Matter?

[pax_2005]

I know for a Mass to be valid a priest must say the words of institution over bread and wine with the intent to do what the Church intends to do, however exactly how much “extra” stuff can be added to a host before it’s no longer able to be consecrated. I ask this because I have heard of parishes using various “Eucharistic Bread” recipes that call for honey and sugar. I was under the impression that only wheat flour and water could be used (with some yeast for the Eastern Rites). I was wondering exactly how long before such a thing goes from being illicit to being invalid.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

pax_2005:

I know for a Mass to be valid a priest must say the words of institution over bread and wine with the intent to do what the Church intends to do, however exactly how much “extra” stuff can be added to a host before it’s no longer able to be consecrated. I ask this because I have heard of parishes using various “Eucharistic Bread” recipes that call for honey and sugar. I was under the impression that only wheat flour and water could be used (with some yeast for the Eastern Rites). I was wondering exactly how long before such a thing goes from being illicit to being invalid.

I don’t believe anyone has exact amounts. But adding anything to the basic Wheat and Water makes the bread illicit. For a priest to use it knowingly constitutes brave sin on his part. However adding things like sugar or honey in small amounts does not alter the bread enough to make it Invalid. Adding several different ingredients or in larger quantity would make it Invalid. For instance raisn bread or bannana nut bread, potato bread, would all be invalid. Anything that would change it from pure Wheat bread would make it invlaid. It would be best if the Diocese were contacted in either case. No matter what or how little was added it should be stopped.

 

[Deacon_Ed]

Br. Rich is correct. Anything that would change the matter into something else would make it invalid. For example, if so much sugar was added that the bread became a type of flat cake would be invalid. If so much honey were added that it became a syrupy confection it would be invalid.

The rubrics call for the Eucharistic bread to be made of wheat flour and water only.

Deacon Ed

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Deacon Ed:

Br. Rich is correct. Anything that would change the matter into something else would make it invalid. For example, if so much sugar was added that the bread became a type of flat cake would be invalid. If so much honey were added that it became a syrupy confection it would be invalid.

The rubrics call for the Eucharistic bread to be made of wheat flour and water only.

Deacon Ed

Or in the case of the Byzantine Churches, wheat flour, water, and yeast only.