Document lists 28 grave abuses against Eucharist

Catholic News Service ^ | April 23, 2004 | Jerry Filteau

[Desdemona]

Ping

Here are some some the specific abuses addressed. The tone is fairly strong. I guess it all depends on how much the laity holds the bishops' feet to the fire.

[B Knotts]

It seemed to me that of the common abuses, the one they used the strongest language against was the practice of habitual use of lay extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion.

Oddly, that seems to have been omitted from this article.

[Desdemona]

The thrust of this article is the Eucharist itself, not the Mass norms.

There were some things on the Eucharistic prayer, but for the most part it involves form and matter, something that truly does need to be addressed.

[StAthanasiustheGreat]

" "The pouring of the blood of Christ after the consecration from one vessel to another is completely to be avoided, lest anything should happen that would be to the detriment of so great a mystery. Never to be used for containing the blood of the Lord are flagons, bowls or other vessels." This instruction prohibits the widespread U.S. practice of placing one or more pitchers of wine on the altar before the consecration when Communion is to be distributed under both kinds, and then pouring that wine into chalices before Communion. A related instruction says there is no problem with placing multiple chalices filled with wine on the altar before the consecration, but for the sake of "sign value" the main chalice should be larger than the others. "

NOTED

[sinkspur]

This instruction prohibits the widespread U.S. practice of placing one or more pitchers of wine on the altar before the consecration when Communion is to be distributed under both kinds, and then pouring that wine into chalices before Communion.

I would bet that this will be the first of these "instructions" to be changed. Carrying individual chalices up to the altar carries a much greater risk of spillage than one large pitcher of wine.

[rudyrudy]

Several years ago my wife and I volunteered to clean the church after each service. I found bread crumbs everywhere. We decided to start going to another church in the area. I now attend a church that uses the host instead of a loaf of bread and it is distributed like they did before Vatican II.

[sinkspur]

We have several large parishes that simply couldn't do without EMs, intinction or no. IMO, if intinction were the option, just drop the cup completely.

The current practice works well, it's smooth in most parishes I've attended, and is well-accepted by the laity.

There are some in Rome who don't like communion under both kinds, but the American bishops are going to prevail on this, and I'd bet they prevail on continuing the use of heavy glass for distribution by the EMs.

You watch.

[franky]

I have the suspicion that if the laity knew what mortal sin really is and the need for confession, you could cut the the communion lines by 75% eliminating the EMs.

People go month after month to communion and never show up for confession during the same period.

Of course we are a Roman Catholic world of saints. Just look at the priests

[Arguss]

Since there really is nothing new here I'm hoping that this document is as Sartorius says, Rome saying "enough is enough."

If nothing else it gives traditonalists renewed vigor to confront liberal Priests and Bishops. In fact the document even calls for it.

I'm reminded of a brazenly open liberal parish Priest I once knew. I actually cared for this man, almost as a brother, that's how charismatic he was. But I also knew him for what he was, a man who would push the envelope in proving how much he could get away with.

Once during Holy Week he had a Parishioner bake up a batch of bread that he announced from the ambo was leavened, so be careful with the crumbs, and that we would be using it for the whole week.

I refused Communion that day, and after Mass had words with the baker. He informed Fr. what I had to say, so at the next Mass the regular Host was offered as a choice. I have never seen a liberal Priest be that concilliatory - it must have been a weak moment, or he was afraid of the consequences. It is totally illicit for someone to make Hosts without the express written permission and supervision of the Bishop. I think Fr. was afraid I would tell on him.

I only tell this story to show that the person in the pew does have some power, and that this document should give us a little more lerverage, at least for a little while, until it dies a natural death like Sacrosantum Concillium - then it will be business as usual.

[sinkspur]

I have the suspicion that if the laity knew what mortal sin really is and the need for confession, you could cut the the communion lines by 75% eliminating the EMs.

Well, I don't happen to think that the vast majority of Catholics who attend Mass every week are mortal sinners.

Catholics should certainly avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but it's highly doubtful that 20 million church-going Catholics are in a state of eternal enmity with God.

[narses]

Well, I don't happen to think that the vast majority of Catholics who attend Mass every week are mortal sinners.

How many use contraception Deacon? How many skip Sunday Mass now and then? How many view the pornography that populates modern television? How many "live in sin"?

[narses]

The original GIRM stated that communion under both species could be offered on special occasions. Since the consecrated host is the Body and Blood of Christ, nowhere was it anticipated that this practice would become weekly let alone daily!

Perhaps if the American Bishops want to remain obedient and in union with Rome, they could return to the TRADITIONAL practice of Communion with the Bread alone. Given Deacon Sinkspur's opinions, it appears he thinks the American Bishops will choose to DISOBEY. Is that a correct read Sinkspur?

[sinkspur]

Communion under both kinds will continue on a regular basis.

[netmilsmom]

>>Well, I don't happen to think that the vast majority of Catholics who attend Mass every week are mortal sinners<<

You know I respect you, but on this one, at least in Cleveland, I truly think you are wrong.
Geez, in a church in Southern Michigan, they have a cross dresser as a Eucharistic Minister. Catholics are not educated enough these days as to what is sin.

[sinkspur]

So, you're on record as thinking that most of your fellow Catholics are mortal sinners.

Maximilian thinks so too, so you have at least one who agrees with you.

[netmilsmom]

I guess it's a woman thing and a small parish but yes, but the standards I was taught, very many of the people are sinners going to communion.

Simple. (and just one example) Sue, the nice lady with the kids that mine play with, only goes to church when her kids are at CCD. One week a month, no CCD. She has personally told me she does not go to confession. Is she sinning when I see her going to communion? Maybe I'm wrong but that's what I learned. Trust me, it is not my place to judge, but I see and can't care. What do you think?

[sinkspur]

I don't even notice who does,and who does not go to Communion. Seriously. I'm usually distributing, or, if not, I'm thanking Jesus for His Body and Blood.