November 19, 1999

To the Clergy and Faithful of the Archdiocese of Atlanta

Dear Friends in Christ,

The recent instruction which I published on kneeling during Mass and other Eucharistic practices has caused certain questions to be raised regarding the appropriate places to be occupied by the Faithful and by ordained ministers of the Church during the Eucharistic prayer. I wish to address these questions now.

Despite its occurrence in various churches, an invitation to the Faithful to enter the sanctuary and to stand or kneel around the altar during the Eucharistic Prayer has never been the accepted practice of the Church. Consulting the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, we find that the sanctuary is identified and set off as a place for the priest celebrating the Mass, the concelebrants, and designated ministers of the liturgy (acolytes, readers, servers). This distinction of place, reflective of the structure of the Church, as well as the nature of the sacrifice being offered by the Priest for the Faithful, has never been changed.

To dismiss this designation of appropriate place is against the will of the Church, and ultimately detrimental to anyone seeking to understand and to live the mystery of Christ's Faith, both as regards the the identity of the ordained priesthood, and the dignity of the Faithful, who partake in the Sacrifice being offered in their behalf.

Therefore, in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, so that before God we may be a Church unified by design as well as by spirit, the only persons permitted inside the sanctuary during the Eucharistic Prayer are the celebrant, the concelebrants, and the appointed ministers of the altar -- acolytes, readers, servers. The Faithful of all ages are to kneel in their places, outside the sanctuary. The only normal exception to this general rule would be the presence of a bride and groom in the sanctuary for the Ritual Nuptial Mass.

I realize this action may cause some parishes and groups to abandon practices to which they have become accustomed, but I would be remiss in my duty to care for the people of the Archdiocese were this liturgical error to continue. I invite all clergy and catechists of the Archdiocese to study and take to heart what is written in the Introduction to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, nos.. 4 and 5, as well as Chapter 5 of the Instruction, especially nos. 257 and 258, and work with all fervor to instill in the hearts of those attending Mass a reverent and abiding respect for what is written there.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend John. F. Donoghue

Archbishop of Atlanta