Wedding questions, help!

[Mordocai]

My sister is getting married (she’s Catholic) to a Lutheran and the setting will be within the Mass.
A few questions:

1.) Can the Lutheran pastor proclaim the gospel and preach the homily? We were told by the Priest that he could.

2.) Is it required to have the Priest make an announcement before Communion that only Catholics can come forward to receive? The Priest does not want to make an announcement about it as it may cause disunity. If the Priest is adamant about that (and these particular Lutherans may very well want to come up to Communion, WHAT should we do? If the Priest doesn’t want to make the announcement, what can we do? Does the Church require that he does? Basically he’s ok with Lutherans coming up to Communion.

3.) If I were an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion (which may happen) and a Lutheran came up to receive the Chalice from me and I KNEW they were Lutheran, could I refuse them the Chalice?

Thank you God Bless you
Mordocai

 

[FrDavid96]

My sister is getting married (she’s Catholic) to a Lutheran and the setting will be within the Mass.
A few questions:

1.) Can the Lutheran pastor proclaim the gospel and preach the homily? We were told by the Priest that he could.

2.) Is it required to have the Priest make an announcement before Communion that only Catholics can come forward to receive? The Priest does not want to make an announcement about it as it may cause disunity. If the Priest is adamant about that (and these particular Lutherans may very well want to come up to Communion, WHAT should we do? If the Priest doesn’t want to make the announcement, what can we do? Does the Church require that he does? Basically he’s ok with Lutherans coming up to Communion.

3.) If I were an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion (which may happen) and a Lutheran came up to receive the Chalice from me and I KNEW they were Lutheran, could I refuse them the Chalice?

Thank you God Bless you
Mordocai

1. No. Neither can be done.
2. An announcement as such is not “required” but it is required that the congregation somehow understand that only Catholics are able to receive Communion.
3. Yes–although you’re not “refusing” the Precious Blood, but the other person is “refusing” it by not being Catholic.

 

[benedictgal]

My sister is getting married (she’s Catholic) to a Lutheran and the setting will be within the Mass.
A few questions:

1.) Can the Lutheran pastor proclaim the gospel and preach the homily? We were told by the Priest that he could.

2.) Is it required to have the Priest make an announcement before Communion that only Catholics can come forward to receive? The Priest does not want to make an announcement about it as it may cause disunity. If the Priest is adamant about that (and these particular Lutherans may very well want to come up to Communion, WHAT should we do? If the Priest doesn’t want to make the announcement, what can we do? Does the Church require that he does? Basically he’s ok with Lutherans coming up to Communion.

3.) If I were an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion (which may happen) and a Lutheran came up to receive the Chalice from me and I KNEW they were Lutheran, could I refuse them the Chalice?

Thank you God Bless you
Mordocai

To your first question, the answer is no. This is what Redemptionis Sacramentum has to say on the matter:

[63.] Within the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy, the reading of the Gospel, which is “the high point of the Liturgy of the Word”,139 is reserved by the Church’s tradition to an ordained minister.140 Thus it is not permitted for a layperson, even a religious, to proclaim the Gospel reading in the celebration of Holy Mass, nor in other cases in which the norms do not explicitly permit it.141

[64.] The homily, which is given in the course of the celebration of Holy Mass and is a part of the Liturgy itself,142 “should ordinarily be given by the Priest celebrant himself. He may entrust it to a concelebrating Priest or occasionally, according to circumstances, to a Deacon, but never to a layperson.143 In particular cases and for a just cause, the homily may even be given by a Bishop or a Priest who is present at the celebration but cannot concelebrate”.144

[65.] It should be borne in mind that any previous norm that may have admitted non-ordained faithful to give the homily during the Eucharistic celebration is to be considered abrogated by the norm of canon 767 §1.145 This practice is reprobated, so that it cannot be permitted to attain the force of custom.

[66.] The prohibition of the admission of laypersons to preach within the Mass applies also to seminarians, students of theological disciplines, and those who have assumed the function of those known as “pastoral assistants”; nor is there to be any exception for any other kind of layperson, or group, or community, or association.146

The Church does not recognize the ministers of other Ecclesial Communities because their ordinations are not valid. Even the pastor of the parish doesn’t have that kind of authority. Consultation needs to be made with the bishop; however, one needs to remember what the guidelines set forth by Redemptionis Sacramentum are and abide by them.

To your second question, it would be best to address this both in the invitation and in the Order of Worship (the worship aids–little booklets). You mgiht also want to remind the parties during the rehearsal.

If your pastor is reticent about making that announcement, as you have indicated that he is, then you might want to ask the Chancery to intervene.

