Christ Our Light Catholic Church - Loudonville, NY

January 11 and January 12
The Baptism of the Lord

From Deacon Dick~ 

Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest

          Experience teaches us that, from time to time, there may be no priest to preside at our weekend Masses due to unforeseen circumstances. 

          A number of years ago, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) published a Rite entitled: “Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest.”  This Rite, which is not Mass, may be led by a deacon or a baptized layperson.  I share with you a letter from Bishop Scharfenberger that is to be read at the beginning of the Rite:

“Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Because there is no priest available, under very carefully proscribed circumstances, I have given permission for a Sunday liturgy to take place without the Eucharist. Instead, today this community will celebrate the Liturgy of the Word led by a deacon or lay person who has been prepared for this ministry.  It is possible that Holy Communion may also be offered. In your prayers today, I ask that you place before God, most especially, the need to have priests to serve and lead our people.  Please know that participation in this celebration fulfills your Sunday obligation. Thank you for your faithfulness in observing Sunday as the Day of the Lord.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Edward B. Scharfenberger, Bishop of Albany”

To prepare for this eventuality, we will be offering training for women and men lay ministers who have the gifts to be presiders when there is no priest or deacon available.  Please join me in praying that all those called to priestly ministry may respond favorably.