| Question Title | Posted By | Question Date |
|---|---|---|
| Responsorial Psalm | Rachel | Tuesday, April 17, 2007 |
Question: Is it ever permitted to substitute a hymn for the responsorial psalm? Not the psalm put to music, but a different song entirely that may have NOTHING to do with the prescribed psalm for the day. The former music minister at my parish insisted that a priest from Franciscan University told him that it was permitted at a "youth Mass," and he took that to mean a Mass with contemporary music. At first I didn't question it, but then my husband pointed out that it would be illicit to replace, for example, the second reading with a poem. The new music minister learned this policy from the former minister, and I'm wondering whether it could possibly be correct. Also, as a matter of opinion, if this is NOT licit, would it be appropriate for a member of the music ministry to sit out on the responsorial "song," or would they not be culpable for the liturgical abuse and not be required to do so, provided that they have pointed out the Church's position to the appropriate persons? |
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| Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek
Dear Rachel, No, it is not permitted. I know it is a common abuse, but as the General Instruction says, the responsorial psalm "is an integral part of the liturgy of the word and holds great liturgical and pastoral importance, because it promotes meditation on the Word of God." (n.61) It goes on to say that the gradual may be used in it place, but says nothing of a hymn. If you feel like you should sit out, go ahead. I doubt that you would be culpable if you did not sit out if you had voiced your concerns. 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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