Disposable purificators allowed?

[TAS2000]

Does anyone have a reputable source saying that disposable purifactors are allowed? I can find plenty of sources saying no way, but none in favor, and yet our parish uses these things. I have to admit, they aren’t just your average paper towel, and they are kept in a special place until a significant number of them accumulate, then they are burned. So they aren’t just being tossed in the trash.

However, before I make an issue of this, I’d like to make sure there isn’t a source somewhere allowing their use.

 

[kleary]

There is nothing in Church teaching that allows for using “disposable purificators” or burning them at all.

That seems to me to be a great sacrelidge and you should immediately report the problem to your bishop.

Ken

 

[cameron_lansing]

TAS2000:

Does anyone have a reputable source saying that disposable purifactors are allowed? I can find plenty of sources saying no way, but none in favor, and yet our parish uses these things. I have to admit, they aren’t just your average paper towel, and they are kept in a special place until a significant number of them accumulate, then they are burned. So they aren’t just being tossed in the trash.

However, before I make an issue of this, I’d like to make sure there isn’t a source somewhere allowing their use.

Boy, just when we thought we’d heard it all.

Those doing this practice at your parish have the burden of proof to show that they are allowed. What have they produced?

(Maybe you should peek in the storage closets to see if disposable congregational chalices are in the wings.)

For everyone’s quick reference, of course, usccb.org/liturgy/innews/032001.shtml under “The Care and Cleansing of Altar Linens”?

What did your bishop say when he found out about this?

 

[kleary]

And again- just look at what those people in your parish are doing! They are burning Jesus Christ!!!

Ken

 

[TAS2000]

I haven’t made an issue of it yet. However, the bishop did celebrate mass here a few years ago - you think he would have noticed it then. I understand it has been done “forever”. But maybe he didn’t see it. I am not sure they use them at mass, but they deffinately use them afterwards in the sacristy to clean the vessels.

By the way- anyone have a good document on cleaning the vessels? Specifically, we seem to have a problem with some individuals accepting that you aren’t supposed to sanitize the chalice etc. within an inch of existance. I always thought it was a simple rinse, wipe and put them away. The people in question work in food service and seem to want to sterilize everything. So if there was somethign explaining why we don’t really need or want to scour them out, I’d appreciate it.

 

[TAS2000]

BTW Ken, burning IS an approved method for disposing of worn and no longer usable altar linens.

 

[cameron_lansing]

TAS2000:

I am not sure they use them at mass, but they deffinately use them afterwards in the sacristy to clean the vessels.

You may have introduced quite a difference in saying this.
Are they first purified correctly and these disposable towels used to dry or polish them in some way?

 

[kleary]

TAS2000:

BTW Ken, burning IS an approved method for disposing of worn and no longer usable altar linens.

As long as they do not have the Blessed Sacrament embedded in them. They have to be cleaned in the Sacarium first.

Ken

 

[Brendan]

TAS2000:

BTW Ken, burning IS an approved method for disposing of worn and no longer usable altar linens.

kleary:

As long as they do not have the Blessed Sacrament embedded in them. They have to be cleaned in the Sacarium first.

Ken

Yes, they would have to be soaked in water until the Accidents of Wine (and this the Real Presence) are not longer there.

Then dried and finally burned.

I suppose there is nothing to prevent a parish from only using linen purificators once in this way, (use once, soak, dry, burn) other than it is a HUGE waste of financial resources.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

TAS2000:

Does anyone have a reputable source saying that disposable purifactors are allowed? I can find plenty of sources saying no way, but none in favor, and yet our parish uses these things. I have to admit, they aren’t just your average paper towel, and they are kept in a special place until a significant number of them accumulate, then they are burned. So they aren’t just being tossed in the trash.

However, before I make an issue of this, I’d like to make sure there isn’t a source somewhere allowing their use.

The only suitable place for the Blessed Sacrament (unrinsed purificator) would be in the tabernacle, I assume that is not where they are stored?. They must be rinsed in the Sacarium ASAP after use and then could be stored AFTER rinsing, I suppose in a secure container.

 

[TAS2000]

I just called one of our directors to confirm. They do use these disposable cloths at mass. (BTW there are no dixie cups hiding in the cupboard for future chalice use, that I could see. )

I can’t confirm with any certainty that these are or are not properly rinsed in the scrarium after use. I usually don’t venture into the sacristy after mass, as I have 3 small kids to keep track off. But we are trying to start a sacristan program, and I have recently taken on some of the responsibility. In being given a “tour” of where everything is kept so we could write up a document for it, I was shown these. Thus my concern.

My eye sight being what it is, from the pew, it just looked like any other white cloth. So until now, I never paid it any attention.

However, even if they ARE being rinsed properly, and burned, I still think it is wrong. I just wanted to confirm it before I make an issue of it. Of course knowing full well that the one who complains is likely to be the one who will have to take up the extra work involved in fixing it. I don’t think we have much in the way of an Altar Society caring for all the linens, and SOMEONE has to do the laundry. Oh well, I guess I can take on one more duty.