Glass top on the altar?

[MoreThan1Hat]

Somehow it seems like a huge no-no to have a glass top over the altar cloth.

And no, I wasn’t imagining things; I made sure I got close enough to be sure (I was at a rehearsal for a Confirmation Mass at a large RC parish in another town).

 

[brotherhrolf]

Only if you are a member of the “I’m OK; you’re OK, let’s focus on the Eucharist” club. Doncha know that that glass shield makes cleaning up after Communion so much easier?

 

[EasterJoy]

Wow, unless that is only there between Masses, I can’t imagine it.

 

[down_under]

Wow, unless that is only there between Masses, I can’t imagine it.

I don’t understand what is the problem

 

[EasterJoy]

I don’t understand what is the problem

There should be nothing whatsoever on the altar during Mass save the altar linens, sacred vessels and their contents, and required texts. Glass is not an allowable substitute for any of the altar linens.

Still, if the church had a problem with birds getting in or something else like that, a glass cover would keep the altar cloth from being soiled between Masses.

 

[MoreThan1Hat]

Wow, unless that is only there between Masses, I can’t imagine it.

The Confirmation Mass is this evening - I’ll see if it remains on the altar and report back when I get back home. I have heard of dust covers for altars, but the ones I’ve seen have been cloth, a cotton flannel (because it ‘grabs’ the linen underneath and doesn’t slip).