What should you do if you come across a piece of a consecrated host?

[WetCatechumen]

As a non-Catholic waiting to be received, what should I do? Immediate consumption would seem inappropriate.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Surely I will be corrected if I’m wrong, but from what I understand this should never EVER be happening. Lay people should NEVER be going in and out of a tabernacle and helping themselves to the Eucharist, regardless of the reason!

~Liza

I believe you are incorrect, I am not aware of any Church document that states that a Lay person (EMHC) NEVER under any circumstances should have access to the taberncale. Could you provide me direction to that reference.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

It happened to me that during Mass with my elderly mother, a Eucharistic Minister bent down to give her a Sacred Host from a rather shallow plate. Well, the plate tipped as she bent, and several hosts fell, a few on the pew, floor and my mother’s lap. Not knowing what to do, The EM kept looking at me as if I had any idea. Because of the long pause, I assumed she expected me to pick them up, which I did and consumed, in order to protect Jesus. Now I’m thinking, maybe I should have just put the hosts pack on the plate. Can someone clarify what should be done in such a case? The priest was at the far side giving Holy Communion.

Of course the EMHC should pick them up, and not just stand there waiting for someone more qualified to come along. If they don’t you should.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

As a non-Catholic waiting to be received, what should I do? Immediate consumption would seem inappropriate.

That would be correct. If the EMHC does not, then you should pick them up and give them to them or hold onto them for the priest.

 

[Provigil]

I went to pray before the tabernacle the other day at church and I noticed on the cloth in front there was a piece of a host that was most likely consecrated. I wasn’t sure what to do but I ate it and was wondering if that’s ok. It was a reasonably sized piece that had crumbled off, if it was just a few tiny crumbs I would have left it, but if this happens again should I just leave it be or is it ok to eat it?

=================================================================SHANA,
No, you should not have eaten it because you cannot self-communicate and if you are not a Eucharistic Minister, this is NOT in compliance with church teaching. Maybe there was a reason for the host being there. Father could have kept it there and perhaps he had a sick call. I am surprised that you did that. You have no authority touching the Body and Blood of Christ.
If you were concerned, you should have aproachd the pastor,

God bless you

PROVIGIL, PhD

 

[Shana]

It was more like a big crumb, it certainly wasn’t purposefully there.

 

[zab]

=================================================================SHANA,
No, you should not have eaten it because you cannot self-communicate and if you are not a Eucharistic Minister, this is NOT in compliance with church teaching. Maybe there was a reason for the host being there. Father could have kept it there and perhaps he had a sick call. I am surprised that you did that. You have no authority touching the Body and Blood of Christ.
If you were concerned, you should have aproachd the pastor,

God bless you

PROVIGIL, PhD

I believe that you are mistaken. This would not be a case of self-communication.

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

=================================================================SHANA,
No, you should not have eaten it because you cannot self-communicate and if you are not a Eucharistic Minister, this is NOT in compliance with church teaching. Maybe there was a reason for the host being there. Father could have kept it there and perhaps he had a sick call. I am surprised that you did that. You have no authority touching the Body and Blood of Christ.
If you were concerned, you should have aproachd the pastor,

God bless you

PROVIGIL, PhD

Why are people here so quick to chastise someone for protecting the Eucharist? I have to say that if I saw the Eucharist sitting out and no one else was around, and I had no way of knowing why it was there or if the priest put it there himself, I would have consumed it as well. Anyway, why would a priest put a Consecrated Host outside the Tabernacle? If a priest is doing this, they need to be made aware that they are putting the Eucharist at risk of being stolen and sacrilege made a possibility.

 

[churchsecretary]

I can say that the couple who cleans our church have found hosts several times in the pews, once on the floor. I asked her what she did, and she said that she just quickly consumed them. She said she asked Father if that was right, and he agreed (especially since usually he is not around on a Monday when cleaning is taking place!).

One question I did have from the OP–what type of hosts do you have at your church? I was wondering if they were the homemade variety, which tend to make crumbs (& perhaps fall apart) more than the convent-produced wafers.

