What happens to the Blessed Sacrament that is not used?

[Zenas]

I realize this is a pretty basic question but I am not Catholic and have no one to ask. I recently attended a Sunday mass for the first time in over 40 years and noticed that the unused Blessed Sacrament was placed in the tabernacle. I understand it remains there pretty much all the time for adoration. But it looks like it always goes in and never comes out–at least not in the mass I attended. So when is the Blessed Sacrament removed from the tabernacle and for what purpose?

 

[JDHallKY]

The Blessed Sacrament that is reserved in the tabernacle will be removed and distributed along with newly consecrated hosts at a Mass. A number of things could be the case regarding the Mass you attended. One, there could have been very few Hosts in the tabernacle before Mass, meaning an abundance needed to be consecrated at that Mass. Or, the parish may only share a priest with other parishes and not have daily Mass. In that case, they may allow the number of Hosts to build up and be used in Communion services during the week.

But, trust me, if you go often enough and pay attention, you’ll see the Hosts “come out” and not just “go in.”

 

[1ke]

In addition to being used at other masses if necessary, the hosts in the tabernacle are also used to take the Eucharist to the sick and homebound.

 

[JDHallKY]

In addition to being used at other masses if necessary, the hosts in the tabernacle are also used to take the Eucharist to the sick and homebound.

Thanks for bringing that up. That is correct, if they ministers do not take the Hosts directly from the Mass. Particularly, Hosts from the tabernacle will be taken to those who are dying, to be given to them as Viaticum, as part of the Church’s Last Rites.