| Question Title | Posted By | Question Date |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Mass? | Jacob | Tuesday, February 21, 2006 |
Question: My wife is one of the Eucharistic Ministers for our church. A few weeks ago, she was scheduled to serve at the Mass and was so upset that she almost could not do it. Later she said that she felt "unworthy" because she felt so much anger toward our priest before Mass began. That morning before Mass, he displayed one of his "temper tantrums" in front of the children and adults that were coming into church. We have had many people switch parishes because of his cruel behavior. He has no problem with scolding people (for trivial things) in a loud manner in front of a whole group of people. He lacks any of the loving characteristics that I would expect from a "man of God". He is very unwelcoming to visitors who, unknowingly, come in chewing gum. He will point in their face and tell them that they "had better not even think of going to Communion". (These are non-Catholics who are just "searching" for a place where they feel welcome. They do not understand that we fast for one hour before Communion.) He even called a woman an idiot within earshot of our 9 year old daughter!! Our Parish is suffering because of this. No one wants to volunteer for anything for fear of not doing something right and then having to deal with our priest. The people who have not already left are very unhappy and talk about him with such disrespect. We feel like our faith family has gone down hill since he came a few years ago. Others have suggested going to a different church and we have talked about it, but my wife cries every time I bring it up so that is not an option. She just keeps praying that "God will soften his hardened heart". Finally to my real question. He was really angry before Mass a few weeks ago--does this in any way invalidate the Mass? |
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| Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek
Dear Jacob, No, that by itself would not invalidate the Mass. 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. |
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