Q. Our parish priest sometimes has short introductions to the Mass or uses words during other sacraments such as Baptism that vary from the given text. Can he do that? I thought priests should not ad-lib during the Mass.
A. Very good question. Thank you. The answer is yes and no. The structure of the Mass is outlined in the General Instructions of the Roman Missal (GIRM). It is the large book on the altar.
It provides the guidelines and rubrics in terms for how Mass should be celebrated. The Liturgy is structured by the Church and no one—priest, bishop, or anyone else—has the right to change any part of it.
However, there are a few times in which the priest is able to use his own words. One example is at the beginning of the Mass where the GIRM says of the priest, “There he makes the sign of the cross, greets the people, briefly introduces the liturgy of the day, and leads them in the Penitential Act.” Here, the priest may speak of the themes in the upcoming readings or offer a very brief introduction to the penitential rite. However, this is simply an option and not an obligation. Some priests choose to use the words provided for them at these points in the Roman Missal.
Given that, these comments should not become mini-homilies or be irrelevant to the Mass. It is unfortunate when priests ad-lib parts of the Mass when they should not. The Eucharist is immensely rich and incredibly beautiful. It should be celebrated just as the Church asks us to celebrate it.
In terms of other sacraments, the rituals for the sacraments allow for greater flexibility. The priest is supposed to follow the rubrics, but again, at times in different parts of the rituals for these sacraments, the text reads, “in these or similar words.” Thus, if a priest wanted to, he could use his own words.
Because I am not very creative or original, I usually use the words provided as they are in the ritual because they are well-thought out and beautiful. Good question.
This question was answered by a priest of the Diocese of Lincoln. Write to Ask the Register using our online form, or write to 3700 Sheridan Blvd., Suite 10, Lincoln NE 68506-6100. All questions are subject to editing. Editors decide which questions to publish. Personal questions cannot be answered. People with such questions are urged to take them to their nearest Catholic priest.
