Independent Catholic resourceNot affiliated with Catholic Answers (catholic.com)
THECatholic AnswersFaith. Understood.
THE CATHOLIC ANSWERS COLLECTION

So the Priest always has the wine, but does not give it to the laity!

21px
Ask about this article

The Priest does not always receive under both kinds. If for some reason he cannot celebrate Mass, yet desires to receive Holy Communion, he receives under the form of bread only, just as any other communicant. If he celebrates Mass, he must consecrate both kinds for the sake of the Sacrifice, the separate consecrations being necessary for the representation of Christ’s death by the shedding of His blood on the Cross. Having consecrated under both kinds the Priest must consume both kinds. But even in doing so, he receives no more than the laity, for both Priest and lay communicant receive the complete Christ, and more than the complete Christ cannot be received. But your objection proceeds from a complete misunderstanding of the nature of the Eucharist. The idea of the officiating Priest having a “drink of wine” which is denied to the laity does great injury to the reverence due to the Presence of Christ, and is utterly absurd. About an egg-cup full of wine is used in the celebration of Mass, and in any case if a Priest did merely want a drink of wine there is no need for him to vest himself elaborately and spend half an hour saying Mass in order to have it.

Radio Replies Volume 1 by Rev. Dr. Leslie Rumble MSC and Rev. Charles Mortimer Carty

Keep the conversation thoughtful.

Historical language and viewpoints in the original collection are preserved. For current official teaching, consult the Catechism and the Holy See.

Report an error or ask the editor
FOLLOW THE THREAD

More to explore.

All articles
Sacraments & Worship12 min read

Why Is Continence Important in Marriage?

The Catholic Church presents continence as a vital aspect of chastity, a virtue that governs the proper use of human sexuality according to one’s state in life. In marriage, continence is not about suppressing desire but about ordering it toward the good of the spouse and the family. The Church teaches that human sexuality is a …

The Church20 min read

How Do Catholic Priests Have the Authority to Forgive Sins?

The Catholic Church’s understanding of priestly authority to forgive sins is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ as recorded in the New Testament. In John 20:23 , Jesus tells His disciples, “Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.” This passage is centr…

KNOWLEDGE SHARED. FAITH STRENGTHENED.

Keep the door open.

Your optional contribution helps keep these resources free to read.

Support this independent site