Question regarding the chalice

[mjg7500]

Recently our priest has stopped using the larger more identifiable chalice for the consecration of the Blood of Christ. Now he uses the same chalice or cup, not sure of term, that is used by the Extraordinary Ministers for the distribution of the Blood of Christ. So to be more specific the priest is consecratiing the wine into the Blood of Christ and procedeing to pass the chalice on to the EM who will distribute the Blood of Christ to the parishoners. Is this right? I thought only a priest could handle the actual chalice that was held up during the consecration? Anyway, the reasoning is what really bothers me… it is one less chalice to clean.

 

[Deacon_Ed]

The practice of using the priest’s chalice for the distribution of the Precious Blood is certainly permitted. The priest is not the only one who can touch the chalice (if you have a deacon he will actually hold up the chalice at one point in the Mass). While it would be better if the priest used a more “identifiable” chalice, there is nothing that requires that.

Deacon Ed

 

[FrDavid96]

Recently our priest has stopped using the larger more identifiable chalice for the consecration of the Blood of Christ. Now he uses the same chalice or cup, not sure of term, that is used by the Extraordinary Ministers for the distribution of the Blood of Christ. So to be more specific the priest is consecratiing the wine into the Blood of Christ and procedeing to pass the chalice on to the EM who will distribute the Blood of Christ to the parishoners. Is this right? I thought only a priest could handle the actual chalice that was held up during the consecration? Anyway, the reasoning is what really bothers me… it is one less chalice to clean.

What Deacon Ed said.

On another note, just a little bit of “vocabulary” here–since you brought up the subject I don’t mind answering your implied question about the difference between a “chalice” and a “cup.” A chalice has 4 parts, the cup, the base, the stem, and the node. A “cup” on the other hand does not have the node. Any chalice may be used as a communion cup, but only a chalice can be used as a chalice.

The node is the little “bump” or “ring” on the stem. The purpose of that is for the priest to place his fingers under the node to give a better “grip” on the chalice when he lifts it during Mass. Since he doesn’t lift up the “cups” the node isn’t necessary.

Just a little trivia for the readers here who might be curious as to why some of the vessels are referred to as “chalices” while others are called “cups.”

 

[Leopard]

What Deacon Ed said.

On another note, just a little bit of “vocabulary” here–since you brought up the subject I don’t mind answering your implied question about the difference between a “chalice” and a “cup.” A chalice has 4 parts, the cup, the base, the stem, and the node. A “cup” on the other hand does not have the node. Any chalice may be used as a communion cup, but only a chalice can be used as a chalice.

The node is the little “bump” or “ring” on the stem. The purpose of that is for the priest to place his fingers under the node to give a better “grip” on the chalice when he lifts it during Mass. Since he doesn’t lift up the “cups” the node isn’t necessary.

Just a little trivia for the readers here who might be curious as to why some of the vessels are referred to as “chalices” while others are called “cups.”

That’s very interesting. I didn’t know that.

Do other liturgical objects similarly lifted, such as a monstrance, also have a node?

 

[mjg7500]

Interesting. Thanks for the explanation. It’s always good to learn those little things. So are you saying it’s okay for the priest to use a “cup” as the chalice? That’s the thing is that the priest is not using a “chalice” as you defined it.

 

[FrDavid96]

That’s very interesting. I didn’t know that.

Do other liturgical objects similarly lifted, such as a monstrance, also have a node?

hmmm. Never thought about that one. The Church actually defines a chalice as a vessel having those 4 parts, but I’m not sure if the Church ever defined what constitutes a monstrance. As I recall, every monstrance I’ve seen has a node of some sort or another, but that doesn’t mean they must have them–and it’s not like I ever specifically looked for one, or noticed the absence of one. In other words, I don’t know. Any takers on this one?

 

[japhy]

Is the existence of the node on the chalice stem there to facilitate the holding of the chalice (without spilling its precious contents)? I ask this in light of the traditional rubric that the fingers which have held the Host during the consecration should not be taken apart… so without a node on the chalice, grasping the stem while your index finger and thumb are joined could be a bit tricky.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Recently our priest has stopped using the larger more identifiable chalice for the consecration of the Blood of Christ. Now he uses the same chalice or cup, not sure of term, that is used by the Extraordinary Ministers for the distribution of the Blood of Christ. So to be more specific the priest is consecratiing the wine into the Blood of Christ and procedeing to pass the chalice on to the EM who will distribute the Blood of Christ to the parishoners. Is this right? I thought only a priest could handle the actual chalice that was held up during the consecration? Anyway, the reasoning is what really bothers me… it is one less chalice to clean.

In many documents the “priests chalice” or “the main chalice” is menrioned.

 

[FrDavid96]

Is the existence of the node on the chalice stem there to facilitate the holding of the chalice (without spilling its precious contents)? I ask this in light of the traditional rubric that the fingers which have held the Host during the consecration should not be taken apart… so without a node on the chalice, grasping the stem while your index finger and thumb are joined could be a bit tricky.

Exactly.

 

[Jimzz12]

Recently our priest has stopped using the larger more identifiable chalice for the consecration of the Blood of Christ. Now he uses the same chalice or cup, not sure of term, that is used by the Extraordinary Ministers for the distribution of the Blood of Christ. So to be more specific the priest is consecratiing the wine into the Blood of Christ and procedeing to pass the chalice on to the EM who will distribute the Blood of Christ to the parishoners. Is this right? I thought only a priest could handle the actual chalice that was held up during the consecration? Anyway, the reasoning is what really bothers me… it is one less chalice to clean.