 

[Monica4316]

You were trying to protect the Host, so don’t feel badly or guilty about what you’ve done. But if this ever happens again, I think it would be best to call a priest and guard the Host until he comes… but if the priest is not around, then I guess you can consume it yourself.

?

 

[WetCatechumen]

That would be correct. If the EMHC does not, then you should pick them up and give them to them or hold onto them for the priest.

Not quite what I envisioned. The situation previously explained: what is most likely a consecrated host is found by me in the sanctuary when I am in there for whatever reason alone. Do I leave it? Or do I attempt to take the host to safeguard it until I am able to find someone better equipped to deal with it.

The situation of the unconsumed host hidden in a pew which I would have difficulty refinding comes to mind again.

 

[CathPhilosopher]

As far as I know the Church has not given a specific answer to this question. But in general, intention is necessary for a sacramental act. To begin with the clearest case: if a person consumes a consecrated host thinking that it is unconsecrated, they certainly do not perform a sacramental act. The sacrament is present in them into the species are gone, but only present in them as a container of the sacrament, just as it is present in the ciborium. Similarly, if a person consumes a consecrated host as the most fitting means of disposing of it, then the intention is not to receive the sacrament, and they do not. (To avoid confusion, I should add that it would not be right to receive communion during the Mass without the intention to receive; there would be a contradiction between one’s public action and inner intention, even though one would not in fact receive the sacrament.)

This can be illustrated with the purification of the vessels after the distribution of the Eucharist. That is not a second sacramental reception of the Eucharist. And it’s not because the Sacrament is still present… it is the same even if the distribution of the Eucharist lasted thirty minutes, and so the species were no longer present within the minister.

 

[amystephan]

My question when reading your (the OP) post was why did you go up to the tabernacle to pray? Usually is not allowed for just anyone to go up into the sanctuary. However, I know that some churches have a small chapel where people are able to be closer to the tabernacle.

Now to answer your question, if one should come across a piece of a Sacred Host they should consume it immediately if possible. This would not be self communication. It would be taking proper care of the Host that was not where it should be. It could also be placed in some water to dilute it and then poured into the ground.

At MOST of the churches I attend (I travel to visit family as well as attending my own parish), the tabernacle is in an obvious and “open” place. My parish is in the cross formation so there are pews behind the alter facing the Priest’s back and it is along the wall behind them. It has a railing with an opening in front. Another local church has their’s to the right of the alter by a set of candles. No railing, just “steps”. I am “newer” to the faith (10 years this past Easter) and have always been told and witnessed that Jesus asks for us to come talk to HIM. We are taught that in the Tabernacle is the real presence of Christ. I have taught my children when ever just passing a Catholic church they are to cross themselves in love and respect that Christ is present there. Even children’s programming on EWTN has shown the faithful sitting or kneeling before the tabernacle praying/talking to Jesus. Please do not be like the deciples keeping the children away from Jesus. We are ALL his children and want to see HIM as closely as we can. Without committing any sin ofcourse, not getting into the tabernacle itself. Just sitting or kneeling before it to talk to HIM. At a church that has the tablernacle directly behind the alter (my in-laws smaller older church is this way), I kneel in front of the alter on the same level as the 1st row of pews. Even at this angle, it would be very possible to see something on the floor before the Tabernacle’s placement. Many times I am in this church alone when lighting candles as the Priests are usually in the big newer church for another mass. I actually do not like attending the churches that have “hidden” the Tabernacle. When we enter our pew we are to genuflect. We are greeting and honoring Christ in this action so it is to be directed to HIM and he at this time is in the Tabernacle. We BOW to the alter in love and respect of it being the place of the sacrifice.

 

[Suslar]

I have the great honor and responsibility of serving as an EMHC in my Parish. It is a ministry that I love. In this capacity, I am not only an ambassador of Christ, I am one of His bodyguards. That means, if a consecrated Host starts to fall, I am to nose dive to catch Christ before it hits the ground. If a drop of His most Precious Blood is spilled, I am to wipe it up with all humility and sorrow as quickly as humanly possible. It’s a role that requires extra attentiveness and profound respect for the Body & Blood of our Lord. That seems like an incredible lofty and impossible standard, right? Well, the truth is, we are ALL to have that type of respect and reverence for Our Savior!

