Priest and Sign of Peace

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Cindy_Lagasse

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Is it proper for Priest to leave the altar during the sign of peace?
 
Cindy_Lagasse said:
Is it proper for Priest to leave the altar during the sign of peace?
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It is inadvisable for the priest ever to leave the sanctuary during the Mass; that is where he performs his ministry. On this matter specifically, GIRM 154 says: The priest may give the sign of peace to the ministers but always remains within the sanctuary, so as not to disturb the celebration. In the dioceses of the United States of America, for a good reason, on special occasions (for example, in the case of a funeral, a wedding, or when civic leaders are present) the priest may offer the sign of peace to a few of the faithful near the sanctuary.
 
That’s just what I would have said - it’s not normal procedure for the priest to leave the sanctuary area to offer a sign of peace, but certainly here in Ireland it is customary for the priest to do so at a wedding or a funeral - to the immediate family. I do know of one priest, many years ago, who used to walk down the centre aisle of the church (about 10 pews) and offer the sign of peace to each person on the outside of the pew - however it is certainly not common practice, and I haven’t seen a priest do this sort of thing in years!
 
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