Speedy Masses?!?

[twopekinguys]

At my parish, the key is put in the priest’s pocket at the start of Mass, and then he goes and unlocks the Tabernacle when he is ready to take the Hosts out. The key is never left in the lock of the Tabernacle - it’s always either locked away where it belongs, or with the priest.

Of course, this can vary from parish to parish, but our priest doesn’t really want to spend time digging under his chasuble, through his alb, and ultimately into his pocket in order to find the key. He thinks (and I agree) that it looks tacky. Besides, he has enough trouble turning his microphone on and off.

Plus, we usually have at least one deacon assisting at Mass, and the same thing could be said for them fishing around looking for the key.

Keep in mind, the key is only in the Tabernacle for a short time before the priest processes in. It isn’t like the Tabernacle is being abandoned.

We also need to keep in mind, there is no specific regulation as to how this should be done, so I am sure it is a discretionary manner.

 

[jmcrae]

Of course, this can vary from parish to parish, but our priest doesn’t really want to spend time digging under his chasuble, through his alb, and ultimately into his pocket in order to find the key. He thinks (and I agree) that it looks tacky. Besides, he has enough trouble turning his microphone on and off.

He could put it on the Altar, where it will be handy.

Keep in mind, the key is only in the Tabernacle for a short time before the priest processes in. It isn’t like the Tabernacle is being abandoned.

Actually, it’s probably in there until the start of the distribution of Holy Communion. I doubt they take the hosts out before then.

We also need to keep in mind, there is no specific regulation as to how this should be done, so I am sure it is a discretionary manner.

If the Tabernacle itself is in a secure place, then this could work but if (as in so many parishes these days) it’s accessible to the congregation, then leaving the key in throughout Mass is probably not such a good idea.

 

[IHeartAquinas]

The two parishes in my diocese I’ve attended have always had mass that lasted anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half. The latter is usually because the parish priest that was at the smaller parish for over forty years had a tendency to go on and on and on and on. But he was the best and nobody begrudged him.

The only time I’ve ever attended a mass that was significantly less than an hour was when a newer, much younger priest was saying the homily at the height of the priest sex scandal back at the beginning of the decade. His homily lasted all of five minutes because he went and sat down next to a single woman, introduced himself, and asked her out for coffee later. Then he very succinctly explained the role of the priest, the standard to which he is held, and why those who would leave the Church because of the actions of men were never part of the Church to begin with.

Epic. EPIC.

I’ve not seen any rushed masses, but I have heard that the TLM in one of the parishes of the diocese rarely fills a full hour, and I think it’s the same thing as someone else posted about the priest speeding through the Latin. This might also be because he’s reciting it from rote, as Latin isn’t taught as much as it was in the past, so they lack the language training to actually be speaking Latin instead of reciting it.

 

[twopekinguys]

He could put it on the Altar, where it will be handy.

Actually, I believe there is an instruction that the only thing that is to be on the altar is a crucifix.

Actually, it’s probably in there until the start of the distribution of Holy Communion. I doubt they take the hosts out before then.

True, but the Tabernacle is behind the Altar, and is elevated. It is readily visible from all parts of the Church.

If the Tabernacle itself is in a secure place, then this could work but if (as in so many parishes these days) it’s accessible to the congregation, then leaving the key in throughout Mass is probably not such a good idea.

You’ve kind of lost me here.
How is leaving the key in the Tabernacle throughout the Mass not a good idea? The priest is present in the sanctuary, along with a deacon or two. Not to mention the Altar servers.

Keep in mind, that once the distribution of communion is complete, and the vessels returned to the sacristy, the key goes with them.

Do you think anything might happen in front of the congregation, and the clergy?

Our bishop recently issued a mandate that ALL Tabernacles in the diocese have to be moved into the main sanctuary of all the churches in our diocese.

