What happened to the cup (chalice) anyway?

[nagyszakall]

There is a difference between

1. the validity of the sacrament is not compromised and no rules are broken
   and
2. everything is “perfectly ok”

Mass can be (and unfortunately many times is) celebrated validly and licitly but poorly when it comes to these things.
Don’t get me wrong, of course it is even more unfortunate when Mass is celebrated illicitly (and that happens all too often also).

The issues mentioned in previous posts (spillage, drunkenness, etc) can be avoided in most cases with a little care and planning even when communion is offered under both kinds to a large number of people. I have seen it done very well in an US cathedral for ordination Mass (when it was packed to overflowing).

The sacrament is valid even if the sign is poor, but the sign has an enormous value also, which should not be disregarded.

Jesus said, “Take this, all of you, and drink from it.”
Again, I am not saying it is not valid without everyone’s drinking from the chalice. Nor do I ignore the fact that there could be circumstances when communion under one kind only is advisable and the best solution. But it does not make sense for me that communion from the chalice should never be given in a regular parish Mass in a country where buying wine is a trifle and where the bishop has granted permission. To call that “perfectly OK” in general is incorrect. It is perfectly valid, but not perfectly OK.

 

[tawny]

You might be surprised. I heard of an EMHC who drank the Sacred Blood remaining in the chalice and was not safe to drive home afterward because there was so much extra.

Sometimes it depends on the Mass - they try to figure out roughly how much they will need based on an educated guess from previous Mass numbers (for the Sacred Host, you can use previously consecrated Hosts from the tabernacle, or have the faithful place unconsecrated altar breads in the ciborium as they enter the church - one for each person receiving Holy Communion; we cannot save previously consecrated Sacred Blood). If they end up with fewer people receiving the Sacred Blood at Mass, there will be more left over.

I have been an EMOHC in my parish for over 25 years. We have been offering communion under both species since it was first allowed. My parish is of a large population, serving over 300 people at some Sunday Masses. We have never experienced any problems with excessive Precious Blood remaining. If there is remaining Precious Blood, it is properly consumed by the EMOHC. At our Sunday Masses we have 6-8 EMOHC per Mass. When EMOHC’s are properly instructed (our EMOHC’s receive a month’s instruction, with text books and practicums); situations that may arise are handled connonically correct. Yes, accidents can happen, but knowing what to do and how to do it makes a big difference.

 

[tawny]

I have been an EMOHC in my parish for over 25 years. We have been offering communion under both species since it was first allowed. My parish is of a large population, serving over 300 people at some Sunday Masses. We have never experienced any problems with excessive Precious Blood remaining. If there is remaining Precious Blood, it is properly consumed by the EMOHC. At our Sunday Masses we have 6-8 EMOHC per Mass. When EMOHC’s are properly instructed (our EMOHC’s receive a 6 month’s instruction, with text books and practicums); situations that may arise are handled connonically correct. Yes, accidents can happen, but knowing what to do and how to do it makes a big difference.

Also, our EMOHC have monthly meetings to discuss issues and questions.

 

[bluehen95]

It seems quite a shame that you would delay your return to the church just because of more detailed answers than you’d expected from a bunch of strangers.

Thank you. And I have no intention of delaying anything - that part, was a little sarcasm. I’m trying not to read things negatively but there are some people here who feel it necessary not only to share their knowledge (which is great), but to put you down for not having it (not so good). We’re all brothers and sisters in Christ, right? Sometimes I feel like my brothers are just being…jerks.