What is paraliturgy?

Answer 1

A paraliturgy is a gathering of the faithful, in the absence of a priest or deacon, to pray, read scripture and, sometimes, to distribute communion. It is frequently conducted by Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist and is used in parishes who do not have a priest or sufficient priests to cover the number of masses that would normally be said. With the shortage of clergy, some parishes are having to resort to this so that parishioners can meet their Sunday obligation. My own parish, the largest in this diocese, announced this week that they may have to resort to this soon. A priest would consecrate sufficient hosts in advance to be distributed by Eucharistic Ministers at these paraliturgies.

Sometimes a paraliturgy may refer to any liturgical celebration outside the normal approved celebrations that would be conducted by a priest or deacon. Novenas, prayer services, Stations of the Cross, etc. could all fall into this category. Once again, they would be conducted by lay persons rather that clergy.