I believe the OP wanted to act rightly – to protect our Savior and end a situation of (presumably) unintentional neglect of Jesus’ body. There is no sin in that.

Even Fr. Corapi tells the story of his time in the Novitiate when the vessels were sitting in the Sacristy unpurified, unclean and with morsels of Consecrated host on them. Not yet a priest, he did the only thing he could think of doing – he got on his knees and begged Jesus to forgive those who were so casual in their approach and had taken the Divine Presence so lightly. And he kept vigil – without leaving – until one of his superiors came looking for him.

Christ should never be left unattended – even those tiny crumbs and few drops of Precious Blood are still HIM! And He deserves our respect.

Maybe this is just me, but I think we do have to always have a sense of wonder and awe in approaching the Blessed Sacrament. But at the same time, we have to be mindful of WHO is it that we are approaching. Some of the comments about not being able to touch the Body & Blood of Christ seem silly to me. How can we not be able to touch He who consumes us? Christ came among the common folk. He came to touch those who needed compassion, salvation and healing. He hugged children. Whether we receive the Blessed Sacrament in the hand or on the tongue, we touch Him! And, I think that connection with our loving Savior makes all the difference. The OP wanted to do the right thing for Jesus, and I believe she did!

Shana, I hope and pray you had a remarkable personal experience with Jesus that day!

Peace to all!

 

[The_Preacher]

I went to pray before the tabernacle the other day at church and I noticed on the cloth in front there was a piece of a host that was most likely consecrated. I wasn’t sure what to do but I ate it and was wondering if that’s ok. It was a reasonably sized piece that had crumbled off, if it was just a few tiny crumbs I would have left it, but if this happens again should I just leave it be or is it ok to eat it?

If you didn’t see it fall DON’T EAT IT!:bigyikes: There are just to many freeks and Catholic haters around! Wouldn’t that be a great head line: “CATHOLIC CHURCH SLIPS INNOCENT PARISHONER LSD SPIKED HOST DURING MASS!”:doh2: or maby "DEATH COOKEY STRIKES AGAIN! :banghead:Respectfully retain it and turn it over to the priest, deacon or some other trusted parish worker to be consigned to the sacrarium. Jeses died to take away our sind, not our common sence and such eventualities should be faced with good judgement as well as respect. I was present when a full and very large flagon of wine was inadvertently left on the altar while the host was consecrated. Was it consecrated or wasn’t it? Fortinately there were several priests present so the officiant didn’t end up completely looped!:whacky:
And yes, I know my typing and spelling stink. Sorry 'bout that.

 

[zab]

At MOST of the churches I attend (I travel to visit family as well as attending my own parish), the tabernacle is in an obvious and “open” place. My parish is in the cross formation so there are pews behind the alter facing the Priest’s back and it is along the wall behind them. It has a railing with an opening in front. Another local church has their’s to the right of the alter by a set of candles. No railing, just “steps”. I am “newer” to the faith (10 years this past Easter) and have always been told and witnessed that Jesus asks for us to come talk to HIM. We are taught that in the Tabernacle is the real presence of Christ. I have taught my children when ever just passing a Catholic church they are to cross themselves in love and respect that Christ is present there. Even children’s programming on EWTN has shown the faithful sitting or kneeling before the tabernacle praying/talking to Jesus. **Please do not be like the deciples keeping the children away from Jesus. ** We are ALL his children and want to see HIM as closely as we can. Without committing any sin ofcourse, not getting into the tabernacle itself. Just sitting or kneeling before it to talk to HIM. At a church that has the tablernacle directly behind the alter (my in-laws smaller older church is this way), I kneel in front of the alter on the same level as the 1st row of pews. Even at this angle, it would be very possible to see something on the floor before the Tabernacle’s placement. Many times I am in this church alone when lighting candles as the Priests are usually in the big newer church for another mass. I actually do not like attending the churches that have “hidden” the Tabernacle. When we enter our pew we are to genuflect. We are greeting and honoring Christ in this action so it is to be directed to HIM and he at this time is in the Tabernacle. We BOW to the alter in love and respect of it being the place of the sacrifice.

