Vessel Purification

[Dicerning]

First Off I would like to admit that I am NOT an acolyte. With that in mind the vessels at my particular parish are not being purified after Mass. My parish has two deacons one is conservative and the other not. THe “conservative” deacon always purify’s the vessels after communion the other does not. THe priest is of the “1970s” progressive mindset and simply doesn’t care and refuses to do it. THe progressive deacon and the priest have become very chum-ey with each other and seemed to have pushed the more orthodox minded deacon away. (he has slowly faded out of the picture).

I told the first deacon that the other two were not “purifying” after communion. He told me that I should do it even though I am not an acolyte. His rationale was that the precious blood and body are better off being consumed and purifed by a non-qualified person that dumped down the drain.

The priest and other deacon are dismissive of this problem as is the bishop. With that in mind I have actually done this in the absence of the deacon who does it. After the other two found out that I was doing it they seemed to be OK with it…in fact the progressive deacon (the one who wont do it) seems to be thankful that I am in his terms “cleaning up”.

Question is should I be doing this. I know for fact that things are not going to change…even from the chancery…

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

First Off I would like to admit that I am NOT an acolyte. With that in mind the vessels at my particular parish are not being purified after Mass. My parish has two deacons one is conservative and the other not. THe “conservative” deacon always purify’s the vessels after communion the other does not. THe priest is of the “1970s” progressive mindset and simply doesn’t care and refuses to do it. THe progressive deacon and the priest have become very chum-ey with each other and seemed to have pushed the more orthodox minded deacon away. (he has slowly faded out of the picture).

I told the first deacon that the other two were not “purifying” after communion. He told me that I should do it even though I am not an acolyte. His rationale was that the precious blood and body are better off being consumed and purifed by a non-qualified person that dumped down the drain.

The priest and other deacon are dismissive of this problem as is the bishop. With that in mind I have actually done this in the absence of the deacon who does it. After the other two found out that I was doing it they seemed to be OK with it…in fact the progressive deacon (the one who wont do it) seems to be thankful that I am in his terms “cleaning up”.

Question is should I be doing this. I know for fact that things are not going to change…even from the chancery…

Every Baptized and Confirmed Catholic has a duty to protect the Blessed Sacrament, under any and all circumstances to the best of their ability. I’m certain Christ is pleased.

Have you asked the first Deacon if he could possibly be at the other Masses. It would technically be his responsibility to do this before it should be yours. Also remember that the Deacon is responsible to the Bishop, not the pastor. I would ask he Deacon to discuss the situation with the Bishop.

 

[Lux_et_Tenebrae]

Hi,

Isn’t it so frustrating?----I have been in similar situations. Many parishes are with the position of the pope on this matter. If you need EMHC, and they are permitted to consume the Precious Blood, there is definitely a need for them to purify.

There contradicting issues here—obedience & reverence.

I believe some Parishes are commissioning their sacristants or EMHC as acolytes. Perhaps you could look into this. Maybe someone can post more information on this.

I agree with the deacon. Also you could ask your Pastor to instruct you to purify the vessels. Since this is not a matter of Faith or morals, you would be OK in obeying him, if he instructs you to disregard the norm or expiration of the indult.

I really don’t think you are doing wrong in this, if you know that it is definitely not being done. You could also just consume any remaining Precious Blood, maybe even rince and consume the rince, without actually doing the whole purification, which is the actual issue here.

Bless you for your concern.

lux

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hi,

Isn’t it so frustrating?----I have been in similar situations. Many parishes are with the position of the pope on this matter. If you need EMHC, and they are permitted to consume the Precious Blood, there is definitely a need for them to purify.

There contradicting issues here—obedience & reverence.

I believe some Parishes are commissioning their sacristants or EMHC as acolytes. Perhaps you could look into this. Maybe someone can post more information on this.

I agree with the deacon. Also you could ask your Pastor to instruct you to purify the vessels. Since this is not a matter of Faith or morals, you would be OK in obeying him, if he instructs you to disregard the norm or expiration of the indult.

I really don’t think you are doing wrong in this, if you know that it is definitely not being done. You could also just consume any remaining Precious Blood, maybe even rince and consume the rince, without actually doing the whole purification, which is the actual issue here.

Bless you for your concern.

lux

Just for clarification only a Bishop can institute an Acolyte. Pastors can only commission Altar Servers,

 

[Lux_et_Tenebrae]

Can this be done through the Parish?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Can this be done through the Parish?

I understand that Bishop who have Instituted Acolytes and Lectors did so themselves at their Cathedral church, and there are not many who do outside of those headed for the Deaconate.

 

[Dicerning]

I understand that Bishop who have Instituted Acolytes and Lectors did so themselves at their Cathedral church, and there are not many who do outside of those headed for the Deaconate.

Lectors and Acolytes are not going to happen in my diocese due to the fact that the roles are only for men.

 

[FrDavid96]

…
I told the first deacon that the other two were not “purifying” after communion. He told me that I should do it even though I am not an acolyte. His rationale was that the *precious blood and body are better off being consumed and purifed by a non-qualified person that dumped down the drain. *
…

Discerning,
It all comes down to this paragraph. This is a situation not of your own making. You’re not trying to “pretend” that you’re an instituted Acolyte, rather you’re dealing with the problem of someone else not doing what is by any standard necessary.
You are doing what needs to be done, in fact, what must be done.

 

[japhy]

Lectors and Acolytes are not going to happen in my diocese due to the fact that the roles are only for men.

Thaaaat’s a mature attitude for a bishop to have. “If women aren’t allowed to do it, NO ONE IS!”