Bells at Consecration

[AJV]

Does anyone know about the bells in the Extraordinary Form? Are they “required” or optional?

Prior to 1962, there were only two of obligation in most low Masses-- at the Sanctus and the elevation. All the other ringings were introduced later - at the LOffertory, at the Hanc igitur, at the Domine non sum dignus, the consumption of the Precious Blood. In some places even more at the little elevation and the Pater Noster.

Two of these - the Hanc igitur and the Domine non sum dignus were declared tolerated by the Congregation fo Rites. In the 1961 Ritus Servandus, mention was made that the bell could be rung “a little before” the Consecration and the communion, if others communicated. IMHO, the rubrics are quite clear that this ringing does NOT take place during the Domine, non sum dignus, but it seems that most servers for the Traditional Mass are taught that way.

The general rule that used to obtain for NOT ringing the bell at a low Mass was if it would divert the attention of people away from another liturgical function. Thus for example, it was not to be rung during the Forty Hours devotion, during the choral rectiation of the Divine Office, if a High Mass or major liturgical procession was taking place, if Holy Communion was being distributed at another major altar, etc.

 

[Silverburg]

The following article gives an interesting historical significance to Sanctus Bells
Their History and Use in the Catholic Church

adoremus.org/0305SantusBells.html

Personally; I’ve always appreciated hearing the bells rung especially during consecration.

Seems nowadays; that clergy don’t want to be reminded of anything that remotely that calls forth memories to the Traditional Latin Mass. These kind of omissions in today’s liturgy never cease to impress me seeing a continual watering down of traditions and prayers in the Mass. Should Catholics expect less?

The non-use of sanctus bells has little to do with that.

Most people (including clerics) seem to believe the purpose (or at least the primary purpose) of ringing the bells is to alert people of the glorious transformation taking place and that’s simply not true.

Because of the effective changes typically realized when going from the EF to the OF (priestly orientation, a focus on the altar and not in one’s missal and no language barrier) that people should be able to clearly recognize the consecrations without the bells as a signal. IF the bells primary function was as a signal then their argument would have some merit but they are not so their arguments fall flat.

 

[EvelynEVF]

We have always had bells twice during the consecration, at least on the weekend. When our newer priest arrived, he started using them a third time, when he asks the Spirit to come upon the gifts (is this called the epiklesis?). And now at daily Masses (no servers, and big bell is kept where they kneel), the deacon has a little bitty bell stashed where he can reach it for the three ringings.

My only disappointment with my confirmation when I came home, was that I had requested bells (this was back when they were only used on the weekend) and there was no server so it didn’t happen.

 

[Bbigam]

I am blessed to be in a parish where we nearly always use the bells - at the Epiclesis, three times at each elevation during the Consecration, and at the priest’s communion. The only time we don’t have bells are after the Gloria on Holy Thursday, on Good Friday, and the occasional weekday Mass in which there is no altar server (there are usually servers at every Mass).

Most parishes around here don’t use them, which makes me sad. They don’t even use them at the Cathedral for Masses with the bishop. Aside from ours and the Latin Mass community, I haven’t found any other parishes that use communion patens…

 

[spellinggirl]

They may not be able to afford them. My church is deeply in debt from being built ten years ago and we cannot afford nice bells. I wish we could… I’d sure like to ring them when I’m serving.

 

[EvelynEVF]

Spellinggirl, the one our deacon rings during daily Mass is just a little bell, maybe 3" high not counting the handle, that could be bought quite inexpensively, possibly even at a thrift store.