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Questions Concerning Deacon's Stoles Deacon Paul Wednesday, March 9, 2005

Question:

I am a recently-ordained deacon, and have 2 questions concerning the proper use of deacon's stoles that I have been unable to find definitive answers to in my own diocese. Can you help me with the following:
(1) My understanding is that a stole is normally worn under the dalmatic, when a dalmatic is worn. However, in travels to other dioceses, I have seen the stole worn over a dalmatic. There is also a theory that when the dalmatic is plain, the stole is worn over it, but if there is ornamentation on the dalmatic, then the stole is worn underneath. What is the correct usage?
(2) I was given a stole in the heavily-designed "Celebration" weave. What liturgical color is this design appropriately used for? It is a many-colored pattern, and it isn't clear what liturgical color it should correspond to.
Thank you, Mr. Slavek.

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Paul,

Yes, the stole is always worn under the dalmatic when the dalmatic is used.  (GIRM n. 338, N.300 in the old edition)  This is regardless of how the stole is designed.

I've never seen the "celebration" weave, but I have a suspicion that since it's made with many colors it may not be appropriate for use.  If it indeed is an appropriate design, then I would use it at more solemn occasions, such as when white would otherwise be used.

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.