Removing Jesus from the Monstrance and passing Him around during Adoration

[parrotgal]

Our Parish has recently begun Lifeteen and I am a coremember, an “older” coremember. I am also new to the Parish and have been involved in youth ministry in the town where I used to live.

Last night before our Youth night ended we were able to have Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Our Pastor led the Exposition and while we didn’t have candles lit nor did we sing the Salutaris it was all good. Until…

Everyone was being quiet and respectful when Father went up to the Altar and took Jesus out of the Monstrance, still in the Pyx and told us the now we are able to hold Jesus. He then handed Jesus off and Jesus was passed to everyone in the group.

I am still having heart palpitations as I type this. I have had a sick stomach all day. When my turn came to hold Jesus, all I know I just had a foreboding sense of how that it was all wrong that He should not be passed around like a mere commodity.

When finally this debacle (to me at least, hey maybe I’m wrong?) over, Benediction began. We didn’t sing Tantum Ergo but went into the Divine Praises. By the time we were at “Blessed be his most Sacred Heart” everyone had finally figured out they were to repeat after Father.

Then the singing of Holy God We Praise Thy Name, which if you heard my singing voice would have certainly terrified you! Seeing that the Priest and I were the only ones singing…ack!

I love Adoration. But last night was so painful for me. My heart was breaking into a million pieces. I have searched the forums here to see if anyone else has experienced anything like this before. I have NEVER EVER known a priest to remove Jesus from the Monstrance and let His most Precious Body be passed around in this way.

Thoughts?

And honestly I am NOT making this up!

 

[kristie_m]

Our Parish has recently begun Lifeteen and I am a coremember, and “older” coremember. I am also new to the Parish and have been involved in youth ministry in the town where I used to live.

Last night before our Youth night ended we were able to have Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Our Pastor led the Exposition and while we didn’t have candles lit nor did we sing the Salutaris it was all good. Until…

Everyone was being quiet and respectful when Father went up to the Altar and took Jesus out of the Monstrance, still in the Pyx and told us the now we are able to hold Jesus. He then handed Jesus off and Jesus was passed to everyone in the group.

I am still having heart palpitations as I type this. I have had a sick stomach all day. When my turn came to hold Jesus, all I know I just had a foreboding sense of how that it was all wrong that He should not be passed around like a mere commodity.

When finally this debacle (to me at least, hey maybe I’m wrong?) over, Benediction began. We didn’t sing Tantum Ergo but went into the Divine Praises. By the time we were at “Blessed be his most Sacred Heart” everyone had finally figured out they were to repeat after Father.

Then the singing of Holy God We Praise Thy Name, which if you heard my singing voice would have certainly terrified you! Seeing that the Priest and I were the only ones singing…ack!

I love Adoration. But last night was so painful for me. My heart was breaking into a million pieces. I have searched the forums here to see if anyone else has experienced anything like this before. I have NEVER EVER known a priest to remove Jesus from the Monstrance and let His most Precious Body be passed around in this way.

Thoughts?

:bigyikes:

I don’t even know what to say about this except that it sounds like good intentions run amok! I can’t even imagine…I mean, when we started adoration at my parish it was made very clear that NO ONE but the priest or deacon was to touch the monstrance. To pass around the pyx like that just seems really, ummm…WRONG.

 

[po18guy]

Unfortunately, your pastor has forced you to discuss this with him. We do much more than hold Christ in our hands - we eat His Body and drink His Blood. That is far superior and should have been stressed. It appears to be an abuse of our Lord, since He is supposed to be consumed (“Take and eat”), not given over to show and tell.

If you do not receive an adequate explanation with authorization, this is worth notifying the Bishop over.

You have my prayers.

 

[kage_ar]

No.

I am at a loss for words, no is all I can think of.

At least, now I have heard it all and can die in peace.

No…

 

[Aramis]

Complain in writing to the bishop.

 

[bpbasilphx]

Unfortunately, your pastor has forced you to discuss this with him. We do much more than hold Christ in our hands - we eat His Body and drink His Blood. That is far superior and should have been stressed. It appears to be an abuse of our Lord, since He is supposed to be consumed (“Take and eat”), not given over to show and tell.

Well put!

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Our Parish has recently begun Lifeteen and I am a coremember, an “older” coremember. I am also new to the Parish and have been involved in youth ministry in the town where I used to live.

Last night before our Youth night ended we were able to have Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Our Pastor led the Exposition and while we didn’t have candles lit nor did we sing the Salutaris it was all good. Until…

Everyone was being quiet and respectful when Father went up to the Altar and took Jesus out of the Monstrance, still in the Pyx and told us the now we are able to hold Jesus. He then handed Jesus off and Jesus was passed to everyone in the group.

I am still having heart palpitations as I type this. I have had a sick stomach all day. When my turn came to hold Jesus, all I know I just had a foreboding sense of how that it was all wrong that He should not be passed around like a mere commodity.

