Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Theological Dimensions
Theological Dimensions
Roman
Missal
2000
The Tabernacle
the Most Blessed Sacrament should be reserved in a
tabernacle in a part of the church which is noble, worthy,
conspicuous, well decorated and suitable for prayer.
Location according to the judgment of the diocesan Bishop.
a) either in the sanctuary, apart from the altar of celebration,
in a more agreeable form and place, but not excluding on an
old altar which is no longer used for celebration.
b) or even in another chapel suitable for adoration and the
private prayer of the faithful, and which ought to be joined
integrally with the church and be conspicuous to the faithful.
The Bishop
Priests
Deacons
The Bishop
chief steward of the mysteries... moderator, promoter and
guardian of the entire liturgical life of his diocese.
The Priest
In the presence of concelebrants, the deacon stands near the altar when
his ministry involves the chalice and Missal. Nevertheless, as much as possible,
the deacon stands back from the altar, slightly behind the concelebrants.
The Congregation
POSTURE AND GESTURE
Readers
A ministerial, not a presidential function
Duties of the instituted reader are described as specific
to him and which he alone ought to perform, even
though ordained ministers may be present.
In the absence of a deacon, the reader, properly
vested, may carry the Books of the Gospels slightly
elevated in the entrance procession. The Lectionary,
however, is never carried in procession.
Other Ministers
In the absence of an instituted acolyte, lay ministers may serve at
the altar, assisting the priest or deacon. They may carry the cross,
candles, ashes, censer, bread, wine and water or serve as
extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. The Bishop may
issue norms concerning the function of altar server.
a) The sacristan, who arranges the liturgical books, the vestments and other things which
are necessary in the celebration of Mass.
b) The Commentator, who provides the faithful with brief explanations and commentaries
as needed with the purpose of introducing them to the celebration and preparing them to
understand it better. The commentator's remarks must be meticulously prepared and
marked by a simple brevity. In performing this function the commentator stands in a
convenient place visible to the faithful, not, however, at the ambo.
Incense
By Bishops
By Episcopal Conferences
More profound changes
Nature of the Roman Rite