Presider's Chair

[Brother_Xavier]

There is a certain person I know who insists that no one sits on the “presider’s chair” (in quotations because this chair in particular isn’t so much of one, but that’s a different story). Whatever the case, does it matter if anyone sits in a presider’s chair. All of this is in reference to ant time outside of Mass.

TIA

 

[rdscheirer]

Huh?

 

[jpjd]

rdscheirer, the Presider’s chair is the chair the priest sits in during Mass. I don’t know of any “rule” that says laity cannot sit in the chair outside of Mass, but then again, what business does a lay person have being in the sanctuary at all? And even if a person does have legimate reason to be in the sanctuary, there’s no reason for him to sit in the Presider’s chair. I think it boils down to showing respect for the office of the priesthood. The person had to sit down, he could just as easily sit in an altar server’s chair.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

I arrange Morning Prayer at our Parish for the Triduum. I was told that the Presider’s chair is reserved to those who are ordained - Bishop, Priest and Deacon. While a layman may lead the Prayer he does not Preside in the sense that one who had been ordained does, and should not use the chair.

Observing this distinction helps make clear the distinction between clergy and laity,which is much needed.

 

[Brother_Xavier]

rdscheirer, the Presider’s chair is the chair the priest sits in during Mass. I don’t know of any “rule” that says laity cannot sit in the chair outside of Mass, but then again, what business does a lay person have being in the sanctuary at all? And even if a person does have legimate reason to be in the sanctuary, there’s no reason for him to sit in the Presider’s chair. I think it boils down to showing respect for the office of the priesthood. The person had to sit down, he could just as easily sit in an altar server’s chair.

This presider’s chair is not kept in the sanctuary, but rather, in the rectory next door in the living room.

 

[jpjd]

This presider’s chair is not kept in the sanctuary, but rather, in the rectory next door in the living room.

That’s unusual. So, the sacristan has to move the chair to the sanctuary for Mass and then back to the rectory afterward??? Why not leave the chair in the sanctuary?

 

[Brother_Xavier]

That’s unusual. So, the sacristan has to move the chair to the sanctuary for Mass and then back to the rectory afterward??? Why not leave the chair in the sanctuary?

Two masses are held within the living room (where this chair is and where they celebrate the Liturgy of the Word) and dining room (where the Liturgy of the Eucharist is celebrated) each month. Outside of Mass, this chair is among normal living room furnishings.