On Holy Thursday, after the sacraments are placed on the altar of repose, how long do they remain there? When and how are they moved elsewhere, later? Also, where do the Good Friday communion hosts come from?
On Holy Thursday, after the sacraments are placed on the altar of repose, how long do they remain there? When and how are they moved elsewhere, later? Also, where do the Good Friday communion hosts come from?
Enough hosts are consecrated on Holy Thursday for Communion that night and on Good Friday. Once the Blessed Sacrament is reposed it remains there at least until Good Friday. Father, accompanied by candle bearers, goes to get it at Communion time. It may then be returned to the Altar of Repose or it may be replaced in a suitable safe place within the church – a locked area within the sacristy for example.
Traditionally, and at our parish because we follow the general instructions, the altar of repose remains until midnight Thursday, when the Blessed Sacrament is retired from the church to a place of safekeeping. The tabernacle is left open and unlocked. The presanctified hosts are brought to the altar on Good Friday, and any hosts not consumed are once again retired. The physical presence of Jesus is gone. That’s the whole idea.
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