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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Deacon Hands Posture at Mass Deacon Larry Sunday, January 25, 2009

Question:

Where is there guidance, documentation as to the posture of the deacon's hands when assisting the priest at Holy Mass?

In the COB I read that they are folded, palms together "whenever he is walking from place to place or carrying something." At the Our Father he does not assume the orans position as does the priest but stands with hands folded, or does he? When proclaiming the Gospel greets the people with hands joined. But what about his hands when reading the Gospel? Other than the above the COB is silent on the hands position at other times.

Bishop Elliott's book Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite states, "Hands folded as usual when reading the Gospel." I understand that this book does not have the force of law but is a guide. Are there other sources that could help me?

Or, are these hand posittions optional as they are not specifically addressed in the GIRM. We have a variety of opinions and practices in our deacon community.

Thank you and continued blessings on your work.

Deacon Larry

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Rev. Mr. Lottier,

Sounds to me like you have a good enough understanding.  You are correct that the documentation isn't always clear what you are to do with your hands.  I wouldn't worry about it, as long as they are in a reverent position.  Do NOT of course hold them in the orans position during the Our Father, since neither the GIRM nor rubrics call for it.

Of course Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite has no authority, but I have yet to find anything within it that is questionable.  I would say that on any issue that is not clearly explained in authoritative documentation, the Ceremonies of the Modern Rite would provide the best clarification.  (my opinion)

Honestly though I am curious to hear what the other opinions are within the deacon community.  :)

Thank you,

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.