Vestments for the master of ceremonies

[RedSparklyShoes]

I’ve been in masses where the MC is dressed the same as other servers/clergy. I’ve been in masses where they’re different. If you’re watching what’s going on, you’ll probably notice who is the MC just by the directing of traffic that he’s doing.

 

[Digitonomy]

Would the answers regarding masters of ceremonies be the same for commentators?

 

[L_Marshall]

Technically, a Master of Ceremonies ought to be an Instituted Acolyte, Deacon or Priest. By that logic, he should dress as he should always dress when he attends a Mass (but is not the Deacon of the Mass; a Celebrant or Concelebrant if he’s a priest), in choir. This means a black wool rabat (purple silk if he’s a monsignor), black socks, black shoes, and a cassock with the piping and fascia of an appropriate color. This should be topped by a surplice. If the MC is a priest or deacon, he should wear a stole when receiving Communion and at any duties at the tabernacle.

 

[YoungTradCath]

Would the answers regarding masters of ceremonies be the same for commentators?

What does a commentator do, practically speaking? I’ve read of vague bits about them in the GIRM, and my parish even uses one before Mass (horror!) to announce the hymn, and I think it’s an extremely inelegant/disruptive way to begin Mass, but that is all this person does, so I don’t see why he should be dressed any particular way.

 

[Digitonomy]

What does a commentator do, practically speaking? … I don’t see why he should be dressed any particular way.

The commentator can actually introduce and remark on pretty much every part of the mass. I’ve more often seen the priest celebrant appropriate this role to himself when I’ve seen the option exercised. But relevant to the issue of attire, I note that the GIRM requires the commentator to be within sight of the faithful.

1. b) The commentator, who, if appropriate, provides the faithful briefly with
   explanations and exhortations so as to direct their attention to the celebration
   and ensure that they are better disposed for understanding it. The commentator’s
   remarks should be thoroughly prepared and notable for their restraint. In
   performing this function the commentator stands in a suitable place within
   sight of the faithful, but not at the ambo.

 

[YoungTradCath]

The commentator can actually introduce and remark on pretty much every part of the mass. I’ve more often seen the priest celebrant appropriate this role to himself when I’ve seen the option exercised. But relevant to the issue of attire, I note that the GIRM requires the commentator to be within sight of the faithful.

yes, ugh

 

[Pax2u]

I’m not sure about the present time, but 3 years ago when I was still teaching religious education and the Bishop came for Confirmation the master of ceremonies was a woman, and she wore an alb. I was extremely uncomfortable seeing her up on the altar dressed that way.

I’m assuming it was alright or the bishop wouldn’t have allowed it, but it sure wasn’t my preference!!

 

[Elizium23]

I’m not sure about the present time, but 3 years ago when I was still teaching religious education and the Bishop came for Confirmation the master of ceremonies was a woman, and she wore an alb. I was extremely uncomfortable seeing her up on the altar dressed that way.

I’m assuming it was alright or the bishop wouldn’t have allowed it, but it sure wasn’t my preference!!

You were uncomfortable seeing a woman dressed in an alb? Why?

 

[Tarpeian_Rock]

I’m not sure about the present time, but 3 years ago when I was still teaching religious education and the Bishop came for Confirmation the master of ceremonies was a woman, and she wore an alb. I was extremely uncomfortable seeing her up on the altar dressed that way.

I’m assuming it was alright or the bishop wouldn’t have allowed it, but it sure wasn’t my preference!!

As has frequently been posted here, the alb is the garment proper to ALL the Baptized, male or female. It is the “adult” equivalent of the Baptismal garment. Some would hold that the alb is far more proper for a female involved in a liturgy than a cassock and surplice wold be, as those are traditionally male clerical garments.

 

[Pax2u]

You were uncomfortable seeing a woman dressed in an alb? Why?

Because I’d never seen that before. It’s not exactly been the norm around here…and I’ve been Catholic for almost 60 years.

A little explanation in advance would have been nice…I had no idea what a “master of ceremonies” was, who this woman was, why she was dressed this way…and I was the religious ed teacher! I’m sure others were wondering also. But nothing was ever said in explanation.

 

[jason56716]

In our parish, (the diocese Cathedral) We have MC’s for ordinations, All Mass’s during Holy Week, Chrism Mass, and any Mass (except daily Mass) when the Bishop is present. When our Seminarians serve as MC’s they wear cassock and surplice, when a deacon MC’s they are fully vested with stole and dalmatic, when a priest MC’s, he wears an alb and cincture. I asked one time why the priest doesn’t vest, and the answer was, because he is not participating as a priest during the Mass. Since priests concelebrate, if he was vested with stole and chasuble, he would be concelebrating and not MC’ing. Deacons can be fully vested since they only assist and do not concelebrate.