Who can serve at Mass?

[rayrondini]

Greetings,

I am wondering if it is permitted for a non-Catholic to act as a server during mass (bringing the precious gifts to the altar, purifying, etc.). I ask because I am currently in the process of converting to Catholicism (RCIA starts next month!) and want to know if I’m allowed to serve. I asked the priest of my parish and he said he wasn’t completely sure and that he’d check. I’m just checking, too! Any (name removed by moderator)ut would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Greetings,

I am wondering if it is permitted for a non-Catholic to act as a server during mass (bringing the precious gifts to the altar, purifying, etc.). I ask because I am currently in the process of converting to Catholicism (RCIA starts next month!) and want to know if I’m allowed to serve. I asked the priest of my parish and he said he wasn’t completely sure and that he’d check. I’m just checking, too! Any (name removed by moderator)ut would be much appreciated.

I can definitely say that purifying the vessels can’t be done by a non-Catholic since it is limited to priests, deacons, and instituted acolytes.

The GIRM says “It is praiseworthy for the bread and wine to be presented by the faithful.” Someone else will have to determine who is included among the faithful.

In another part of the GIRM it talks about “particular ministries” and says “107. The liturgical duties that are not proper to the priest or the deacon and are listed above (cf. nos. 100-106) may also be entrusted by a liturgical blessing or a temporary deputation to suitable lay persons chosen by the pastor or rector of the church.89 All should observe the norms established by the Bishop for his diocese regarding the office of those who serve the priest at the altar.”

So it sounds to me like the bishop is the one who decides the qualifications for service at Mass.

Even if it turns out that you can’t do these things now, it’s something wonderful to look forward to after you’re received into the Church.

 

[Lux_et_Tenebrae]

Hi,

This is from the USCCB site usccb.org/liturgy/girm/bul2.shtml

Ministries and Roles Within the Liturgical Assembly at Mass.

The first qualification, then, for any participant in the celebration of the Eucharist is that he or she has been baptized into the Body of Christ, the Church. Each time the members of the Church gather to worship, they do so because their baptism demands this of them. While all share in the priesthood of Christ which delegates them to worship, some members of the Church are called by God to serve in the ministerial priesthood as bishops and priests. Bishops and priests are privileged to act in the liturgy in the very person of Christ, on behalf of his people, pronouncing the most sacred prayers of our faith, presiding over the celebration of the sacred mysteries, explaining God’s Word and feeding God’s people on the body and blood of Christ. A bishop has the added responsibility of being the chief shepherd, the principal liturgist of his diocese and in that role is the successor of the Apostles. Others by God’s grace are ordained to the ministry of deacon. In the celebration of the Mass deacons proclaim the Gospel and assist the bishop and priest in exercising their sacred duties.

However, the person bringing the gifts is not any minister, so I am pretty certain anyone can do this, especially a candidate. I understand that permission may be given for a non-Catholic to read at a special Mass (wedding, funeral, etc) if the family requests it.

Lux

 

[Andreas_Hofer]

In general, it’s not really appropriate for non-Catholics to perform specific functions (other than Congregant #17) in the liturgy. Consider that in ancient days a non-Catholic wouldn’t even have been allowed to witness the Eucharistic sacrifice; now, in that light, would it seem decent for the same person to be ministering within the sanctuary, where even the non-minister Catholics are not allowed to tread? I don’t want at all to discourage the OP’s aspirations/longings, but I do think that is a helpful perspective for examining the question.