Mass Changes

[outfctrl]

Ok, some of you know Ihave just returned to my Faith, but I am confused. The mass isnt the same anymore. Things I noticed:

Alter boys are now Alter girls and boys. ???

There used to be these bells that were held by the alterboys and rung at certain times…now I think someone presses a button…electronic. ???

I used to tap my heart at a certain time during the mass. no more. Now we hold our arms out with our palms up at certain prayers. When did this start?

Communion is handed to you by either the priest or a woman/Man while you are standing. What happened to the Priest placing it in your mouth while you are kneeling and humbling yourself?

Also, I noticed a chalice held by a woman and people drinking from it, then she would wipe it clean for the next person. What is that? I dont ever remember drinking anything.

The Gospels are shorter now with really no comments by the Priest afterwards, maybe a little. All in all, the Mass took approximately and hour. I do remember that.

Some prayers are different too.

Is there a standard format that I can become familiar with? or are all the masses different from Church to Church. I felt so out of place. I didnt know what to do half the time. I really want to make this work. I am like a different person now. I had no idea I would feel like this. It is a happy feeling deep inside I cannot explain. Things I would normally take for granted are questioned now, whether it is right or wrong. Things I used to do all the time are now considered taboo.

This journey of mine will be a hard road to follow. I am buying a rosary today and also a St. Christopher medal. I will also buy a few crucifixes for my house to help me overcome my…ahem…desires I always have. This experience has turned my whole life topsy turvy. I really want to make this work, with all my heart.

I hope I dont let Jesus down. I am a very weak person when it comes to sin. I mean, just going to the grocery store, I catch myself staring at womens attributes and checking them out. How do you control your thoughts? It is almost impossible! Its like I am sinning all the time and not realizing it before its too late.

Sorry for rambling away from the subject. I have a tendancy to do that. I just figured that all Masses are the same.

Talking to all of you helps me so much, just knowing there are others struggling like I am and support me.

 

[Church_Militant]

Hey Bro,

I know how you feel. There have been a few liturgical changes while you were away and (you’ll find out soon enough) there are even those who want it all back like it was. (In Latin and the whole nine yards)

The option (and it is an option) to receive the Eucharist in hand and to receive the Precious Blood as well, (Known as receiving under both species) is something that you need to decide on. Personally, (needing all the grace that I can get) I like it, but if you simply keep your hands folded and extend your tongue, the priest will place the host onto your tongue.

“Altar servers” is a new thing that has so far not been busted by the bishops or by the Vatican. I have no problems with it…in fact the girls are sometimes more reverent and attentive than the boys are.

The Sanctus bells are something that remains in most churches though I have been in a couple where they were not and like you, I don’t like that. So far as I know, they are supposed to be there. I don’t know about any automatic bells though. Usually it’s the altar servers over on the left side of the altar.

Tapping your chest at the elevation is still something that I personally do out of deep worship of Our Lord in the Eucharist and it is perfectly fine and I encourage you to continue it. The Latin words in my signature are what we used to say at that time and is the aspiration of St. Thomas, meaning, “My Lord and my God.”

The men and women distributing communion along with the priest are called Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers, and are something that I suspect has some credence dating back to the very early persecuted church where believers carried the Eucharist to those who were sick or could not make it to Mass. Some folks like them, (I’m okay with them) and some don’t.

At daily Masses the homilies tend to be a little shorter, I guess because some folks are headed to work or something. Sunday Masses here are about an hour and the homilies are some of the most intense I have ever heard.

Standard for Mass prayers? No problem. THE ORDER OF MASS should help a great deal. (Cont’d)

 

[Church_Militant]

This journey of mine will be a hard road to follow. I am buying a rosary today and also a St. Christopher medal. I will also buy a few crucifixes for my house to help me overcome my…ahem…desires I always have. This experience has turned my whole life topsy turvy. I really want to make this work, with all my heart.

Don’t feel like the Lone Ranger Bro. It’s always been that way. The Romans were quoted as saying that “These Christians have turned the world upside down and have now come here also”.

