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The Pope 's new Mass decree

On orders from Pope John Paul II, the Roman Catholic Church has reasserted longstanding rules for the Mass. Its decree also attacks "abuses" that have grown more or less widespread, especially in Western Europe and the U.S., since the liturgical changes of Vatican II. The Pope is clearly concerned about practices that may weaken the sacredness and ritual strength of the ancient Mass, or blur the distinction between clergy and laity. The new Vatican statement, though, is sure to stir some resistance in the U.S.

Since the 12th century the Catholic Church has not served wine along with bread to communicants, but in recent years has allowed it on special occasions. U.S. bishops want to permit the practice on Sundays, but the Vatican says no. Many American parishes have begun to use wine more regularly, following Protestant and Eastern Orthodox churches, which use both bread and wine on all occasions. American Catholics have also taken to using "altar girls" as well as boys to help with the service, though that practice has always been officially against the rules too. Said a disgruntled Washington, D.C., priest: "We do all of these things, and we're going to keep on doing them so long as they encourage people to worship in God's house."

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