Redemptionis Sacramentum
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First Member
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Are you familiar with this document? It is a Disciplinary Document sent by the Holy See to address common liturgical abuses. Redemptionis Sacramentum - On certain matters to be observed or to be avoided regarding the Most Holy Eucharist Here is an article that covers the main points of this document. The Discipline of the Eucharist - an Adoremus Article by Helen Hull Hitchcockquote:
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The disciplinary document, wrote the Holy Father in Ecclesia de Eucharistia, is necessary because "especially in the years following the post-Conciliar liturgical reform, as a result of a misguided sense of creativity and adaptation there have been a number of abuses which have been a source of suffering for many".
A certain reaction against "formalism" has led some, especially in certain regions, to consider the "forms" chosen by the Church's great liturgical tradition and her Magisterium as non-binding and to introduce unauthorized innovations which are often completely inappropriate.
I consider it my duty, therefore to appeal urgently that the liturgical norms for the celebration of the Eucharist be observed with great fidelity. These norms are a concrete expression of the authentically ecclesial nature of the Eucharist; this is their deepest meaning. Liturgy is never anyone's private property, be it of the celebrant or of the community in which the mysteries are celebrated... Precisely to bring out more clearly this deeper meaning of liturgical norms, I have asked the competent offices of the Roman Curia to prepare a more specific document, including prescriptions of a juridical nature, on this very important subject". (EE 52)
Redemptionis Sacramentum was approved on March 19, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, and is dated March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation.
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Thus the Preamble of Redemptionis Sacramentum states that it is not a compendium of all of the norms for the Eucharist that have been issued in the past, but that it intends "to establish certain norms by which those earlier ones are explained and complemented". (RS 2)
The Instruction also has the purpose of a call to duty: "to set forth for Bishops, as well as for Priests, Deacons and all the lay Christian faithful, how each should carry them out in accordance with his own responsibilities and the means at his disposal". (RS 2)
Observance of these norms is not optional:
"The observance of the norms published by the authority of the Church requires conformity of thought and of word, of external action and of the application of the heart. A merely external observation of norms would obviously be contrary to the nature of the Sacred Liturgy"... (RS 5)
Liturgical abuses are harmful and must cease:
-- "Abuses 'contribute to the obscuring of the Catholic faith and doctrine...'" (RS 6)
-- "Not infrequently, abuses are rooted in a false understanding of liberty" (RS 7)
-- "'[E]cumenical initiatives... indulge at times in Eucharistic practices contrary to the discipline by which the Church expresses her faith'." (RS 8)
-- "[A]buses are often based on ignorance, in that they involve a rejection of those elements whose deeper meaning is not understood..." (RS 9)
The Instruction's Preamble also stresses that the Church has received her Liturgy "from apostolic and unbroken tradition, which it is the Church's task to transmit faithfully and carefully to future generations". (RS 9)
"The Church herself has no power over those things which were established by Christ Himself, and which constitute an unchangeable part of the Liturgy. Indeed, if the bond were to be broken which the Sacraments have with Christ Himself who instituted them... it would do [t
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Fifth Member
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PM
Member since 04/08/2004
Location: USA
I read parts of it when it came out and I still plan to make a full reading. I have noticed several abuses at both of my parishes and when I get back to school I will see if Father has corrected anything at St. Paul's.
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PM
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It is well worth wading through. I think most Catholics probably have no idea that the Liturgies they attend have abuses in them. It is a confusing subject - because there are a few places where there are options. But in many places, there is regular and ongoing abuses - so much so, they have become the 'norm' and not the exception.
I just purchased a commentary on this disciplinary document:
St. Joseph Communications presents: Redemptionis Sacramentum: The Catholic Answer to Liturgical Abuse by FR PETER STRAVINSKAS
One of the key statements that Cardinal Arinze makes is:
[183] In an altogether particular manner, let everyone do all that is in their power to ensure that the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist will be protected from any and every irreverence or distortion and that all abuses be thoroughly corrected. This is a most serious duty incumbent upon each and every one, and all are bound to carry it out without any favouritism.
[184.] Any Catholic, whether Priest or Deacon or lay member of Christ’s faithful, has the right to lodge a complaint regarding a liturgical abuse to the diocesan Bishop or the competent Ordinary equivalent to him in law, or to the Apostolic See on account of the primacy of the Roman Pontiff. It is fitting, however, insofar as possible, that the report or complaint be submitted first to the diocesan Bishop. This is naturally to be done in truth and charity.
~ Redemptionis Sacramentum - On Certain Matters To Be Observed Or To Be Avoided Regarding The Most Holy Eucharist, para.183, 184.
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PM
Member since 02/24/2004
Location: USA
quote:
-- "If one chalice is not sufficient there is no reason why the Priest celebrant should not use several chalices.... It is praiseworthy, by reason of the sign value, to use a main chalice together with smaller chalices". (RS 105)
Pitchers, flagons, decanters or other such vessels for the Precious Blood are "never to be used":
-- "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 that are not fully in accord with the established norms". (RS 106)
I have seen this in other churches I have attended. At our current church we use a glass pitcher to pour into the appropriate chalices, then it is consecrated.
quote:
Paten is Back
This is new: use of the paten in administering Communion to the faithful, which has all but disappeared in the US, is to be restored.
