Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan said priests should reflect, read and discuss often with their people what “active, full participation in the Mass” really is.

He made this comment in a letter to priests on the liturgy in the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

“Our people should not be encouraged to think that the liturgy changes are ‘over’. Many of our people do not understand why the liturgy is changing; others do not like changes in things that already have been fixed. We must help them, not by soothing them that it will all be over soon. No one can provide kindness and understanding as warmly and effectively as their own parish priest.

The archbishop said, “If our liturgical fundamentals are urged, your parish will be revived in the community sense—a place for grace, a body charged with grace. The externals must lead to participation, to the incorporation of the whole person in the whole community. We are moving with the renewed Church. Can’t there be a more noble way to be a priest?”

A set of directives on the liturgy made the following points:

Every parish should use the new steps which are rapidly becoming a part of the Mass of the future:

1. Processional entrance through the people;
2. Well-trained lectors and commentators;
3. The Prayer of the Faithful-changed frequently to fit seasons, and local and personal needs. Spontaneous petitions made aloud can be very effective in small groups;
4. Offertory Procession inviting different persons;
5. Singing of hymns by people;
6. Standing as the normal position at Communion;
7. Silent periods-before each oration, and during priests’ communion prayer;
8. Hosts should be consecrated at the same Mass as consumed.

Self-communication of the hosts, and giving communion to those not Catholic are definitely prohibited until approval has been received.

Communion under both species is limited to cases already permitted and published. It should be noted that the Instruction on the Eucharist (Aug. 15, 1967) extends this practice to the following cases:

1. In a Mass at the meeting of “some pastoral commission” (archdiocesan or parish).
2. In Mass celebrated during “a retreat or spiritual exercises.”
3. In a concelebrated Mass, to all who exercise a genuine liturgical function, including lay people; to all seminarians who are present.

Masses in private homes, or any appropriate and decent setting are to be encouraged by every priest. Where possible, a program of such Masses should be worked out for the year. The only restrictions are:

1. Every part of the parish, regardless of social, racial or economic distinction are to be given this opportunity;
2. The priest is responsible for the proper arrangements;
3. A dialogue after Mass is highly recommended;
4. No more than a token “snack” should be served so that economic differentials will not embarrass anyone.