GIRM warfare

The things priests do are often exasperating to the faithful. Some practices are contrary to the script of the liturgy; some are neither permitted nor forbidden explicitly. So, for example, it doesn't say in the General Instruction for the Roman Missal (GIRM) that you can't have acrobats performing circus routines behind the altar during the consecration or elephants leading the processions in and out of the Church. I guess we're stuck in a situation of GIRM warfare. The frustrated faithful want to find rules and regulations to control the imprudent enthusiasms of the pastors; the pastors want to realize their dream of a revitalized church (for good or for ill).

How strict are the norms?

Classical dichotomy:

• "Everything not expressly mandated is forbidden."
• "Anything not expressly forbidden is legitimate."

Ad orientem vs. Versus populum

Ad orientem is Latin for "toward the East." Every sunrise reminds us of the day when the Son rose from the dead. There was an ancient tradition that churches should be oriented (literally, "Easted") toward the rising sun, and that both priests and people would face in that direction while praying. More importantly, the entire congregation was spiritually turned towards God, seeking His face and making a joint offering through the priest to Him.