a former Bishop of our diocese at three Confirmation Masses.
 
Thanks man for the help ummmm so i dont need to set up the altar rite? And do i need to know the roman missal as well or do i let the priest or the decon do it.

Thanks alot
 
ItalianBoy1993 said:
Where can I learn how to act as Master of Ceremonies at the Novus Ordo mass? I already am the head altar server at my parish and i know the order of the mass and everything, but i am looking for specific instruction on exactly what an MC should do (ie: turning pages of book, at what time to remove pall from chalice, etc)
Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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Please ask your pastor. He is the one who should give you permission to act as such and will let you know what he needs you to do when you are acting as the MC.
 
For what reason would someone actively seek to obtain this role at Mass?
 
In my opinion an MC is really only needed at a Mass where a Bishop is celebrating (and a Bishop typically has his own MC) or at complex Masses such as the Triduum and Confirmation Masses where there is no Bishop present
 
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