Category Archives: Rite of Dedication of a Church and an Altar

After the homily the rites particular to this liturgy take place, all pretty much in parallel to the dedication of a full church. Relics first: 20. If it is to take place, the relics of martyrs or other saints are … Continue reading →

A quick post today with brief comments on the introductory rites … A. Introductory Rites 17. The introductory rites of the Mass of the dedication of an altar take place in the usual way except that in place of the … Continue reading →

About the Mass … 15. The celebration of the eucharist is inseparably bound up with the rite of the dedication of an altar. The Mass is the Mass for the dedication of an altar. On Christmas, Epiphany, Ascension, Pentecost, and … Continue reading →

The third portion of the altar dedication inttroduction addresses three issues (nos. 12-16) and on outline of the dedication Mass (17-23). Let’s begin with the rite’s insistence on a bishop, unless “altogether special circumstances” suggest a priest: 12. Since the … Continue reading →

Let’s take a quick look at the physical material of an altar: 9. In accordance with received custom in the Church and the biblical symbolism connected with an altar, the table of a fixed altar should be of stone, indeed of natural … Continue reading →

Sections 6 through 11 of this chapter address how an altar is built and presented in a church. 6. It is desirable that in every church there be a fixed altar and that in other places set apart for sacred … Continue reading →

Not only is the altar a sign of Christ and a locus for the Paschal meal, but the altar is, in a very real way, a memorial for martyrs to the faith. Read this section: 5. All the dignity of … Continue reading →

Mass is not limited to the setting of the Church, but for the regular celebration of the Eucharist, a permanent altar is traditional: 4. The Church’s children have the power to celebrate the memorial of Christ and take their place … Continue reading →

Sacrifice or meal: what’s Church teaching? 3. By instituting in the form of a sacrificial meal the memorial of the sacrifice he was about to offer the Father on the altar of the cross, Christ made holy the table where … Continue reading →

Modern prelates complain about too much regard for the laity, but their argument is with the Church fathers: Since Christ, Head and Teacher, is the true altar, his members and disciples are also spiritual altars on which the sacrifice of … Continue reading →

With chapter IV, we take a good look at the rite of dedication of an altar. The introduction covers thirty numbered sections, but with a fair amount of unique material. This will take us almost to the end of the … Continue reading →

Chapter III of the RDCA continues with few changes (except as noted in section 2, yesterday): The simple entrance of the dedication rite is reproduced, almost word for word, sections 3-12 follow II, 43-52. In the Liturgy of the Word … Continue reading →

As we read yesterday, a community might have a church already in use. At some point, a liturgy is needed to mark a shift in status ((perhaps from chapel or oratory) or to celebrate a significant renovation or restoration. Chapter … Continue reading →

Today we start Chapter III, “Dedication of a Church in Which Mass is Already Being Celebrated Regularly.” What does that mean? The first numbered section of the chapter spells it out: 1. In order to bring out fully the symbolism … Continue reading →

If the blessed sacrament chapel is not inaugurated, then the bishop leads a Prayer after Communion (83). Following, there is the threefold blessing.  The official text: The Lord of earth and heaven has assembled you before him this day to … Continue reading →