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In the pre-Vatican II days, if a consecrated host fell to the ground, the Mass ground to an instantaneous halt, the floor was purified and the priest properly disposed of the host.

As many of you know, an incident of this nature occured at my RC parish last year. The EEM, unsure of how to handle it, turned towards the pastor. He met her gaze then averted his eyes. Left to her own devices, she bent over, picked it up and redeposited it in her Pyrex glass communion bowl. It was the last time I attended Mass at that parish.

I am quite surprised by Father's response and fully expect he will be receiving plenty of email on this topic, including one from me.

Have any of you experienced this in your parish?

My wife's mother died and we came into possesion her Crucifix set that was used for Last Rights of her time. We discovered upon opening the cross (it normally held holy water and candles)several Eucharists.

We spoke with our priest and he said to bury them in the garden, which we did.

Lets see, the last time I went to my parish there were:

- people arriving during the entire mass.
- a seven year old seated next to me who would not sit down, sit still or be disciplined by his mother, father or grandfather seated next to me as well.
- the woman conducting the ever present guitar music singing the wrong song at one point. ( everyone was lost and trying to find what she was singing )
- a well intended but very odd, academic sermon about the Protestant church and the Virgin Mary. The sermon was difficult to hear.
- me just sitting there getting angry. Tried not to be angry, prayed about it but there it is.

By the end I just sat there until just about everyone was gone. Then I left.
I've never seen an accident with the host but I could see how it could happen. When did people begin touching the host with their hands??? I never saw that where I grew up and was not taught this either. I don't dare touch the host and receive communion the old fashioned way. No priest has ever hesitated and appeared surprised.
My last parish is one I went to for many years. There was one sermon by a priest who later got into some trouble over a real estate deal if I remember. During my last visit to the church he gave some sermon which was very pro Gay and I said " thats it - cya..". Well, this being Boston I suppose I should not be surprised.