Celebrant's Prerogatives
  • benedictgal
    Posts: 798
    At what point does a parochial vicar have say in what goes on during the Masses that he celebrates? Do the authoritative documents offer him any relief? For example, if the choir does not show up, can he ask someone to lead the singing (provided that they are competent in sacred music)? Can he also use his own general intentions (which follow the Church's traditional format) as opposed to those published by OCP?
  • Adam WoodAdam Wood
    Posts: 6,451
    This seems like begging the question.
  • chonakchonak
    Posts: 9,160
    The multiple-choice options in the Mass are completely at the celebrant's discretion: the choice of the penitential rite options, the eucharistic prayer options, the memorial acclamation, etc.

    The format of the general intercessions is very little specified in the Missal, and what OCP provides is only a suggestion.

    On the other hand, the pastor has authority to give directives to the musicians and the congregation; so if the pastor were to object to certain pieces or styles of music, or certain performers, that would have to be respected.
  • matthewjmatthewj
    Posts: 2,694
    Yes, it would depend on the Pastor and how much he wants to influence what goes on during the parochial vicar's Masses.

    Also, parochial vicars should always respect the wishes of their pastor and not push too much until they become Pastor... less they be reassigned to the middle of nowhere or worse. My advice to them would be to do whatever they are asked to do in the most reverent and respectful way they can and to be very friendly and smile at parish functions.
  • Michael O'Connor
    Posts: 1,637
    Yes, even if the PV wants to shake things up, it is in his best interest to lay low until he is assigned his own parish.
  • Mark P.
    Posts: 248
    To answer your question: yes and yes.
  • Liam
    Posts: 4,944
    Don't forget that, like the pastor, the local ordinary has a certain range of authority to bind as well.
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