With regard to Melanie Kan’s concern for celebrations of The Word and Communion in her diocese being disallowed (Letters, 23 May), when they were first approved by the bishops of England and Wales in 1996 I thought it was only for exceptional need. Since then, it would seem that need has steadily increased. But has it?
An increase in the practice does not necessarily mean priests are not available to celebrate Mass. It being permissible for lay people to lead a celebration, read the Gospel and dispense communion might well encourage some clergy to regard the practice as a way of easing their having to see to other matters (pastoral or otherwise).
It might also increase an enthusiasm among certain laity to play at being priest, especially if one person were to be leader, Gospel reader and minister of communion within one celebration (as the Introduction to Celebrations of the Word & Communion (2013) expressly counsels against).
Indeed, excessive or unjustified use could well call into question just what the function of a priest is, as it could rapidly become one of consecrating a sufficient number of hosts to last a week, or several weeks (if celebrations of The Word and Communion on a Sunday became justifiable); or be for more than one parish. Then what would happen if the parish priest as a species dropped completely out of the picture, leaving a ‘bishop' alone to consecrate sufficient hosts for every parish within his territory every week, month, year?
And where in all this would be deacons – or even deaconesses?
No, before CWC is practised, the need for it has to be fully justified. If justified, the ministries within it have to be shared, and rotated where possible. But first we need clarification on just what, primarily, is the function of the priest. Just what is unique to them, without which we would not be a sacramental Church?
That is what I think bishops are seeking to define and safeguard, while fostering lay assistance where genuine need requires it.
Paul Walker, Derbyshire
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