In Arlington we say, "Bishop Loverde has spoken - causa finita est."
By decree, Bishop Loverde has mandated that during November all weekend homilies need to cover formation on the new General Instruction on the Roman Missal (GIRM)
November 2-3: The Theological Vision of the General Instruction
November 9-10: The Worshipping Assembly at Mass: Postures, Gestures
November 16-17: Signs and Symbols at Mass
November 23-24: Ministries and Roles within the Mass
The Arlington Chancery has provided very detailed talking points to each parish to cover each topic.
Here's a couple of nuggets from the talking points with their GIRM references:
The responsorial psalm must be proclaimed/chanted/sung from the Ambo.
Silence - "even before the celebration itself, it is praiseworthy for silence to be observed in the church, sacristy and adjacent areas" (GIRM 45) It also recommends brief periods of silence throughout the liturgy.
Music: Songs or Hymns may never be substituted for either the Agnus Dei or other chants of the Mass (GIRM 366.) During Advent the organ and other musical instruments may be used with moderation. During Lent organ use is permitted for accompanying sustained singing. (GIRM 313)
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist do not participate in the entrance procession.
The blessing of children or infants should not be encouraged during communion - they are blessed with the full assembly at the end of Mass.
All the faithful are invited to attend a Eucharistic Congress held on September 24-25, 2004 in Washington DC at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The Congress, sponsored by the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR), is free of charge and open to everyone. The theme, Heaven Unites with Earth, highlights the profound mystery of God dwelling among us in the Blessed Sacrament and the unity of the Body of Christ. The two-day event will consist of celebration of the Liturgy, catechesis, prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and other activities focusing on the Eucharist. Special youth activities are planned. For more information, go to www.cmswr.org, or write: CMSWR, P.O. Box 4467, Washington, DC 20017.