Your answers
What is the most tactful way to solve the problem of
priests who cough into their hands or wipe their noses on their
fingers before distributing holy communion?
A comment rather than answer: just hand them a tissue - if you
feel that you can't tell them in the nicest possible way not to do
that, please.
(Dr) Ursula Ostermann
Bonn, Germany
Many years ago I thought that the ritual I had been taught as a
server, where the priest washes his hands after adjusting wafers,
etc., was inappropriate. As an incumbent, I decided to ask the
server to do the hand-washing before I touched the elements. I
still do so in retirement. I have never come across a server who
didn't want to. I recommend that your correspondent makes this
suggestion to his or her clergy on grounds of prevention.
(The Revd) Russ Naylor
Runcorn
Why are there "Introits and Anthems" at the back of
The English Hymnal, and what are we meant to do with them?
[Answers, 4 April]
I remember, in the 1960s, visiting the print room at St Mary's
Convent, Wantage, where the type for the four-line plainsong was
expertly set up by dedicated nuns. Each printed page was then
photocopied prior to binding two green-bound volumes entitled
The Plainchant Gradual. The masterly English versions of
Wantage are sung at high mass in St Mary's, Bourne Street, in
London.
Martin Willson
Slough, Berks
Your questions
What should we do with unwanted books - theological and
other topics - when downsizing for retirement, etc.? Secondhand-
booksellers are very particular. It is very expensive to send books
to missionary societies or to overseas churches. Charity shops are
overflowing. A friend ran out of time and had to take many books to
the tip. Any ideas?
M. W.
Why was the Parish Communion Movement so successful,
changing the liturgical practice of much of the Church of England
so quickly?
J. C.
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