...or is it missed and not forgotten? The presentation of the offerings, what say you?
Since Covid-19 at my parish, we have ditched the superfluous, unneeded, useless and questionably symbolic, Presentation of the Offerings. We also had a hard time getting people to volunteer on top of that . Was there really any usefulness for it?
Since Covid-19 at my parish, we have ditched the superfluous, unneeded, useless and questionably symbolic, Presentation of the Offerings. We also had a hard time getting people to volunteer on top of that . Was there really any usefulness for it?
10 comments:
The local daily Mass of half a dozen attendees always has the same ones as a gift bearer and lector. Nothing quite so reverential as watching the same person sit next to center aisle, wait until the last minute, bolt from their pew, walk briskly to rear and just as briskly to front, but this time with head lowered as if approaching a long hoped for execution, and then back to pew. On any day they miss, there is always an awkward extended pause and silence and much looking around before some stalwart also bolts to their feet.
The only thing more inspirational than that is the gift bearers and lectors on weekends who sit as far as possible from their assigned duty and stay the center of attention for as long as possible, that, or their favorite spot means ever so much more than the rythmn and flow of the Mass.
You just described the week day morning mass in my Parish. I do not miss the presentation of the gifts in the least.
Useless/forgotten.
Remove the awkward by eliminating. NO ONE wants to do this.
I hated being asked, I hated the goofy exchange at the edge of the sanctuary with a funny ha-ha added by Fr. "Open Mike" just so we look like were "connecting" and I particularly hated the walk back. For some, it looks like the walk of shame they are so uncomfortable. Then, there are those who get volunteered who given their attire (mostly their lack of it), shouldn't be parading down the aisle with the gifts that are about to have the epiclesis over them.
During Divine Liturgy, the priest processes from the Proskemedia Table out the northern Deacon's Door of the iconostas and if Greek, around the church and if Russian/Ukrainian/Rusyn, across the front of the church to the Royal Doors. A prayer is said and the gifts enter the "Holy Place", are placed on the "Holy Table" and are incensed. All of this is accompanied by chant. It's dignified, expected and rehearsed. There isn't the "Oh, I forgot to sit to the far right away from the offertory table. I guess I have to do this as EVERYONE is looking at me!" nonsense.
Some parishes insist on taking the collection before the 'offertory procession' so that the money can be brought up along with the other 'gifts'. This has the effect of unduly prolonging the Offertory rite, but, heigh-ho, we can make up for this by using EP II.
MANY moons ago in my youth, my home parish where i grew up, St Joseph, Egypt, Ohio, had the collection baskets at the door when you entered, no muss no fuss, it got taken into the sacristy and counted by the church wardens after mass. everything else was already in the sanctuary before mass, again no muss no fuss. Needs to happen again,. new priest, demanded numbered envelopes, the had the nerve to post names of those who he claimed didn't give enough. one call to the bishop stopped that cold. besides many farmers gave when their crops came in and quite a lot at that but all in one chunk.
I don’t miss it as I’ve given up on the Novus Ordo mass completely. I feel so much better now. I now feel Wholly Catholic.
John Nolan -
In addition to an almost exclusive reliance on EP II ("Father's great!! He's funny and sooo fast"), there are many parishes where the confiteor is rarely heard.
Deleting the presentation of the offerings is a good choice. Deleting the improperly executed entrance procession would also be an improvement. Improperly executed because the candles not the Cross should lead the procession. Oddly the procession on Palm Sunday is almost never done. Bring back the entrance antiphon !
What is missing in this discussion is that the Offertory is a key part of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. A component of the Offertory is the giving of OUR gifts (usually money). With online give and baskets in the back that's not happening. While I understand the practicality, I question whether we being to "that's the way it has to be" with rubrics.
Lots of opinions, glad no one here speaks with any authority over the Liturgy of the Church.
"It prolongs the offertory." What's your hurry?
"No one really wants to do it."
Says you. Have you asked everyone? If you have who cares?
"Delete this or delete that."
The candles go before the cross? Says you. If it is done "incorrectly" let's just get rid of it instead of correcting it.
I am so glad that in Internet Land there are so many with degrees in Liturgy and experience in offering the Mass.
Pew sitting quarterbacks reign here.
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