 

[ProVobis]

I’ve not seen any rushed masses, but I have heard that the TLM in one of the parishes of the diocese rarely fills a full hour, and I think it’s the same thing as someone else posted about the priest speeding through the Latin. This might also be because he’s reciting it from rote, as Latin isn’t taught as much as it was in the past, so they lack the language training to actually be speaking Latin instead of reciting it.

There is more text to read in the TLM. However, most of it is read quietly and there are very few pauses. If you were to follow along in your missal, especially in the Latin, you’ll usually find yourself behind, though. But it should keep you active.

 

[jmcrae]

Actually, I believe there is an instruction that the only thing that is to be on the altar is a crucifix.

Candles and a Sacramentary are also present, on ours.

True, but the Tabernacle is behind the Altar, and is elevated. It is readily visible from all parts of the Church.

In some churches, that’s how it is. However, most of the parishes I attend, the Tabernacle is placed so that members of the congregation can come and pray in front of it, when there is no Mass - meaning that it’s off to one side of the Altar, and easily accessible from the nave of the Church.

Keep in mind, that once the distribution of communion is complete, and the vessels returned to the sacristy, the key goes with them.

Right - but it’s out during the Introductory Rites and the Liturgy of the Word, and all of the movement that takes place during that time.

Do you think anything might happen in front of the congregation, and the clergy?

I’ve seen all kinds of wild things happen right in front of the whole congregation - and nobody moves. For example, one time a lady came in and lit all the candles in the prayer corner right in the middle of Mass, and not one person made a move to stop her, or to find out what her problem was. Another time, a street person was moving from pew to pew loudly swearing at everyone, and nobody moved to stop him or to find out what he wanted.

Our bishop recently issued a mandate that ALL Tabernacles in the diocese have to be moved into the main sanctuary of all the churches in our diocese.

That’s good - but I’m betting you’ll still have a few that are near the front of the Sanctuary, rather than at the back.

 

[ljubim]

Our bishop recently issued a mandate that ALL Tabernacles in the diocese have to be moved into the main sanctuary of all the churches in our diocese.

Every so often, he calls people out on the carpet for getting communion and leaving without receiving final blessing.

WOW!!!
I pray that every diocese and every parish be like yours!

 

[boatbearer]

Of course, this can vary from parish to parish, but our priest doesn’t really want to spend time digging under his chasuble, through his alb, and ultimately into his pocket in order to find the key. He thinks (and I agree) that it looks tacky. Besides, he has enough trouble turning his microphone on and off.

Plus, we usually have at least one deacon assisting at Mass, and the same thing could be said for them fishing around looking for the key.

Keep in mind, the key is only in the Tabernacle for a short time before the priest processes in. It isn’t like the Tabernacle is being abandoned.

We also need to keep in mind, there is no specific regulation as to how this should be done, so I am sure it is a discretionary manner.

The key in the tabernacle is simply unacceptable. It could be left on a small table next to his chair or a dozen other places. “digging into his pocket” seems like it would be excellent sign value. Better yet, maybe he could wear the key around his neck under his chasuble? Now that would really send the right message.

The finest I ever saw was a priest who wore a black sweatband on his wrist with the tabernacle key interested under it. A sublime $1.00 fix.

 

[boatbearer]

There is more text to read in the TLM. However, most of it is read quietly and there are very few pauses. If you were to follow along in your missal, especially in the Latin, you’ll usually find yourself behind, though. But it should keep you active.

A low Mass EF can be burned-through quicker than ANY OF Mass that I know of.

 

[boatbearer]

Wow! After reading some of the posts, I wonder what the priest is thinking. Our Priest would have a cow over the slightest hints of “rushing”. Our Mass runs anywhere from an hour to an hour and twenty minutes. Father is the only one with the key to the tabernacle and it’s only out when he’s using it. Every so often, he calls people out on the carpet for getting communion and leaving without receiving final blessing.

What amazes me the most is why people always are in a hurry, in general. When it comes to God and being close to him, I have all the time in the world.

I appreciate your comments but consider the following.

