What I said was “girl altar boys.” And yes, Rome has approved this practice.
However, when I first witnessed it in my parish in the late 70’s and early 80’s it was indeed an abuse. We only had one girl altar boy in our parish at that time. In fact, I served the altar right along side her on numerous occasions. She was one of my classmates and I was quite smitten with her. She was a cutey.
At that time, that’s all I cared about. I didn’t know it was an abuse. I had no clue our dopey progressive priest was using children to promote his idiotic political agenda. Looking back, I find that just as repulsive as priests who use children to satiate their sexual deviancy.
You are blessed that your EMHC kneel when they enter the sanctuary. Most parishes I’ve been in, the EMHC walk to the altar and stand behind the priest, (no kneeling) usually right after the sign of peace and long before the priest receives.
Regarding the sign of peace, from the GIRM: “The priest may give the sign of peace to the ministers but always remains within the sanctuary, so as not to disturb the celebration.” It’s when he takes it upon himself to leave the sanctuary that it is an abuse. And yes, the sign of peace is optional.