By AP/KWMU
Belleville, Ill. – The Belleville, Ill. Catholic diocese is considering letting deacons or laypeople perform Sunday Celebrations because of a priest shortage.
"Sunday Celebration" is the name given to a special rite that can only be used in emergency situations. It would include Holy Communion, but not the consecration of a regular Mass.
A letter from Bishop Edward Braxton was read at many southern Illinois parishes that noted how "it has become more and more difficult to ensure a priest will be available for Sunday Masses.
Braxton says parishes may only perform Sunday Celebrations with a written mandate from him and only as a last resort. The celebration may not be used for a priest's anticipated absence. A sudden illness, for example, might allow for such a celebration, but only if that illness leaves a local area completely without a priest or other options.