I like what you are doing so far. The crucifixes do help and in my case they remind me of the terrible price that Our Lord paid for my sins. After all, even if you or I were the only souls alive, he’d still have suffered like that for us. (Get a copy of Mel Gibson’s movie, “The Passion of the Christ” and watch it. Talk about crying.:console

I hope I don’t let Jesus down. I am a very weak person when it comes to sin. I mean, just going to the grocery store, I catch myself staring at womens attributes and checking them out. How do you control your thoughts? It is almost impossible! Its like I am sinning all the time and not realizing it before its too late.

Brother of mine, we have to grow into our faith…and some of our habitual sins are harder to handle than others. I wear a Miraculous Medal and start every day with the Morning offering.

O Jesus,
through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
I offer You my prayers, works,
joys and sufferings
of this day for all the intentions
of Your Sacred Heart,
in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
throughout the world,
in reparation for my sins,
for the intentions of all my relatives and friends,
and in particular
for the intentions of the Holy Father.

Amen.

I also “live and die” by the Act of Contrition"

O my God, I am heartily sorry for
having offended you, and I detest
all my sins, because of Your just
punishments, but most of all because
they offend You, my God, who are
all-good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of
Your grace, to sin no more and to
avoid the near occasion of sin

I also have a great devotion to St. Michael the archangel and call upon his help in times of temptation with this prayer because he’s (IMO) the best example of a spiritual warrior.

SAINT Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

Most times, just the act of turning to prayer defeats the temptation and also remember that temptation that we resist is not only not sin…it makes us stronger. St. James says this about it in James 4:7. "7: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. " and the author of the book of Hebrews (chapter 4) says, “14: Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
15: For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” So never think for a second that God doesn’t know very well what we go through, no matter where we are and what we have been or are going through.

The New Testament also says, “13: No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1st Corinthians 10)

Know that you are in my prayers as well and if you need me you know where to reach me.

 

[acadian]

Ok, some of you know Ihave just returned to my Faith, but I am confused. The mass isnt the same anymore. Things I noticed:

Welcome back!

Alter boys are now Alter girls and boys. ???

Yes, there have been altar girls for some time now, in most locations. Now we call them altar servers, though that took some getting used to, I admit.

There used to be these bells that were held by the alterboys and rung at certain times…now I think someone presses a button…electronic. ???

We still have bells that are rung by an altar server. Some places have no bells.

I used to tap my heart at a certain time during the mass. no more. Now we hold our arms out with our palms up at certain prayers. When did this start?

I still tap my heart. My parish has a lot of older people, so you still see this. You do see the outstretched hand thing, too - mostly during the Our Father. You can just keep your hands folded in front of you. Did they hold hands during the Our Father? I take a hand if it’s offered, but I don’t go looking for one. I was gone for a while, too, so I’m not sure when this started - maybe in the 90’s?

Communion is handed to you by either the priest or a woman/Man while you are standing. What happened to the Priest placing it in your mouth while you are kneeling and humbling yourself?

You can still receive on the tongue, if you wish. I know where to sit in the church so that I can receive from the priest. I don’t ever remember kneeling to receive, but you might have a few years on me.

Also, I noticed a chalice held by a woman and people drinking from it, then she would wipe it clean for the next person. What is that? I dont ever remember drinking anything.

This is the Precious Blood of Jesus. You can receive or not. Some parishes do this, and some do not.

The Gospels are shorter now with really no comments by the Priest afterwards, maybe a little. All in all, the Mass took approximately and hour. I do remember that.

I think some of that is luck of the draw. Some gospel readings are longer than others. Our priest’s homilies or 10 minutes or so. But I can go a few miles down the road and find a priest who’s homilies are 3 minutes or less. Sometimes our Mass goes over an hour. Down the road, you can be out in under 45 minutes sometimes.

Some prayers are different too.

There have been some changes, but nothing too major, I hope.

Is there a standard format that I can become familiar with? or are all the masses different from Church to Church. I felt so out of place. I didnt know what to do half the time. I really want to make this work. I am like a different person now. I had no idea I would feel like this. It is a happy feeling deep inside I cannot explain. Things I would normally take for granted are questioned now, whether it is right or wrong. Things I used to do all the time are now considered taboo.

This journey of mine will be a hard road to follow. I am buying a rosary today and also a St. Christopher medal. I will also buy a few crucifixes for my house to help me overcome my…ahem…desires I always have. This experience has turned my whole life topsy turvy. I really want to make this work, with all my heart.

