Question
Question
Must a priest concelebrate on Holy Thursday? The Easter Vigil? Do they have specific things that they should do as a concelebrant?
--Concerned in Las Cruces
Answer
Answer
It is highly recommend, but not required, for a priest to concelebrate on these two days of the Triduum. Celebration of a Mass individually on these days is forbidden. The priest concelebrant may do as at other Masses during the year, proclaim the Gospel, preach the homily, assist with the distribution of Holy Communion, etc. The priest may also assist in the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday. If the number to be initiated is large at the Easter Vigil, concelebrating priests may assist with the sacraments of initiation so as to not unduly prolong the celebration.