DO'S AND DON'TS IN EUCHARISTIC LITURGY Part 1
● The celebrant does not delegate his role as presider at any point of the celebration (GIRM, 108, 250). This happens especially in ritual masses where concelebrants are made to play the role, which in fact, the presider is supposed to play. This is liturgically not correct.
● Do not xhange the presider's role by saying bless "us" rather than bless "you".
● Do not be untidy or shabbily vested. The vestement proper to priest celebrant at mass and other sacred actions directly connected with Mass is, unless otherwise indicated, the chasuable, worn over the alb and stole. (GIRM, 337). Do not wear chasuable over monastic habit or on clerical dress. There is difference between clerical dress and liturgical dress.
● The assembly should be able to see the Ltar as a table of the Eucharist. For this reason, it is better to use altar cloths that cover only the top of the altar. Do not cover the altar from all sides.
● If decorative cloths that hang down are used for the altar, these should not cover any symbols or artwork that is part of the design of the altar.
● The uppermost cloth that covers the top of the altar should always be white in colour, irrespective of the liturgical season. (GIRM, 304)
● Nothing should be put on the altar other than what is necessary, specifically the book of the gospels during the liturgy of the word, and the missal, altar linens, bread and wine during the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
● Concerning the use of the candles, at least two (2) can be used in any celebration, four or six (6) for Sunday Mass or Holy Day, and seven(7) candles for celebrations at which the Bishop presides.
● Candles are to be placed on the altar or, better still, near or around it, so as not to distract from the sacred vessels or impede the view of participants. (GIRM 307)
● Floral decoration should always be done with moderation and placed around the altar rather than on its mensa(GIRM 305).
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