The Main Chalice should be royal and majestic, worthy of a king. The chalice is to be made of durable and precious metal, never glass, clay, wood, et cetra. The more ornate the chalice the better. I’ve seen some priests use wine glasses. Whenever I see this I want to go up to him after Mass and give him a solid love-tap in the head as prescribed in the monastic rulebooks. I’m sure Jesus wouldn’t mind. Bruises go away. He didn’t give us knuckles for nothing.

One less chalice is laziness. If you want this issue fixed just tell him you percieve his laziness to be a bit of a let down; that you really thought more highly of him.

Take a look at some online catalogues and buy one. Bring it to bishop, as a gift, and say that you’re offended that your parish priest isn’t using a proper main chalice. Ask him to have his henchmen bring it to your parish priest personally. That’ll take care of things.

 

[Tamsulosin]

Since we are on the subject of describing the utensils(for better word) on the altar,what are their names.?Ex:the golden plate the priest makes the sign of the cross with, the plate with a handle the altar helpers put under the chin or hand of people receiving communion.
Thanks for your help.

 

[AHapka]

One less chalice is laziness. If you want this issue fixed just tell him you percieve his laziness to be a bit of a let down; that you really thought more highly of him.

I wouldn’t say that without knowing the situation. Perhaps it is a very small parish where very few people receive the Precious Blood. Then it might make logical sense.

I would ask him why first before presuming laziness.

 

[japhy]

Since we are on the subject of describing the utensils(for better word) on the altar,what are their names.?Ex:the golden plate the priest makes the sign of the cross with, the plate with a handle the altar helpers put under the chin or hand of people receiving communion.

The sacred vessels you mentioned are:

1. The paten. This is a metal plate – usually gold or silver – on which the primary Host for consecration is placed.
2. The communion-paten or communion-plate. This is similar to the paten used for the primary Host; its function is to catch any part of the Host which might fall while Communion is being administered.

 

[centurionguard]

The sacred vessels you mentioned are:

1. The paten. This is a metal plate – usually gold or silver – on which the primary Host for consecration is placed.
2. The communion-paten or communion-plate. This is similar to the paten used for the primary Host; its function is to catch any part of the Host which might fall while Communion is being administered.

In my parish the priest (“never”) uses the Paten as if it were just a superfluous piece of junk of no worth. It’s sad when you see the forth-degree of the Knights of Columbus make their annual sacred vessel (“chalices and ciborium”) presentation and the priest later ditches the new Paten’s in some obscure corner cupboard in the Sacristy never to be seen again. Being a Knight myself and a former Sacristan I got to witness this first hand.
Then again some parishes in my archdiocese use glass crystal for chalices and ciborium which I abhor. The Catholic Encyclopedia gives a nice History of the Chalice.
newadvent.org/cathen/03561a.htm

 

[FrDavid96]

Since we are on the subject of describing the utensils(for better word) on the altar,what are their names.?Ex:the golden plate the priest makes the sign of the cross with, the plate with a handle the altar helpers put under the chin or hand of people receiving communion.
Thanks for your help.

The general term to describe all these items is “sacred vessels.”

They’re both called a “paten” The handle is merely a practical addition, and the handle is optional. For the sake of clarity it’s usually called a “communion paten” merely to distinguish it from the paten that goes with the chalice. Yes, “plate” is a synonym for “paten” but we usually don’t use the word “plate” to refer to the vessel on which the bread/Body is placed.

 

[mjg7500]

Ahapka, I do find it to be laziness. It’s not that we don’t have a nice chalice it’s that they have done away with it. It has been about 4 weeks now since I noticed the change and other have noticed as well. The parish has about 2200 people.

 

[YADA]

Ahapka, I do find it to be laziness. It’s not that we don’t have a nice chalice it’s that they have done away with it. It has been about 4 weeks now since I noticed the change and other have noticed as well. The parish has about 2200 people.

And did you ask Father about the change? … perhaps the other Chalice was in need of repair … I know that chalices can be damaged during cleaning - our priest has a very nice one … gold inside, red ceramic shell - it is over 30 years old now - a family gift at his ordination …

We once had a priest from India … he did not have his own personal chalice when he was assigned to our parish … three years later when he was transferred the Knight’s purhcased him beautiful gold chalice …

My point about asking about the change is to emphasize the need for good communication …

Are you involved with liturgical planning in your parish? … If not, perhaps this is an area that you could assist with … this change may have been discussed at a meeting … or at least you would have a the opportunity to discuss things “liturgical” with your priest …

Vestments and altar linens are another area where changes are made at times - some necessary, some not, some good others less so … but in all things, one person’s idea of majesty and beauty is another’s " ICK " …

Since you are interested and knowledgable about liturgical topics … your parish needs you …

 

[Tamsulosin]

In a previous entry a “ciborium” was mentioned.What is this sacred vessel for?
Thanks for your time.

 

[YADA]

In a previous entry a “ciborium” was mentioned.What is this sacred vessel for?
Thanks for your time.

The Ciboruim holds the consecrated Hosts [Body of Christ] … they have lids and are placed in the Tabernacle for distribution outside of Mass to those who ar unable to attend [Sick - homebound]

They can also be used during Mass … they are typically made of precious metal [gold/silver plated]

 

[japhy]

In a previous entry a “ciborium” was mentioned.What is this sacred vessel for?

The word ciborium is Latin. A proper ciborium should like a chalicelook, but it is for holding the Blessed Sacrament under the form of bread (the Hosts). The Latin word cibus means “food; fare, rations; nutriment, sustenance, fuel; eating, a meal”; the verb cibare means “to feed”.