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brian
Member
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Chicago South Burbs, Illinois USA |
| Posts: | 746 |
| First Name: | brian | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | methodist, evangelical, anglican, catholic |
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Posted: Fri Apr 6th, 2007 02:42 am |
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I was asked to help a priest put away some items he other evening with a friend. I just wanted to double check that there was nothing wrong with my touching certain items, because I think I have heard that only certain people are supposed to handle certain things. The thing I was asked to put away was some of the freshly blessed sacred oil which was being displayed. I had to put it back where we store it in the confession room. Was it ok for me to handle this?
My friend put away this golden portable tabernacle (sure there is a name for it) after the blessed sacrament was removed from it. Was it ok to move this?
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David W. Emery
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Brownsville, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 1861 |
| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Apr 6th, 2007 10:00 am |
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Remember, Brian, that altar servers handle sacred vessels on a regular basis. Just consider yourself as an ad hoc altar server. If the priest asks you to help, you are doing right by helping.
Before the post-conciliar changes to the liturgy, there were rules which said that only a priest or deacon could touch certain items such as those you mention. Many of these rules are no longer in force. Personally, I would like to see some of these rules reinstated to remind people of the sacredness of their worship. Far too many have come to view it as “entertainment” and “activity” instead of as placing themselves in the presence of the Lord.
David
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5157 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Fri Apr 6th, 2007 11:55 am |
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To add to what David said, when I was fourteen years old, my hands were consecrated by a bishop to allow me to touch the empty sacred vessels. At the time, only the priest, deacon, and those with consecrated hands were allowed to even touch an empty ciborium or chalice.
Only the ordained (deacon, priest, bishop) were allowed to touch the Blessed Sacrament or vessels containing the Precious Body or Precious Blood.
Today, anyone with valid reason is permitted to touch the sacred vessels, although they should still be treated with due respect as they are still worthy of containing the Body and Blood of our Savior. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, especially those deputed to bring communion to the sick, may retrieve the Blessed Sacrament from the Tabernacle.
Your priest has the authority to appoint Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for a single event; a long-term appointment comes from the bishop of the diocese at the pastor's request.
The Vatican recently reinstated the rule where only the priest, deacon, or an instituted acolyte can purify the sacred vessels after communion. Once purified, anyone can handle them. I agree with David; I wish some of the old rules should be put back into effect. And when the Holy Father calls for my opinion, I'll tell him.
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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