An Interesting Development in the Diocese of Rochester, NY

A local newspaper in the city of Rochester, New York, The Democrat and Chronicle, reported yesterday on an important disciplinary provision by the Bishop of Rochester, His Excellency Salvatore Matano, who was appointed to the diocese last fall, and installed in January of this year. The long-standing abuse of having members of the laity routinely deliver the sermon at Mass has been put to an end; the law of the Church that the sermon is to be given by the ordained clergy, whether the celebrant of the Mass, or another priest, or a deacon, will be enforced. Bishop Matano is quoted as follows: “It is not a policy shift as regards to the universal law of the Church, ... I am trying to help the faithful understand what is the universal law of the Church and how important it is that in the celebration of Mass, we do what the Church asks of us.” The full report may be read here.