Missal Stands -- To Use or Not to Use?

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Decades ago, missal stands were used all the time, but now I’ve noticed that some churches opt to not use them For instance, my parish now lays the missal flat on the altar. I’m not sure if this is because the taller missal stands would block the view of the faithful (versus populam), or if they were deemed unnecessary because the missal was no longer transferred from one side of the altar to the next during Mass, or what. Personally, I would think it’d be much, much easier to read from one when it is propped up slightly.

Any insight as to reasons why (or why not) this was done? What does your church do?
 
I am sacristan for five priests. Of them, only one likes the missal flat on the altar. I have come to the conclusion that it is something to do with the light hitting the page, combined with using bifocals or not.
 
It’s up to the priest’s preference. Our previous priest didn’t used to use one, but then one day a stand appeared on the altar and he used ever since, as well as our current priest who came after him.

In my area, it seems that most priests use one.
 
paperwight66 said:
I am sacristan for five priests. Of them, only one likes the missal flat on the altar. I have come to the conclusion that it is something to do with the light hitting the page, combined with using bifocals or not.
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This is what I understand from my son who serves. I also think it depends on the stand - if the angle is adjustable and how easy it is to turn the pages. Our priests use a stand but each one adjusts it to his liking. I’ve never really paid attention at other parishes and only know this about our parish because my son sets up the altar if the priest asks for help.
 
Yes, in my parish, my pastor normally uses one that has a very slight angle (like the top is maybe two inches up). For a while, though, he was using one that had a big box-like base and was substantially taller/more angled. He made a comment outside of Mass itself that he was having vision issues and getting new glasses. Then the new glasses came in, and he went back to the one that is very near flat.

So I agree that its use is probably a function of the lighting and the vision of the presiding priest.
 
At my last parish, the missal stand disappeared when the priest’s glasses did.

He had Lasik. 👍
 
The Priests at my parish (where I’m the musician) don’t use one. I asked the Pastor about it and he said he just didn’t need it, especially with the thickness of the new missal. I’d agree that it’s the preference of the priest and the specifics of the lighting where the altar is.
 
The one that my parish used to have,before a previous pastor removed it altogether, was rather simple. Ugly, actually. And it wasn’t adjustable either. Yet something just seemed to be missing when it was gone, although now that I’m used to not seeing it, everything seems normal again. However, I do really like them when they are ornamental and not entirely plain.

I’ll have to post some examples when I get a chance.
 
Okay, here are some examples. Some of them I like, some I don’t. Some are decorative, some are just functional, some are simple yet elegant, some are plain ugly, and some look like they were assembled in a garage. Personally, I prefer wooden ones, but some of the metal ones are nice, too. The one my parish had was only slightly better than the picture on the top right.

What kind do your churches have?

http://208.73.49.44/resources/StJud...upplies.com/ProductImages/koleys2004/k303.jpg

http://www.marianland.com/autfurnit...ent/uploads/2013/03/StJ_MissalStand_Folio.jpg

http://www.adrianhamers.com/images/...seum.org/CRDImages/cl/web-large/sf54-85s5.jpg
 
The_Curt_Jester said:
Okay, here are some examples. …

What kind do your churches have?
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The one example of a pedestal stand is great! Haven’t seen one of those in ages and I love it! It’s attractive and functional at the same time, and is particularly useful for a smaller altar. Any idea of where one might be available?
 
malphono said:
The one example of a pedestal stand is great! haven’t seen one of those in ages and I love it! It’s attractive and functional at the same time, and is particularly useful for a smaller altar. Any idea of where one might be available?
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I think that the church I work at has a pedestal missal stand, too. If I remember right, it’s metal, but I could check the next time. I’m sure it’s not for sale though! That church also has a nice wooden adjustable one as well.

Probably just about any of the big suppliers like Wheaton Religious and I. Donnelly might carry them. I haven’t looked through their catalogs in a long time.
 
The_Curt_Jester said:
I think that the church I work at has a pedestal missal stand, too. If I remember right, it’s metal, but I could check the next time. I’m sure it’s not for sale though! That church also has a nice wooden adjustable one as well.

Probably just about any of the big suppliers like Wheaton Religious and I. Donnelly might carry them. I haven’t looked through their catalogs in a long time.
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Personally, I prefer the wood variety, but thank you for the suggestions: I’ll have a look around and see what I can find. 🙂 I know a church that desperately needs one, and apparently no one in the community is an accomplished wood-worker.
 
malphono said:
Personally, I prefer the wood variety, but thank you for the suggestions: I’ll have a look around and see what I can find. 🙂 I know a church that desperately needs one, and apparently no one in the community is an accomplished wood-worker.
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Surely one of them could slap together something like the top left picture, right? 😃

I just did a search for missal stands under Google images. You could probably find other resources by doing a search of your own that way. For instance, one of those stands led me to adrianhamers.com/ (I like the chalice on their main page) which I previously didn’t know about. Then again, I never was responsible for shopping for my church!
 
Also, there’s another reason to use the adjustable stands. I know of a priest who has to say Mass from his wheelchair. The adjustable stand is a must-have for him.
 
The_Curt_Jester said:
Surely one of them could slap together something like the top left picture, right? 😃
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That’s the problem. What I’d prefer is something like the third one down, although it needn’t be wood filigree (too many crevices to dust). The ones like it that I recall were also adjustable, so the reading angle could be changed to suit. They work very well on a smaller altar, since the footprint is minimal. 🙂
 
The stand at our parish is similar in design to #5 in your pictures. It does not have any gems but does have the filigree work. The angle of the stand can be adjusted.
 
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