Deacons and Consecration of Host

[The_Hidden_Life]

Alright, I have a bit of a tricky question, because I don’t know all the proper terms for what goes on in the Consecration of the Body and Blood at Mass. I’ll try to phrase it simply:

At any point in the actual consecration (not the distrubution) of the elements does the deacon have any reason or proper role in elevating the Body and Blood?

Or in pouring the wine into the other cups or placing the bread into the dishes after the consecration? Basically, does he have any business picking things up or touching them without the priest having handed them to him first?

I ask this because I have seen things done in several different ways. I have seen the priest handle all of these actions. I have seen the priest and deacon jointly holding up the chalice. I have seen the deacon pouring the Precious Blood from the decanter into the EMHC’s cups as well as the priest’s chalice.

I’m not sure if what I see on any given Sunday is a liturgical abuse or simply a variant in how the priest chooses to do things. It only seemed a little odd to me because the priest had an odd look on his face when the deacon seemed to grab the decanter to pour the wine into the various cups on the altar.

I know that the EMHC (aka Eucharistic ministers) aren’t supposed to directly lift off off the altar or directly place anything on it. (Which is probably the most common liturgical abuse I see despite I’m sure many hours of training. I think people think they are being helpful in moving things along so the priest supposedly isn’t under pressure to get communion over with.)

Forgive me if I’ve gotten some of the terms wrong. I’d be happy to clarify with the correct terms if you provide them. Thanks.

 

[TableServant]

Good questions!

The deacon has these responsibilities in the Liturgy of the Eucharist (though there are other duties during the Liturgy of the Word and at the dismissal):

preparing the altar with the assistance of the acolytes

receiving the gifts (usually at the priest’s side)

preparing the chalice - pouring the wine from the decanter into the chalice and pouring a little bit of water into the chalice while saying inaudibly "By the mystery of this water and wind may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.

lifting (elevating) the chalice (no higher than the host or paten) at the conclusion of the Eucharistic Prayer - when the priest sings or says: Through him, with him…

giving the invitation to the sign of peace: “Let us offer…”

Through all of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the deacon is to be of assistance to the priest. That may include moving things on the altar, but is most specifically centerd around assisting him with the Sacramentary or any other liturgical books that he may need.

Communicating the congregation, most properly with the chalice or cup.

I hope that this has answered your question, or at least, cleared some things up!

God bless you,

 

[The_Hidden_Life]

preparing the chalice - pouring the wine from the decanter into the chalice and pouring a little bit of water into the chalice while saying inaudibly "By the mystery of this water and wind may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.

I think you meant to say “wine,” didn’t you? Otherwise, we’re getting into a whole new heap of trouble.

But this is done before the consecration, isn’t it? I think my question is more specifically what about after the consecration? Is a deacon permitted to pour the Precious Blood or distribute the Sacred Hosts into the small cups or dishes himself?

Thank you though for letting me know that yes, he does have a legitimate right to be co-elevating (is there a better word?) with the priest.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

"preparing the chalice - pouring the wine from the decanter into the chalice and pouring a little bit of water into the chalice while saying inaudibly “By the mystery of this water and wind may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.”

The Deacon should pour a drop or two of water into the “decanter” before pouring the wine and water mixture into the Chalice (s). If done in the way described which was common prior to the new GIRM and Instruction which now prohibits the Consecration of the decanter. Then only the wine in the chalice and not the wine in the decanter would be properly mixed with water for Consecration. It would make the matter in the decanter illicit matter however it would still Consecrate.

 

[Deacon_Tony560]

The deacon is the “Minister of the cup.” Also, the deacon is a regular minister of the Eucharist. The Ordinary (Bishop) gives faculties in writting to each deacon that outlines the bishop’s plans for him. In our diocese this includes all that you have been talking about. We are also encouraged to have a special ministry to those whom Christ called the least of his brothers and sisters. Mine is prison work.

thanks for talking about the diaconate

Deacon Tony

 

[Panis_Angelicas]

I believe the item being referred to as a “decanter” is properly called a “flagon.”
Ordained deacons are ordinary ministers of Holy Communion.

Here is a link for “Norms for Distribution of Holy Communion under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the United States of America,” which was sent from the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, seemingly to clarify some questions and concerns which have arisen regarding the GIRM.
Scroll down to Part II for specific clarifications and instructions. The deacon is mentioned quite often.
usccb.org/liturgy/current/norms.htm

Hope this is helpful.

Pax Christi. <><

 

[Dr.Colossus]

Or in pouring the wine into the other cups…after the consecration?

:nope: This is not allowed. The Precious Blood may not be transferred between vessels after consecration due to the risk of spilling it.

 

[Panis_Angelicas]

:nope: This is not allowed. The Precious Blood may not be transferred between vessels after consecration due to the risk of spilling it.

This incorrect practice ceased immediately in my parish when a concerned parishoner contacted our pastor about it and offered Redemptionis Sacramentum.

Pax Christi. <><

 

[RichT]

TableServant:

Good questions!

By the mystery of this water and wind may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.

I think he is referring to the Holy Spirit at Pentecost here.