General Guidance for celebrations of Mass

The information can be downloaded as a pdf.

• Information sheet (pdf)

Use of Mass Propers

With the permission of the Ordinary Masses for Various Needs and Occasions may be celebrated on any day other than Solemnities of precept, Sundays of Advent, Lent and the Easter season, Holy Thursday and the Easter Triduum, Solemnities, All Souls Day, Ash Wednesday; Days in the Easter Octave.

The Bishops of England and Wales expressly grant such permission in the cases provided for by this note.

Use of alternative Readings

Masses for Various Needs and Occasions would normally be celebrated in a similar way to a memorial, and therefore there would be a first reading, psalm, gospel acclamation and Gospel only.

Speaking of the readings offered in the Lectionary for Masses for Various Needs and Occasions the General Instruction to the Roman Missal (3rd Edition) says:

Sets of readings of this kind have been so prescribed so that through a more apt hearing of the Word of God the faithful may be led to a fuller understanding of the mystery in which they are participating, and may be educated to a more ardent love of the Word of God.

Therefore, the texts proclaimed in the celebration are to be chosen keeping in mind both an appropriate pastoral reason and the options allowed in this matter.” (359)

The Introduction to the Lectionary (2nd Edition) advises:

The first concern of a priest celebrating with a congregation is the spiritual benefit of the faithful and he will be careful not to impose his personal preference on them. Above all, he will make sure not to omit too often or needlessly the readings assigned for each day in the weekday Lectionary. The Church’s desire is to provide the faithful with a richer share at the table of God’s word.” (83)

Eucharistic Prayer

Following the Resignation of Pope Benedict (28/2/13) the intercession for the Pope is omitted until his successor is named.

Liturgical Material

Prayer for the Pope

Ad libitum from the day of announcement of the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.

Mass

Mass Proper

For the Pope from Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions (pp 1304-1305 in Roman Missal)

Lectionary

Appropriate texts should be chosen from those provided in the Common of Pastors, Lectionary (Volume II pp 1472ff).

Prayer for the Church

Ad libitum following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI (28 February 2013) and during the Conclave.

Mass

Mass Proper

For the Election of a Pope or Bishop from Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions (pp 1308-1309 in the Roman Missal)

Lectionary

For the Election of a Pope or Bishop Lectionary (Volume III p 425-429).

A further option from the Masses for Various Needs and Occasions that might find a use during these days:

Mass Proper

For the Church (pp 1297-1302 in the Roman Missal)
Four sets of texts are offered.

Lectionary

For the Universal Church Lectionary (Volume III p 405-424).

Prayer upon the Election of the new Pope

Ad libitum from the day of the Election of the new Pope

Mass

Mass Proper

For the Pope from Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions (Roman Missal, pp 1304-1305)

Lectionary

Common of Pastors, Lectionary (Volume II pp 1472ff)