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EMHCs bowing to the altar, while carrying the Sacrament
Topic Started: Sunday, 2. December 2012, 18:35 (508 Views)
Paduan
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In my parish I have observed some EMHCs, while carrying the Precious Blood in front of the altar stop to bow, as they would when approaching the altar. If walking behind the altar, still while carrying the Precious Blood, they will bow to the Tabernacle.

To my mind this is unnecessary: they are carrying the Body and Blood of Christ already, therefore, if a bow was to be made at all, it would be to that which they held in their hands. While we honour the altar in other circumstances, surely carrying the Body and/or Blood of Christ 'trumps' such circumstances and makes such bowing unnecessary to the point of being wrong, because to bow in such a way means that you are causing Christ to 'bow' as well, perhaps?

I haven't wanted to say anything to my parish priest (mainly because, to say the least, he's not the easiest person to approach about anything that might be perceived as 'wrong', either related to himself or others) but I did want to be clear in my own mind whether or not I'm barking up the wrong tree...

Anyone have any thoughts?

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
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paul

This is a typical example of where liturgy becomes complex. Rules and regulations again! A definitive answer is required. Carrying the consecrated wine/hosts of course must take precedence.

Is it really that important? Provided the chalice is carried with reverence is what Christ would have wanted. I suppose he had to endure all of the Jewish customs in the temple where he worshipped?

I am not suprised at the comment about the pp.

Forget the theatrical aspect and concentrate on the hearts of those present.
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Rose of York
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Bowing to the altar while carrying the Precious Blood could give the impression the true presence of Christ is in the tabernacle and a mere symbol in the chalice.
Keep the Faith!

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Derekap
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"I would say that anyone carrying a Ciborium or Chalice (containing Our Lord of couse) does not need to bow or genuflect when passing a Tabernacle or Altar but probably force of habit in other circumstances makes them do it without thinking.
Derekap
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Rose of York
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I suppose those EMHCs are at least attempting to behaving formally and reverently. At least they are not behaving as though they are carrying any old utensil.
Keep the Faith!

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Angus Toanimo
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Rid the Mass of EMHCs solves the problem.
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Penfold
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It is an bad habit that is, I suspect, the result of poor training.
The correct procedure is to bow to the altar when approaching or leaving having discharged ones duties but not while carrying the blessed sacrament. In a military analogy it would be like a general saluting a private.
It is not a problem that is peculiar to your parish Paduan I have inherited the practice in a couple of places I have worked and had to correct it as part of the annual refresher training/retreat for EMHCs. The training of EMHCs does vary from diocese to diocese and even within the diocese there are some priests who just appoint EMHCs without giving any proper training, even though it is available through the deanery.
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Rose of York
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Angus Toanimo
Sunday, 2. December 2012, 22:10
Rid the Mass of EMHCs solves the problem.
Angus, before and since Vatican II I came across a few (very very few) priests who needed to improve in the area of reverence and liturgy. Provided EMHCs are carefully selected and adequately trained they know what the should do and how to do it and they behave correctly.
Keep the Faith!

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Rose of York
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Angus Toanimo
Sunday, 2. December 2012, 22:10
Rid the Mass of EMHCs solves the problem.
That's as sensible as ridding a police force of constables because a small number behaved incorrectly.
Keep the Faith!

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Derekap
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Angus Toanimo
Sunday, 2. December 2012, 22:10
Rid the Mass of EMHCs solves the problem.
Therefore we get rid of priests and solve the problem of abusive priests.
Derekap
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Gerard

It is not a problem. It is a very minor mistake in a rather rigid protocol. Man made protocol at that.

As I understand things, the current reason given for bowing to the altar is that the altar represents Jesus (Hebrwes 13:10). So at worst this is Jesus Bowing to Jesus. But It is not even that is it? It is the EM bowing to the altar.

Gerry
"The institutional and charismatic aspects are quasi coessential to the Church's constitution" (Pope John Paul II, 1998).
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Penfold
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Gerard
Monday, 3. December 2012, 10:24
It is not a problem. It is a very minor mistake in a rather rigid protocol. Man made protocol at that.

As I understand things, the current reason given for bowing to the altar is that the altar represents Jesus (Hebrwes 13:10). So at worst this is Jesus Bowing to Jesus. But It is not even that is it? It is the EM bowing to the altar.

Gerry
The protocol is not rigid, it is a simple courtesy. If good manners and courtesy were unimportant Gerry your remarks would be correct.
Edited by Penfold, Monday, 3. December 2012, 10:42.
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Gerard

I'd say its rigid when people start to get exercised about it and call it a problem.

Gerry
"The institutional and charismatic aspects are quasi coessential to the Church's constitution" (Pope John Paul II, 1998).
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Derekap
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Gerry, I don't think anyone has been rigid or regarded it as a problem; most entries have debated the subject.
Derekap
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Gerard

Derek,

And I am just joining in.
And posts 6, 7 and 10 do refer to it as a problem.

It may well not be rigid but some seem to be making it so.

Gerry
Edited by Gerard, Monday, 3. December 2012, 12:46.
"The institutional and charismatic aspects are quasi coessential to the Church's constitution" (Pope John Paul II, 1998).
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