Topic: Concelebration

Source of this posting: Question answered via email from CatholicQandA.org posting

Date originally posted: January 25, 2002

Moderator who originally posted this source: J. Vetter

Question:  The theological value of concelebration is primarily its symbolism of the unity of the church and of the Eucharistic assembly and secondarily of the unity of the presbyterate.  For growing numbers of Catholics, however, concelebration is experienced as a sign and source of disunity and fragmentation in the church.  What is your opinion?-Duke Divinity School Student

Answer:

Concelebration was restored as part of the reform of the Second Vatican Council.  I was in the seminary at the time and it was certainly a welcomed change.  There were multiple side altars in the chapel, with individual priests celebrating Mass by themselves (with one altar server), while the rest of us gathered as a community.  It made much more sense to me when we all began to gather as one community for common prayer and there was no longer a need for the side altars.

You are right that concelebration is seen by some people as a symbol of clericalism.  I think there is good reason for us to gather as a church community periodically and symbolize the different charisms and ministries that make up the church.  However, this is sometimes done in a manner that is pompous and offensive. 

I think concelebration is a practice that has merit, but it needs to be done with sensitivity to the entire community.