Archbishop's Column

Implementation of the General Instruction for the Roman Missal, March 24, 2005

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As you know, in the local diocese, the bishop, as chief pastor, is charged with the responsibility of overseeing liturgical worship. Practices adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as well as principles of universal liturgical law serve as guidelines for bishops as they fulfill this important responsibility. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal has given directives that are to be implemented throughout the universal church as well as options for local or regional adaptation.

In matters of worship, the unity of the assembly assures the sacred and respectful atmosphere, which contributes to the building up of the local church. The bishops of Alaska have elected to promulgate common liturgical gestures for the celebration of the Eucharist throughout the state of Alaska.

These gestures also conform to the guidelines issued for the two other archdioceses in our region, Portland and Seattle. These gestures and postures at the liturgy are to be considered the norm beginning with the Celebration of the Feast of Pentecost, May 14 and 15, 2005.

The instructional aids, which will be appearing in the next several issues of our Catholic Anchor, will help in understanding the background and reasoning for these guidelines. It is my prayer that our common practice will contribute to the dignified, prayerful, and orderly celebration of the Eucharist consistent with the practices of the universal church and those of our fellow Catholics throughout the region.

Sincerely yours in Christ and Mary,
Roger L. Schwietz, OMI
Archbishop of Anchorage

Postures of the Faithful (Effective May 14-15, 2005)

From the beginning of Mass until the First Reading: STAND
From the First Reading until the Gospel Acclamation: SIT
From the Gosepl Acclamation until the end of the Gosepl: STAND
During the homily: SIT
From the Profession of Faith (bow at "by the power of the Holy Spirit...and became man") until the end of the general intercessions: STAND
From the preparation of the gifts until the completion of the invitation "Pray my sisters and brothers that this sacrifice...": SIT
From the beginning of the assembly's response "May the Lord accept the sacrifice..." until completion of the Holy Holy: STAND
Upon completion of the Holy Holy until after the Great Amen: KNEEL
From the beginning of the Lord's Prayer and continuing as each receives Holy Communion (may bow head to venerate the Holy Sacrament) STAND
Upon return to pew following reception of Communion: STAND
After all ahve received Communion during sacred silence following Holy Communion: SIT or KNEEL
From the beginning of the Prayer after Communion until the end of Mass: STAND