Use of Altars by Non-Catholics

[WanderAimlessly]

Interesting Article:

Use of Altars by Non-Catholics
**And More on Albs
**ROME, FEB. 7, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Answered by Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university.

Q: Is it ever permissible for non-Catholic ecclesial communities to celebrate their “liturgy” on a dedicated (fixed) altar? An Episcopalian (Anglican) group which uses our community’s guest facilities has been celebrating both their Office and “eucharist” in our basilica. – F.J., Nodaway, Missouri

A: This question is addressed in the Ecumenical Directory although there may also be particular norms issued by the bishops’ conference or by the local bishop which apply these norms to concrete local situations.

Full Story

PF

 

[Jaypeeto3]

I don’t like the idea of nonCatholics using consecrated Catholic altars for their services. The altar of a Catholic Church is consecrated for the purpose of offering the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our LORD Jesus Christ to the Father in the holy sacrifice of the Mass. Any other use of a Catholic altar, it would seem to me, is a sacrilege.

Jaypeeto3

 

[bluehen]

Jaypeeto,

Did you read the link? Because the Church clearly does not view it as a sacrilege. Proper protection of the Blessed Sacrament must be taken, but other than that, a bishop is free to approve it and, from the text, it is viewed as an act of Christian charity.

 

[Jaypeeto3]

Thanks for the info, I checked out the link.
This is scandalous to me, but not surprising. Since Vatican II, altars can be (and are) made of just about any - even common - material whatsoever.

So I see the Ecumenical Directory does approve of it.
Still, I doubt that this would have been tolerated by the Church for the first 1,965 years of it’s existence.

Jaypeeto3

 

[FrCorey]

No, no one is suppost to touch the sacred items!
does the priest lend out the chalice for general use? NO
maybe borrow some vestments for a school play? NO
how about a beer in God’s cup? ain’t gonna happen.

 

[FrCorey]

bluehen:

Jaypeeto,

Did you read the link? Because the Church clearly does not view it as a sacrilege. Proper protection of the Blessed Sacrament must be taken, but other than that, a bishop is free to approve it and, from the text, it is viewed as an act of Christian charity.

that is wierd, we have a holy relic in our altar.
so it and everything on it is holy.
Holy is not for rent.

 

[bluehen]

So, um, then what’s your take on this:

"137. Catholic churches are consecrated or blessed buildings which have an important theological and liturgical significance for the Catholic community. They are therefore generally reserved for Catholic worship. However, if priests, ministers or communities not in full communion with the Catholic Church do not have a place or the liturgical objects necessary for celebrating worthily their religious ceremonies, the diocesan Bishop may allow them the use of a church or a Catholic building and also lend them what may be necessary for their services. Under similar circumstances, permission may be given to them for interment or for the celebration of services at Catholic cemeteries.

I agree, “holy is not for rent.” However, allowing use is not renting. It can be Christian charity.

And, is exceptionally explicit in the guideline above, this includes both the “place” and the “liturgical objects”.

Our fellow Christians are not in full communion. They are in error. They are still Christian, however. So this isn’t allowing use by Pagans.

Sometimes… as has been pointed out far too often in these forums… not everyone knows every rule. And the rules may dismay some based on their personal preferences, but the rules allow for an act of charity in this case to help fellow Christians.

 

[ProudArmyWife]

Military chapels are used for many congregations - Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, etc. and even events - community meetings- if need be…