I hope I dont let Jesus down. I am a very weak person when it comes to sin. I mean, just going to the grocery store, I catch myself staring at womens attributes and checking them out. How do you control your thoughts? It is almost impossible! Its like I am sinning all the time and not realizing it before its too late.

Sorry for rambling away from the subject. I have a tendancy to do that. I just figured that all Masses are the same.

Talking to all of you helps me so much, just knowing there are others struggling like I am and support me.

Yes, Mass follows a given structure - though Daily Mass is somewhat different from Sunday Mass. The readings are assigned for each day, but sometimes there are options there, too.

Keep going to Mass. Before long, you will be more comfortable. You might ask a priest to bless the religious items you are buying. Sometimes you can ask tehm after Mass. We are all weak. Prayer and the grace we receive from the sacraments help.

God bless you. You will be in my prayers.

 

[Caesar]

Ok, some of you know Ihave just returned to my Faith, but I am confused. The mass isnt the same anymore. Things I noticed:

Alter boys are now Alter girls and boys. ???

There used to be these bells that were held by the alterboys and rung at certain times…now I think someone presses a button…electronic. ???

I used to tap my heart at a certain time during the mass. no more. Now we hold our arms out with our palms up at certain prayers. When did this start?

Communion is handed to you by either the priest or a woman/Man while you are standing. What happened to the Priest placing it in your mouth while you are kneeling and humbling yourself?

Also, I noticed a chalice held by a woman and people drinking from it, then she would wipe it clean for the next person. What is that? I dont ever remember drinking anything.

The Gospels are shorter now with really no comments by the Priest afterwards, maybe a little. All in all, the Mass took approximately and hour. I do remember that.

Some prayers are different too.

Is there a standard format that I can become familiar with? or are all the masses different from Church to Church. I felt so out of place. I didnt know what to do half the time. I really want to make this work. I am like a different person now. I had no idea I would feel like this. It is a happy feeling deep inside I cannot explain. Things I would normally take for granted are questioned now, whether it is right or wrong. Things I used to do all the time are now considered taboo.

This journey of mine will be a hard road to follow. I am buying a rosary today and also a St. Christopher medal. I will also buy a few crucifixes for my house to help me overcome my…ahem…desires I always have. This experience has turned my whole life topsy turvy. I really want to make this work, with all my heart.

I hope I dont let Jesus down. I am a very weak person when it comes to sin. I mean, just going to the grocery store, I catch myself staring at womens attributes and checking them out. How do you control your thoughts? It is almost impossible! Its like I am sinning all the time and not realizing it before its too late.

Sorry for rambling away from the subject. I have a tendancy to do that. I just figured that all Masses are the same.

Talking to all of you helps me so much, just knowing there are others struggling like I am and support me.

Find out where you can attend the nearest Tridentine Mass- that is the beautiful reverant Mass you remember. Check out the Traditional Catholic Forum for more information or send me a PM

 

[PaixGioiaAmor]

Find out where you can attend the nearest Tridentine Mass- that is the beautiful reverant Mass you remember. Check out the Traditional Catholic Forum for more information or send me a PM

The Tridentine Mass is a legitimate option.

However, I am very disheartened when I see people trying to cling to it at the exclusion of the “new mass”. The best thing the original poster can do is to become catechized on the changes in the mass and understand why we do what we do.

 

[ltbpoe43]

First of all welcome back and keep going to mass.

I love it when the lambs are lost but are now found and return to the Good Shepherd.

It seems like you have been gone a while - I’m 46 and this is about the only way I remember mass. I recommend while you are buying your rosary and crucifix - pick up a Sunday Missal (or daily if you want - but those may be in the pew in church) and tell the clerk exactly the assistance you need. All the prayers for the mass will be in one place, the daily readings in another. This may help you quite a bit. Also - read it often and take it with you to keep you on this path. Remember it’s a journey - not a destination - good luck and God Bless.

 

[Caesar]

The Tridentine Mass is a legitimate option.

However, I am very disheartened when I see people trying to cling to it at the exclusion of the “new mass”. The best thing the original poster can do is to become catechized on the changes in the mass and understand why we do what we do.