First of all, welcome to the Catholic Church. I am happy to hear of your devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and of your desire to get as close as you can. I also make regular visits to the Blessed Sacrament and I understand that desire. You have said that when you are visiting the small older church where your in-laws attend, you kneel at the same level at the first row of pews. The first row of pews or even at the steps into the sanctuary is perfectly fine. When I said “usually it is not allowed for just anyone to go up into the sanctuary”, I was not referring to the steps at the base of the sanctuary. Churches like the one you described have not usually designed for visitation directly in front of the tablernacle so close that you can touch it. Some churches have been designed or remodeled to have a side chapel for adoration where the adorers can get much closer to the tabernacle. But many Catholic churches particularly older ones that were constructed in the early 50’s or older are not designed in that way. I would never tell anyone not to bring their children or even discourage adults, for that matter. not to make visits to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. I hope this clears up any misunderstanding.

 

[cdanison]

However, now often if someone does not go up to receive, he is the subject of negative stares, as if “what’s wrong with that guy?”.

Anyway, long answer to what causes that “abandoned Host” situation.

Slightly different from the situation you were faced with.

I don’t understand the “negative stares”. It is nobody’s business. Perhaps the person is just a visitor, perhaps he/she is awaiting RCIA classes, perhaps he/she already attended Mass that day. I guess I went through this before my conversion. He/she feels very conspicuous himself. They don’t need the help from anyone else. Anyway, we Catholics should be more loving, and not look down our noses at those we feel are not conforming to our image of what they should be doing.

Anyway this is off the subject - sorry I had to vent:blush:

 

[amystephan]

I don’t understand the “negative stares”. It is nobody’s business. Perhaps the person is just a visitor, perhaps he/she is awaiting RCIA classes, perhaps he/she already attended Mass that day. I guess I went through this before my conversion. He/she feels very conspicuous himself. They don’t need the help from anyone else. Anyway, we Catholics should be more loving, and not look down our noses at those we feel are not conforming to our image of what they should be doing.

Anyway this is off the subject - sorry I had to vent:blush:

I totally agree with you! It is so sad that those we count on to be our brothers & sisters in Christ can sometimes be our biggest hurdle. When I see someone not receiving (usually because I need to get by them) I think that person all the stronger for if they ARE not in a state of Grace and know it, they do not feel “pressured”.

I do not want to sound as if I am judging, I am not, there are just some people that I am VERY close to and know that they are not in a state of Grace (from what they say & do openly), it distresses me greatly to see these people going up to receive. People I know haven’t stepped foot in the church in years, only there for a wedding, 1st Communion, what have you and feel I guess compelled by the fact that they are “cultural Catholics” and put their souls on the line. I know God wants us whatever way we can come, but please receive HIM with true belief and true sorrow over our sins.

God bless!

 

[The_Preacher]

I don’t understand the “negative stares”. It is nobody’s business. Perhaps the person is just a visitor, perhaps he/she is awaiting RCIA classes, perhaps he/she already attended Mass that day. I guess I went through this before my conversion. He/she feels very conspicuous himself. They don’t need the help from anyone else. Anyway, we Catholics should be more loving, and not look down our noses at those we feel are not conforming to our image of what they should be doing.

Anyway this is off the subject - sorry I had to vent:blush:

:twocents: For what it’s worth: There are many good reasons to hear Mass without receiving. You’ve mentioned the seeker (hopefully), and those who hav not yet been admitted to the Sacrement. But there are others: The need to make a good confession. The failure to fast (though fasting today has certainly been reduced to a vestage). There is also a tradition of not receiving more than once a day (though officiants may and do have to on occasion). Over the years I’ve ministered to many troubled soul which “needed space” to pull itself together (such as those who have just lost a loved one).None of these should preclude a person from hearing Mass. I’m a stickler on propriety , but take my que from the Boss , who saught and gave love and compassion first, and got in trouble for it. My take is that there are no sacrement police npatrol: and please: I’m not accusing anyone, just an observation.:tiphat: