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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Lenten tradition? John Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Question:

Hi! I'm a college student, and the church that I attend (college campus church) is doing something rather different.

First, during lent they drain the water from the "baptismal font" (I'm not sure if one could call it that because the church where mass is said is a campus, ecumenical church). Where does this come from? I've never heard of it.

Second, during Holy Thursday we are going to have "stations" where people who want to get their feet washed can go to. I have always been under the impression that only 12 men were supposed to have their feet washed by the priests. I want to give my campus minister the benefit of the doubt. Am I wrong? Is this allowed? Is this orthodox? If not, what do you suggest I do. I want to be able to maintain a good relationship with my campus minister without having to tolerate or suffer hetero-orthodoxy. What are my duties as a Catholic in this regard?

David.

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear John,

You didn't specify whether this was a Catholic "service" or whether it at least was supposed to be Catholic.  Anyway, the rite does call for men, not particularly twelve but that is the traditional number.

As for what you should do, that really is your decision, so if these and other abuses really become a problem then try to find another nearby Catholic church.  Hopefully you still will be able to maintain a relationship with your minister if he still provides solid spiritual direction.  But if the abuses are not a serious problem and the celebrations are indeed Catholic then I don't see a reason why you should leave campus.  Hope all is well!

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.