Bishops approve preaching norms for lay
Catholics
The bishops agreed to permit qualified lay Catholics to preach in
churches, oratories and other sacred places. The decision to grant
such permissions was left to the local bishops and would be based on the
absence or shortage of clergy with particular language skills and other
expertise.
The bishops also approved norms governing Catholics -- lay,
religious and ordained -- who regularly expound Catholic teaching on radio or
television.
The new norms on preaching state, In providing for preaching
by the faithful, the diocesan bishop may never dispense from the norm which
reserves the homily to the sacred ministers. Preaching by the faithful may not
take place within the celebration of the Eucharist at the moment reserved for
the homily.
Otherwise, the norms state, a bishop can admit lay Catholics
to preach, to offer spiritual conferences or give instructions in
churches, oratories, or other sacred places within his diocese, when he judges
it to be to the spiritual advantage of the faithful.
-- Patricia Lefevere
National Catholic Reporter, November 23,
2001
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