If he has an attachment to the traditions of the Church, like an increasing number of Catholics young and old, then there should be no problem with him attending the Tridentine Mass.

EDIT

 

[PaixGioiaAmor]

If he has an attachment to the traditions of the Church, like an increasing number of Catholics young and old, then there should be no problem with him attending the Tridentine Mass.

The answer then, is a renewed appreciation for the liturgy, and a new found zeal for celebrating it in a reverant manner.

I don’t think, however, that the answer is to throw out Vatican II and try to return to something that is clearly envisioned as the exception, not the rule.

 

[Caesar]

I have to agree with that statement.

The answer then, is a renewed appreciation for the liturgy, and a new found zeal for celebrating it in a reverant manner.

**I don’t think, however, that the answer is to throw out Vatican II **and try to return to something that is clearly envisioned as the exception, not the rule.

And I agree with that statement. However, what the letter of Vatican II says about the Liturgy and what happened in the name of the “spirit of Vatican II” are two very differant things. For example, Sacrosanctum Consilium (the Vatican II document on the Liturgy) calls Gregorian Chant the greatest treasure of the Church, and suggests that vernacular only be used in extraordinary circumstances for some of the Proper Prayers of the Mass (Latin was mandated for the Ordinary, and during the Council Pope Paul VI said that “it is unthinkable that the Canon of the Mass be said in any language but Latin”). Nothing was mentioned about how the Eucharist is to recieved, or the placement of the Altar, or the use of the laity as “Eucharistic Ministers”. Nor was the changing of the text of the Mass (or the Divine Office for that matter) ever mandated. Had Vatican II been followed in the first place, the Tridentine Mass would still be the norm in the Church.

 

[Seminarian_Matt]

You ask a lot of great questions. I hope that I am able to help you with my response. I don’t have much time to write today, but I want to spend my free time trying to help you. I hope and pray that you will read my response and be helped by it.

You may be interested in this website of mine with an overview of the Mass:

acatholiclife.blogspot.com/2005/07/mass.html

Ok, some of you know Ihave just returned to my Faith, but I am confused. The mass isnt the same anymore. Things I noticed:

Alter boys are now Alter girls and boys. ???

Altar girls are unfortunately used. I don’t like the practice.

There used to be these bells that were held by the alterboys and rung at certain times…now I think someone presses a button…electronic. ???

I have never seen a parish use electronic bells during the Consecration. I don’t know if it is common.

I used to tap my heart at a certain time during the mass. no more. Now we hold our arms out with our palms up at certain prayers. When did this start?

Tapping of the Heart: This is still required! You tap your heart during the Penitential Rite at the words “Through my own fault”.

Communion is handed to you by either the priest or a woman/Man while you are standing. What happened to the Priest placing it in your mouth while you are kneeling and humbling yourself?

Unfortunately people can receive Communion in the hand. I don’t and never recommend it. People are also able to receive on the tongue.

Also, I noticed a chalice held by a woman and people drinking from it, then she would wipe it clean for the next person. What is that? I dont ever remember drinking anything.

Most parishes let people receive the Eucharist in the form or the bread and wine. I only receive Jesus in the form of the Eucharistic Bread.

The Gospels are shorter now with really no comments by the Priest afterwards, maybe a little. All in all, the Mass took approximately and hour. I do remember that.

Yes, the Gospel can be shorter. The homily must be said on Sundays by the priest afterwards. On weekdays the homily is not required.

Some prayers are different too.

Yes many changes - too many to count - since Vatican II.

 

[Seminarian_Matt]

Is there a standard format that I can become familiar with? or are all the masses different from Church to Church. I felt so out of place. I didnt know what to do half the time. I really want to make this work. I am like a different person now. I had no idea I would feel like this. It is a happy feeling deep inside I cannot explain. Things I would normally take for granted are questioned now, whether it is right or wrong. Things I used to do all the time are now considered taboo.

Again I recommend the website that I made. At the bottom are videos of Tridentine Masses, they are Latin Masses. Personally I love them but I also do have a little knowledge of Latin.

acatholiclife.blogspot.com/2005/07/mass.html

This journey of mine will be a hard road to follow. I am buying a rosary today and also a St. Christopher medal. I will also buy a few crucifixes for my house to help me overcome my…ahem…desires I always have. This experience has turned my whole life topsy turvy. I really want to make this work, with all my heart.