Pope Benedict XVI addressed these concerns in Sacramentum Caritatis where he noted that:

In this regard, I would like to call attention to a pastoral problem frequently encountered nowadays. I am referring to the fact that on certain occasions – for example, wedding Masses, funerals and the like – in addition to practicing Catholics there may be others present who have long since ceased to attend Mass or are living in a situation which does not permit them to receive the sacraments. At other times members of other Christian confessions and even other religions may be present. Similar situations can occur in churches that are frequently visited, especially in tourist areas. In these cases, there is a need to find a brief and clear way to remind those present of the meaning of sacramental communion and the conditions required for its reception. Wherever circumstances make it impossible to ensure that the meaning of the Eucharist is duly appreciated, the appropriateness of replacing the celebration of the Mass with a celebration of the word of God should be considered. (153)

I hope this information helps.

 

[Mordocai]

Thank you Father

I know that only an ordained man can proclaim the gospel and give the homily, does it say that in the GIRM? And where do you know?

As with the second question, where does it say that the congregation needs to know about the communion restriction? Does it say that in the missal or any document I could show the Priest?

And also, does this also apply with other Masses that are not weddings? So that, if a person comes up to me that I know is Protestant I can not give them the Chalice?

Mordocai

 

[benedictgal]

Thank you Father

I know that only an ordained man can proclaim the gospel and give the homily, does it say that in the GIRM? And where do you know?

As with the second question, where does it say that the congregation needs to know about the communion restriction? Does it say that in the missal or any document I could show the Priest?

And also, does this also apply with other Masses that are not weddings? So that, if a person comes up to me that I know is Protestant I can not give them the Chalice?

Mordocai

Redemptionis Sacramentum is the document that the Holy See promulgated, at the urging of Pope John Paul II, to curb abuses that creep up within the liturgy. It is a legal, binding and regulatory document that must be obeyed.

Here is what the document says regarding the distribution of Holy Communion:

83.] It is certainly best that all who are participating in the celebration of Holy Mass with the necessary dispositions should receive Communion. Nevertheless, it sometimes happens that Christ’s faithful approach the altar as a group indiscriminately. It pertains to the Pastors prudently and firmly to correct such an abuse.

[84.] Furthermore when Holy Mass is celebrated for a large crowd – for example, in large cities – care should be taken lest out of ignorance non-Catholics or even non-Christians come forward for Holy Communion, without taking into account the Church’s Magisterium in matters pertaining to doctrine and discipline. It is the duty of Pastors at an opportune moment to inform those present of the authenticity and the discipline that are strictly to be observed.

Thus, coupled with the GIRM, this document carries the force of law. It was also ssigned by the former Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, so it is not likely to change any time soon.

 

[puzzleannie]

the person to ask these questions is the priest who will be overseeing their marriage preparation, usualy the pastor of the Catholic party.

 

[FrDavid96]

Thank you Father

I know that only an ordained man can proclaim the gospel and give the homily, does it say that in the GIRM? And where do you know?

As with the second question, where does it say that the congregation needs to know about the communion restriction? Does it say that in the missal or any document I could show the Priest?

And also, does this also apply with other Masses that are not weddings? So that, if a person comes up to me that I know is Protestant I can not give them the Chalice?

Mordocai

See Benedictgal’s post which appeared at the same time as your own–that should make it clear.

You don’t realy need to “show” the priest–he already knows it. Whether or not he intends to abide by it is a different matter.

The prohibition against admitting non-Catholics (other than Orthodox) to Communion applies no matter what the circumstances. Only in very very extreme circumstances (war, persecution or natural disaster) may a Catholic priest or deacon admit Protestants to Communion, and there are more conditions attached to this which aren’t realy germain here. Suffice to say that even if it’s a wedding, funeral, or daily Mass, it simply cannot be done–there’s no legitimate way around it.

Again, Redemptionis Sacramentum:
[84.] Furthermore when Holy Mass is celebrated for a large crowd – for example, in large cities – care should be taken lest out of ignorance non-Catholics or even non-Christians come forward for Holy Communion, without taking into account the Church’s Magisterium in matters pertaining to doctrine and discipline. It is the duty of Pastors at an opportune moment to inform those present of the authenticity and the discipline that are strictly to be observed.

 

[lizaanne]

the person to ask these questions is the priest who will be overseeing their marriage preparation, usualy the pastor of the Catholic party.

Sounds like he has issues with the priest he is trying to resolve…

2.) Is it required to have the Priest make an announcement before Communion that only Catholics can come forward to receive? The Priest does not want to make an announcement about it as it may cause disunity. If the Priest is adamant about that (and these particular Lutherans may very well want to come up to Communion, WHAT should we do? If the Priest doesn’t want to make the announcement, what can we do? Does the Church require that he does? Basically he’s ok with Lutherans coming up to Communion.

~Liza

 

[Mordocai]

Could the Lutheran Pastor read one of the non-gospel readings during the Mass? Or is that reserved for only Catholics and which document speaks about this?

Also, the Priest had spoken about the Lutheran pastor giving a blessing to the married couple at the end of the Mass, after they’ve signed the license?

Matt

 

[Phemie]

See Benedictgal’s post which appeared at the same time as your own–that should make it clear.

You don’t realy need to “show” the priest–he already knows it. Whether or not he intends to abide by it is a different matter.

