Ad-libbing

[Fides_et_Ratio]

I've had more than one priest (not priests that have blown me away with their orthodoxy, however) tell me that there are certain places in the Mass where a priest is permitted to ad-lib. AND, I found an "answer" [url="http://www.catholicliturgy.com/index.cfm/FuseAction/LawText/Index/6/SubIndex/97/LawIndex/6"]here[/url], that says priests can ad-lib before the penitential rite, when introducing the prayers of the faithful, and wherever it says 'pray, brethren'. But it does not document any source, so I'm inclined to conclude that perhaps it is only speculation.

I have been, and am strongly assured in my reading of official Church documents, that at no point during the Mass is a priest permitted to ad-lib. I do not understand the rationale behind ad-libbing anyway (and it annoys the heck out of me).

But can anyone confirm/add anything to what I've found thus far?

[p0lar_bear]

I'd have to look up exactly where, but there a couple of times in the Sacramentary when it gives the option of saying something "in similar words" or allows for some introductory or explanatory statements.

[p0lar_bear]

From the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM)

[quote]31. It is also up to the priest, in the exercise of his office of presiding over the gathered assembly, to offer certain explanations that are foreseen in the rite itself. Where it is indicated in the rubrics, the celebrant is permitted to adapt them somewhat in order that they respond to the understanding of those participating. However, he should always take care to keep to the sense of the text given in the Missal and to express them succinctly. The presiding priest is also to direct the word of God and to impart the final blessing. In addition, he may give the faithful a very brief introduction to the Mass of the day (after the initial Greeting and before the Act of Penitence), to the Liturgy of the Word (before the readings), and to the Eucharistic Prayer (before the Preface), though never during the Eucharistic Prayer itself; he may also make concluding comments to the entire sacred action before the dismissal.[/quote]

[Fides_et_Ratio]

Thanks, polar.. I knew there was something in the GIRM about it... though it still doesn't say anything about the "pray, brethren" bit.

Is there anything that defines "similar words"?

[p0lar_bear]

With the "pray brethren," the Sacramentary often offers several options for "brothers and sisters" "brothers" "brethren," etc.

I think similar words is kind of self-explanatory, but as the GIRM indicates, it cannot change the meaning.

[Fides_et_Ratio]

[quote name='p0lar_bear' date='Jul 16 2004, 12:38 PM'] With the "pray brethren," the Sacramentary often offers several options for "brothers and sisters" "brothers" "brethren," etc.

I think similar words is kind of self-explanatory, but as the GIRM indicates, it cannot change the meaning. [/quote]
So basicially I need to get a hold of a Sacramentary (By chance, do you know if "friends" is one of the substitutes?)

Well, I would say "similar words" is self-explanatory... however, without intending to sound accusatory, many priests I know have an odd definition of "similar".

[MorphRC]

Interesting. Whats ad-lib stand for?

[Fides_et_Ratio]

[quote name='MorphRC' date='Jul 17 2004, 04:34 AM'] Interesting. Whats ad-lib stand for? [/quote]
stand for?

Do you mean, 'what does ad-libbing mean?'? .... During the Mass, it's when a priest says or does something not explicitly called for in the rubrics--usually adding words to certain prayers, or changing them completely.

[MorphRC]

[quote name='Fides_et_Ratio' date='Jul 18 2004, 01:12 AM'] stand for?

Do you mean, 'what does ad-libbing mean?'? .... During the Mass, it's when a priest says or does something not explicitly called for in the rubrics--usually adding words to certain prayers, or changing them completely. [/quote]
Oh Ok. Arigato

[phatcatholic]

[url="http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/ad-lib"][b]Ad-Lib[/b][/url]

Ad lib (or ad-lib) are terms relating to its Latin meaning, ad libitum for "at liberty". Ad lib is the adjective or adverb, ad-lib is the verb or noun form.

Most commonly, in drama, the quick-witted invention of dialogue to cover a performer's memory lapse would be an example of an ad-lib. Or, a director might encourage performers to ad-lib in a particular show. (The term ad-lib usually refers to the interpolation of unscripted material in an otherwise scripted performance. When the entire performance is grounded in spontaneous creation, the process is usually called improvisation).

Live performers such as television Television talk-show hosts sometimes enhance their reputation for wit by the delivery of material that sounds ad-libbed but is actually scripted, and may employ ad-lib writers to prepare such material.

In music the term ad lib is used in a similar way to mean an improvised passage. It is also an instruction found in sheet music; see ad libitum.

Medical prescriptions may use the abbreviation ad lib. to indicate "freely" or that as much as one desires should be used.

Edited July 23, 2004 by phatcatholic