Great choice on what to buy! The Rosary is wonderful. There are many promises and graces attached to it.

acatholiclife.blogspot.com/2005/06/devotion-to-most-holy-rosary.html

I hope I dont let Jesus down. I am a very weak person when it comes to sin. I mean, just going to the grocery store, I catch myself staring at womens attributes and checking them out. How do you control your thoughts? It is almost impossible! Its like I am sinning all the time and not realizing it before its too late.

St. Augustine noted that there is a difference between seeing an attractive woman and seeing a woman and taking a second look. Just keep fighting the good fight. Pray for Mary’s intercession. St. Joseph is also very powerful.

Devotion to St. Joseph

“To the other Saints it appears that the Lord may have granted power to succor us on particular occassions; but to this Saint, as experience proves, He has granted power to help us on all occassions. Our Lord would teach us that, as he was pleased to be subject to Joseph upon the earth, so He is now pleased to grant whatever this Saint asks for in heaven. Others whom I have recommended to have recourse to Joseph, have known this from experience. I never knew any one who was particularly devout to him, that did not continually advance more and more in virtue. For the love of God, let him who believes not this make his own trial. And I do not know how any one can think of the Queen of Angels, at the time when she labored so much in the infancy and childhood of Jesus, and not return thanks to Joseph for the assistance which he rendered both to the Mother and to the Son" (St. Teresa of Avila)

God Bless you!

 

[Church_Militant]

.

I have to agree with that statement.

The answer then, is a renewed appreciation for the liturgy, and a new found zeal for celebrating it in a reverant manner.

I don’t think, however, that the answer is to throw out Vatican II and try to return to something that is clearly envisioned as the exception, not the rule.

I agree with you!

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Ok, some of you know Ihave just returned to my Faith, but I am confused. The mass isnt the same anymore. Things I noticed:

Alter boys are now Alter girls and boys. ???

There used to be these bells that were held by the alterboys and rung at certain times…now I think someone presses a button…electronic. ???

I used to tap my heart at a certain time during the mass. no more. Now we hold our arms out with our palms up at certain prayers. When did this start?

Communion is handed to you by either the priest or a woman/Man while you are standing. What happened to the Priest placing it in your mouth while you are kneeling and humbling yourself?

Also, I noticed a chalice held by a woman and people drinking from it, then she would wipe it clean for the next person. What is that? I dont ever remember drinking anything.

The Gospels are shorter now with really no comments by the Priest afterwards, maybe a little. All in all, the Mass took approximately and hour. I do remember that.

Some prayers are different too.

Is there a standard format that I can become familiar with? or are all the masses different from Church to Church. I felt so out of place. I didnt know what to do half the time. I really want to make this work. I am like a different person now. I had no idea I would feel like this. It is a happy feeling deep inside I cannot explain. Things I would normally take for granted are questioned now, whether it is right or wrong. Things I used to do all the time are now considered taboo.

This journey of mine will be a hard road to follow. I am buying a rosary today and also a St. Christopher medal. I will also buy a few crucifixes for my house to help me overcome my…ahem…desires I always have. This experience has turned my whole life topsy turvy. I really want to make this work, with all my heart.

I hope I dont let Jesus down. I am a very weak person when it comes to sin. I mean, just going to the grocery store, I catch myself staring at womens attributes and checking them out. How do you control your thoughts? It is almost impossible! Its like I am sinning all the time and not realizing it before its too late.

Sorry for rambling away from the subject. I have a tendancy to do that. I just figured that all Masses are the same.

Talking to all of you helps me so much, just knowing there are others struggling like I am and support me.

Was there no preparation for returning Catholics before going to Confession and returning to Mass and the Sacraments at your parish? We have a 6 to 8 week process that allows them to ask questions and explains the differences in the liturgy.

 

[Church_Militant]

.

Was there no preparation for returning Catholics before going to Confession and returning to Mass and the Sacraments at your parish? We have a 6 to 8 week process that allows them to ask questions and explains the differences in the liturgy.

Sure would’ve helped him.

 

[Caesar]

Then as obedient children of the church the matter is settled.