This phenomenon has slowly developed over the last 25+ years during the reign of some very ineffective and/or lazy pastors. The current pastor is a good guy and he has made headway but I think he’s genuinely afraid of causing a riot by some very deeply rooted people.

It sounds nice and easy to say one’s going to clean house if things don’t improve once people have been made aware of a problem but such tactics can also overwhelm a parish in the most negative of ways.

 

[ProVobis]

A low Mass EF can be burned-through quicker than ANY OF Mass that I know of.

And that bothers you, assuming it’s true? Then explain why the OF uses EMHC to speed things up and that’s okay with you.

 

[ProVobis]

A low Mass EF can be burned-through quicker than ANY OF Mass that I know of.

And that bothers you, assuming it’s true? Then explain why the OF uses EMHC to speed things up and that’s okay with you.

One other thing. One kneels through most of the EF Low Mass. Would you be willing to kneel most of the 2 hours you desire at the OF? Sitting takes no effort.

 

[twopekinguys]

The key in the tabernacle is simply unacceptable. It could be left on a small table next to his chair or a dozen other places. “digging into his pocket” seems like it would be excellent sign value. Better yet, maybe he could wear the key around his neck under his chasuble? Now that would really send the right message.

The finest I ever saw was a priest who wore a black sweatband on his wrist with the tabernacle key interested under it. A sublime $1.00 fix.

I would much rather see the key in the Tabernacle, where it is readily visible to everyone than to have it laying on a table, or somewhere not readily visible.

Leaving it on a small table next to his chair is more risky than leaving it in the lock. It is even less secure. It would be much easier for it to get picked up by someone and not be noticed.

Wear the key under his chasuble? He would still be digging for the key, just not in a pocket. Most chasubles don’t have extremely large head openings.

A sweat band? Really? Did he jog up the aisle? A key under a wristband can slip out and fall on the floor anywhere from the Narthex to the Sanctuary. So much for a “Sublime $1.00 fix.”

 

[twopekinguys]

Candles and a Sacramentary are also present, on ours.

Candles yes, but the Sacramentary should only be there during the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

In some churches, that’s how it is. However, most of the parishes I attend, the Tabernacle is placed so that members of the congregation can come and pray in front of it, when there is no Mass - meaning that it’s off to one side of the Altar, and easily accessible from the nave of the Church.

We have many people come to pray in front of the Tabernacle, even with it directly behind the Altar.

Right - but it’s out during the Introductory Rites and the Liturgy of the Word, and all of the movement that takes place during that time.

That’s true, and there is movement in the Sanctuary, but, that movement is by Clergy, Servers, Lectors, and Cantors. All people that need to be there for one reason or another, and not a member of the general congregation.

I’ve seen all kinds of wild things happen right in front of the whole congregation - and nobody moves. For example, one time a lady came in and lit all the candles in the prayer corner right in the middle of Mass, and not one person made a move to stop her, or to find out what her problem was. Another time, a street person was moving from pew to pew loudly swearing at everyone, and nobody moved to stop him or to find out what he wanted.

Odd things will happen from time to time, especially if you attend an inner city parish. My personal opinion of the examples you provided is that these individuals are/were suffering from some sort of mental issue, and my heart and prayers go out to them. Their actions may be disturbing, but often times they can’t control them.

Also, each congregation is different. I can guarantee that if any of the things you mentioned occurred in our parish, someone would have intervened. We have numerous ushers who are in law enforcement (myself included).

I must also point out that your examples don’t indicate they approached the Altar, Sanctuary, or the Tabernacle.

That’s good - but I’m betting you’ll still have a few that are near the front of the Sanctuary, rather than at the back.

You’ve never met our Bishop…LOL He is a great guy, but you also don’t want to make him mad. When he issues a directive, especially one like this, I can guarantee it will be followed.

The directive allows each church 5 years for planning, and moving their Tabernacle. Plans have to be submitted to the diocese for final approval.

