On what constitutes/describes choir dress in general, my first thought is to look at GIRM 310 and 114 together. (I am looking only at the American GIRM, and I have not consulted the Latin.) GIRM 114 foresees priests who are not the principal celebrant concelebrating, preferably, but if not, “they wear their proper choir dress or a surplice over a cassock.” On its own, this line can very naturally be read to mean that some priests (e.g., secular canons) have something called “choir dress” and that other priests have nothing called choir dress, and thus wear cassock and surplice instead of weari ..read more

Q: This is a follow-up to https://paulturner.org/choir-dress-for-deacon/ (August 2022) based on some things I have noticed over time in the Ceremonial for Bishops (CB). During its treatment of the ordination of priests, CB specifies in paragraph 532, “Next all the concelebrating presbyters and all other presbyters present, provided they are vested with a stole worn over an alb or over a cassock and surplice, lay their hands on each of the candidates, in silence.” This paragraph ostensibly provides for the presence of priests wearing stoles during Mass who are not concelebrating.  ..read more

Q: In view of your forthcoming visit to England I have acquired your latest book, Words Without Alloy, for which many thanks, it was very interesting.  I was intrigued by your almost throw-away comment that the ICEL additional collects were rejected by the Vatican. Was it the Vatican, or the bishops, who feared too much choice who declined to approve them? They could have been inserted easily in the latest revision of the Missal.== == A: The years of the revision of the English translation of the missal were fraught with stress. ICEL felt it needed to adhere its translation ..read more

Q:  I am from mainland China. Recently, I have been reading through your book entiltled Words Without Alloy  which benefits me greatly. I was wondering who assigned the Letter to the Hebrews on the first four weeks in Ordinary time. I notice that  scholars suggested it in the schemata 127,Nov.2,1965(p.7), but later it says: “the Letter to the Hebrews occupies the first four weeks of the first year”(p.260). I ‘d appreciate it highly If  you’d share with me more about it. I am looking forward to your reply. == A: Schemata 127 recommends Hebrews as part of the p ..read more

Q: I am looking ahead for appropriate opportunities to utilize Masses for Various Needs.  Election Day (November 5) seems an appropriate opportunity to utilize Mass 21: For the Nation or State.  However, the Missal provides only a collect.  Where are the remaining prayers (Prayer Over the Offerings and Prayer After Communion) taken from?  There are several other Masses for Various Needs that similarly provide only a collect, so this question would apply to them as well. == A: You’ve landed on a fine suggestion for Election Day this year. As you’ve noticed, there are several ..read more

Q: Should the renewal of baptismal promises be done at Masses with First Communicants? Thanks for the help! == A: We have no formal ritual for first communion. It’s completely a grassroots ceremony. Communion is one of the initiation sacraments, so I understand the instinct to renew baptismal promises on that occasion. However, we have no ritual calling for it, as we do for confirmation. Perhaps it’s best for the children to experience communion at Mass as normally as possible. If it’s a Sunday or solemnity, then, their first communion Mass includes the creed.  ..read more

Q: I recently had seminarians and priests ask us why does the Roman Missal say “Adoration of the Holy Cross” for Good Friday? After all we are taught that we only adore God and nothing else… why adore a cross? So, does the Roman Missal say ‘adore’ because of something to do with the translation from Latin or what is the reasoning for saying “Adoration of the Holy Cross”? Your insight is appreciated! == A: I treat this in my book Glory in the Cross. The Good Friday liturgy has used this language for centuries. You hear it even in the dialogue, “Behold the wood of the cross…” and “Come, let ..read more

Q: My pastor asked me not to vest as a deacon if I was helping out as master of ceremonies at the Easter Vigil. Can’t I do both? == A: Yes, you may. Ceremonial of Bishops 36 foresees that a deacon master of ceremonies may vest as a deacon while carrying out the other duties for the Mass ..read more

Q: I notice something of a conflict between the Roman Missal, local Ordo, and our missalette on the Easter day Renewal of Baptism Promises.  The Missal and Ordo describe this as optional…whereas the missalette refers to the Promise renewal as mandatory.  I side with the Missal and Ordo here, yes? == A: Your missalette is incorrect. The renewal of baptism promises is optional on Easter Day ..read more

Q: As you know, there is a separate Missal-type book for Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Included within are some sets of Oration texts designed for use in the seasons, i.e., Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter.  Interestingly, our local Ordo does not seem to make any provision for this option, even on ferial seasonal Saturdays.  What gives? == A: The General Introduction to the Collection of Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary sets up some guardrails. It’s primarily available for Marian shrines that receive pilgrimages, but then also in parishes for days such as Saturday Masses o ..read more