Who prepares the chalice?

[Dr.Colossus]

I was at Mass this last weekend and noticed that during the preparation of the altar, the deacon poured the wine into the chalice, and then added the water. I know that the deacon is the "minister of the cup, but I’ve never seen anyone but the priest do this before, so I wasn’t sure if it was right or not.

 

[Deacon_Ed]

Dr. Colossus:

I was at Mass this last weekend and noticed that during the preparation of the altar, the deacon poured the wine into the chalice, and then added the water. I know that the deacon is the "minister of the cup, but I’ve never seen anyone but the priest do this before, so I wasn’t sure if it was right or not.

As the “minister of the cup” the deacon is responsible for preparing the chalice, and this includes pouring the wine into the chalice, adding the water and the prayer “By the mystery…”. This is found in the GIRM #178:

1. After the Prayer of the Faithful, while the priest remains at the chair, the deacon prepares the altar, assisted by the acolyte, but it is the deacon’s place to take care of the sacred vessels himself. He also assists the priest in receiving the people’s gifts. Next, he hands the priest the paten with the bread to be consecrated, pours wine and a little water into the chalice, saying quietly, *Per huius aquae *(By the mystery of this water), and after this presents the chalice to the priest. He may also carry out the preparation of the chalice at the credence table. If incense is used, the deacon assists the priest during the incensation of the gifts, the cross, and the altar; afterwards, the deacon himself or the acolyte incenses the priest and the people.

Deacon Ed

 

[Dr.Colossus]

Thanks!