Suggestions on the CELEBRATION of Mass by Archbishop

From the CatholicNews:

ON THE CELEBRATION of Mass, Archbishop Chia said in his report that “perhaps we can take into account” the following points:

– 1. On the liturgical environment: The altar and altar linens, the sacred vessels must be in proper order. Attention must also be made with regard to the lectionary, Missal, candle sticks, floral decorations, thurible etc.
– 2. Celebrants must be punctual and wear proper liturgical vestments. They should be faithful to the liturgical norms and avoid casting shadows in the celebration.

– 3. The faithful should be in church before the commencement of the Mass and be decently dressed out of respect to the Lord in the solemn celebration of the Eucharist.

– 4. (Provide) some time for prayerful silence, silent reflection, and adoration (before and also during the Mass) so that (worshippers) can relate the Eucharist to their personal lives.

– 5. On the Eucharist as community building and its nature to bring people together and overcome barriers and divisions, (there should be) more emphasis on ‘communion’ of the faithful, worshipping as a body, sitting close to each other, meaningful sign of peace, and perhaps we can consider holding hands at the Our Father (to show our unity with the Lord and with each other). The unifying character of the Eucharist – “one bread, one cup, one body” must be emphasized.

– 6. The faithful should also understand the sacrificial nature of the Mass and how they themselves can offer spiritual sacrifices. The Mass should not only be “meal-centred” but also bring out the other aspects like the divine presence and sacrifice.

– 7. On the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist – priests should make themselves available to those who need to confess before the Mass. In general the faithful understand that in a state of mortal sin they are not to receive the Eucharist without first making their confession. The need for confession before Communion in the case of serious sin is conveyed through the availability of confession before Mass.

– 8. Masses with relevant liturgy of the Word should be encouraged for different groups of the faithful – children, youths, the elderly and sick, doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, migrants etc.

– 9. Many of our youths find the Mass ‘dull’. We must make efforts to organise Masses which meet the needs of our youths. They are the future of the church.

– 10. Masses in the native languages of foreign communities should also be encouraged.

– 11. On inculturation – translations of liturgical texts into the vernacular should be left to the discretion of the Bishops’ Conference as the local bishops are in the best position to understandthe local languages; similarly formusic and cultural practices which can help the faithful to better understand and appreciate the celebration of the Mass. It must be emphasized that such practice sshould not be for entertainment.

– 12. On “Inter-Communion”– our Catholics are aware that they are not allowed to receive the Eucharist in communities without the Sacrament of Orders. In our celebrations when non-Catholics are present, e.g. relatives and friends of wedding couples or of the deceased at funeral Masses, announcements are made that only Catholics are allowed to receive Communion.

– 13. Non-Catholics, catechumens and children be blessed when they come forward at Communion time as a sign of spiritual Communion on their part. This action is a sign of the care and concern for them.

– 14. On the missionary dimension of the Eucharist – more emphasis must be placed on “Ite Missa est” – We need to impress on the faithful with regard to the link between the Eucharist and Mission. They are ‘sent forth to proclaim the Good News!’

What do you think?