Crystal/Glass Chalice

[Kevin42]

Last week our priest used either a crystal or glass chalice during the eucharist (although the other eucharistic ministers used the silver ones). I was pretty sure that this wasn’t proper, but I don’t know if it is something I should make a big deal of, or just let it go?

 

[CantorRick]

Last week our priest used either a crystal or glass chalice during the eucharist (although the other eucharistic ministers used the silver ones). I was pretty sure that this wasn’t proper, but I don’t know if it is something I should make a big deal of, or just let it go?

Kevin,

Unless you had other priests concelebrating, there were no other “eucharistic ministers”, there may have been extraordinary ministers of the eucharist instead. That being said, the question concerning the properness of crystal, which is glass, has been asked and answered within the make-up of the various forums (fora?). I recommend you do a search for “chalice, crystal” and see what you come up with. And lastly, just some advice from one Catholic christian to another; go ahead and let it go. I’m sure you have better things to get involved in besides liturgical accoutrements.

Your brother in Christ,
Richard

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Last week our priest used either a crystal or glass chalice during the eucharist (although the other eucharistic ministers used the silver ones). I was pretty sure that this wasn’t proper, but I don’t know if it is something I should make a big deal of, or just let it go?

They are no longer to be used. See if it happens again.

 

[John_Lilburne]

Last week our priest used either a crystal or glass chalice during the eucharist (although the other eucharistic ministers used the silver ones). I was pretty sure that this wasn’t proper, but I don’t know if it is something I should make a big deal of, or just let it go?

From the 2004 Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum:

“[117.] Sacred vessels for containing the Body and Blood of the Lord must be made in strict conformity with the norms of tradition and of the liturgical books.
[Footnote 205: Cf. Missale Romanum, Institutio Generalis, nn. 327-333.]
The Bishops’ Conferences have the faculty to decide whether it is appropriate, once their decisions have been given the recognitio by the Apostolic See, for sacred vessels to be made of other solid materials as well. It is strictly required, however, that such materials be truly noble in the common estimation within a given region,
[Footnote 206: Cf. Missale Romanum, Institutio Generalis, nn. n. 332.]
so that honour will be given to the Lord by their use, and all risk of diminishing the doctrine of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharistic species in the eyes of the faithful will be avoided. Reprobated, therefore, is any practice of using for the celebration of Mass common vessels, or others lacking in quality, or devoid of all artistic merit or which are mere containers, as also other vessels made from glass, earthenware, clay, or other materials that break easily. This norm is to be applied even as regards metals and other materials that easily rust or deteriorate.
[Footnote 207: Cf. Missale Romanum, Institutio Generalis, n. 332; Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Instruction, Inaestimabile donum, n. 16: AAS 72 (1980) p. 338. ]”

The footnotes of “Missale Romanum, Institutio Generalis” (i.e. 2002 General Introduction to the Roman Missal (GIRM) ) can be accessed from romanrite.com/girm.html .

 

[Bruised_Reed]

Last week our priest used either a crystal or glass chalice during the eucharist (although the other eucharistic ministers used the silver ones). I was pretty sure that this wasn’t proper, but I don’t know if it is something I should make a big deal of, or just let it go?

Are you prone to klutziness? If so, perhaps now is the time to consider serving as an EMHC. Then let it go.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Are you prone to klutziness? If so, perhaps now is the time to consider serving as an EMHC. Then let it go.

As long as it’s empty at the time!

 

[awalt]

Crystal/glass chalices are illicit but not invalid. This has been discussed many times on CA Live as well.

 

[Cortes]

Last week our priest used either a crystal or glass chalice during the eucharist (although the other eucharistic ministers used the silver ones). I was pretty sure that this wasn’t proper, but I don’t know if it is something I should make a big deal of, or just let it go?

Let’s see if I can offer you an answer.

From the General Instruction of the Roman Missal

1. Sacred vessels are to be made from precious metal. If they are made from metal that rusts or from a metal less precious than gold, then ordinarily they should be gilded on the inside.
2. In the Dioceses of the United States of America, sacred vessels may also be made from other solid materials that, according to the common estimation in each region, are precious, for example, ebony or other hard woods, provided that such materials are suited to sacred use and do not easily break or deteriorate. This applies to all vessels which hold the hosts, such as the paten, the ciborium, the pyx, the monstrance, and other things of this kind.

Based on the GIRM, it dosen’t appear chalices have to be made of metal in the USA, even though it says exactly that in paragraph #328 above. It does however say they must be made of material that does not break easy.

