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Children unvited to gather around the Altar during First Communion Kevin Friday, May 6, 2005

Question:

Hello,

Thank you for the time and effort you put into this forum. Its a wonderful opportunity for the faithful to grow and learn in the faith.
I searched the previously asked questions, and didn't quite see my concern...if however it has been asked and answered before, I apologize.

On 30 April I attended a Mass at which a group of children received their First Communion. They were invited to stand around the Altar during the consecration. I believe that this is illicit, ( am I correct), and was wondering if this practice is specifically addresed and reprobated in any documents.

Thank you so much,

Kevin

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Kevin,

Yes you are correct this is illicit.  This is found in Notitiae, in which Rome has official interpretations of liturgical law.  The following is from 1981:

101.QUERY: At the presentation of gifts at a Mass with congregation, persons (lay or religious) bring to the altar the bread and wine which are to be consecrated. These gifts are received by the priest celebrant. All those participating in the Mass accompany this group procession in which the gifts are brought forward. They then stand around the altar until communion time. Is this procedure in conformity with the spirit of the law and of the Roman Missal?

REPLY: Assuredly, the Eucharistic celebration is the act of the entire community, carried out by all the members of the liturgical assembly. Nevertheless, everyone must have and also must observe his or her own place and proper role: "In liturgical celebrations each one, minister or layperson, who has an office to perform, should do all of, but only, those parts which pertain to that office by the nature of the rite and the principles of liturgy." (SC art. 29).  During the liturgy of the eucharist, only the presiding celebrant remains at the altar. The assembly of the faithful take their place in the Church outside the "presbyterium," which is reserved for the celebrant or concelebrants and altar ministers: Not 17 (1981) 61.

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.