When a priest or other minister changes the words, gestures or material prescribed for the celebration of the sacraments, he can “rob” the faithful of what they deserve and make the sacrament invalid, the dicastery said in a note published Feb. 3.
Worship & Sacraments
Minding Mass: Catholics need better liturgical formation, expert says
Catholics need to know what their words and gestures at Mass signify and evoke, a liturgical expert said.
Capitol Latin Mass violated Washington Archdiocese procedures, say Catholic officials
A Latin Mass that took place at the U.S. Capitol in January was not authorized by the Washington Archdiocese, which has procedures in place for such requests, church officials told OSV News.
Boston Archdiocese to lower confirmation age to eighth grade
Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley has approved a proposal that would lower the age of confirmation within the Archdiocese of Boston from 10th grade to eighth grade.
Experts: Vatican declaration on blessings walks a fine line on marriage, pastoral care
A new declaration from the Vatican on pastoral blessings does not change the Catholic Church’s teaching on marriage, Catholic experts told OSV News, but seeks to extend the church’s accompaniment to those in irregular situations.
Quirk of calendar requires two obligations for Masses at Christmas time
The Catholic faithful have an obligation to attend Mass twice between the afternoon of Dec. 23 and Dec. 25, to participate in Masses for the fourth Sunday of Advent, and for Christmas.
‘God dwells here’: Experts cite three keys to keep churches holy during secular use
Canon law, communication and a “new mindfulness” of God’s presence can safeguard the sanctity of Catholic churches during occasional secular use, diocesan experts told OSV News.
Shrine to only approved U.S. Marian apparition gets ready for first solemnity
On Oct. 9, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion celebrates the 164th anniversary of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s second and third apparitions to Adele Brise — the only approved Marian apparitions in the United States. While the observance has long been a yearly event, this is the first year the liturgy is marked as a solemnity.
Cardinal Dolan: Are Sunday Masses just too long?
An hour-and-a-half Mass — not just on solemnities, but every Sunday — has become normal, and they candidly propose that this is one of the factors driving people away.
How to defeat the liturgy of the wandering mind
God takes our imperfect worship and is grateful for whatever we offer, but what he wants above all else is a heart focused on him.
Vatican confirms pope sent envoy to India to resolve liturgical dispute
As controversy and deep division continued in an Indian archdiocese over the direction the priest faces during the celebration of the liturgy, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis named Slovak Archbishop Cyril Vasil of Košice as his pontifical delegate to help resolve the dispute.
Where will God move you if you say ‘yes’ to adoration?
The fruits that came from that regular “visit” were undeniable — peace, direction, clarity, further commitment to my faith.