Discerning is only for the boys? So the girls discerning the religious life don’t count? That’s just wrong…

Dont complicate the issue. The reason why only boys should be allowed to serve at Mass is to aquaint them with the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Altar. By assisting the priest who is making this sacrifice they are preparing to one day assume the role of the priest themselves.

Young women are certainly called to discern a vocation within the religious life, but not to the priesthood. So what is the point of aquainting them with the role of the priest?

Furthermore, the document “allowing” altar girls was not so much an allowance as it was an admitance on the part of the Holy See that female altar servers are not explicitly prohibited under Canon Law.

Since he didn’t specify… But look at this. Sure looks like there is a greater tradition of reverence in reception in the hand than most Traditionalist Catholics like to admit.:crying: shame…The Eucharistic wine is also completely Christ. A seminarian would know that and not seek to confuse the issue.Sure would’ve helped him.

Ok, I’ll admit that at one time the Eucharist was recieved in the hand. However, it must be noted that it was recieved in a cloth. Also, I must say that our understanding of the nature of the Eucharist has since evolved greatly- indeed it was always known that the Eucharist was the Body and Blood of Christ, but the theological understanding of that has progressed- and so the Church long ago phased out the practice of recieving in the hand to show more reverance to our Eucharistic King.

As for the laity recieving under both species, that too was phased out by the Church. It began as a way of addressing a heresy that claimed the complete nature of the Eucharist was not to be found under a single species, but over time the practice took on more meaning so that it was a mark of the priesthood to recieve from the chalice.

 

[Seminarian_Matt]

Discerning is only for the boys? So the girls discerning the religious life don’t count? That’s just wrong.

Girls do not need to discern the religious life at the altar since males are the ones who serve as preists at the altar.

But look at this. Sure looks like there is a greater tradition of reverence in reception in the hand than most Traditionalist Catholics like to admit.:crying: shame…

Look here:

St. Thomas Aquinas

“Out of reverence towards this Sacrament (Blessed Sacrament), nothing touches it but when it is consecrated” -Summa, Pt III Q, Q2 Art. 3-

Holy Scripture

It is recorded that only Levite priests were allowed to carry the Ark of the Covenent (1 Chronicles 13:2) But when a non-Levite priest touched the Ark of the Covenent he was struck dead. (1 Chronicles 13:9)

Pope Paul VI

In Memoriale Domini, the Pope reconized that communion on the tongue was more conducive to faith, reverence and humility. “This method, on the tongue, must be retained.” (Memoriale Domini)

Pope John Paul II

He had a sign pasted in St. Peter’s Basilica specifying that all priests who celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s, no matter where they came from, were to give communion only on tongue.

Pope John II only gave communion on tongue during private Masses in the Vatican. Concelebrating priests were told to do the same.

He said, “I do not revoke what one of my predecessors has said about this… … here, my dear priests and my dear brothers and sisters, only Communion on the tongue and kneeling is allowed. I say this to you as your bishop!” (Homily March 1 1989, SS Nome Di Maria Church)

Although there is a valid apostolic letter giving special permission for the reception of communion on hand, Pope John Paul II was “never in favour of it… … neither did he recommend it” (Nov. 1980, Germany)

When the wife of the President of France, Madame Giscard d’Estaing came before the Holy Father with outstretched hands, he placed the host in her mouth. (Homiletic & Pastoral Review, March 1997 pg 24) Likewise for a canon lawyer who was present at the 1981 Papal Mass in Chicago.

“To touch the sacred species and to distribute them with their own hands is a privilege of the ordained, one which indicates an active participation in the ministry of the Eucharist.” (Dominicae Cenae, 1980, end of paragraph 11).

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcultta

“Whereever I go in the whole world, the thing that makes me the saddest is watching people receiving Communion in the hand” (New York, 1989)

Further it is the custom in our Society, and my known wish, that the Sisters receive Holy Communion on the tongue, which to my knowledge they are doing everywhere. (India, 1995)

Bishop Juan Laise of San Luis, Argentina

He warns that, “with Communion in the hand, a miracle would be required during each distribution of Communion to avoid some particles from falling to the ground or remaining in the hand of the faithful.” (Communion in the Hand: Document and History)

Mike Warnke

A former satanist high priest who converted to Christianity, Mike warned the U.S. Bishops that Communion in the hand was a mistake, as it would allow satanist easier access in procuring the sacred Host, which is described at satanic services.