From Redemptionis Sacramentum

1. Sacred Vessels
2. Sacred vessels for containing the Body and Blood of the Lord must be made in strict conformity with the norms of tradition and of the liturgical books. The Bishops’ Conferences have the faculty to decide whether it is appropriate, once their decisions have been given the recognitio by the Apostolic See, for sacred vessels to be made of other solid materials as well. It is strictly required, however, that such materials be truly noble in the common estimation within a given region, so that honour will be given to the Lord by their use, and all risk of diminishing the doctrine of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharistic species in the eyes of the faithful will be avoided. Reprobated, therefore, is any practice of using for the celebration of Mass common vessels, or others lacking in quality, or devoid of all artistic merit or which are mere containers, as also other vessels made from glass, earthenware, clay, or other materials that break easily. This norm is to be applied even as regards metals and other materials that easily rust or deteriorate.
3. Before they are used, sacred vessels are to be blessed by a Priest according to the rites laid down in the liturgical books.[208] It is praiseworthy for the blessing to be given **by the diocesan Bishop, who will judge whether the vessels are worthy of the use to which they are destined. **

Redemptionis Sacramentum says essentially the same thing about breakable materials. However, I would guess more than a few bishops are misusing the last sentance of pragraph #118 to approve anything that meets with their own personal desires.

I would mention the GIRM and RS to your pastor and let him make his own decision without any pressure.

 

[Kevin42]

Well, I went to mass, and we had the regular silver chalice that we have always used. Thank goodness. I’m not sure what was going on last week that we used a glass one, but I suppose that doesn’t matter. Thank you to everyone who replied-peace be with you!

 

[lak611]

My parents’ church uses crystal chalices and crystal plates. My parents have said that they have witnessed loud clunking by the priest with those vessels and are afraid that breakage will occur at some point. Thankfully, my church only uses gold plated chalices (for the EMHC’s) and the priests use their own personal gold chalices. The plates used for the Body of Christ are all gold metal, no crystal. I am an EMHC at my parish, but if I belonged to a parish that used glass or crystal, I would not be one; because I would be afraid of profanation of the Body and Blood of Christ due to the possibility of breakage.

 

[demerzel85]

Last week our priest used either a crystal or glass chalice during the eucharist (although the other eucharistic ministers used the silver ones). I was pretty sure that this wasn’t proper, but I don’t know if it is something I should make a big deal of, or just let it go?

It is not proper at all. But if one want to send feedback on what has been done a very important aspect that must not be forgotten is that it must be done with charity. The barest minimum is that the interior of the vessels be of a precious metal. The point is not to make noise about it, the point is to express rational arguements to support what one thinks.

 

[Linuse]

Some priests ordained while glass chalices were allowed received glass or crystal chalices as their ordination chalices as gifts from their families. Some of these have sought and received permission to continue using these because of the special value they have in their lives.
A few dioceses still allow crystal chalices to be used. They ask that these be replaced with metal when they break.

 

[system]

From the 2004 Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum:

“[117.] Sacred vessels for containing the Body and Blood of the Lord must be made in strict conformity with the norms of tradition and of the liturgical books.
[Footnote 205: Cf. Missale Romanum, Institutio Generalis, nn. 327-333.]
The Bishops’ Conferences have the faculty to decide whether it is appropriate, once their decisions have been given the recognitio by the Apostolic See, for sacred vessels to be made of other solid materials as well. It is strictly required, however, that such materials be truly noble in the common estimation within a given region,
[Footnote 206: Cf. Missale Romanum, Institutio Generalis, nn. n. 332.]
so that honour will be given to the Lord by their use, and all risk of diminishing the doctrine of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharistic species in the eyes of the faithful will be avoided. Reprobated, therefore, is any practice of using for the celebration of Mass common vessels, or others lacking in quality, or devoid of all artistic merit or which are mere containers, as also other vessels made from glass, earthenware, clay, or other materials that break easily. This norm is to be applied even as regards metals and other materials that easily rust or deteriorate.
[Footnote 207: Cf. Missale Romanum, Institutio Generalis, n. 332; Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Instruction, Inaestimabile donum, n. 16: AAS 72 (1980) p. 338. ]”

The footnotes of “Missale Romanum, Institutio Generalis” (i.e. 2002 General Introduction to the Roman Missal (GIRM) ) can be accessed from romanrite.com/girm.html .

:bowdown: Gotta love Church documents!

 

[lak611]

Some priests ordained while glass chalices were allowed received glass or crystal chalices as their ordination chalices as gifts from their families. Some of these have sought and received permission to continue using these because of the special value they have in their lives.
A few dioceses still allow crystal chalices to be used. They ask that these be replaced with metal when they break.

