When were priests allowed to celebrate the Liturgy?

[samuel]

When did priests start presiding in the liturgy? According to a priest from my church, priests were not allowed to participate in the mass, until later on. For this reason, he seems to suggest, that some day may come deacons and women may be allowed to preside at the liturgy. What is the history of priests participation in liturgy?

Sam.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear Sam,

It is of the essence of the priesthood that the priest offers the sacrifice of the Mass. That’s what a priest does. Without the liturgy there is no reason for a priest. From the Last Supper on the Church had priests. Granted, they were bishops. But bishops are priests. They enjoy the fullness of the priesthood in that they can impart the priesthood on others by ordaining them. For a look at what the priesthood is, see:

%between%oce.catholic.com/index.php?title=Priest

For the history of the priesthood, see:

%between%oce.catholic.com/index.php?title=Priesthood

The Church will always need a man who has been ordained to the priesthood to offer Mass.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.