Psalms From The Ambo?

[Apotheoun]

I'm a Byzantine Catholic, and we don't use any musical instruments in our celebration of the Divine Liturgy, just the human voice. Besides, I don't even know how to play the organ.

In reference to your comment: "I'm just wondering if I should be sticking my nose in business that doesn't concern me." The Vatican recently issued a document on abuses going on in the liturgy, and said the following, "In an altogether particular manner, let everyone do all that is in their power to ensure that the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist will be protected from any and every irreverence or distortion and that all abuses be thoroughly corrected. [i]This is a most serious duty incumbent upon each and every one, and all are bound to carry it out without any favouritism[/i]. Any Catholic, whether Priest or Deacon or [i]lay member of Christ’s faithful[/i], has the right to lodge a complaint regarding a liturgical abuse to the diocesan Bishop or the competent Ordinary equivalent to him in law, or to the Apostolic See on account of the primacy of the Roman Pontiff. It is fitting, however, insofar as possible, that the report or complaint be submitted first to the diocesan Bishop. This is naturally to be done in truth and charity. [Instruction [u]Redemptionis Sacramentorum[/u], nos. 183-184]

As far as it concerns "firing" the organist, I certainly wasn't suggesting that, but I was wondering why a non-Catholic has a role in the sacred liturgy, because all those who take part in any official capacity in the Sacrifice of the Mass, should be in full communion with the Catholic Church.

Edited June 14, 2004 by Apotheoun

[1337 k4th0l1x0r]

[quote name='immaculata' date='Jun 13 2004, 06:58 PM'] Wait.. how can your church not have an ambo? Okay, maybe I'm confused as to what the ambo really is. I assumed it was the lectern from where the readings were proclaimed. Am I wrong? [/quote]
The ambo is where the readings and the homily are said. This is the ONLY function of the ambo. The responsorial prayer and the announcements must be read either standing up not in front of the altar or the ambo or at a lectern/cantor stand. Every church must have an ambo at the front. It is one of the required objects of a church, along with an altar, a tabernacle, crucifix or other approved display, a chair, etc. In some churches a choir member is the cantor and the choir may be in the back of the church on a balcony. This would be an instance where the choir in the back would be an appropriate place to sing the psalm.

[Aloysius]

i was thinking of those cool nonmovable stone ones. we have one.

[p0lar_bear]

Since the GIRM offers the possibility of "another suitable place," staying at the cantor's stand may be appropriate. It would be up to the bishop to determine whether this constitutes a "suitable place." You could ask your music director whether this is the case. If you are still concerned, you may considered contacting your diocesan offices for any directives in the matter.

[Lil Red]

Three steps?!? That's it?!? Ours is three steps up to the ambo too (but we also have a ramp on the other side) and our cantors can make it! Come on! Three steps?!?

[Aloysius]

[quote name='Aloysius' date='Jun 13 2004, 09:42 PM'] i was thinking of those cool nonmovable stone ones. we have one. [/quote]
we DONT have a cool unmovable stone one, for clarification, cuz i just read that post and that's how it sounded. PAX

[immaculata]

[quote name='Lil Red' date='Jun 14 2004, 11:46 AM'] Three steps?!? That's it?!? Ours is three steps up to the ambo too (but we also have a ramp on the other side) and our cantors can make it! Come on! Three steps?!? [/quote]
That's what I thought..... siiiiighhh....

You don't know our cantors. They love to whine.

Our director would take the side of the cantors, in fact, she's the worst. She claims she's 'disabled' and demanded that they reserve a handicapped spot for her in front of the school (she's also a teacher). Every Sunday, she parks in her school handicapped spot..... and then walks ALLLLL the way across the parking lot to the church!!! Explain that one to me, please.

Anyways, she's one of those cantors that throws a fit about walking up those three steps. I don't think my protests would get very far with her. Next time I get a chance to talk with the bishop, I'll bring it up with him, though, just to get the official "okay"