| Question Title | Posted By | Question Date |
|---|---|---|
| Proper Uses of a Cope | Richard | Thursday, February 24, 2005 |
Question: I will shortly be ordained a deacon, and am unclear as to the proper times and usage of a cope. In our study of various rituals, I've noted occasions (Baptism outside of Mass, weddings outside of Mass) where a deacon celebrant seems to have the choice of wearing a cope. The cope at our parish is very old and does not have the same appearance as our contemporary vestments. I certainly want such occasions to have the proper solemnity, but to me the cope seems a little "fussy" and I'm just not sure about its proper use. Could you explain when its use is appropriate, mandatory, optional, etc? Thanks. |
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| Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek
Dear Richard, Congratulations on your ordination! Yes you are correct, the celebrant has the option to wear the cope, so it is appropriate with and without. Whichever you choose. If it IS worn, it is more appropriate that it matches the other vestments, if there are any. Other occasions for which it is worn are at Vespers by the celebrant, at confirmation if the minister of confirmation is not the celebrant of the Mass, at confirmation by the celebrant not within Mass, and at Benediction by the celebrant. Mr. Slavek Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers. (b) There is no such Mass called the Novus Ordo. The Current Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000, or the Oridinary Form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass is the Roman Missal of 1962, or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Please refrain from using the term, Novus Ordo. Thanks. (c) The titles of Acolyte and Lector belong exclusively to the Installed Offices of Acolyte and Lector, who are men (only) appointed by the Bishop. These roles performed by others are Altar Servers and Readers, respectively. |
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