When finally this debacle (to me at least, hey maybe I’m wrong?) over, Benediction began. We didn’t sing Tantum Ergo but went into the Divine Praises. By the time we were at “Blessed be his most Sacred Heart” everyone had finally figured out they were to repeat after Father.

Then the singing of Holy God We Praise Thy Name, which if you heard my singing voice would have certainly terrified you! Seeing that the Priest and I were the only ones singing…ack!

I love Adoration. But last night was so painful for me. My heart was breaking into a million pieces. I have searched the forums here to see if anyone else has experienced anything like this before. I have NEVER EVER known a priest to remove Jesus from the Monstrance and let His most Precious Body be passed around in this way.

Thoughts?

And honestly I am NOT making this up!

No that would not be permitted. I would speak with the priest. If you are not satisfied, contact the Bishop.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

:bigyikes:

I don’t even know what to say about this except that it sounds like good intentions run amok! I can’t even imagine…I mean, when we started adoration at my parish it was made very clear that NO ONE but the priest or deacon was to touch the monstrance. To pass around the pyx like that just seems really, ummm…WRONG.

Jst so no one misunderstands. A Lay person can begin and end Adoration, therefore handle the Monstrance and Lunette.

 

[benedictgal]

This is a serious abuse. Inasmuch as Brother Rich is right, this can happen only under certain conditions. What the priest did was inexcusable and another reason for me to be very, very leery of LifeTeen.

This constitutes a grave abuse because no one, under any condition is allowed to handle our Lord like that. Even our parochial vicar doesn’t dare touch our Lord without holding him within the humeral veil during adoration. This was disrespect at its worst.

When you write to the bishop, be as factual as you can with what happened and do not get emotional. Explain to him everything that happened, including time, date, place and event. This needs to be done as soon as possible.

 

[kristie_m]

Jst so no one misunderstands. A Lay person can begin and end Adoration, therefore handle the Monstrance and Lunette.

Perhaps this rule then is specific to our parish. Our pastor would have the authority to make that requirement, I presume. I know that each of us who is scheduled has been told that no one is to touch the monstrance. Also, as we end with Benediction, I was under the impression that that was something that could only be done by the priest or deacon.

 

[parrotgal]

Thank you for your responses. I agree, with the posts that it may have been good intention gone bad.

Nonetheless I am very disturbed by this event. I feel that somehow Jesus was desecrated although that may be to strong of a word, but another word doesn’t come to mind to me right now.

I don’t view this as a problem of “LifeTeen” as we have only started our youth program, and I find the curriculum provided very well thought out and in tune with our kids for today.

I am glad there is this forum, as I had been wrestling with this all day yesterday, and really not knowing how to put this into words. And then once I did, it sounded so unbelievable!
God Bless
Peace

 

[Angel_Bradford]

We also had Benediction and Adoration at my parish Sunday afternoos. Our PV who usually leads is an absolutely wonderful priest. Everytime he removes Jesus from the tabernacle or returns Him back, he ALWAYS holds Him close to his heart. I always find this very moving.

 

[agapewolf]

Thank you for your responses. I agree, with the posts that it may have been good intention gone bad.

Nonetheless I am very disturbed by this event. I feel that somehow Jesus was desecrated although that may be to strong of a word, but another word doesn’t come to mind to me right now.

I don’t view this as a problem of “LifeTeen” as we have only started our youth program, and I find the curriculum provided very well thought out and in tune with our kids for today.

I am glad there is this forum, as I had been wrestling with this all day yesterday, and really not knowing how to put this into words. And then once I did, it sounded so unbelievable!
God Bless
Peace

I would be disturbed, too. There is a reason the Eucharist is in the luna in the monstrance. However, please remember this: In the US, we can receive the Eucharist in our hands at every Mass (without a luna). Now before anyone goes bashing me, remember what I just said. I would be disturbed, what happened there was not correct, however, just a thought so as not to be using such strong words as “desecrated”.

 

[parrotgal]

I would be disturbed, too. There is a reason the Eucharist is in the luna in the monstrance. However, please remember this: In the US, we can receive the Eucharist in our hands at every Mass (without a luna). Now before anyone goes bashing me, remember what I just said. I would be disturbed, what happened there was not correct, however, just a thought so as not to be using such strong words as “desecrated”.

What I said:
“Nonetheless I am very disturbed by this event.** I feel** that somehow Jesus was desecrated although that may be to strong of a word, but another word doesn’t come to mind to me right now.”

This is what I felt and perhaps that desecrate was too strong of a word and if you have a word to describe what I was feeling I would be glad to know it so I could express this properly. So if you have a thought to another word that wouldn’t be as strong when I am sitting there helpless watching as our Lord is being passed around hand to hand, I am sure others on this forum would appreciate that (name removed by moderator)ut also.
So wether or not this is regarded as bashing a post (i really don’t know what bashing is:shrug: ) since I am the original OP I am going to respond with my view, as I was there and I said that from my close perspective.

