Questions and Answers

Questions 1:

Should instruments accompany the priest while singing the Eucharistic Prayers?

Answer: “The nature of the 'presidential' parts requires that they be spoken in a loud and clear voice and that everyone listen to them attentively. Therefore, while the Priest is pronouncing them, there should be no other prayers or singing, and the organ or other musical instruments should be silent [General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) 32].

Questions 2:

When should the “Lamb of God” be intoned during the Holy Mass?

Answer: “The supplication Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) is usually sung by the choir or cantor with the congregation replying; or at least recited aloud. This invocation accompanies the fraction of the bread and, for this reason, may be repeated as many times as necessary until the rite has been completed. The final time it concludes with the words grant us peace” (GIRM 83).

Questions 3:

Is it proper to place the crucifix on the altar during the Eucharistic Celebration?

Answer: According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, “there is to be a cross with a figure of Christ crucified ON or CLOSE to the altar” (GIRM 117). “The cross adorned with a figure of Christ crucified and perhaps carried in procession may be placed next to the altar to serve as the altar cross, in which case it ought to be the only cross used; otherwise it is put away in a dignified place. In addition, the candlesticks are placed on the altar or near it” (GIRM 122). “Upon reaching the altar, the acolyte places the cross upright near the altar so that it may serve as the altar cross; otherwise, he puts it in a worthy place” (GIRM 188).