2002 General Instruction of the Roman Missal Sacristans

Remote Preparations: Bread and Wine Bread made solely from wheat must be used. It should be recently baked and unleavened, according to the tradition of the Latin Church. The wine must be from the fruit of the vine, natural and pure, that is not mixed with any foreign substance. (320, 322) The bread and wine must be kept in good condition so that the wine does not sour or the bread spoil or become too hard to break. (323)

Remote Preparations: Bread and Wine The bread should have the appearance of food and must be made in a manner that the priest is able to break it into parts and distribute it to at least some of the faithful. In this way the breaking of bread, the ancient name for the Eucharist, will more clearly bring out the nature of the sign of the unity of all in the one bread and of their charity, since the one bread is being distributed among the members of one family. (321)

Remote Preparation: Vessels The chalice and paten hold a place of honour for in them the bread and wine are offered, consecrated and consumed. The sacred vessels are to be made from noble metal. Generally they are gold-plated on the inside. The cup of the chalice should be of nonabsorbent material. The base of any other solid and worthy material. (327, 328, 330)

Immediate Preparation: Bread/Paten One large plate may properly be used for the consecration of the Eucharistic bread; on it is placed the bread for the priest and the deacon as well as for the other ministers and the faithful. (331) Sufficient bread should be prepared, since it is most desirable that the faithful, just as the priest himself is bound to do, may receive the Lord’s body from hosts consecrated at the same Mass. (85)

Communion from the Mass Then even through the signs communion will stand out more clearly as a sharing in the sacrifice actually being offered. (85)

Commentary: Bread/Paten In keeping with numbers 321 and 331, the large host should not be used for the priest alone, nor should the bread for the priest and people be placed in separate vessels. In order to symbolize the unity of the Christian family, a large enough host for the Communion of the priest and some of the people should be used. In addition, a large paten should hold the large host and some of the small hosts.

Immediate Preparation: Wine/Chalice Sufficient wine should be prepared, since it is most desirable that the faithful, just as the priest himself is bound to do, may share in the chalice.

Communion under Both Kinds Holy communion has a more complete form as a sign when it is received under both kinds. For in this manner of reception a fuller sign of the Eucharistic banquet shines forth. (281) Then even through the signs communion will stand out more clearly as a sharing in the sacrifice actually being offered. (85)

Remote Preparation: Decoration Moderation should be observed in decorating of the altar. During Advent the altar may be decorated with moderation, but these should not anticipate the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord. During Lent decorating the altar with flowers is prohibited. Exceptions are made for Laetare Sunday, solemnities and feast days. Flowers are placed with moderation around the altar rather than on top of it. (395, 305)

Preparation of the Altar The altar is to be covered with at least one white cloth. (117, 304) Nothing is placed on the altar except: from the beginning until the gospel, only the Book of the Gospels; from the presentation of the gifts until the cleansing of the vessels, only the chalice with the paten, other ciboria as necessary, and finally the corporal, purificator and missal. Everything is to be well balanced and must not interfere with the faithful’s clear view of what takes place at the altar or is placed on it. (306)

Preparation of the Altar On or next to the altar are to be the candlesticks with lighted candles, at least two in every celebration, or even four or six, especially if it is a Sunday Mass or a holy day of obligation. The candlesticks are placed on or around the altar in a way suited to the design of the altar and sanctuary and must not obscure the view of the faithful. (307)

Preparation of the Altar There is also to be a cross on or near the altar, with the figure of Christ crucified. It should be clearly visible to the people. It is fitting for the cross to remain near the altar even outside liturgical celebrations. (117, 122, 308)

Procession The candles and the cross may be carried in the entrance procession. In this case the cross is placed near the altar so that it may become the altar cross, which ought then to be the only cross used; otherwise, it is set aside. (122)

Preparation of the Ambo The Lectionary is placed at the ambo beforehand.

Preparation of the Chair At or near the chair are placed a hymnal and the missal.

Preparation of the CredenceTable The chalice, or chalices if Communion is to be given under both kinds, A corporal, Purificators and pall, if needed, for each chalice; A vessel of water to be blessed, if the asperges occurs; Communion-plates for the Communion of the faithful; Water, bowl and towel for the washing of hands; It is a praiseworthy practice to cover the chalice with a veil, which may be either the colour of the day or white.

Preparation of the Gift Table Those things to be presented by the faithful in procession at the Offertory: The large paten with sufficient bread for Communion; Ciboria with altar bread, if needed; Cruets containing the wine and the water.

Preparation of the Vesting Area In the sacristy, the sacred vestments for the priest, the deacon, and other ministers are to be prepared according to the various forms of celebration: for the priest: the alb, the stole, and the chasuble; for the deacon: the alb, the stole, and the dalmatic; the dalmatic may be omitted, however, out of necessity or lesser solemnity; for the other ministers: albs or approved attire.

Preparation of the Vesting Area When there is an Entrance Procession, the following are also to be prepared: the Book of the Gospels; the thurible and the boat with incense, if incense is used; the cross and lighted candles carried in procession.

Final Preparations Turn on the P.A. System; Turn on sufficient lighting; Light the candles at the Altar and for the procession; Light the charcoal for the thurible.

Amen The End