God Bless
Peace

 

[agapewolf]

What I said:
“Nonetheless I am very disturbed by this event.** I feel** that somehow Jesus was desecrated although that may be to strong of a word, but another word doesn’t come to mind to me right now.”

This is what I felt and perhaps that desecrate was too strong of a word and if you have a word to describe what I was feeling I would be glad to know it so I could express this properly. So if you have a thought to another word that wouldn’t be as strong when I am sitting there helpless watching as our Lord is being passed around hand to hand, I am sure others on this forum would appreciate that (name removed by moderator)ut also.
So wether or not this is regarded as bashing a post (i really don’t know what bashing is:shrug: ) since I am the original OP I am going to respond with my view, as I was there and I said that from my close perspective.

God Bless
Peace

Oh my gosh…there was absolutely no need to be so defensive. I was trying to calm your nerves a bit and help you feel better. Remember, we are allowed to receive Him in our hand at Mass.

Thats all.

 

[benedictgal]

Oh my gosh…there was absolutely no need to be so defensive. I was trying to calm your nerves a bit and help you feel better. Remember, we are allowed to receive Him in our hand at Mass.

Thats all.

Yes, but, what the OP witnessed is something that is not supposed to happen. Benediction has its own set of rituals and what occurred that night was a serious abuse.

 

[agapewolf]

Yes, but, what the OP witnessed is something that is not supposed to happen. Benediction has its own set of rituals and what occurred that night was a serious abuse.

unnecessary comment, if you will read what I posted previously:

I would be disturbed, too. There is a reason the Eucharist is in the luna in the monstrance. However, please remember this: In the US, we can receive the Eucharist in our hands at every Mass (without a luna). Now before anyone goes bashing me, remember what I just said. I would be disturbed, what happened there was not correct, however, just a thought so as not to be using such strong words as “desecrated”.

and then added I was just simply trying to calm nerves.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Perhaps this rule then is specific to our parish. Our pastor would have the authority to make that requirement, I presume. I know that each of us who is scheduled has been told that no one is to touch the monstrance. Also, as we end with Benediction, I was under the impression that that was something that could only be done by the priest or deacon.

That is correct. Your pastor is responsible for the Blessed Sacrament in his parish. If he feels no one but him or the deacon should handle the Blessed Sacrament in his parish, that is his decision to make. I assume that he does not use EMHC’s either? Benediction is reserved only to the priest, I believe.

 

[benedictgal]

unnecessary comment, if you will read what I posted previously:

and then added I was just simply trying to calm nerves.

Sorry, agapewolf, I didn’t see the last portion of your message. Mea maxima culpa on that one. It’s just that I’ve seen some strange things happening during adoration. These have included holding the luna for people to kiss and then other instances where the deacon touches people’s foreheads with the Blessed Sacrament and then he does some strange annointing ritual. My parochial vicar nearly had a coronary when he was returning to the sacristy at the hospital chapel and witnessed this happening. At least he put an end to it (momentarily, until it resumed and the bishop finally stopped it).

 

[palmas85]

Oh my gosh…there was absolutely no need to be so defensive. I was trying to calm your nerves a bit and help you feel better. Remember, we are allowed to receive Him in our hand at Mass.

Thats all.

Yes we are. And we are to consume forthwith. However, we are NOT EVER ALLOWED to hold onto Him for a while adore Him personally and then pass Him along down the line, so that everyone else can share in the experience, until He reaches the front again.

But I suppose that since this occurred at a Lifeteen event, and we all know that Lifeteen would never ever ever under any circumstances, sanction these sort of things, that you would try to find some way to how shall we say it, minimize the affront? Minimize the , how would you best term it ,

Outright blatant disrespect and sacrilige? Is that too strong a statement?

I am pleased that you would be disturbed. I really am. Its good to know that Lifeteen hasn’t completely fried and distorted your sense of the sacred nature of the Eucharist.

I am however very concerned though that you tried to find some way, any way, to minimize what happened and in essence find some way to justify it. Comparing this atrocity to the reception of Holy Communion is just plain non sensical and wrong.

I think your deep love for Lifeteen got the best of you on this one. I hope that you can realize that. Some things cannot be justified nor minimized.

Ever, no matter who does them.

There is nothing wrong with righteous anger.

And before you get all testy, I know what this Priest was trying to do. He was trying to get the kids to experience Christ in an up close and personal physical way, just as most Lifeteen events try to do in some way or another. To bring the mystery of faith closer to the kids. To make it more real for them. To get them involved.

I sat through that sort of thing for years because the DRE and RCIA director were big fans of Lifeteen.

The problem though is that by coming up with new and inventive ways to try to accomplish these noble goals, those responsible often cause great damage to the Body of Christ. They may have the best of intentions, but we know what is often said about good intentions.