May eucharistic ministers clean the vessels after communion? What does the deacon do at Mass? How do we use the entrance and communion antiphons? Where do the servers sit? Is the book carried out at the end of Mass? How do we choose the eucharistic prayer?
These and more questions -- 45 in all -- that priests, liturgists, music directors, liturgy committees, ministry coordinators and diocesan liturgy offices frequently ask about the Mass are answered here with legal expertise and pastoral sensitivity by Father Dennis Smolarski, SJ. Most of these questions and answers have appeared in a helpful column in Liturgy 90 and Rite over the years. Now they are gathered in one convenient volume for reference and study.
Questions are grouped into subject topics including introductory rites, liturgy of the word, liturgy of the eucharist, concluding rites, ministers, weekdays and miscellaneous issues. The answer to each question takes into account the 2000 edition of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, as well as other official documents. Each answer is informed by the common sense and pastoral concern of an experienced presider and member of the assembly. This is the first in the Q&A series.
