curtins Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 I'm not a supporter of girl alter servers in the ordinary form, but I know it is allowed. However, is it allowed in the extraordinary form- I've never seen it but is there something (a document perhaps that you could cite) that prevents girls from serving in the extraordinary form? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vincent Vega Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 Could it boil down to something as simple as the demographic that the EF attracts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resurrexi Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 (edited) [quote name='curtins' date='12 December 2009 - 10:44 PM' timestamp='1260675855' post='2019497'] I'm not a supporter of girl alter servers in the ordinary form, but I know it is allowed. However, is it allowed in the extraordinary form- I've never seen it but is there something (a document perhaps that you could cite) that prevents girls from serving in the extraordinary form? Thanks [/quote] In the ancient Roman rite, altar servers are seen merely as replacements for ordained acolytes, which are the ideal. It would make no sense if a female took the place of someone who was supposed to be in minor orders. Also, The rubrics of the EF Mass (in Latin) refer constantly to a "minister", a masculine word, who is constantly being modified by masculine adjectives, and who is always referred to by masculine pronouns. It never once refers to a "ministra" (both of which can be are feminine versions of "minister". I think that the argument of custom (which, like law, is binding on the community) could be made, but someone more knowledgeable in canon law than I would have to explain it. Edited December 13, 2009 by Resurrexi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Cat Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 (edited) At one time I would be eager and proud to tell you that, in the Extraordinary Form females are not allowed to assist in any formal capacity during the Mass or on the altar, even though they do help out. I find myself not as proud or eager to announce such anymore... In the Extraordinary Form altar boys do a lot, they are kept busy and they are expected to perform their duties. I do attend our local Latin Mass Community and I am very happy with the community there. Edited December 13, 2009 by Mr.CatholicCat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resurrexi Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 As USAirways explained above, I find it highly unlikely that the EF community would at all be in favor of female servers. Remember, the Mass is being said, in most cases, because the community requests it. Also, the members of the EF community are usually funding the Mass: no donations often means no EF Mass. Finally, the members of the community are the ones who are probably supplying the servers. If they don't want their daughters serving, the won't let their daughters serve. If female servers are implemented, I wouldn't rule out the parents of the altar boys organizing a boycott and preventing their sons from serving. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curtins Posted December 13, 2009 Author Share Posted December 13, 2009 just to clarify, this is in the context of a university community, trying to get the EF mass going. When I asked in an email who would be willing to serve, some girls expressed interest. My hunch is that they didn't know that EF mass is ususally served by guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OraProMe Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 I personally don't have a problem with female altar servers beyond the fact that I like smells and bells. I really don't think there's any solid theological reason to bar girls from service at the altar. But, you know, appearances are everything and no one wants to watch a girl prance around in the sanctuary for 60 minutes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OraProMe Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 ...but I'm not being serious. I doubt you'd get many female altar servers at a TLM though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HisChildForever Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 I don't see a problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sternhauser Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 I think they are allowed. But even if they are allowed, it is at the discretion of the pastor. ~Sternhauser Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OraProMe Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 [quote name='HisChildForever' date='13 December 2009 - 12:49 AM' timestamp='1260683393' post='2019556'] I don't see a problem. [/quote] Me neither but from a practical point of view altar girl boys are a novelty and the TLM crowd aren't usually the biggest fans of novelty in the liturgy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Cat Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 [quote name='curtins' date='13 December 2009 - 12:05 AM' timestamp='1260680725' post='2019534']just to clarify, this is in the context of a university community, trying to get the EF mass going. When I asked in an email who would be willing to serve, some girls expressed interest. My hunch is that they didn't know that EF mass is ususally served by guys.[/quote]If the matter is to be treated like it is in the Ordinary Form, in theory, it would be up to the local Bishop and the celebrating Priest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommas_boy Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 Are servers absolutely necessary for the EF? I've seen priests "make do" without in the OF pretty often, and they aren't really missed too much. I've only ever been to one EF mass, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OraProMe Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 [quote name='mommas_boy' date='13 December 2009 - 02:06 AM' timestamp='1260688007' post='2019583'] Are servers absolutely necessary for the EF? I've seen priests "make do" without in the OF pretty often, and they aren't really missed too much. I've only ever been to one EF mass, though. [/quote] I'm guessing so. In the OF the people answer the priest whereas in the EF form the server answers the priest on behalf of the people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommas_boy Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 [quote name='OraProMe' date='13 December 2009 - 02:08 AM' timestamp='1260688106' post='2019584'] I'm guessing so. In the OF the people answer the priest whereas in the EF form the server answers the priest on behalf of the people. [/quote] Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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