We are concerned that the shaking of hands during the sign
of peace at Mass passes along colds and flu. Is this practice up to the individual
parish or diocese? Can it be changed to a nod or another non-contact gesture?
Certainly it would be charitable and correct for someone with a cold or flu not to touch anyone at Mass to avoid spreading the disease. The sign of peace is left to the option of the celebrant at Mass. In situations where there is an epidemic of flu or colds, it would be proper to omit the handshake and substitute a nod or bow. The sign of peace in various forms is an ancient part of the liturgy that has been restored in recent decades. It has reference to the exhortation of Jesus to be reconciled with our brother before continuing to offer our gift at the altar (Matthew 5:23-24). It is recommended you discuss your concerns with your pastor. Gloves might help in some cases.
Reprinted from March 7, 1997
Is it a sin to miss Mass on Thanksgiving?
No, it's not a sin. However, it is a good idea to attend Mass on that day if you can.
Reprinted from November 28, 1997
When we come to church for Mass are we to genuflect before we get into the
pew or is it enough to just bow our head?
If the Blessed Sacrament is present and the tabernacle is in view, we are to genuflect on the right knee before entering the pew. If the tabernacle is not in view or if the Blessed Sacrament is not present, a bow to the altar is all that is called for. We should not judge other people, however, since some people who are aged or otherwise handicapped might find it physically impossible to genuflect. If we enter a church where the Blessed Sacrament is exposed, the ancient custom of genuflecting on both knees can be maintained, but a single genuflection is all that is presently prescribed by current liturgical law.
Reprinted from November 7, 1997
At what time during Mass are we to strike our breasts? For
example, is it at the elevation or before communion?
There is no prescribed time for the faithful at Mass to do this gesture. There are a variety of customs and practices, all of which seem to be legitimate but optional. There are certain times when the priest is required to make a gesture, for instance, during the prayer "I confess." Some people choose to follow the example of the celebrant to decide when or if to do this.
Reprinted from October 10, 1997
May anyone other than a priest or deacon preach the homily
at Mass?
Canon 767 of the Code of Canon Law states: "Among the forms of preaching, the homily is pre-eminent. It is part of the liturgy itself and is reserved to a priest or to a deacon…" In certain situations, such as when a priest has lost his voice or when the congregation only understands a language that the priest cannot speak, the bishop can give permission for someone else to read the homily which the priest composes. Also, bishops can permit preaching in a church or oratory to be done by someone other than a priest or deacon, when this is not the homily in the liturgy (Canon 766).
Reprinted from April 18, 1997
How is it possible truly to attend Mass on Sunday, as we are commanded to
do, when instead we are permitted to go on Saturday evening?
The law of the Church which commands us to attend Mass every Sunday (which sis a specification of the third commandment of the Decalogue) can be obeyed by attending a "vigil Mass" the evening before, because we are permitted, if we choose to do so, to calculate "Sunday" as the Hebrews did, from sundown to sundown, rather than from midnight to midnight. Incidentally, even if we fulfill our Sunday obligation by a Saturday evening Mass, we are still obliged to abstain from unnecessary servile work and commerce on Sunday.
Reprinted from April 4, 1997