How Large a Chalice for EMsHC?

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Leibnitz

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I am preparing a proposal for my pastor that will seek to reduce the number of EMsHC used at Sunday Masses.

Currently 4 individuals distribute the Precious Blood to perhaps 400-500 people. Do you believe this could be reduced to 2 individuals? Reducing the number of individuals distributing the consecrated Hosts is fairly straight forward, but I am concerned about the size/volume of chalice each EMHC can safely handle.

I would like to get an idea before I actually measure the volumes we are using right now. My gut feel is that (4 chalices)(8 ounces/chalice) = 32, a quart of Precious Blood is distributed at each Sunday Mass. Is it realistic to suggest an EMHC can safely handle a chalice holding an entire pint of Precious Blood?

And no, we won’t be reverting to Holy Communion under one species anytime soon. That’s just not going to happen.
 
That sounds like an awfully big chalice. Don’t forget that it’s not only the EMHC who handles it, but the people receiving as well. You wouldn’t want anyone to drop it or “slosh” it as they were receiving.
 
I don’t see that the ends justify the means. Why spend money on more chalices and risk them being mishandled to eliminate two EMHC’s? :confused:
 
A chalice that holds 16 oz. is going to have to be big enough to hold 18 to 20 oz. full, as there needs to be some room at the top. It will either be very awkaward in shape - way too tall for the size around, or very big around.

I have a coffee mug that is three inches in diameter, and it is difficult to drink from it carefully wtihout having the coffee dribble aroond the corners. Any larger diameter will be very difficult to drink from - for example, take a full soup bowl that is 4" across, and try to do that - gracefully or otherwise. You satnd a very good chance of the liquid dribbling out the sides as you do.

In short, you seem to be making a non-problem into a problem.

I attend Mass occasionally at the local Tarppist abbey, and the chalice they use is probably 4" across, and I find it difficult.
 
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