New General Instruction of the Roman Missal: Part 5

By Bishop Kevin Manning.

Purifying the sacred vessels

When the distribution of Holy Communion is completed, consecrated hosts that remain should be reserved in the tabernacle. One of the concelebrants or Deacons should do this.

If some of the Precious Blood remains it should be consumed by the Priest or Deacon since it may not ordinarily be reserved. If there is a quantity of the Precious Blood left over the “extraordinary” ministers may assist in consuming what remains.

The chalices and other vessels should be taken to the credence table where the purification takes place. However, it is permitted to leave the vessels, suitably covered, at a side table on the corporal to be cleansed immediately after Mass following the dismissal of the people. The purificator should be placed over the top of the vessel to make sure there is no contamination of the Precious Blood.

The new General Instruction indicates that the purification of the sacred vessels after Communion is a ministry carried out by the Priest or Deacon. The Australian Bishops have petitioned, in their submission to the Holy See for the acceptance of the translation of the new General Instruction, to enlist the assistance of “extraordinary” ministers of Communion for the cleansing of the vessels after the distribution of Communion.

It is essential, of course, that the “extraordinary” ministers be well instructed concerning the Holy Eucharist and the greatest reverence and care should always be given to this ministry.

When the remaining Precious Blood has been consumed water is added to the chalice and the other vessels and that water is also consumed. Under no circumstances should the remaining Precious Blood be poured into a sink or sacrarium.

Liturgical dress

The new General Instruction makes allowances to use liturgical clothing for those who assist at the Mass, eg the altar servers, the readers, the cantors, and the “extraordinary” ministers. No doubt, this will vary from place to place, but it is important that these people who serve in public ministries be dressed in a dignified manner. This applies especially to “extraordinary” ministers of Holy Communion whose dignified dress should be an expression of their faith.

Post Communion

During the period of silence following Communion, communicants will sit or kneel and the rites are concluded when the Priest then says or sings the Prayer After Communion. His invitation “Let us pray”, as with the Collect, should be followed by a moment of silent thanks to God for the wondrous gift of the Holy Eucharist. Generally, announcements or notices are made after this prayer.
Fostering faith
It is clear that the aim of the General Instruction is to ensure that we celebrate the sacred rites in a proper and careful manner and, in this way, glorify God and experience a deepening of faith, hope and charity.

The manner in which we celebrate Mass, the reverence and the propriety with which we tend to the distribution of Holy Communion profoundly affects our faith. Our faith in the Real Presence of Christ, the Blessed Eucharist, can be authentically renewed and deepened by the way in which we attend to the great mysteries which we share.

We have already commenced Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta following the 7.45am Mass until the 12.30pm Mass. The attitude towards, and the presence before, the Blessed Sacrament is always an indication of the faith of the parish.

Here people come to worship and develop their faith, pray for those who are in need and give an example to others of the wonderful mystery that we have in our midst.

I pray that you will always participate with greater and greater attentiveness and faith in the sacrifice of the Mass wherein Our Lord renews His Pascal Mystery.

Now have your say at NCP DISCUSSIONS

or wait to read the Fifth Article, which will be posted on Monday 14.06.04