Lay Homilists

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Lay Homilists
Question from on 06-21-2007:
Recently, the Catholic school my children attend held a special children's Mass for an Army Sergeant who had graduated from that school, and had died serving in Iraq. During the Mass, one of the teachers was permitted to present the homily. Before she spoke, the priest also extended the invitation to any teacher who wanted to present a homily at any other children's Mass. As a parent, I found this disturbing, as I see the innovations becoming ever more progressive, and am considering moving my children to another school. But this is quite a large school, and it concerns me that so many young Catholics are being indoctrinated with these progressive ideas, while not even knowing the story of the school's patron saint. Does canon law permit lay homilists at children's Masses?


Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 06-26-2007:
WIth regard to daily Masses for children in which only a few adults participate, it is possible to omit the homily and have another person speak instead. The intent of allowing this is to make provision for priests who have difficulty relating to the mentality of children (Directory for Masses with Children #24).

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