May 2026
The Easter season is one where we celebrate the new life of the Resurrection. This liturgical season is a gift to us each year that affords us the opportunity to grow closer to our Risen Savior not only personally but also as a community of believers. In answering the Easter call, our Liturgy Committee worked with the new guidelines issued by our Diocese regarding the ministry of the Deacons, in accordance with the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. This review will bring new life to our Community’s Eucharistic celebration.
The first, and most obvious, of the new practices is the restoration of the dignity of the Book of the Gospels. Once again, we will process with the Book of the Gospels and enthrone it upon the Altar. When the Deacon is present, he will carry it. In the absence of the Deacon, the Reader will assume this privilege. The Book of the Gospels will then be processed to the ambo, where it will be used to proclaim the Good News of our salvation. It will then be enthroned on the front of the ambo.
The next Easter gift that we receive is in the preparation of the altar. The corporal will now be unfolded by the Deacon (or in his absence the Celebrant). The liturgical altar linen serves to retain any fragments of the Blessed Sacrament. The corporal is then refolded in a particular manor after the sacred vessels are purified.
The Diocese also provided clarity on the proper pastoral care of those who approached the Ordinary or Extra-Ordinary Minister of Holy Communion but are unable to receive the Blessed Sacrament. The Minister will say “Peace be with you”. No gestures should be made. This Easter gift will unify the practice throughout the Diocesan Church. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of the blessing being at the end of Mass, when we are sent to be God’s blessing in the world.
The final aspect of our liturgical new life is also a gift of unity. All Ordinary and Extra Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will genuflect or bow after opening the Tabernacle Door and before closing it. (This is more of a reminder, than a new instruction.) This liturgical action serves as a reminder of the reverence due Our Eucharistic Lord.
It is appropriate that we treasure the unity that we have as a community of believers . . . not just in our Diocesan Church, but also with our Universal Church. This unity indeed makes us the Body of Christ throughout the whole world. May we always treasure this reality in the depths of our heart!