Second Homily

[ericjgoyer]

Two years ago, our parish started to give a short lesson before mass. A reader would come up to the lectern and talk about the season, and what to expect for the rest of the season. (we started in Advent). After about two months, to my dismay, it devolved into a lesson on the readings of the Mass. (A Homily)
I was told that this ‘lesson’ was not supposed to be a ‘Second Homily’ by the Diocesan Liturgist in a class I attended about a year before my parish started. This bothers me a good deal… Should I approach our Pastor about this or am I way off base?

 

[TheDoctor]

Sorry, but I am confused. If it is not within the Mass, how can it be a “homily” of any sort? The Mass has not begun, so the rules for a “homily” do not apply.

I am a fan of continued catechesis but I don’t think the sacred silence before Mass is the proper place to do it, regardless of if it is done by a lay reader, deacon or Priest - I think this is best done as part of the actual homily within the Mass as part of explaining and expanding on the readings.

I would approach the Pastor more along the lines of how it takes away from what should be reverent silence before Mass.

 

[Vasallus]

Because you define it as a homily does not make it so. I’ve visited dozens of parishes where a short synopsis of the readings is done just before Mass. It’s perfectly fine.

 

[ericjgoyer]

I didn’t define it as such, the action meets the definition, and just because it is done in many places does not make it valid. (especially if it takes away from the celebration of the mass)

I guess I am bothered by it more than I thought!

 

[Vasallus]

I didn’t define it as such, the action meets the definition, and just because it is done in many places does not make it valid. (especially if it takes away from the celebration of the mass)

I guess I am bothered by it more than I thought!

The action meets the definition? Does it happen right after the Gospel reading?