Shouldnt there be a Crucifix on the Altar at Mass?

[Petergee]

Sorry for hijacking the thread but I would like to sort out the confusion re EMHCs.

in many cases they are communed before the Priest

That is wrong, but it is the priest who gives it to them who is at fault, unless you are saying that they run up and grab Communion themselves before the priest has a chance to stop them.

and are in the sanctuary most of the Mass prior to and including the Consecration

I understand this is quite licit and is actually the Holy See’s officially PREFERRED option, though most don’t do it. That aside, I’m sure the EMHC’s do so at the invitation of the priest, rather than as you imply, forcing their way into the sanctuary against his wishes.

there are some cases in which the only visible function of the Priest is to observe rather disinterestedly I might add, from the throne, excuse me, the presiders chair, sipping bottled water, I actually saw that one as the congregation takes over the lead role in just about everything.

Now I think you’re just being silly. Surely you can’t be seriously telling me that the congregation **leads **the Gospel, Preparation of the Gifts, Eucharistic Prayer, etc.!! And why on earth do you think there is something terribly wrong about a priest sipping bottled water?

Extraordinary Minister title refers to using them in extraordinary situations, not as a routine matter which is not allowed. You can check that one, I’m not making it up……the Vatican expresses repeatedly that they are to be used as infrequently as possible….I am a EMOHC but I recognize that this should only be practiced when absolutely necessary.

Please cite an authoritative source for these claims.

I think her parish actually does have three priests on the books, but I also know that they are resourceful enough and holy enough to attract many other priests from near and far to assist.

Shouldn’t the imported priests be concentrating on their OWN designated parishes, ESPECIALLY to try to MAKE holier their parishes which are NOT “holy enough”?

 

[msproule]

msproule:

I think her parish actually does have three priests on the books, but I also know that they are resourceful enough and holy enough to attract many other priests from near and far to assist.

Petergee:

Shouldn’t the imported priests be concentrating on their OWN designated parishes, ESPECIALLY to try to MAKE holier their parishes which are NOT “holy enough”?

Before you get too accusatory, allow me to take the blame for what was perhaps a misleading statement. For the sake of brevity, I omitted a line which originally pointed out that the “guest” priests often do not have a parish of their own. They are Order priests, not Diocesan priests. This is not always the case, but rest assured that there is no negligence occurring with these men who are dedicated wholly to God’s work.

In Christ,
Michael

 

[Marian_Carroll]

**The thread is beginning to leave its subject:
Shouldnt there be a Crucifix on the Altar at Mass?

and go off topic. Please return to the subject at hand and those wishing to discuss other subjects may feel free to initiate their own thread topics.

Thanks for your help.**

 

[palmas85]

Petergee:

Sorry for hijacking the thread but I would like to sort out the confusion re EMHCs.That is wrong, but it is the priest who gives it to them who is at fault, unless you are saying that they run up and grab Communion themselves before the priest has a chance to stop them. I understand this is quite licit and is actually the Holy See’s officially PREFERRED option, though most don’t do it. That aside, I’m sure the EMHC’s do so at the invitation of the priest, rather than as you imply, forcing their way into the sanctuary against his wishes. Now I think you’re just being silly. Surely you can’t be seriously telling me that the congregation **leads **the Gospel, Preparation of the Gifts, Eucharistic Prayer, etc.!! And why on earth do you think there is something terribly wrong about a priest sipping bottled water? Please cite an authoritative source for these claims. Shouldn’t the imported priests be concentrating on their OWN designated parishes, ESPECIALLY to try to MAKE holier their parishes which are NOT “holy enough”?

You know, you’re right. I was wrong. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a priest sipping bottled water throughout the Mass or munching on a Ham sandwich or even sipping on a cold brew for that matter. After all it is just a meal isn’t it? You now informal, spontaneous, open, friendly all the things the Mass was before those old reactionaries at Trent got involved and ruined things for everybody. . And who cares if the Code of Canon law says that extraordinary ministers are not to be used all the time but only when necessary and when no other ordinary ministers are available?. Big deal. And what utter difference could it make that the rules say they are not to approach the altar until after the priest has communed. Rules, who needs em? .Just like having that nasty old crucifix where people can see it. Might offend someone, and we can’t have that. A Risen Christ is better no doubt.

People should not be bound by rules but be free to express themselves in any way they want. Right? And what better place to express your own personal freedom than in the Mass? After all it is all about you. Conformity as you know is the mark of a weak mind and a sheeplike mentality. So I apologize. You really put me in my place.

 

[otm]

thistle:

In my local church there is no crucifix of any size on the altar. What we have is a giant crucifix (10 feet) hanging from the ceiling in the centre of the church. It is in view of everyone. Does this conform to the GIRM instruction?

Yes

 

[Petergee]

palmas85:

You know, you’re right. I was wrong. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a priest sipping bottled water throughout the Mass or munching on a Ham sandwich or even sipping on a cold brew for that matter. After all it is just a meal isn’t it?

Unlike food or other drinks, water may be taken at any time before Communion. As an altar boy I several times had to fetch a glass of water for the priest during the pre-1970 Mass.

You now informal, spontaneous, open, friendly all the things the Mass was before those old reactionaries at Trent got involved and ruined things for everybody.

Your silly sarcasm only undermines your case. I was asking a serious question.

And who cares if the Code of Canon law says that extraordinary ministers are not to be used all the time but only when necessary and when no other ordinary ministers are available?

I care, and I never claimed I didn’t. But I’m still waiting for anyone here to show me any authoritative statement that EMHCs must be used extremely rarely and as little as humanly possible and that this is why they are called “extraordinary”.

Big deal. And what utter difference could it make that the rules say they are not to approach the altar until after the priest has communed. Rules, who needs em? .Just like having that nasty old crucifix where people can see it. Might offend someone, and we can’t have that. A Risen Christ is better no doubt.

People should not be bound by rules but be free to express themselves in any way they want. Right? And what better place to express your own personal freedom than in the Mass? After all it is all about you. Conformity as you know is the mark of a weak mind and a sheeplike mentality. So I apologize. You really put me in my place.

I don’t know who you think you’re arguing with. No-one here has expressed the slightest opposition to these rules.

 

[Marian_Carroll]

The thread is now closed. Thanks to all who contributed to the subject under discussion