Who stays on the Altar QUESTION from Rick September 22, 2000 At the time of the Eucharistic Prayer through the Consecration, who may remain in the Sanctuary with the Celebrant? In our Parish the Altar Servers kneel behind the Altar from the preparation of the gifts until after Holy Communion.
ANSWER by Mr. John Miskell on September 22, 2000 Dear Rick,
There is nothing wrong with this practice at all.
During the liturgy of the Eucharist, only the presiding celebrant remains at the altar. The assembly of the faithful take their place in the Church outside the presbyterium, which is reserved for the celebrant or concelebrants and altar ministers (servers) [Notitiae (Instructions for Sacraments and Divine Worship) Vol. XVII (1981) p. 61] In Christ, John Miskell
Back to Index Page