Vatican Law -Mass

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Is it permitted for a priest providing over the Mass to drink from a water bottle in the sanctuary while he is sitting during the Mass. The priest at my church is new to our parish, but is young in appearance and in voice. The parishioners don’t bring water bottles to church and drink during it. I feel if he is a holy man of God he’d be able to refrain from drinking while offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is only one hour without water. Please let me know as soon as possible because I am very distracted by this and it does not allow me to concentrate during Mass. Please help!

Thank you
Geri McGowan
Sellersville PA
 
Well… there’s nothing illicit about it. Why don’t you talk to your priest about it and your feelings? Perhaps he has a legitimate reason for needing the water bottle. And perhaps he doesn’t understand that it can be distracting to others. Just lovingly approach him, and reach an understanding.

Josh
 
I knew an Anglican minister who had his saliva glands removed on the left side. He had to constantly sip water. There may be a reason and if it’s medical, it’s none of anyone’s business, but the priest. It might look nicer to have a glass of water as opposed to a bottle, but in the end, it’s his decision. Here in Las Vegas, in the summer, it is not at all uncommon for parishoners to bring water bottles to Mass (dehydration is a real danger). Members of the choir certainly do so, though we attempt a little discretion.
 
Our pastor is older and sometimes his voice fades, so a plain crystal wine glass with water is kept in the sanctuary in an unobtrusive place. He occasionally takes a sip, but not in any distracting way. Perhaps you can suggest a nice glass be kept handy for him? I agree that swigging from a bottle (even if it’s only water) seems a little out of place.

'thann
 
I know of a priest that hides a glass of water on a shelf in the ambo. If he gets all choked up, he can take a sip. Sometimes, preaching can be hazardous to your health.
 
Geri McGowan:
Is it permitted for a priest providing over the Mass to drink from a water bottle in the sanctuary while he is sitting during the Mass. The priest at my church is new to our parish, but is young in appearance and in voice. The parishioners don’t bring water bottles to church and drink during it. I feel if he is a holy man of God he’d be able to refrain from drinking while offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is only one hour without water. Please let me know as soon as possible because I am very distracted by this and it does not allow me to concentrate during Mass. Please help!

Thank you
Geri McGowan
Sellersville PA
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I see nothing wrong with this as long as he has a reason and it is not routine.
 
Additionally the priest is wearing his regular clothes, and alb, and the chasuble, which is hardly a light load. I tend to think that it would be more distracting for the priest to faint during Mass than to take drinks of water, provided it is non-distracting. Like others said provide him with a nice glass to use.
 
Serving in the Melkite Church where the entire Liturgy is chanted I will take the opportunity to get a sip of water whenever I’m in the holy place. Some medications can cause “dry mouth” and it’s necessary to get the water if I want to continue to speak/chant.

Deacon Ed
 
Fr. Barham, rest his soul, always needed water as his meds would cause dry mouth.
 
Geri McGowan:
Is it permitted for a priest providing over the Mass to drink from a water bottle in the sanctuary while he is sitting during the Mass. The priest at my church is new to our parish, but is young in appearance and in voice. The parishioners don’t bring water bottles to church and drink during it. I feel if he is a holy man of God he’d be able to refrain from drinking while offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is only one hour without water. Please let me know as soon as possible because I am very distracted by this and it does not allow me to concentrate during Mass. Please help!

Thank you
Geri McGowan
Sellersville PA
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Well, lets think. The priest wears about five layers of clothing, under lighting. In summer while serving I am sometimes forced to duck out of the side door into the sacristy to splash myself with water. So I can understand if a priest needs a little hydration. Also my last Priest was really old and his voice would give way near the consecration, so he’d drink a glass of water.

Now there are some nice circumstances when its understandable that a priest would need a little hydration. However if there isn’t a good reason, why not approach him nicely and tell him how you feel? Sounds easy but I know it would be hard, I still haven’t found a way of telling my priest to wear more deoderant…
 
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