Priest at Mass

  • Thread starter Thread starter conrad979
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
C

conrad979

Guest
Dear all,
I am not Catholic, but I have recently been talking to a priest about Catholicism, and attending Mass (although of course I don’t go up to the front to receive when most of the rest of the congregation do). Today I went to Mass - I knew the priest at that Church was going to be away, but I had assumed there would be another priest there in his place. However, there was, as far as I could tell, no priest there, and the service and readings were said by others. There was no homily or interpretation of the scripture though, just readings and prayer. The Eucharist was distributed as usual at the front but not by a priest. Is this usual? It didn’t bother me at all - I went to be with God and to pray, which I still did, but I am curious.
Because I am not Catholic I am still not 100% sure of the correct terms to use, especially Mass, Communion, Eucharist etc - I hope you’ll forgive any mistakes.
Many thanks.
 
conrad979 said:
Dear all,
I am not Catholic, but I have recently been talking to a priest about Catholicism, and attending Mass (although of course I don’t go up to the front to receive when most of the rest of the congregation do). Today I went to Mass - I knew the priest at that Church was going to be away, but I had assumed there would be another priest there in his place. However, there was, as far as I could tell, no priest there, and the service and readings were said by others. There was no homily or interpretation of the scripture though, just readings and prayer. The Eucharist was distributed as usual at the front but not by a priest. Is this usual? It didn’t bother me at all - I went to be with God and to pray, which I still did, but I am curious.
Because I am not Catholic I am still not 100% sure of the correct terms to use, especially Mass, Communion, Eucharist etc - I hope you’ll forgive any mistakes.
Many thanks.
Click to expand...
It’s not a common occurrence in most places, but yes it is permissible in cases where no priest is available. It’s called a ‘Communion Service’.
 
Be advised that in this case, the Eucharist was distributed from the Reserved Sacrament in the Tabernacle.
 
bpbasilphx said:
Be advised that in this case, the Eucharist was distributed from the Reserved Sacrament in the Tabernacle.
Click to expand...
Yes - I did notice that but hadn’t really thought of the significance until now. Thank you for your replies.
I am learning something every day 🙂
 
You have already received great replies. However, I wanted to welcome you and I hope you join the Church!
 
nicolep said:
You have already received great replies. However, I wanted to welcome you and I hope you join the Church!
Click to expand...
Thanks Nicole. I am torn between feeling like I am in a process of coming home, and then the next moment feeling totally lost. I am trying not to think too much and to pray more, but it is not easy. Hopefully I will get there eventually.
 
Conrad,
What you experienced is called a Communion Service. As others have mentioned, the Communion hosts had been previously consecrated by the priest. Those who led the service would be extraordinary lay ministers. Only a priest can consecrate the hosts which is done in the context of a Mass. There is a shortage of priests which has led to the training and commissioning of lay ministers.
Welcome, and I hope this explanation helps.
 
conrad979 said:
Thanks Nicole. I am torn between feeling like I am in a process of coming home, and then the next moment feeling totally lost. I am trying not to think too much and to pray more, but it is not easy. Hopefully I will get there eventually.
Click to expand...
You’ll catch on quickly. I am a recent convert. I was received into the Church at Easter Vigil this year. I started going to daily Mass about a year ago. It was a crash course that’s for sure. Feel free to ask questions here. Most of us are happy to answer questions. May God continue to bless you on your journey.
 
conrad979 said:
Thanks Nicole. I am torn between feeling like I am in a process of coming home, and then the next moment feeling totally lost. I am trying not to think too much and to pray more, but it is not easy. Hopefully I will get there eventually.
Click to expand...
Your post reminded me of a program I think you might like called The Journey Home. Search for it here there are tons of episodes
ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/intro.asp

The host of the show is also the founder of the Coming Home Network International a website you might find very helpful.🙂

chnetwork.org/
 
conrad979 said:
Dear all,
I am not Catholic, but I have recently been talking to a priest about Catholicism, and attending Mass (although of course I don’t go up to the front to receive when most of the rest of the congregation do). Today I went to Mass - I knew the priest at that Church was going to be away, but I had assumed there would be another priest there in his place. However, there was, as far as I could tell, no priest there, and the service and readings were said by others. There was no homily or interpretation of the scripture though, just readings and prayer. The Eucharist was distributed as usual at the front but not by a priest. Is this usual? It didn’t bother me at all - I went to be with God and to pray, which I still did, but I am curious.
Because I am not Catholic I am still not 100% sure of the correct terms to use, especially Mass, Communion, Eucharist etc - I hope you’ll forgive any mistakes.
Many thanks.
Click to expand...
Like others have said it is OK and is a Communion Service. We have two a week…our Deacon holds the Communion Service.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top