The Vatican to the parishes: 'Mass tariffs are off'

Via the tariffs for the Masses, more protagonism for the laity, even if not baptized, who may exceptionally also celebrate baptisms, funerals and weddings but who will not in any case be able to take on the role of parish priests. This is what the Instruction of the Congregation for the Clergy provides for redesigning parishes in light of "missionary" needs and greater attention for the poor. The Mass and the sacraments cannot involve "a price to be paid", "a tax to be demanded", one cannot "give the impression that the celebration of the sacraments, especially the Most Holy Eucharist, and other ministerial actions may be subject to tariffs ". The Vatican stresses this. As for the problem of the shortage of priests, this may lead, in an "exceptional" way, to the fact that "the Bishop, in his prudent judgment, will be able to officially entrust certain tasks to deacons, consecrated persons and lay faithful, under the guidance and the responsibility of the parish priest, "reads the Instruction on parishes.