-- "The Communion-plate [or paten] for the Communion of the faithful should be retained so as to avoid the danger of the sacred host or some fragment of it falling". (RS 93)
I'm glad to see this back. I never thought it should have been removed.
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- Adminreputation
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Member since 07/25/2001
Location: USA
My parish uses it. I hope they use it in all parishes.
"Look on the bright side, if this is the best they've got around here, in six months we'll be running this planet." (Planet of the Apes)
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PM
Member since 05/10/2002
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quote:
Originally posted by Nicene
I have seen this in other churches I have attended. At our current church we use a glass pitcher to pour into the appropriate chalices, then it is consecrated.
That is great. It is fine to have it in the glass pitcher before consecration, then poured into the chalices (made of precious metal, of course.)
quote:
quote:
Paten is Back
This is new: use of the paten in administering Communion to the faithful, which has all but disappeared in the US, is to be restored.
-- "The Communion-plate [or paten] for the Communion of the faithful should be retained so as to avoid the danger of the sacred host or some fragment of it falling". (RS 93)
I'm glad to see this back. I never thought it should have been removed.
Sadly, I have never seen a gold chalice or paten used. We use crystal wine glasses and plate. Or I've seen pottery used. 
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- Adminreputation
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Member since 07/25/2001
Location: USA
Crystal is fine to use if it won't normally break if spilled. Catholic Radio Answers said but RS may have spelled it out clearer.
"Look on the bright side, if this is the best they've got around here, in six months we'll be running this planet." (Planet of the Apes)
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PM
Member since 05/10/2002
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quote:
Originally posted by Admin
Crystal is fine to use if it won't normally break if spilled. Catholic Radio Answers said but RS may have spelled it out clearer.
Actually it breaks very easily...we've had several break. Also, it looks like dinnerware - which is also to be avoided - it gives a 'meal' atmosphere. Earthenware and pottery are pourous, so they are unsuitable - even if they break less easy.
quote:
3. Sacred Vessels
[117.] Sacred vessels for containing the Body and Blood of the Lord must be made in strict conformity with the norms of tradition and of the liturgical books.205 The Bishops' Conferences have the faculty to decide whether it is appropriate, once their decisions have been given the recognitio by the Apostolic See, for sacred vessels to be made of other solid materials as well. It is strictly required, however, that such materials be truly noble in the common estimation within a given region,206 so that honor will be given to the Lord by their use, and all risk of diminishing the doctrine of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharistic species in the eyes of the faithful will be avoided. Reprobated, therefore, is any practice of using for the celebration of Mass common vessels, or others lacking in quality, or devoid of all artistic merit or which are mere containers, as also other vessels made from glass, earthenware, clay, or other materials that break easily. This norm is to be applied even as regards metals and other materials that easily rust or deteriorate.207
Before reading this document, I had thought that as long as it was 'unbreakable', it was ok - but this specifically says glass and earthenware.
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- Adminreputation
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Member since 07/25/2001
Location: USA
quote:
Before reading this document, I had thought that as long as it was 'unbreakable', it was ok - but this specifically says glass and earthenware.
Right, glass and earthenware that break easily from my understanding. Also, the glass needs to be 'truly noble'. I don't think it was outright forbidden.
"Look on the bright side, if this is the best they've got around here, in six months we'll be running this planet." (Planet of the Apes)
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PM
Member since 05/10/2002
Location: USA
Hmmm. That's an interesting take on it...you are reading an exception where I am seeing a direct link.
me:
glass breaks easily & is forbidden
you:
only the glass that breaks easily is forbidden.
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- Adminreputation
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Member since 07/25/2001
Location: USA
Not all glass is easily breakable, especially crystal. It's more breakable than metal but that doesn't mean it's easily breakable. Some glassware is extremely easy to break. That glassware would be forbidden. If your parish has a history of dropping glassware that breaks and continues to use the same glassware, then there is a major problem. If they have a history of dropping the chalice and insist on using glassware, then they must use a more durable glass.
If you drop metal and dent it, then you can't use it. If you drop crystal and chip it, you can't use it.
This is the argument that Catholic Answers makes in a radio program I listened to (doesn't mean it's correct, of course). But, I have a crystal vase that I dropped on stonework and it never broke. I've also dropped a few standard glasses and some didn't break to my surprise.
"Look on the bright side, if this is the best they've got around here, in six months we'll be running this planet." (Planet of the Apes)
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PM
Member since 05/10/2002
Location: USA
This may shed a little light:
http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=10157
or not.
Seems that even among conservatives, there is room for interpretation. I will say that our crystal does look nice and is not cheap thin glass. It sounds as if many bishops are approving crystal.
2 issues: 1.) noble 2.) breakable. As the posts point out, if a gold chalice is dropped, the Precious Blood is just as spilled as if it broke. And, as you pointed out, dented would disqualify just as much as chipping. I can't say how many we've had break. But it did just happen about two weeks ago. (we have carpeted floor.)
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