FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK

ANNULMENTS

In this year of Jubilee2000, the Church wishes to reach out to those who find themselves divorced. On the one hand the Church needs to defend the belief that Marriage is forever. On the other hand the Church needs to reach out to those people who for many reasons were not able to have their marriage last. In the western Church, annulments by the Church are the pastoral way of responding to this difficulty.

The wrong information about annulments abounds. One of the errors about annulments is the cost. So many think that the process costs so much that it is beyond their means. The truth is that in our Diocese the cost for an annulment is $275 for the entire process. Arrangements can be made for those couples who cannot afford this amount.

Another error about annulments is that if the annulment is granted, it would make the children illegitimate. The annulment of the Church recognizes that a marriage took place thereby recognizing the children of that union. The annulment of the Church states that although a marriage did take place, no sacramental bond was made because of certain conditions.

The Church annulment has no civil power. In fact, a couple cannot begin an annulment process until there is a final divorce decree issued by the state.

Witnesses are an indispensable part of the annulment process. Without witnesses, the annulment process cannot continue.

If the annulment is granted both parties of the marriage are free to be married in the church.

NEW GUIDELINES FOR THE MINISTRY OF LECTORS

January 2003

At home prepare the readings from the lectors' manual. Read the explanation of each reading.

1. Attire for lector: Men jackets and ties in winter months. Women Sunday best.

2. Arrive fifteen minutes before Mass. Prepare the Lectionary which is placed on the lectern before Mass begins.

3. If the deacon is not present, the lector brings in procession the Book of the Gospels which is placed on the altar.

4. The lector waits until the servers are seated before getting up to read.

5. At the time for reading the lector goes to the middle of the altar (on the red tile) and bows. Then the lector goes to the lectern.

6. The Lector should read directly into the microphone. There should be a slight pause before "The Word of the Lord" is proclaimed. (Many lectors are not taking this pause.)

7. After the second reading, the lector brings the Lectionary to the book stand (next to the lectern), places the Lectionary on the bottom shelf, and then bows to the Lectionary. The Lector then goes to the middle of the altar (on the red tile) and bows. Returning to his/her place, the lector should be seated so that the people know that this is a time of silence to reflect on the Word proclaimed (not to think that someone has forgotten to do something).

8. If the deacon is not present, the lector does the Prayer of the Faithful. While the Creed is being recited, the lector comes to the middle of the altar (on the red tile), bows, and then goes to the lectern. The celebrant will introduce the Prayer of the Faithful. Please remain at the lectern until the celebrant's final prayer has been completed.

9. The lector returns to his/her seat by bowing in the middle of the altar (on the red tile).

10. At the end of Mass the lector processes out with no Lectionary or Book of the Gospels.

11. Immediately after Mass, the lector is asked to return the Lectionary and Book of the Gospels to the place where we meet to begin Mass.