From a reader:
I am interested in seeing the EF come to my local parish. The main
church is a monstrosity, but there is a separate chapel that might do
nicely.Unfortunately, there is no altar rail in the chapel. Is the rail
indispensable? I have seen some churches line up a few prie-dieux
where there is no rail. Is that ok?While we’re at is, how about steps in front of the altar? Are they
necessary? I know this discussion isn’t ideal, but it seems important to know when a paucity of bricks warrants throwing in the towel.
Throw in the towel? Tut! Tut! By Grabthar’s Hammer! A strong confirmed Catholic like you with this sort of talk? Never give up! Never surrender!
That said, an altar rail is not a requirement. I refer you to Mass on the hoods of Jeeps near battlefields.
Think of how much more beautiful your ugly church will seem once there is liturgical worship worthy of the name therein?
Lining up kneelers can work. I have seen that done far and wide. It is a good idea to provide something. It is of particular help to communicants carrying the burden of a certain number of years.
Go for it! Overcome those obstacles! Line up those kneelers and have at!
