Category Archives: GIRM

With this post, we come to the end of another church document. Here are the last two sections, reminding us of the importance of proceeding cautiously with liturgical innovation: 398. The norm established by the Second Vatican Council, namely that in … Continue reading →

As we get very close to the end of the GIRM, a reminder about the importance of the Universal Church as each local community celebrsates the liturgy, and of course, that we owe our heritage to Rome: 397. The principle … Continue reading →

In the instance where a conference of bishops deems it needful to permit deeper adaptations of the Mass, the matter is referred to the CDWDS, and a careful set of procedures engaged: 395. Finally, if the participation of the faithful … Continue reading →

A diocesan calendar and propers: information that’s hard to come by: 394. Each diocese should have its own Calendar and Proper of Masses. For its part, the Conference of Bishops should draw up a proper Calendar for the nation or, … Continue reading →

Two topics of interest, published Mass settings and musical instruments: 393. Bearing in mind the important place that singing has in a celebration as a necessary or integral part of the Liturgy,[Cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium 112] all musical settings for the … Continue reading →

A bit more on translations, and perhaps a more generous role for conferences of bishops than currently exists: 392. It shall also be for Conferences of Bishops to prepare with care a translation of the other texts, so that, even … Continue reading →

A brief mention on the Lectionary responsibilities, which, by the book, rest primarily with conferences: 391. It is for the same Conferences of Bishops to attend to the translations of the biblical texts that are used in the celebration of … Continue reading →

Episcopal conferences play a role: 388. Those adaptations spoken of below that necessitate a wider degree of coordination are to be decided, in accord with the norm of law, in the Conference of Bishops. A rather nice candy-coating of current … Continue reading →

Responsibilities of the bishop: 387. The Diocesan Bishop, who is to be regarded as the High Priest of his flock, from whom the life in Christ of his faithful in some sense derives and upon whom it depends,[Cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium … Continue reading →

Chapter IX, the last chapter of the GIRM begins: 386. The renewal of the Roman Missal carried out in our time in accordance with the decrees of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council has taken great care that all the faithful may … Continue reading →

There’s a bit more on Masses for the Dead: 382. At Funeral Masses there should usually be a short Homily, but to the exclusion of a funeral eulogy of any kind. Which isn’t to say that remembering the deceased isn’t … Continue reading →

Catholics do foster that connection with the dead. It’s a good thing for those on Earth, as it affords a ministry of comfort and reflection. 379. The Church offers the Eucharistic Sacrifice of Christ’s Pasch for the dead so that, … Continue reading →

Concerning Mary, Jesus and others: 375. Votive Masses of the mysteries of the Lord or in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary or of the Angels or of any given Saint or of all the Saints may be said in … Continue reading →

Let’s consider some issues as Masses for Various Needs and Occasions intersect the current liturgical year. First, a broad definition: 371. Among Masses of this kind are included Ritual Masses, Masses for Various Needs and Occasions, and Votive Masses. When … Continue reading →