Our parish is ahead of the curve on this. The Tabernacle used to be off to the side, but his feeling was that it needed to be in the center of the Sanctuary. His words were, “If Christ is not in the Center of the Church, how can he be in the center of our lives.”

I should also point out that several years ago, we had 3 attempted break ins of the Tabernacle. They used hammers, and crowbars, but were unsuccessful. All of these happened outside of Liturgical celebrations.

 

[GwenL]

The key in the tabernacle is simply unacceptable.

Unacceptable to whom? Your reference, please? Or is this your opinion?

In our cathedral, the sacristan opens the tabernacle before Mass to determine the number of hosts that he needs to place for consecration. The key is left in the tabernacle until after Mass. Our tabernacle is in the sanctuary, at the rear on the high altar, and not accessbile unless you go up into the sactuary and through/by the priest and servers. The Lord is never left unsecure or accessible to anyone except priest, sacristan, and servers. Perhaps at other churches where the tabernacle is not isolated in the sanctuary, another solution is called for.

It is, however, unacceptable to place items on the altar that are not required for the celebration (GIRM 306-308). Acceptable are: crucifix (on or near), candles (on or around), Gospel (until proclamation), chalice with the paten, a ciborium if necessary, and, finally, the corporal, the purificator, the pall, and the Missal. A key on the altar doesn’t seem to me acceptable.

I think the haste of some Masses is just the style of the individual priest. Of our Franciscan friars, we have two who speak at a reverent, measured pace, and take appropriate time for reflection and silent prayer (after the homily, after communion, etc.). A new friar just arrived who seems in a hurry–he’s up at the altar before the server even sets things up, he starts his next lines before we’ve even finished ours, and he runs his words together and speaks so quickly there is little inflection. I don’t know if he’s bored, or has gotten into a rut, or has a more important appointment, or thinks that people want things to happen fast, but it is very distracting.

 

[twopekinguys]

Unacceptable to whom? Your reference, please? Or is this your opinion?

In our cathedral, the sacristan opens the tabernacle before Mass to determine the number of hosts that he needs to place for consecration. The key is left in the tabernacle until after Mass. Our tabernacle is in the sanctuary, at the rear on the high altar, and not accessbile unless you go up into the sactuary and through/by the priest and servers. The Lord is never left unsecure or accessible to anyone except priest, sacristan, and servers. Perhaps at other churches where the tabernacle is not isolated in the sanctuary, another solution is called for.

It is, however, unacceptable to place items on the altar that are not required for the celebration (GIRM 306-308). Acceptable are: crucifix (on or near), candles (on or around), Gospel (until proclamation), chalice with the paten, a ciborium if necessary, and, finally, the corporal, the purificator, the pall, and the Missal. A key on the altar doesn’t seem to me acceptable.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I was looking for your reference in the GIRM, and couldn’t find it.

Our parish does the same thing as your Cathedral, and I agree that the Lord is never left unsecure.

 

[jmcrae]

C
We have many people come to pray in front of the Tabernacle, even with it directly behind the Altar.

But not coming into the Sanctuary to do so, I hope?

That’s true, and there is movement in the Sanctuary, but, that movement is by Clergy, Servers, Lectors, and Cantors. All people that need to be there for one reason or another, and not a member of the general congregation.

Well - and those who are arriving late.

Odd things will happen from time to time, especially if you attend an inner city parish. My personal opinion of the examples you provided is that these individuals are/were suffering from some sort of mental issue, and my heart and prayers go out to them. Their actions may be disturbing, but often times they can’t control them.

Right - but if there had been a key in the Tabernacle, and they had approached the Tabernacle to do something to it, I still don’t think anybody would have moved.

 

[twopekinguys]

But not coming into the Sanctuary to do so, I hope?

Of course not. There is a kneeler at the bottom of the steps that is removed before Mass.

Well - and those who are arriving late.

