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Question Title	Posted By	Question Date
Operation of Charismatic Gifts during Mass	John	Friday, March 21, 2008
Question: Hi, Brother Ignatius - Firstly, let me extend you God's richest blessings this Easter! I am a devout Catholic, and am also committed to the Charismatic Renewal. I often attend charismatic Masses where time is set aside (usually before the official ending of the Mass) for those of us who have a prophetic word for the rest of the assembly, to share that word. I notice that St Paul, in the 12th chapter of his letter to the Corinthians, clearly states that such charismatic manifestations are indeed permissible (and even encouraged) provided they are exercised (1) decently and in order (2) for the upbuilding of the gathered community (3) are properly discerned. I know that charismatic Masses that observe these guidelines are very, very beautiful and are in no way disrespectul to liturgical practice. In your opinion (which, by the way, I respect) do you feel comfortable about charismatic gifts being exercised during Mass, and secondly, do you think St Paul in 1 Corinthians 12 is addressing the exercise of charismatic gifts and manifestations in the context of a liturgical celebration? I look forward to hearing from you! Kind regards and God bless - JOHN
Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM Dear John: Happy Easter! Well, I first must say that there is no such thing as a "charismatic" Mass. The Liturgy of the Holy Mass is regulated by the Holy See. It is a universal celebration in accord with the liturgical traditions of the particular Rite of the Church. There is no "charismatic" Rite. While it is true that St. Paul gave regulations for the Charismatic expression in liturgy, liturgy is a discipline of the Church that can be changed anytime the Church in her wisdom decides. Today, there is no provision for the Charismatic expression within the Liturgy of the Holy Mass. The Church has stated repeatedly that "no one, not even a priest, may change anything in the liturgy on his own authority." Thus, any Charismatic expression inserted into the Holy Mass is illegal and an abuse of the liturgy. The Mass MUST be celebrated the way it is directed in the approved Sacramentary. No alterations, exclusions, or additions are permitted. This is not an opinion, but liturgical law. Thus, personally, no matter how beautiful an innovation may be if it violates law I am uncomfortable with it and sorrowed by the lack of respect the priest exhibits toward the Holy Mass and the Church. Brief announcements (if necessary) are permitted just before the Concluding Rite of the Mass, but not Charismatic expressions. Charismatic expressions need to be performed OUTSIDE of the Liturgy of the Mass. God Bless, Bro. Ignatius Mary Footer Notes: This forum is for general questions on the faith. See specific Topic Forums below: Spiritual Warfare, demons, the occult go to our Spiritul Warfare Q&S Forum. Liturgy Questions go to our Liturgy and Liturgical Law Q&A Forum Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) Questions go to our Divine Office Q&A Forum Defenfing the Faith Questions go to our Defending the Faith Q&A Forum Church History Questions go to our Church History Q&A Forum

Question Title

Posted By

Question Date

Operation of Charismatic Gifts during Mass

John

Friday, March 21, 2008

Question:

Hi, Brother Ignatius -

Firstly, let me extend you God's richest blessings this Easter!

I am a devout Catholic, and am also committed to the Charismatic Renewal. I often attend charismatic Masses where time is set aside (usually before the official ending of the Mass) for those of us who have a prophetic word for the rest of the assembly, to share that word.

I notice that St Paul, in the 12th chapter of his letter to the Corinthians, clearly states that such charismatic manifestations are indeed permissible (and even encouraged) provided they are exercised (1) decently and in order (2) for the upbuilding of the gathered community (3) are properly discerned. I know that charismatic Masses that observe these guidelines are very, very beautiful and are in no way disrespectul to liturgical practice.

In your opinion (which, by the way, I respect) do you feel comfortable about charismatic gifts being exercised during Mass, and secondly, do you think St Paul in 1 Corinthians 12 is addressing the exercise of charismatic gifts and manifestations in the context of a liturgical celebration? I look forward to hearing from you!

Kind regards and God bless -
JOHN

Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM

Dear John:

Happy Easter!

Well, I first must say that there is no such thing as a "charismatic" Mass. The Liturgy of the Holy Mass is regulated by the Holy See. It is a universal celebration in accord with the liturgical traditions of the particular Rite of the Church. There is no "charismatic" Rite.

While it is true that St. Paul gave regulations for the Charismatic expression in liturgy, liturgy is a discipline of the Church that can be changed anytime the Church in her wisdom decides.

Today, there is no provision for the Charismatic expression within the Liturgy of the Holy Mass. The Church has stated repeatedly that "no one, not even a priest, may change anything in the liturgy on his own authority."

Thus, any Charismatic expression inserted into the Holy Mass is illegal and an abuse of the liturgy.

The Mass MUST be celebrated the way it is directed in the approved Sacramentary. No alterations, exclusions, or additions are permitted.

This is not an opinion, but liturgical law. Thus, personally, no matter how beautiful an innovation may be if it violates law I am uncomfortable with it and sorrowed by the lack of respect the priest exhibits toward the Holy Mass and the Church.

Brief announcements (if necessary) are permitted just before the Concluding Rite of the Mass, but not Charismatic expressions. Charismatic expressions need to be performed OUTSIDE of the Liturgy of the Mass.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary

Footer Notes: This forum is for general questions on the faith. See specific Topic Forums below:
Spiritual Warfare, demons, the occult go to our Spiritul Warfare Q&S Forum.
Liturgy Questions go to our Liturgy and Liturgical Law Q&A Forum
Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) Questions go to our Divine Office Q&A Forum
Defenfing the Faith Questions go to our Defending the Faith Q&A Forum
Church History Questions go to our Church History Q&A Forum