Holy Thursday & Good Friday

[JoeFreedom]

On Holy Thursday mass, when the priest takes the consecrated host to the tabernacle after communion is over, and after it is paraded around the church, he does so in a robed garb and holds it, but does not touch it with his hands, but places his robe between his hands and the host “dish/container” (sorry, not sure if this has a proper name) so that he is not even touching it. Why is this done and where does the tradition come from.

I noticed that the deacon also does this in the early 4pm Good Friday mass too.

Personally, I would worry that the friction is less and that the host could be dropped more easily!

Oh, and one other liturgical question. At the beginning of Good Friday mass, all of the priests and deacons laid down at the front of the altar, while the congregation kneeled. What is the purpose of this and where does this come from?

Thanks

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

I’m not particularly familiar with the origins of some of these practices, so I’m interested, too. I will, however, help you out with some vocabulary here.

On Holy Thursday mass, when the priest takes the consecrated host to the tabernacle after communion is over, and after it is paraded PROCESSED around the church, he does so in a robed garb humeral veil and holds it, but does not touch it with his hands, but places his robe between his hands and the host “dish/container” ciborium (sorry, not sure if this has a proper name) so that he is not even touching it. Why is this done and where does the tradition come from.

I noticed that the deacon also does this in the early 4pm Good Friday mass too. Technically, there is no Mass on Good Friday.

Personally, I would worry that the friction is less and that the host could be dropped more easily!

Oh, and one other liturgical question. At the beginning of Good Friday mass, all of the priests and deacons laid down prostrated themselves at the front of the altar, while the congregation kneeled. What is the purpose of this and where does this come from?

Thanks

 

[JoeFreedom]

I’m not particularly familiar with the origins of some of these practices, so I’m interested, too. I will, however, help you out with some vocabulary here.

Thanks! I know what I wrote was likely disrespectful for using incorrect terms, so I probably should apologize upfront about that, but in no way did I mean to be disrespectful. I’m really trying to learn as much as I can about the faith, the sacraments, the traditions and so on.

So what is the “gathering” called on Good Friday if it is not a mass?

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

I didn’t take it as disrespect at all! I’m a teacher, among other things, so I was just trying to help.

The service on Good Friday is called the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion. This is the one day out of the entire year where a Mass is technically not permitted anywhere.

 

[alphomega]

Thanks! I know what I wrote was likely disrespectful for using incorrect terms, so I probably should apologize upfront about that, but in no way did I mean to be disrespectful. I’m really trying to learn as much as I can about the faith, the sacraments, the traditions and so on.

So what is the “gathering” called on Good Friday if it is not a mass?

The thought of disrespect didn’t even cross my mind. As I read your post I saw nothing but respect!! Our Church is full of all kinds of postures and gestures that can be quite intimidating for those not familiar with it. Me included…and I was babtized February 12th 1961.

Friday is. The first part “The Celebration of the Passion of the Lord” follow by “The Adoration of the Holy Cross” Followed by “holly Communion”

A Great resource is the Magnificat
magazineline.com/magnificat-magazine?affiliateid=LJZ-5R404&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Magnificat&utm_term=magnificat

God Bless

 

[OraLabora]

The service on Good Friday is called the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion. This is the one day out of the entire year where a Mass is technically not permitted anywhere.

Well technically there is no Mass on Holy Saturday either unless you count the Easter Vigil if the consecration takes place before midnight.

In fact while communion is distributed at the Passion liturgy, on Holy Saturday the only communion possible is viaticum for the sick.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

Well technically there is no Mass on Holy Saturday either unless you count the Easter Vigil if the consecration takes place before midnight.

In fact while communion is distributed at the Passion liturgy, on Holy Saturday the only communion possible is viaticum for the sick.

Good point! I tend to think in midnight-to-midnight days when describing these things, but liturgically speaking, you’re absolutely right.

 

[PacoG]

Well technically there is no Mass on Holy Saturday either unless you count the Easter Vigil if the consecration takes place before midnight.

In fact while communion is distributed at the Passion liturgy, on Holy Saturday the only communion possible is viaticum for the sick.

From what I understand the Tridiuum (the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Thursday, and the Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion on Friday and the Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday night ) is one long liturgical action. Friday’s service is really just a continuation of Thursday’s Mass or Act 2 of the Liturgical drama (rough comparison).

 

[JoeFreedom]

So far, I’ve learned some very good information… the ciborium and humeral viel and about no masses, but services. Three great things I now know!

I did check out the link to the Magnificat to see if it might contain some information or answers, but it is only a subscription, which I may pursue in the future.

I’m still hoping to get answers if anyone knows them or where I might look to find out why the deacon and/or priest holds the ciborium with humeral vieled hands during the procession on those two days and why the priests prostrate themselves completely by laying down instead of kneeling.

Oh so very curious! I thought about calling Catholic Answers, but never seem to find the time with work and family.

 

[1ke]

So far, I’ve learned some very good information… the ciborium and humeral viel and about no masses, but services. Three great things I now know!

I did check out the link to the Magnificat to see if it might contain some information or answers, but it is only a subscription, which I may pursue in the future.

I’m still hoping to get answers if anyone knows them or where I might look to find out why the deacon and/or priest holds the ciborium with humeral vieled hands during the procession on those two days and why the priests prostrate themselves completely by laying down instead of kneeling.

Oh so very curious! I thought about calling Catholic Answers, but never seem to find the time with work and family.

regarding the use of the humeral veil:

newadvent.org/cathen/07542b.htm

regarding prostration:

“This act of prostration… signifies both the abasement of ‘earthly man,’ and also the grief and sorrow of the Church” (Congregation for Divine Worship)

 

[alphomega]

So far, I’ve learned some very good information… the ciborium and humeral viel and about no masses, but services. Three great things I now know!

I did check out the link to the Magnificat to see if it might contain some information or answers, but it is only a subscription, which I may pursue in the future.

I’m still hoping to get answers if anyone knows them or where I might look to find out why the deacon and/or priest holds the ciborium with humeral vieled hands during the procession on those two days and why the priests prostrate themselves completely by laying down instead of kneeling.

Oh so very curious! I thought about calling Catholic Answers, but never seem to find the time with work and family.

The Magnificat is a valuable source throughout the liturgical year. For instance there was a 288 page book devoted solely to Holy Week with all the readings and explanations of what’s going on within each day.

Some other free online sources are:

usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/the-mass/general-instruction-of-the-roman-missal/

mycatholicsource.com/mcs/guide.htm

fisheaters.com/index.html

There are plenty of others also.