What sorts of materials can the vessels of the mass be made of?

[lady_arwen]

Where I attend mass sometimes the priest uses ceramic or glass vessels. I don’t think that’s okay but could someone please give me what the official church teaching is on this issue, so that I can confront the necessary persons? Thanks!

 

[benedictgal]

Welcome to the forums!

Unfortunately, what the priest is doing is against what the Church has mandated. Redemptionis Sacramentum, the authoritative document of the Holy See that treats liturgical abuse, notes the following:

1. Sacred Vessels
   [117.] Sacred vessels for containing the Body and Blood of the Lord must be made in strict conformity with the norms of tradition and of the liturgical books.205 The Bishops’ Conferences have the faculty to decide whether it is appropriate, once their decisions have been given the recognitio by the Apostolic See, for sacred vessels to be made of other solid materials as well. It is strictly required, however, that such materials be truly noble in the common estimation within a given region,206 so that honor will be given to the Lord by their use, and all risk of diminishing the doctrine of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharistic species in the eyes of the faithful will be avoided. ***Reprobated, therefore, is any practice of using for the celebration of Mass common vessels, or others lacking in quality, or devoid of all artistic merit or which are mere containers, as also other vessels made from glass, earthenware, clay, or other materials that break easily. ***This norm is to be applied even as regards metals and other materials that easily rust or deteriorate.207

I hope that this helps to answer your question.

 

[Snerticus]

Where I attend mass sometimes the priest uses ceramic or glass vessels. I don’t think that’s okay but could someone please give me what the official church teaching is on this issue, so that I can confront the necessary persons? Thanks!

Interesting question I have often thought about at mass. I was always under the assumption that as long as the inside was lined with gold, any material would suffice.

Some links to info would be nice.

 

[PhilotheaZ]

From the instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum (2004), bold emphasis added:

1. Sacred Vessels

[117.] Sacred vessels for containing the Body and Blood of the Lord must be made in strict conformity with the norms of tradition and of the liturgical books.[205]The Bishops’ Conferences have the faculty to decide whether it is appropriate, once their decisions have been given the recognitio by the Apostolic See, for sacred vessels to be made of other solid materials as well. It is strictly required, however, that such materials be truly noble in the common estimation within a given region,[206]so that honour will be given to the Lord by their use, and all risk of diminishing the doctrine of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharistic species in the eyes of the faithful will be avoided. Reprobated, therefore, is any practice of using for the celebration of Mass common vessels, or others lacking in quality, or devoid of all artistic merit or which are mere containers, as also other vessels made from glass, earthenware, clay, or other materials that break easily. This norm is to be applied even as regards metals and other materials that easily rust or deteriorate.[207]