St. Basil (330 - 379 AD)

This great Saint considered Communion in the hand a “grave fault”

Council of Rouen (650 AD)

“Do not put the Eucharist in the hans of any layperson, but only in their mouths”

Council of Constantinople (695 AD)

The council prohibited the faithful from giving Communion to themelves. It decreed an excommunication of one week’s duration for those who would do so in the presence of a bishop, priest or deacon.

Council of Saragozza (380 AD)

It was decided to punish with excommunication, anyone who dared to receive Communion in hand.

Council of Trent

“To priests alone have been given power to consecrate and administer the Holy Eucharist. That the unvarying practice of the Church has also been, that the faithful receive the Sacrament from the hand of the priest”

You said:

The Eucharistic wine is also completely Christ. A seminarian would know that and not seek to confuse the issue.

I know that the Eucharistic Wine is completely Christ just like the Eucharistic Host is completely Christ. For that reason, like I already said, it is not necessary to receive the Lord under both species.

 

[Cobbfmly]

Was there no preparation for returning Catholics before going to Confession and returning to Mass and the Sacraments at your parish? We have a 6 to 8 week process that allows them to ask questions and explains the differences in the liturgy.

The OP returned to the church on Saturday after a 30 yr absence. From his post in another thread (forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=158859) he just decided to return after struggling with his faith for years.

 

[otjm]

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Welcome back to the Church. You seem to have been away for some time and there have been some changes.

However, the Mass is still the Mass. There is still the Liturgy of the Word - now extended by an Old Testament reading (which is tied to the Gospel; read them both and you will see) and a Psalm. And now the Church may have shortened the Gospel readings a bit, but they have given us a three year cycle in which we read through almost all of the Gospels by Mathew, Mark and Luke, with John spread throughout various times in the three years.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist is still the Liturgy of the Eucharist; there are now more Eucharistic Prayers (as there used to be before the Council of Trent).

Some of the peripherals have changed. Girls may now also serve Mass, and the readings before the Gospel are generally done by lay persons. It is one of the charisms (gifts) of the priesthood to declare the Gospel, and we now have deacons just as the early Church did; in fact, if the deacon is assisting at Mass (he doesn’t say Mass; only the priest does), he is the one who should read the Gospel. Some of the bells have been done away with, but seem to be gradually returning; they were not criticla to the Mass but were used when people needed to be alerted to various parts. As it is now in the vernacular, that necessity is not there; but they are nice.

We are now allowed once again to receive the Eucharist under both species, the Host and the Cup. One receives our Lord, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, completely by receiveing either; but then also, Christ gave us the Eucharist under both species and the early Church received it that way - Host and Cup - for a long time. The Mass is both a Sacrificial Remembrance of Christ’s death and a Sacred Meal; receiving both is a more complete sign, as the Church has said.

If you want a good book, there is one written by two priests, which I think is titled Catholics for Dummies (check the authors, as there is another one that is not well written); and this is a great book as it goes obver the Church’s teachings as well as changes to the Mass and other Sacraments.

Stay the course! God is glad to have you back and so are we!

 

[otjm]

Girls do not need to discern the religious life at the altar since males are the ones who serve as preists at the altar.

However, our parish ahs a young woman who has entered the professed life and is now a missionary nun in an orthodox order; whe discerned her vocation while being an altar girl.

I

know that the Eucharistic Wine is completely Christ just like the Eucharistic Host is completely Christ. For that reason, like I already said, it is not necessary to receive the Lord under both species.

And Rome has said that it is a fuller sign of the Sacred Meal; and of course that is how Christ gave it to us, and how the early Church celebrated it.

Blessed Mother Theresa may have been a very holy person, but that certainly does not qualify her as a liturgist; John Paul 2 held her in great esteem and allowed us Communion in the hand. Your quotes are very selective. It seems that you do not approve of Communion in the hand. You are welcome to your personal opinion, but it does not seem to be entirely in line with the Church’s. And if John Paul was so against it (and he certaily had teh authority to regulate it in Rome), it certainly is interesting that with the authority to prevent it he chose otherwise.