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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Charismatic Practices Francis Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Question:

Father,

The local church I have attended for many years is becoming charismatic. I find some of the practices bizarre and disturbing. I want to continue being a parishioner at this church for many reason. What is the churches position on the following practices?
Speaking in tongues- the priest and the entire prayer group participates.
Falling down (being slain) on the alter after being prayed over- this happens to the great majority of people as well.
Prophesizing, as if the the spirit of God has spoken directly through the person to the group- several people claim to have this gift.

Thank you.
Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Francis,

Liturgically speaking, the Church does not have a "position" on these gifts of the Holy Spirit.  You will not find anywhere in the Mass or other Liturgy where these charismatic practices take place.  Not everyone has these gifts (speaking in tongues, etc) not even all priests do.  However these gifts ARE very real and there are people who have them that are called to use them to serve the Church.  Christians are called to worship together using them, but I really think it would be better if they did so outside of the Holy Mass.

I have never heard of being slain on the altar, but I do question its practice since the altar in a catholic church is where CHRIST is sacrificed.  I personally would have a great deal of trouble being "slain" on Christ's altar.

 

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.