Is this acceptable at Mass?

[dewhuss]

My husband and I recently moved to a new parish due to a job relocation in a new city. While attending mass, I’ve noticed some things that cause me concern. Or am I being too nit picky?

For instance, during the liturgy of the Eucharist, I’ve noticed he does not wash his hands with Holy Water, nor does he have his Eucharistic ministers do this. He never holds up the single host and breaks it apart to be distributed. He also does not receive Holy Communion until after Communion is distributed to the congregation - likewise with the Eucharistic ministers.

During weekday mass he has the congregation gather around the alter (stand) during the Eucharistic prayers. He knows who my husband and I are mainly because we are the only two in the whole parish to bow before the Body and Blood of Jesus before receiving them. He stated that that never really “took off” in his parish.

All of this does concern me greatly. Not only for my own faith, but for the faith of my children. Any advice, guidance, or clarification is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

My husband and I recently moved to a new parish due to a job relocation in a new city. While attending mass, I’ve noticed some things that cause me concern. Or am I being too nit picky?

For instance, during the liturgy of the Eucharist, I’ve noticed he does not wash his hands with Holy Water, nor does he have his Eucharistic ministers do this. He never holds up the single host and breaks it apart to be distributed. He also does not receive Holy Communion until after Communion is distributed to the congregation - likewise with the Eucharistic ministers.

During weekday mass he has the congregation gather around the alter (stand) during the Eucharistic prayers. He knows who my husband and I are mainly because we are the only two in the whole parish to bow before the Body and Blood of Jesus before receiving them. He stated that that never really “took off” in his parish.

All of this does concern me greatly. Not only for my own faith, but for the faith of my children. Any advice, guidance, or clarification is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

The washing of the priests hands before the Consecration is specified in the GIRM. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion never do this.

The large Host is never raised to be broken.

The priest should receive under both forms before any EMHC ever enter the sanctuary for Holy Communion.

No one is to be in the sancturay during the Eucharistic prayers except the priest, deacon and concelebrants all kneel except for the concelebrants.

Bowing is required and it is his job to make it “take off” in his parish.

 

[ltbpoe43]

Since you are "new’ to the parish, perhaps you could ask the priest about these things as you have seen them done this way in your old parish.

Good luck and welcome to CAF.

You may want to see if other parishes nearby fill your spiritual needs.

 

[rpp]

I am sorry, I am confused. I thought you were talking about a Latin Rite Catholic parish. From your description this is something else. Which Rite or denomination was this?

 

[chrysostom15]

No, it is not.

 

[palmas85]

My husband and I recently moved to a new parish due to a job relocation in a new city. While attending mass, I’ve noticed some things that cause me concern. Or am I being too nit picky?

For instance, during the liturgy of the Eucharist, I’ve noticed he does not wash his hands with Holy Water, nor does he have his Eucharistic ministers do this. He never holds up the single host and breaks it apart to be distributed. He also does not receive Holy Communion until after Communion is distributed to the congregation - likewise with the Eucharistic ministers.

During weekday mass he has the congregation gather around the alter (stand) during the Eucharistic prayers. He knows who my husband and I are mainly because we are the only two in the whole parish to bow before the Body and Blood of Jesus before receiving them. He stated that that never really “took off” in his parish.

All of this does concern me greatly. Not only for my own faith, but for the faith of my children. Any advice, guidance, or clarification is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Sounds like you have stumbled into a “Community” that is on the cutting edge of post Vatican II thought and practice.

Not a few “Communities” have activities similar to the ones you indicated including the ever popular altar call which apparently is an extension of allowing children to surround the altar so that they can experience the miracle of transubstantiation up close and personal. When I went through Catechist training they actually told us that surrounding the altar was a great way to increase active participation and we should try to get our Parish Priests to try it.

The late consuming of the Sacred Species by the Priest is the end result of an idea that Christ being present in the community as well as the Eucharist means that the Eucharist, should be received by the community first and by the presider, as the servant of the community last.

Just be thankful the presider doesn’t use corn tortillas for the host, I actually was in a parish that had that particular abomination.

You have a problem. Speaking to the pastor would probably only convince him that you are either a reactionary of some sort or a theological neanderthal. You might write a letter to the Bishop, but I’m sure the Bishop already knows what is going on and may very well reflect his own views and desires for this particular community.

Try looking for another parish is my reccomendation.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I am sorry, I am confused. I thought you were talking about a Latin Rite Catholic parish. From your description this is something else. Which Rite or denomination was this?

Since the term “Mass” is used not “Divine Liturgy”, I also assume that this is a Latin Rite parish.

 

[rpp]

I am sorry, I am confused. I thought you were talking about a Latin Rite Catholic parish. From your description this is something else. Which Rite or denomination was this?

Since the term “Mass” is used not “Divine Liturgy”, I also assume that this is a Latin Rite parish.

Um… I meant this as a rhetorical question. But thank you.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Um… I meant this as a rhetorical question. But thank you.

I actually sometimes forget that these questions can be international as well as inter-Rite.

 

[dewhuss]

Thank you for the replies. We are Roman Catholic and attend mass at a Catholic church.

One more question. The priest uses glass chalices for the Blood of Christ. I’ve read that this is not acceptable, nearly grave. True?

Is anything this priest is doing “okay”? I do know it is distracting me during mass. If he is taking the liberty to change “little things”- is that a big deal or not? My gut is that it is not.

Thank you again.

 

[rpp]

In this case I think you can trust your gut.

The recent “Redemptoris Sacramentum” spoke to the issue if the material used for sacred vessels. Without going into details, it was supposed to be a “durable” substance made of fine material. Glass, crystal, or any other fragile object were specifically considered to be inappropriate. Gold, silver (plating is okay) and similar “fine” materials are the ideal.

Have you been to confession with this priest. That might prove enlightening.

Finally, if you are distracted by these departures from the norm and acceptable procedures, that takes away your ability to focus on the real meaning of Mass, worshiping the Lord. Find someplace where there are no such distractions.