Question about laity around altar?

[AWall]

Hi there, I have another question about something we’ve been asked to do at Easter Vigil after baptism and confirmation. We were told last night at our rehearsal that after we dress the altar that Father will call of us newly baptized/confirmed up to the altar and we are to circle around it, during the Mass. Is this something commonly done? The purpose we were told is to introduce us to the “community”, but I do not see why we’d have to be up behind and around the altar for that. I was reading through the GIRM last night, but couldn’t find anything about this (though I admit I might have overlooked it.)

If this is OK, fine, but I just want to make sure that we are not being asked to do something inappropriate.

Thank you,

Andrea

 

[Deacon_Ed]

Andrea,

Well, it is something that’s common, and it’s not permitted. The Church has made it clear that there are appropriate places for people. Being in the sanctuary to receive a sacrament such as confirmation is one thing, but gathering around the altar is a whole different thing. Only the ministers (bishop, priests, deacons, altar servers) should be near the altar during the Eucharistic Prayers. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should not be there until after the bishop/priest/deacon receive communion.

However, a wise priest once told me – you can’t fight city hall. If the priest asks this of you it’s his responsibility, not yours. This is not a time for fighting, but for rejoicing in your live in the Church.

Deacon Ed

 

[AWall]

Deacon Ed:

Andrea,

Well, it is something that’s common, and it’s not permitted. The Church has made it clear that there are appropriate places for people. Being in the sanctuary to receive a sacrament such as confirmation is one thing, but gathering around the altar is a whole different thing. Only the ministers (bishop, priests, deacons, altar servers) should be near the altar during the Eucharistic Prayers. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should not be there until after the bishop/priest/deacon receive communion.

However, a wise priest once told me – you can’t fight city hall. If the priest asks this of you it’s his responsibility, not yours. This is not a time for fighting, but for rejoicing in your live in the Church.

Deacon Ed

Thank you Deacon Ed. I didn’t think it was permitted. I’m not planning on fighting it though. I just get a little upset when we’re asked to do things that aren’t supposed to be happening. I mean, why!?

We are rejoicing that we are almost “official”. Then my husband and I intend to offer to help with RCIA.

Thank you for the advice.

Andrea

 

[chicago]

Deacon Ed:

However, a wise priest once told me – you can’t fight city hall.

Though, experience has proven, you CAN fight the chancery office!

 

[puzzleannie]

you will be gathered in the sanctuary after baptism for your profession of faith and confirmation, and at that point welcomed by the community. That is part of the rite. Then you will go back to your seat and the Mass resumes with the Eucharistic prayer. If he plans to have you around the altar for the Consecration that is indeed an abuse and not permitted.