Sprinkling Rite (Aspérges) by lay people? (and other Liturgical ?s)

[MarcoPolo]

I was at a mass today at a parish I had never previously attended. I would describe the service as a spectacle. First of all, the whole drum thing and desperate imitation of southern Baptist-style music was dominant early in the mass. The band was near the altar…probably took up more space than the altar. We held hands at the Our Father. The homily was done mostly by a lay person. This homily was done as a Powerpoint presentation to list goals for the parish in getting active parishoner volunteer participation. Powerpoint. No joke. They lowered screens from parts of the ceiling…and another guy was part of it as a plant in the audience who was prompting the speaker in what appeared to be a rude instigatory role, but we later realized that this guy was in on the gag. The priest wrapped it up.

They did the Sprinkling Rite, in which branches of hyssop were used, which I understand is quite traditional. But most of the people sprinkling were lay persons, men and women. The priest only went down one aisle. Is this valid?

Are my other descriptions valid?

 

[puzzleannie]

it is legit for a lay person to make a presentation as long as the priest gives at least a brief homily as well. that presentation should be at a time and location different than used by the priest for the gospel and homily, but there is a limit to where a powerpoint can be set up. that presentation is legit in the context of Mass (in fact, although I also hate these things, it is going to be done here in October in conjunction with the annual financial report and stewardship commitment).

don’t see the point of anyone else sprinking except the priest but maybe he was in a hurry because of the extended presentation, since the rite is not essential to Mass it is not really an abuse, but it is pointless. If you don’t like the music go to a different Mass, there is no abuse per se that is a matter of personal preference. However, they will probably do the presentation at all Masses so that won’t help. Wish they would announce these things in advance so we could go to other parishes on those days.

by the way when I have occassion to go to Baptist services with family in general their music is far more reverent, appropriate and better performed than in most Catholic churches.

 

[tee_eff_em]

don’t see the point of anyone else sprinking except the priest but maybe he was in a hurry because of the extended presentation, since the rite is not essential to Mass it is not really an abuse, but it is pointless.

The Asperges is “not essential” to Mass only if it is followed by a properly executed Penitential Rite (which it typically replaces) or if the Mass was immediately preceded by some part of the Liturgy of the Hours (which may also cause the Penitential Rite to be omitted).

tee

 

[John_Lilburne]

From the Roman Missal’s Order of Mass:
“Taking the sprinkler, the priest sprinkles himself and his ministers, then the rest of the clergy and people. He may move through the church for the sprinkling of the people.”
(Roman Missal, Catholic Book Publishing Co., New York, 1985, page 359).

The 2002 Roman Missal seems to have the same:
“4. Postea, accepto aspersorio, sacredos aspergit se et ministros, deinde clerum et populum, pro opportunitate transeundo per ecclesiam.”
(Missale Romanum, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2002, ISBN: 8820972719, page 1251).

 

[G_S]

What a mess! A talk may be given by a lay person on a special occasion and for a specific purpose, after the prayer after Communion – just before the final blessing. It must not assume a form that might lead people to confuse it with the homily. The practice of the priest giving a mini-homily and then yielding to a lay person is common but prohibited. The priest didn’t have time for the Asperges? (Perhaps the building was in flames or a tornado was bearing down upon the church.) Simple solutions: First choice, eliminate the powerpoint presentation. Second choice, opt for a shorter Penitential Rite. All the flaky rationalizations are Phariseeism of the worst sort. Pray, pray, pray.

 

[MarcoPolo]

What a mess!..Pray, pray, pray.

I’m thinking of sending them a copy of Mass Confusion!