
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, June 1, 1993                   TAG: 9306010077
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: VATICAN CITY                                LENGTH: Short

VATICAN MAY BE READY TO APPROVE OF ALTAR GIRLS

The Vatican may give its blessing to a practice already common in many Roman Catholic parishes: altar girls.

"The idea is under study and therefore no decision has been made," Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro said Monday.

Time magazine reported the Vatican was expected to announce the change later this year.

Altar servers, generally aged 8 to 14, assist the priest while he is celebrating Mass, lighting candles, preparing the altar or handing the priest water and wine.

At a 1987 synod of bishops, prelates urged that women be given a greater role and suggested allowing altar girls. In many countries, the practice has occurred for years without formal church approval. - Associated Press

by CNB