Q. 1. During the preaching of the homily, the priest at our Church leaves the Sanctuary and often disappears from the sight of some of the Mass attendants. Is the priest allowed to move back and forth in the Church during the preaching of the homily?

A. 1. While preaching the homily, the priest is prohibited from leaving the Sanctuary. He may need to be reminded of this Catholic instruction.

In the "General Instruction of the Roman Missal" of March 27, 1975, by the " Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship." it states: "# 97. The homily is given at the chair or at the lectern."