Liturgical Rubrics Explained
14 vs 15 Stations of the Cross: What’s the Difference?
Why do some Stations of the Cross sets have 14 pieces and others 15? The difference is the Resurrection panel. Here is w...
Liturgical Rubrics Explained
Simplified explanations of liturgical rules and requirements
Liturgical Rubrics Explained
Liturgical Rubrics Explained
What Is a Humeral Veil? Definition, Purpose, and Use
A humeral veil is the long vestment worn over the shoulders at Benediction. Learn what it is, who wears it, why the hand...
Liturgical Rubrics Explained
White vs Gold Christmas Vestments: Which Color When?
White or gold for Christmas? A practical guide to the liturgical colors of the Nativity, Mass by Mass, and how to choose...
Liturgical Rubrics Explained
Can a Priest Say Mass Without a Chasuble?
Normally no: GIRM 336 names the chasuble as the priest's vestment at Mass. Here are the narrow exceptions and what a par...
Liturgical Rubrics Explained
What Is an Ambo in a Catholic Church?
The ambo is the place of the Liturgy of the Word in a Catholic church. Here is what it is, what the GIRM says about it,...
Liturgical Rubrics Explained
How Many Candles Should Be on a Catholic Altar? GIRM 117 Explained
At least two candles are required for Mass; four or six on Sundays, seven for the bishop. Here is what GIRM 117 says and...
Liturgical Rubrics Explained
Benediction Vestments: Cope, Humeral Veil, and What Else You Need
What the celebrant wears at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament: the cope, humeral veil, stole, alb, and the vessels us...
Liturgical Rubrics Explained
Can You Buy or Sell Catholic Relics? Canon Law Explained
Can Catholics buy or sell relics? What Canon 1190 forbids, how simony applies, how relics are lawfully obtained, and wha...
Liturgical Rubrics Explained
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament: A Step-by-Step Guide
A step-by-step walkthrough of Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament — from exposition and O Salutaris Hostia to the Divin...
Liturgical Rubrics Explained
Catholic Chalice Requirements: Canon Law and the GIRM Explained
What the Church actually requires of a chalice: precious metal or a gilded cup interior (Canon 924, GIRM 328), who may p...
Liturgical Rubrics Explained
Understanding the GIRM: A Simple Guide to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal
The GIRM can be intimidating. Here's a plain-English guide to the most important liturgical document for parish minister...
Liturgical Rubrics Explained
Low Mass vs Solemn Mass: What's the Difference and When Is Each Used?
Understanding the different forms of the Roman Rite — from Low Mass to Solemn High Mass — and what each requires.
