general instruction of the roman missal liturgy documentary series i

GENERAL INSTRUCTION OF THE ROMAN MISSAL
number of ministers. 95 It may, however,
also be celebrated without singing and
with only one minister.
116. If a deacon is present at any celebration
of Mass, he should exercise his office.
Furthermore, it is desirable that, as a
rule, an acolyte, a lector, and a cantor
should be there to assist the priest
celebrant. In fact, the rite to be
described below foresees a greater
number of ministers.
The Articles to be Prepared
117. The altar is to be covered with at least
one white cloth. In addition, on or next to
the altar are to be placed candlesticks
with lighted candles: at least two in any
celebration, or even four or six,
especially for a Sunday Mass or on a
holy day of obligation. If the diocesan
Bishop celebrates, then seven candles
should be used. Also on or close to the
altar, there is to be a cross with a figure
of Christ crucified. The candles and the
95 Cf. Sacred Congregation of Rites, Instruction
Eucharisticum mysterium, On the worship of the
Eucharist, 25 May 1967, no. 26: AAS 59 (1967), p.555;
Sacred Congregation of Rites, Instruction Musicam
sacram, On music in the Liturgy, 5 March 1967, nos.
16, 27: AAS 59 (1967), pp. 305, 308.
90