In the case of my parents’ church, they did have metal chalices, but for some reason, the priest replaced them all with glass chalices a couple years ago. He also replaced the metal plates with glass plates. My parents have never heard him say why. Although their parish is struggling financially and might have to close in the near future due to lack of membership due to changing demographics of the neighborhood (Catholics moving away from an older, inner-ring suburb). In fact, my parents are contemplating moving themselves, which would mean they would join a new parish that I know uses proper vessels for the Eucharist.

 

[fiat1122]

They are no longer to be used. See if it happens again.

I THINK MANY ORDERS AND PASTORS ALREADY KNOW THIS BUT USE IT ANYWAY KIND OF TO THUM THEIR NOSE AT THE VATICAN. THIS IS SO SAD, BECAUSE EVEN THE PARISH MEMBERS SEE NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, AND HENCE DO NOT COMPLAIN TO THE ARCHDIOCESE. I HAVE A FRIEND IN NEW YORK CITY, IN WHICH A CERATIN REDEMPTORIST PARISH CONTINUES TO USE THE CRYSTAL/GLASS CHALICES ON SUNDAYS, AND THE LAITY PURIFY THE VESSALS: of course the many “eucharistic ministers” do. What’s worse, is that the last 4 pastors including the new one (2006) before the final blessing asks: “who’s birthday is it”? etc, and they sing “Happy B-day” etc. I TOLD MY FRIEND THAT SHE SHOULD REPORT IT TO THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NY, IN A LETTER, AND CARBON COPY IT TO THE SACRED CONGREGATION FOR THE DISCIPLINE OF DIVINE WORSHIP AND THE SACRAMENTS IN ROME.

 

[Cortes]

My parents’ church uses crystal chalices and crystal plates. My parents have said that they have witnessed loud clunking by the priest with those vessels and are afraid that breakage will occur at some point. Thankfully, my church only uses gold plated chalices (for the EMHC’s) and the priests use their own personal gold chalices. The plates used for the Body of Christ are all gold metal, no crystal. I am an EMHC at my parish, but if I belonged to a parish that used glass or crystal,** I would not be one; because I would be afraid of profanation of the Body and Blood of Christ due to the possibility of breakage.**

How then could you justify being an EMHC given there is always a risk of dropping a chalice (no matter what it’s material is) that would also “profane” the Body and Blood of Christ?

 

[fiat1122]

I THINK MANY ORDERS AND PASTORS ALREADY KNOW THIS BUT USE IT ANYWAY KIND OF TO THUM THEIR NOSE AT THE VATICAN. THIS IS SO SAD, BECAUSE EVEN THE PARISH MEMBERS SEE NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, AND HENCE DO NOT COMPLAIN TO THE ARCHDIOCESE. I HAVE A FRIEND IN NEW YORK CITY, IN WHICH A CERATIN REDEMPTORIST PARISH CONTINUES TO USE THE CRYSTAL/GLASS CHALICES ON SUNDAYS, AND THE LAITY PURIFY THE VESSALS: of course the many “eucharistic ministers” do. What’s worse, is that the last 4 pastors including the new one (2006) before the final blessing asks: “who’s birthday is it”? etc, and they sing “Happy B-day” etc. I TOLD MY FRIEND THAT SHE SHOULD REPORT IT TO THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NY, IN A LETTER, AND CARBON COPY IT TO THE SACRED CONGREGATION FOR THE DISCIPLINE OF DIVINE WORSHIP AND THE SACRAMENTS IN ROME.

 

[Cortes]

Some priests ordained while glass chalices were allowed received glass or crystal chalices as their ordination chalices as gifts from their families. Some of these have sought and received permission to continue using these because of the special value they have in their lives.
A few dioceses still allow crystal chalices to be used. They ask that these be replaced with metal when they break.

I don’t really belive valid “permission” can be given. Either you follow the Church or you do not.

 

[fiat1122]

I don’t really belive valid “permission” can be given. Either you follow the Church or you do not.

 

[Brendan]

Some priests ordained while glass chalices were allowed received glass or crystal chalices as their ordination chalices as gifts from their families. Some of these have sought and received permission to continue using these because of the special value they have in their lives.

Permission from whom? Rome? That is the only authority that can exempt from Redemptonis Sacramentum

A few dioceses still allow crystal chalices to be used. They ask that these be replaced with metal when they break.
.

Again, where did these dioceses get the permission to continue?