In some dioceses,
where there is a shortage of priests and deacons, there is, in some parishes,
a Communion or Eucharist service in place of a Mass on Sunday conducted by
a layman or woman. Is this allowed or can it vary from place to place according
to the disposition of the bishop?
Catholics are obliged to attend Mass on Sunday. However, it is a principle of moral theology that no one can be obliged to what is impossible. If no priest is available for Mass within a reasonable walking or driving distance, a Catholic is not obliged to attend Mass. No Catholic is obliged to attend any service conducted by a lay person. However, if he finds it necessary or useful, the bishop can authorize such a person to read something from the Scriptures and distribute holy Communion to the faithful who desire to attend. The National Conference of Catholic Bishops authorized a kind of service for these circumstances in the absence of a priest, but no bishop is obligated to observe such rubrics. In the Diocese of Lincoln, no such lay services are allowed nor are any forseen. We should all pray intensely for an increase in priestly vocations so we never have to face such dreadful priest shortages.
Reprinted from August 1, 1997
May a song leader or cantor at Mass be a non-Catholic?
Non-Catholics who attend mass with us certainly may join in singing the chants, songs and hymns, and should be invited to do so, although they may not receive Holy Communion. However, song leaders or cantors, as part of the liturgical leadership at Mass, should be Catholics in good standing with the Church.
Reprinted from August 1, 1997
Is there a law in the Catholic Church about men and women wearing shorts to
church?
There is no specific law about this matter that I know of, but some pastors have exercised their pastoral responsibility and enacted some local ordinances about this matter. It is very disrespectful to God and to God's people to attend Mass improperly dressed. It is true that God knows how we look even without our clothes, but our fellow Christians at Mass do not know and do not care to know. It is very distracting and even scandalous to have a partially nude person present at Mass. Clothing (or lack thereof) which may be appropriate for the beach is not proper attire for church. If we have no better or other clothes to wear, of course, we should come to Mass in what is available to us. Usually, however, people have better clothes than shorts or other shabby attire. Coming to Mass improperly or too casually clad makes a statement about our own defective attitude toward this vital encounter with Christ Himself. The best we have is not too good for God and this principle should apply to the clothing we wear to Mass.
Reprinted from August 29, 1997
If a person comes to daily Mass and finds that the Mass is already well underway,
right around the consecration, should he stay or should he leave?
As far as I can understand your question, I would urge you to stay in such circumstances. I can see no reason why you should leave.
Reprinted from December 7, 1997
If a person goes to Holy Communion and receives two hosts, is it all right
to consume both of them?
Certainly, it is all right.
Reprinted from December 7, 1997
Is it necessary to use an instituted acolyte at weekday Masses in our diocese?
No, it is not necessary. Decisions about using instituted acolytes are largely left by our bishop to the discretion of each pastor.
Reprinted from December 19, 1997