"Intent" question

[Sancto_Spiritu]

We all know that the validity of a sacrament relies upon its form, intent, and matter.

If a priest were to say Sunday Mass and, right before the moment of consecration, said silently “I do not intend to consecrate this bread,” and that was unknown to the congregation, what would the result be?

Would the sacrament be invalid? I would guess it would be. But I would imagine the laity would be exempted from their Sunday obligation, as they reasonably believed they were fulfilling it.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

We all know that the validity of a sacrament relies upon its form, intent, and matter.

If a priest were to say Sunday Mass and, right before the moment of consecration, said silently “I do not intend to consecrate this bread,” and that was unknown to the congregation, what would the result be?

Would the sacrament be invalid? I would guess it would be. But I would imagine the laity would be exempted from their Sunday obligation, as they reasonably believed they were fulfilling it.

The intent when celebration the Sacraments is presumed, unless it is manifested otherwise. In other words if he goes through the motions and acts like he has Consecrated the elements and said the words outloud for all to hear and didn’t say outloud “I do not intend to Consecrate these elements by words or an act.” like moving a ciborium off the corporal.

 

[hennessm]

Great question! I would think that in this case “the faith of Church” would cover/ supply for the lack of intent and there would be a valid celebration and reception of the Eucharist by those present.

An extension of this question would be what happens when a lay person impersonating a priest presides at a Sunday Eucharist. I.e a person presents himself and acts as a priest in celebrating the sacraments for believing members of a Catholic community?

Technically the outward sign of grace is at best imperfect but thankfully God is not limited and communicate his grace, the presence of Christ to whomever in what ever manner he pleases.

 

[Walking_Home]

Great question! I would think that in this case “the faith of Church” would cover/ supply for the lack of intent and there would be a valid celebration and reception of the Eucharist by those present.

In extension of this question would be what happens when a lay person impersonating a priest presides at a Sunday Eucharist. I.e a person presents himself and acts as a priest in celebrating the sacraments for believing members of a Catholic community?

Technically the outward sign of grace is at best imperfect but thankfully God is not limited and communicate his grace, the presence of Christ to whomever in what ever manner he pleases.

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What happens—no consecration. The bread and wine—remain bread and wine.

 

[Spirithound]

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What happens—no consecration. The bread and wine—remain bread and wine.

And grave sin on the part of the impersonator.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Great question! I would think that in this case “the faith of Church” would cover/ supply for the lack of intent and there would be a valid celebration and reception of the Eucharist by those present.

An extension of this question would be what happens when a lay person impersonating a priest presides at a Sunday Eucharist. I.e a person presents himself and acts as a priest in celebrating the sacraments for believing members of a Catholic community?

Technically the outward sign of grace is at best imperfect but thankfully God is not limited and communicate his grace, the presence of Christ to whomever in what ever manner he pleases.

The answer to this second question is: Nothing happens, no Consecration takes place. The person if Catholic is excommunicated automatically.

 

[Cat]

We all know that the validity of a sacrament relies upon its form, intent, and matter.

If a priest were to say Sunday Mass and, right before the moment of consecration, said silently “I do not intend to consecrate this bread,” and that was unknown to the congregation, what would the result be?

Would the sacrament be invalid? I would guess it would be. But I would imagine the laity would be exempted from their Sunday obligation, as they reasonably believed they were fulfilling it.

Why is this question being asked? Why does someone want to imagine such an awful sin? Are you writing a novel? Has someone told you that he did this? I’m creeped out by speculation of this sort. Shouldn’t we be dwelling on higher, better things and thinking good thoughts, rather than filling our minds with dark things?

 

[FrDavid96]

We all know that the validity of a sacrament relies upon its form, intent, and matter.

If a priest were to say Sunday Mass and, right before the moment of consecration, said silently “I do not intend to consecrate this bread,” and that was unknown to the congregation, what would the result be?

Would the sacrament be invalid? I would guess it would be. But I would imagine the laity would be exempted from their Sunday obligation, as they reasonably believed they were fulfilling it.

Interresting question.

The result would be that the bread and wine would not actually be consecrated into the Body and Blood (since intent is required for the Sacrament) however, anyone participating in that “Mass” without knowing that fact, would still receive all the Graces of the Sacrament, since God would not withhold His Graces from those who are acting in good faith.

There are actually some times when this sort of thing might happen. For example, a priest who is learning the extraordinary form might be “practicing” that Mass and not have the intention of consecrating. This would be done in private of course. A priest would most likely use an empty paten for something like this, but then again, it’s not entirely impossible.

 

[Sancto_Spiritu]

Why is this question being asked? Why does someone want to imagine such an awful sin? Are you writing a novel? Has someone told you that he did this? I’m creeped out by speculation of this sort. Shouldn’t we be dwelling on higher, better things and thinking good thoughts, rather than filling our minds with dark things?

Is it a sin to be curious?

Interresting question.

The result would be that the bread and wine would not actually be consecrated into the Body and Blood (since intent is required for the Sacrament) however, anyone participating in that “Mass” without knowing that fact, would still receive all the Graces of the Sacrament, since God would not withhold His Graces from those who are acting in good faith.

There are actually some times when this sort of thing might happen. For example, a priest who is learning the extraordinary form might be “practicing” that Mass and not have the intention of consecrating. This would be done in private of course. A priest would most likely use an empty paten for something like this, but then again, it’s not entirely impossible.

That’s what I thought. Interesting!