This has been covered pretty extensively, you can search on “sacred vessels” and read the results. Bottom line is that glass vessels are not allowed.At most of the parishes I have been to, the Sacred Vessels are made of glass. I had always thought this was not allowed, and that they had to be made of something that doesn’t shatter, like gold-lined cups.
What are the rules regarding the Sacred Vessels?
Oh, for the vessels. Ah! Actually, the liturgical laws forbid [this]. This is actually for bishops and priests to work out, because you cannot work out all that. But the liturgical laws are laid down about what type of vessel will be allowed at Mass.
Now, to relieve any doubt, here is what Redemptionis Sacramentum has to say on the subject:Glass is forbidden. Yes, Forbidden. And anything that can break. Not to talk of those using baskets! Terrible things happen in this world!
It doesn’t matter if the glassware is made by Waterford. It is still not allowed for liturgical use.
- Sacred Vessels
[117.] Sacred vessels for containing the Body and Blood of the Lord must be made in strict conformity with the norms of tradition and of the liturgical books.205 The Bishops’ Conferences have the faculty to decide whether it is appropriate, once their decisions have been given the recognitio by the Apostolic See, for sacred vessels to be made of other solid materials as well. It is strictly required, however, that such materials be truly noble in the common estimation within a given region,206 so that honor will be given to the Lord by their use, and all risk of diminishing the doctrine of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharistic species in the eyes of the faithful will be avoided. Reprobated, therefore, is any practice of using for the celebration of Mass common vessels, or others lacking in quality, or devoid of all artistic merit or which are mere containers, as also other vessels made from glass, earthenware, clay, or other materials that break easily. This norm is to be applied even as regards metals and other materials that easily rust or deteriorate.207
While all this is good and well it doesn’t change the fact that glassware is forbidden. Rome has already spoken cryatal clearly about this.The following comes from the US adaptation of the GIRM.
- Among the requisites for the celebration of Mass, the sacred vessels are held in special honor, especially the chalice and paten, in which the bread and wine are offered and consecrated, and from which they are consumed.
- Sacred vessels are to be made from precious metal. If they are made from metal that rusts or from a metal less precious than gold, then ordinarily they should be gilded on the inside.
- In the Dioceses of the United States of America, sacred vessels may also be made from other solid materials that, according to the common estimation in each region, are precious, for example, ebony or other hard woods, provided that such materials are suited to sacred use and do not easily break or deteriorate. This applies to all vessels which hold the hosts, such as the paten, the ciborium, the pyx, the monstrance, and other things of this kind.
- As regards chalices and other vessels that are intended to serve as receptacles for the Blood of the Lord, they are to have bowls of nonabsorbent material. The base, on the other hand, may be made of other solid and worthy materials.
- For the consecration of hosts, a large paten may appropriately be used; on it is placed the bread for the priest and the deacon as well as for the other ministers and for the faithful.
- As to the form of the sacred vessels, the artist may fashion them in a manner that is more in keeping with the customs of each region, provided each vessel is suited to the intended liturgical use and is clearly distinguishable from those intended for everyday use.
- For the blessing of sacred vessels, the rites prescribed in the liturgical books are to be followed.136
Where did I say it was allowed? I was just providing the appropriate lines from the GIRM.While all this is good and well it doesn’t change the fact that glassware is forbidden. Rome has already spoken cryatal clearly about this.
The only things that you can do are to try and humbly and prayerfully educate the Pastor of your parish and if he refuses to comply with the clear direction from the Church then you should notify your Bishop.What can I do about this? I’m in College, and our Chapel uses glass. I would really like to change this.
Also, what should the vessel holding the Body be? Most places use glass plates with raised edges. Ideally I would like to see us use only the Priest and one Extraordinary minister, but apparently Communion is a race to many people.
It should be “precious metal” as referenced in the previous documents. You can make copies of these documents and tactfully approach the priest, letting him know that you want to obey the Church, etc. But you’d better really pray up a storm before you do this, in case you are rebuffed or attacked. Get someone else to pray also and go with you. It’s so sad, and a sign of the times, that those who don’t want the “lowest common denominator” or the easy way out, are swimming against the tide in the Church. But I guess that’s in Scripture too.What can I do about this? I’m in College, and our Chapel uses glass. I would really like to change this.
Also, what should the vessel holding the Body be? Most places use glass plates with raised edges. Ideally I would like to see us use only the Priest and one Extraordinary minister, but apparently Communion is a race to many people.
The citation from Redemptionis Sacramentum applies to the chalice, paten and the ciborria (the vessel that holds the Sacred Host). Glass is forbidden.What can I do about this? I’m in College, and our Chapel uses glass. I would really like to change this.
Also, what should the vessel holding the Body be? Most places use glass plates with raised edges. Ideally I would like to see us use only the Priest and one Extraordinary minister, but apparently Communion is a race to many people.
Here is one such thread that goes into some detail on this:This has been covered pretty extensively, you can search on “sacred vessels” and read the results. Bottom line is that glass vessels are not allowed.
Talk to your priest. Suggest a fundraiser for money to purchase a new set of acceptable sacred vessels.What can I do about this? I’m in College, and our Chapel uses glass. I would really like to change this.
Also, what should the vessel holding the Body be? Most places use glass plates with raised edges. Ideally I would like to see us use only the Priest and one Extraordinary minister, but apparently Communion is a race to many people.
Disposal and breakage is the only argument that makes sense here. Otherwise I get really turned off by seeing shiny gold or silver pieces. If it should be metal it should be a dull, normal metal that is not flashy. There were no gold or silver vessels at the last supper.Here is one such thread that goes into some detail on this:
How do we dispose of glass chalices?
I’m more of a low-key guy as well, but I don’t have a problem with the flashy vessels, where people prefer those - there is potent symbolism in either approach. However, I’m not so sure we can say there were no gold or silver vessels at the last supper - wasn’t that held at a rich man’s house?Disposal and breakage is the only argument that makes sense here. Otherwise I get really turned off by seeing shiny gold or silver pieces. If it should be metal it should be a dull, normal metal that is not flashy. There were no gold or silver vessels at the last supper.
Why should it be “dull” and “normal”? It’s not holding something dull or normal, but something sacred and precious. Fine things for the King of Kings, eh?I get really turned off by seeing shiny gold or silver pieces. If it should be metal it should be a dull, normal metal that is not flashy.
We do not know the location for sure, it is always said that it is at a secret location. Also “rich” in that time does not always mean there was gold or silver around. It could mean just one step above abject poverty.I’m more of a low-key guy as well, but I don’t have a problem with the flashy vessels, where people prefer those - there is potent symbolism in either approach. However, I’m not so sure we can say there were no gold or silver vessels at the last supper - wasn’t that held at a rich man’s house?
He did not come from the upper classes, he was born into the lower classes. Remember he also refused all regal trappings of any office/kingship while down here. He did not align himself with the rich Romans, with King Herod, or the upper crust Jews at the time.Why should it be “dull” and “normal”? It’s not holding something dull or normal, but something sacred and precious. Fine things for the King of Kings, eh?
Inanimate objects can’t infer anything.Gold and silver does not show he came into the lower classes that he came for the least of us. It infers coming for the higher classes, the rich. It also infers that he accepted the regal trappings while he was still here.