The prohibition against admitting non-Catholics (other than Orthodox) to Communion applies no matter what the circumstances. Only in very very extreme circumstances (war, persecution or natural disaster) may a Catholic priest or deacon admit Protestants to Communion, and there are more conditions attached to this which aren’t realy germain here. Suffice to say that even if it’s a wedding, funeral, or daily Mass, it simply cannot be done–there’s no legitimate way around it.

Again, Redemptionis Sacramentum:
[84.] Furthermore when Holy Mass is celebrated for a large crowd – for example, in large cities – care should be taken lest out of ignorance non-Catholics or even non-Christians come forward for Holy Communion, without taking into account the Church’s Magisterium in matters pertaining to doctrine and discipline. It is the duty of Pastors at an opportune moment to inform those present of the authenticity and the discipline that are strictly to be observed.

Unfortunately, even bishops have been known to ignore this and tell non-Catholics who’ve asked whether they could receive Communion to ‘pretend you didn’t ask this question’ and later gave them Communion.

 

[FrDavid96]

the person to ask these questions is the priest who will be overseeing their marriage preparation, usualy the pastor of the Catholic party.

Yes. I agree completely. This matters should be discussed with the priest.

To the OP: please keep in mind that what we’re providing here are objective answers to your questions. We can explain the Church’s law, discipline and teachings on this (and for what you’re asking, the Church’s position is quite clear) but it is a matter which should be discussed first and foremost with that priest.

 

[FrDavid96]

Could the Lutheran Pastor read one of the non-gospel readings during the Mass? Or is that reserved for only Catholics and which document speaks about this?

Also, the Priest had spoken about the Lutheran pastor giving a blessing to the married couple at the end of the Mass, after they’ve signed the license?

Matt

Matt,

To the first part, again “no”

To the second part: “possibly yes” as long as it is clearly done after the Mass is over, and as long as it’s not done in a way which implies that the minister is “receiving their consent” --like repeating the vows for example.

 

[Mordocai]

Thank you everyone for your quick replies. I will let my sister know.

Mordocai

 

[Phemie]

Matt,

To the first part, again “no”

To the second part: “possibly yes” as long as it is clearly done after the Mass is over, and as long as it’s not done in a way which implies that the minister is “receiving their consent” --like repeating the vows for example.

Wouldn’t this whole problem be avoided by having this mixed marriage in a Liturgy of the Word, instead of Mass. No Communion, non-Catholic allowed to do a reading, etc.

 

[Mordocai]

Well yes but then you don’t have the blessing of the Mass. This is very important for my sister and to bring your marriage to the foot of calvary is a huge grace.

Mordocai

 

[happymommy]

Matt,

To the first part, again “no”

To the second part: “possibly yes” as long as it is clearly done after the Mass is over, and as long as it’s not done in a way which implies that the minister is “receiving their consent” --like repeating the vows for example.

Would the Lutheran pastor be allowed to do anything? I’ve never been to a Catholic wedding with another Pastor there, don’t know how it works.

 

[benedictgal]

Would the Lutheran pastor be allowed to do anything? I’ve never been to a Catholic wedding with another Pastor there, don’t know how it works.

No. After the final blessing they can say something, but, that is the extent of their involvement. They are smiply there to witness.

 

[happymommy]

No. After the final blessing they can say something, but, that is the extent of their involvement. They are smiply there to witness.

So, why bother. I’m not trying to be mean or start a big debate, but if they can’t say anything, I don’t see the point of them being there. Like I stated I’ve never been to a wedding with another pastor there, so I was just trying to get info.

 

[Phemie]

No. After the final blessing they can say something, but, that is the extent of their involvement. They are smiply there to witness.

From: DIRECTORY FOR THE APPLICATION OF PRINCIPLES AND NORMS ON ECUMENISM
133. The reading of Scripture during a Eucharistic celebration in the Catholic Church is to be done by members of that Church. On exceptional occasions and for a just cause, the Bishop of the diocese may permit a member of another Church or ecclesial Community to take on the task of reader.

Depends on how the Bishop defines ‘exceptional occasions’.

 

[FrDavid96]

Wouldn’t this whole problem be avoided by having this mixed marriage in a Liturgy of the Word, instead of Mass. No Communion, non-Catholic allowed to do a reading, etc.

Phemie,
Here’s the thing: it’s not realy a “problem” because there’s no obligation on the part of the Church to allow ministers of ecclesial communities to participate in a Mass. It may very well be a difficult situation for the families involved–and apparently that’s happened here. The value of the Catholic party having a Nuptial Mass far outweighs any social obligation of having the non-Catholic minister “take some part.”

For the sake of other readers here: Having non-Catholic ministers in the role of the clergy at Mass does considerable damage to the integrity of the Mass and to the basic Catholic beliefs of valid Sacraments and the necessity of Unity/Communion which is the Church.

The Church allows for non-Catholic ministers to say a few words, or even give a “blessing” to the couple at an appropriate time, yet even if a Liturgy of the Word without Mass would be used, the same laws would still apply.