Circular 7/2026
- Nashik Catholic Diocese
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
March 05, 2026
My dear Collaborators,
In continuation with some of the important points communicated to you on Liturgical and other matters at the end of the Recollection on Thursday, February 19, I am putting down the same in writing. Please note that the Liturgical norms have been formulated by the concerned Dicastery in Rome and the same have to be observed and implemented. As your Diocesan Bishop, there are one or two norms which are my recommendations and the same have to be observed in our Diocese. Should you have any clarifications with regard to the following matters, you are free to contact me at the earliest.
The cross on the Altar: The General Instructions in the Roman Missal states that
if the Crucifix is on the sanctuary wall then there is no need to keep another cross on the altar. Hence, please do not keep the cross on the altar if a Crucifix is already fixed on the sanctuary wall.
Things to be kept on the Altar: Please see to it that only the mike with the stand,
the Missal and the stand, Chalice with the bread and wine are kept on the altar. No other hymn books, papers and other material are to be kept on the altar.
Offertory Collections: Collections during the Masses must be counted by three or
four parishioners and entered in a special Book, duly signed with their names written. Thereafter, the money counted and collected should be deposited in the Church Trust Account. All collections should be announced to the parishioners the following Sunday. This comes into force from April 01, 2026.
Priests in-charge of the Choir: The priest in-charge of the choir is to animate the choir. When the Eucharist is being celebrated, the place of the priest is in the sanctuary and not with the choir. If the priest is conducting the choir and/or taking part in the singing of the hymns, he should NOT concelebrate during that particular Mass at all.
Singing of the old Doxology in Marathi: The tune based on the words of the old Doxology in Marathi must be strictly avoided. Violation of this is against Liturgical norms. With the introduction of the new missal, the old words stand abrogated. Please see to it that the old words and the tune of the old Doxology are not sung at all.
Looking forward to receiving your collaboration and with every good wish,
Yours in Christ,
✠Barthol Barretto
Bishop, Diocese of Nashik
