Rubrics (from the Latin
rubrica: red) are Prayer Book directions for the conduct of services. In
some Prayer Book editions (e.g., altar prayer books) the rubrics are
printed in red. Rubrics originated with Roman jurists who used red for the
titles under which they listed their laws and eventually the laws themselves.
"Rubrical directions in the Prayer
Book are generally of three kinds. 1. Normative rubrics ... are
generally in the present indicative: 'is, reads, stand, sit, kneel.' Others use
words or phrases, such as 'shall, is directed, is required' or a form of 'be'
with the infinitive. 2. Rubrics which recommend a certain action
generally use words or phrases as 'it is customary....' 3. Permissive
rubrics are usually indicated by the word 'may.' They indicate options
without making a requirement or recommendation." [from Stuhlman, Prayer Book
Rubrics Expanded (1987), p. viii.]
Editorial Note: Three Scripture
readings plus a psalm are not required at celebrations of the Eucharist!
The inordinate length of many contemporary Services has occurred, apparently
because of a “more is better” notion embedded in the minds of many
clergy. One might ask whose needs are being met with such lengthy Services
– needs of the clergy or of those they are called upon to serve and
lead! (See Fr. Andrew Greeley’s essay in the subsite
“Constructive Criticisms…….”)