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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Amices and Laity Dave Thursday, April 21, 2005

Question:

I was wondering if the amice is acceptable to use, even if one does not have the faculty of preaching. I usually serve the Mass and I don't favour the cut of modern albs; I prefer the square-yoked ones to be used with an amice that have no ties, buttons, or snaps, or zippers, or what-have-you. However, I know that the amice is symbolic of having the faculty of preaching, in addition to its label as the "helmet of salvation" and I'm not entirely sure if one may be used by laity in the Latin Rite. Thanks.

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Dave,

Yes, anyone who wears an alb should also wear an amice to cover the street clothing.  This includes the laity.  (GIRM, n.336)

Mr. Slavek
Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers.

(b) There is no such Mass called the Novus Ordo. The Current Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000, or the Oridinary Form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass is the Roman Missal of 1962, or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Please refrain from using the term, Novus Ordo. Thanks.

(c) The titles of Acolyte and Lector belong exclusively to the Installed Offices of Acolyte and Lector, who are men (only) appointed by the Bishop. These roles performed by others are Altar Servers and Readers, respectively.