Altar Candles?!

[Benedict_MAC]

Okay, I set up for our 6:45 am Mass every morning and am also the altar server. This morning my mind was elsewhere when setting up and the candles didn’t get lit. I noticed this only upon the conclusion of Mass. I feel terrible, but Mas was still valid wasn’t it?

 

[1ke]

What makes you think candles impact validity? Trying to understand where the concern stems from. What is it that you believe validity to hinge upon?

 

[L_Marshall]

Yes. It’s an honest mistake.

There’s only a few circumstances that can effect the validity of the Mass:

• If the person celebrating is not a validly ordained priest.
• If valid matter isn’t used. The Church teaches that bread (flour and water only), and wine (must contain at least some alcohol) may be used. If a priest used crackers and grape juice, this would be invalid.
• If the priest doesn’t use the Words of Institution. The Council of Florence states “The words by which the Savior instituted the Sacrifice are the means by which the Sacrifice is confected.” That means “This is my body,” and “This is my blood,” et al.

As long as these are followed, the Mass is valid.

 

[tawny]

Yes. It’s an honest mistake.

There’s only a few circumstances that can effect the validity of the Mass:

• If the person celebrating is not a validly ordained priest.
• If valid matter isn’t used. The Church teaches that bread (flour and water only), and wine (must contain at least some alcohol) may be used. If a priest used crackers and grape juice, this would be invalid.
• If the priest doesn’t use the Words of Institution. The Council of Florence states “The words by which the Savior instituted the Sacrifice are the means by which the Sacrifice is confected.” That means “This is my body,” and “This is my blood,” et al.

As long as these are followed, the Mass is valid.

Well stated.

 

[Benedict_MAC]

Yes. It’s an honest mistake.

There’s only a few circumstances that can effect the validity of the Mass:

• If the person celebrating is not a validly ordained priest.
• If valid matter isn’t used. The Church teaches that bread (flour and water only), and wine (must contain at least some alcohol) may be used. If a priest used crackers and grape juice, this would be invalid.
• If the priest doesn’t use the Words of Institution. The Council of Florence states “The words by which the Savior instituted the Sacrifice are the means by which the Sacrifice is confected.” That means “This is my body,” and “This is my blood,” et al.

As long as these are followed, the Mass is valid.

Thank you, this is actually what I was looking for. I didn’t really think that it wasn’t valid, but I know that the candles are supposed to be lit and sometimes my thoughts fall a little on the side of stickler for the “rules.” I just wanted some reassurance. Thank you again!

God Bless!

 

[CatholicZ09]

Don’t worry about it. On my first Sunday as sacristan, I remembered everything but the candles. I was so happy that I remembered everything prior to Mass, and then I went and sat in the pew and realized the candles weren’t lit. Father wasn’t too happy, but he got over it.