What happens to a church that does not follow the new rules for the Eucharist? Two of the churches in Bloomingtion, IN don't follow these rules. They still allow for the lay ministers to take the Eucharist off the altar. Were the new rules voluntary? I asked one of the priests about it and he said that his parish would not follow it because it would slow mass down. Is that a valid reason?

-- Scott (papasquat10@hotmail.com), September 16, 2003

Answers

No one on their own authority can make changes. Cf. SC[22.] 3. Therefore no other person, even if he be a priest, may add, remove, or change anything in the liturgy on his own authority. SC means CONSTITUTION ON THE SACRED LITURGY SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM No. 22,3. There is a good Vatican II search engine at: http://www.stjosef.at/council/search/

-- Fr. Richard Gant (rgant@stx.rr.com), September 17, 2003.

Unfortunately, most parishes will not change their policies with regards to the use of extraordinatry ministers of Holy Communion. Our parish, even though implementing the new disciplines, still allows them on the altar prior to consecration, to pour Jesus' blood into the 5 chalices, and to separate the Eucharistic bread into the many plates (not sure what those are called).

Not only that, but both priests distribute the Eucharistic bread to the EMOC before they consume Jesus. I'm afraid most pastors will be more concerned with not insulting the EMOC rather than following the new regulations.

-- Glenn (glenn@nospam.com), September 17, 2003.

Scott, the new rules are not "voluntary," but obligatory. Liturgical law is as binding as Canon Law.
You should first pray for the help fo the Holy Spirit. Next, speaking with respect, point out the error to the priest, printing out the actual text of the General Instruction as proof. If he resists, take a "committee" (two or more) of parishioners and try again. If he still resists, write to (or visit) your bishop to report the pastor's disobedience. If the bishop resists you (even perhaps wrongly claiming that he can override liturgical regulations), you have three choices:

1. Practice the spiritual work of mercy that says, "Bear wrongs patiently" (and silently), or ...
2. Contact the St. Joseph Foundation (www.st-joseph-foundation.org) to get advice, since they are experts in helping the laity vindicate their rights, or ...
3. Write to the papal nuncio (pope's ambassador to your country) to report the priest and the bishop.

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), September 17, 2003.

Bear in mind that it will take time for all parishes in all dioceses to implement the changes. My parish in the Archdiocese of NY just this past weekend (October 4th, '03) held a 'day of recollection' for our Euharistic Ministers to review and acclimate us to the changes. If you or any parishoners you know are involved in any other ministry such as parish councel, finance committe or evangelization committee etc, then these would be ideal parishoners to approach the pastor of these parishes. If parishes in your area still don't comply, another option is to make a complaint to your diocese's Priest Personnel Board. They are in fact the clergy who normally make recommendations concerning transfers at the end of a Pastor's term in a parish. Not following Eucharistic Procedures could certianly come under a catagory for reviewing a Pastor's record in his current parish. God Bless

-- teri (marathon@bestweb.net), October 13, 2003.

-- Glenn (glenn@nospam.com), You wanted to know what the plates that hold the unconsecrated alter breads and Consecrated Hosts are called. They are called Seboriums. (Not sure if I spelled that correctly.) God Bless.

-- Teri (marathon@bestweb.net), October 13, 2003.

Ciboriums, Teri :-)

-- Sara (sara_catholic_forum@yahoo.co.uk), October 13, 2003.