Gospel Acclamation QUESTION from Tom April 21, 2000 Dear John,
I am a member of a small choir. We have a person who helps our choir. This person attends the liturgy meetings and is well connected in the parish.
This person has informed our choir that we are to repeat the Alleluia chorus of the Gospel Acclamation after the Gospel reading on Easter Sunday and the 2nd Sunday of Easter.
This bothers me as I have not found anything to let me know we can do this. This person says they always do this.
What are your thoughts?
Thanks so much for your help.
Tom
ANSWER by Mr. John Miskell on April 22, 2000 Dear Tom,
In your utmost diplomatic manner you might inform this person that repeating the Alleluia chorus of the Gospel Acclamation after the Gospel may be very well intentioned but it is not called for in the rubrics. That being said, the liturgical law of the Church says;
Regulation of the sacred liturgy depends solely on the authority of the Church, that is, on the Apostolic See and, as laws may determine, on the bishop. Therefore no other person, even if he be a priest, may add, remove, or change anything in the liturgy on his own authority. [Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, #22] I hope this works but if it doesn't, I wouldn't get embroiled in a pitched battle over it. Offer it up in prayer and pick and choose your battles carefully.
Good luck,
John Miskell
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