Msg Base:  AREA 3  - ASK FATHER (AMDG)
  Msg No: 43.  Fri  8-28-92 21:33  (NO KILL)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Joanne Fields
 Subject: alter girls

JF|I have seen several Alterservers who are females.  Is this in accordance
  |with the magisterium?
 
 
Dear Joanne,
 
According to my latest inquiry, the status of altar girls is uncertain.
My two informants seem divided: one says that Rome will probably
approve of them; the other says that Rome will forbid the practice.
 
By the way, the `magisterium' is not involved here.  The magisterium
is the teaching office of the Church and deals with doctrine and
morals.  The use of altar girls is the province of Church government
or discipline or liturgical praxis, not doctrine or morals.
 
                                        Sincerely in Christ,
 
                                                Father Mateo