22 October 2011

Does anyone know what this deacon is doing?

The Pimpernel is at a loss to know what this deacon is doing. More photos from the liturgy concerned are here. Suggestions in a comment please.





8 comments:

  1. Looks as if he is checking his make-up in a mirror.

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  2. He is bringing formward the large, multi-partite host at the offertory. Note, behind him the deacon with the lavabo towel. Out of range are the deacon with the water and wine cruets and the deacon with the lavabo bowl.

    Oh, to have four deacons! or even one!

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  3. From the fact that he is coming from the congregation and that the other deacon has the chalice with the purificator draped on it, I'm going to hypothesize that they are overly dramatically bringing up the gifts.

    That host violates the Miss Piggy rule of liturgy: "Never use a host bigger than your head."

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  4. Is this the World Frisbee contest?

    He certainly should not have a moustache.

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  5. Everyone is correct. The Catholic Encyclopedia makes mention of this kind of Host and says that it is legal, although uncommon at the time of the 1913 version (New Advent.) My quibble is not with multiple deacons, or the size of the host (which should probably be on a large paten,) but with the fact that deacons are conducting the Offertory Procession. I think it should be the role of the laity to do this. I give the benefit of the doubt here since the Church is large and Laity could have given the gifts to the said deacons near the head of the nave.

    The Rev. Michael P. Forbes
    Rochester, Minnesota

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  6. Some things are better not known !!!

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  7. The minute the laity have an official "role" in liturgy...is the minute they have become clergy, because that's what clergy are: people deputized for a public role in liturgy (basically)...

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  8. A little late to the party here, but, yes, the deacons appear to be presenting the gifts at the offertory. To A Sinner's comment, I'm sure we could go round and round on this, but, the liturgy (liturgia) is 'the work of the people'. Appropriate lay participation is desirable.

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