Which is happening at the back of the church, and has nothing to do with the Sanctuary.

Right - but if there had been a key in the Tabernacle, and they had approached the Tabernacle to do something to it, I still don’t think anybody would have moved.

You don’t think that if someone came into your church, during Mass, acting erratically, and approached the Sanctuary, let alone the Tabernacle, that nobody would do anything? Including the celebrant?

I would find that extremely hard to believe.

We had an incident a few years ago where one of the Altar Servers, passed out during the Consecration. I was sitting in the front row when it happened.

Within seconds, the celebrant gave me a quick “nod”, and I immediately approached the sanctuary in order to assist the server. Ultimately, it involved moving him to the sacristy, via the Sanctuary, and calling an ambulance (he ended up being fine).

The reason I mention this is because even though the celebrant is performing the Sacrifice of the Mass, he is still aware (or should be) of his surroundings, and be able to address necessary things, including unauthorized persons approaching/entering the Sanctuary.

 

[boatbearer]

I would much rather see the key in the Tabernacle, where it is readily visible to everyone than to have it laying on a table, or somewhere not readily visible.

Leaving it on a small table next to his chair is more risky than leaving it in the lock. It is even less secure. It would be much easier for it to get picked up by someone and not be noticed.

Wear the key under his chasuble? He would still be digging for the key, just not in a pocket. Most chasubles don’t have extremely large head openings.

A sweat band? Really? Did he jog up the aisle? A key under a wristband can slip out and fall on the floor anywhere from the Narthex to the Sanctuary. So much for a “Sublime $1.00 fix.”

That key in the tabernacle not only makes the tabernacle unsecured it also screams “expediency before security!” In other words “God just isn’t worth the extra time or effort.”

The wrist band has nothing to do with jogging. That’s just a rude/nasty remark. The only reason I realized what it was (it’s black and not noticeable) was because I saw the priest put it on in the sacristy. And no, a key would not “slip out.” That’s just silly. Your concern is ridiculous – you’re just trying to discredit something you do not like. And you failed miserably.

 

[boatbearer]

Unacceptable to whom? Your reference, please? Or is this your opinion?

In our cathedral, the sacristan opens the tabernacle before Mass to determine the number of hosts that he needs to place for consecration. The key is left in the tabernacle until after Mass. Our tabernacle is in the sanctuary, at the rear on the high altar, and not accessbile unless you go up into the sactuary and through/by the priest and servers. The Lord is never left unsecure or accessible to anyone except priest, sacristan, and servers. Perhaps at other churches where the tabernacle is not isolated in the sanctuary, another solution is called for.

It is, however, unacceptable to place items on the altar that are not required for the celebration (GIRM 306-308). Acceptable are: crucifix (on or near), candles (on or around), Gospel (until proclamation), chalice with the paten, a ciborium if necessary, and, finally, the corporal, the purificator, the pall, and the Missal. A key on the altar doesn’t seem to me acceptable.

I think the haste of some Masses is just the style of the individual priest. Of our Franciscan friars, we have two who speak at a reverent, measured pace, and take appropriate time for reflection and silent prayer (after the homily, after communion, etc.). A new friar just arrived who seems in a hurry–he’s up at the altar before the server even sets things up, he starts his next lines before we’ve even finished ours, and he runs his words together and speaks so quickly there is little inflection. I don’t know if he’s bored, or has gotten into a rut, or has a more important appointment, or thinks that people want things to happen fast, but it is very distracting.

Unacceptable to canon law:

938 § 3: “The tabernacle in which the Most Holy Eucharist is reserved habitually is to be immovable, made of solid and opaque material, and locked in such a way that the danger of profanation is avoided as much as possible.”

Spin it any way you want but it’s extremely bad form to leave the key in the tabernacle. From a sign value standpoint I think it’s horrible even for an empty tabernacle.

I never suggested putting a key on the altar. It could go on the table next to your presider or it could go on the credence or your priest could simply keep it on his person.