children around the altar

Question from Ben on 4/13/2008:

Whenever the bishop visits our parish he always invites the all the children around the altar during the entire Mass. Is this permitted? Thank you.

Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 4/14/2008:
Ben, Actually no, but the bishop is the chief liturgist in his diocese. He does what he wants. Only the priest, deacon, bishop, director of chant, the cantors, (in short, all you perform the liturgy should be in the sanctuary) are in the sanctuary. Fr.Bob Levis