Questions and Answers

Question 1:

Is it proper to uncover the sacred vessels (ciborium and chalice) before the epiclesis at Mass?

Answer: According to the Ceremonial of Bishops: “...if the cup and ciborium are covered, a deacon uncovers them before the epiclesis...the deacon remains kneeling from the epiclesis to the elevation of the cup”. After the consecration, the deacon may cover the cup and the ciborium” (C.B. 155).

Question 2:

During benediction, when does the celebrant stand to say the prayer after the Tantum ergo, before or after the Oremus?

Answer: It must be noted that the “Oremus” is an invitation to prayer, which is always done while standing; as we read in the Ceremonial of Bishops: “during this time the Tantum ergo Sacramentum or some other Eucharistic song is sung. After placing incense into the censer and blessing it...kneeling, incenses the Blessed Sacrament...then he rises and says, Let us pray” (C.B. 1113).

Question 3:

Should a priest celebrate Mass without using the Alb, especially if he is wearing a habit?

Answer: It is important to distinguish between street cloth/clerical wear and liturgical vestments. Cassocks and habits fall under street cloth/clerical wear, and cannot substitute for liturgical vestments, in this case, the alb. According to Redemptionis Sacramentum: “the abuse is reprobated whereby the sacred minsters celebrate Holy Mass or other rites without sacred vestments or with only a stole over the monastic cowl or the common habit of religious or ordinary clothes, contrary to the prescriptions of the liturgical books...” (R.S. 126).