| Question Title | Posted By | Question Date |
|---|---|---|
| Sign of the Cross Rubrics | Deacon Larry | Sunday, November 9, 2008 |
Question: Why do the rubrics for the Vigil Service not begin with the Sign of the Cross? The Vigil is the first of the three pary funeral liturgy so there is no Sign of the Cross at the start of the funeral Mass nor at the Internment ... but why not at the beginning of the Vigil? Just curious. Deacon Larry . |
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| Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek
Dear Larry, I checked through the rite, the catechism, Canon Law and several unofficial sources and couldn't find a specific reason why the Sign of the Cross is not part of the Vigil Liturgy. I couldn't guess why it is not included but I can state that there is no rule that says that all liturgical celebrations must begin with the Sign of the Cross. The closest I could come to an answer is from the appendix to the Order of Christian Funerals, no. 10. of which states that "The priest's opening words are to introduce and explain this rite" (referring to the commendation, not the vigil) When we look at the opening words of the vigil we see four options that the priest may use to greet the people: three of which mention hope or consolation. (he may also use his own similar words) 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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