Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Purification of Sacred Vessels - A Question Answered

It’s that time of year when our students have returned to campus and we will be training lectors and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. One aspect of this that comes up often is the purification of the sacred vessels, especially the chalices with which the EMHCs distribute the Precious Blood. The question has been asked, ‘Can lay persons purify the sacred vessels?’ The short answer is ‘no’. Here’s why:


From “Purification of Sacred Vessels by Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion”:

"On October 13, 2006 Bishop William Skylstad, President of the United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops, informed all Bishop members of
the conference that he had received a response to his request for an
extension of an indult permitting extraordinary ministers of Holy
Communion to assist with the purification of sacred vessels at Mass.

In a recent letter to the Conference President, Cardinal Francis Arinze,
Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the
Sacraments (Prot. no. 468/05/L), reported that he had brought the matter
to the attention of our Holy Father on June 9, 2006 and received a
response in the negative."

Cardinal Arinze’s letter can be accessed here.

In “Seven Questions on the Distribution of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds” it also states:

"5. Who then purifies the sacred vessels?
As ordinary ministers of Holy Communion, the Priest and the Deacon purify the sacred vessels.
The instituted acolyte, by reason of his office, “helps the priest or deacon to purify and arrange
the sacred vessels.”10 In the Dioceses of the United States of America, the ministry of
instituted acolyte, which is open only to men, is primarily made up of those preparing to
receive Holy Orders.11

6. May an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion assist in the purification of sacred
vessels?
In accord with the Holy Father’s recent decision, as reported in Cardinal Arinze’s letter of
October 12, 2006 (Prot. no. 468/05/L), an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion may not
assist in the purification of sacred vessels. This extraordinary ministry was created exclusively
for those instances where there are not enough ordinary ministers to distribute Holy Communion,
due to the consummate importance of assuring that the faithful have the opportunity to receive
Holy Communion at Mass, even when it is distributed under both species. (cf. RS, no. 102)."

So those are some references regarding this issue. Further information can be found in Redemptionis Sacramentum and the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.

Got another question?  Contact Kristen or Fr. Patrick at http://www.ccmin.org/.

They're Baaaaaack!

The invasion of the college students has begun! 

We've started off another great year here at CCM and had a great turn out for last night's Praise & Worship/Adoration evening.  Thirty students came to pray and adore the Lord in the Eucharist and it was a great way to start off our opening activities! 

Don't miss out on our other events:

Thursday, Aug. 26th @ 6:30 - Karaoke & BBQ at the Marquette Center

Sunday, Aug. 29th, 12pm-6pm:  Launch Retreat for new students

Wednesday, Sep. 1st @ 5:30: Love Your Neighbor Service Event - Meet at the Newman Center to carpool to a house to do yard work

Thursday, Sep. 2nd @ 8pm - Outdoor Coffeehouse - don't forget to sign up if you want to perform an act!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

CCM Attends Church Teaches Forum 2010

Last weekend Fr. Patrick, Kristen and two students attended the Church Teaches Forum in Kentucky.  Speakers in attendance were Archbishop Raymond Burke, Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, Bishop James Timlin, Fr. Edmund McCaffrey and Fr. Roger Arnsparger.  All gave wonderful presentations and/or homilies.  Below are a few quotes from the Forum along with some photos:

Abp Burke:  "The Heart of Jesus is ever open to receive us in the Eucharistic sacrifice."

Fr. Arnsparger: "Living in the truth always brings the joy for which Jesus prayed." (John 15:10-11: If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.)

Bishop Timlin: "Holiness is the goal of the Christian life."

Abp Kurtz: "Trust in God will lead to an understanding of truth.", "Friendships in their depth will always connect with sacrifice."

Fr. McCaffrey: "To know what is right and not do it is the worst kind of cowardice", "Courage permits valor in doing what is right."

CCM Student Alex greeting Archbishop Burke at the dinner Friday evening.


The CCM group with Bishop James Timlin of the Diocese of Scranton.














On our way back from the Forum we decided to stop by St. Meinrad Archabbey where some of our diocesan seminarians are/will be attending seminary.  What a beautiful place!

 Cory, Fr. Patrick and Alex in front of the Archabbey at the seminary.  Simply beautiful!
We were pleased to run into Fr. Ciprian, Church historian and Benedictine monk, before Vespers began.  It's always uplifting to hear monks chant the Liturgy of the Hours!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Summer 2010 = CCM Wedding Extravaganza!

Congrats to John and Christy (Spencer) Moore on their wedding last weekend!  This is the summer for CCM weddings!

CCM Weddings for 2010:
Travis & Michelle
Justin & Sarah
John & Christy
Anthony & Chelsea (upcoming!)

I didn't realize that we are apparently also running a dating service! haha!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Another southeast Missouri native professes religious vows!

Congratulations to Sr. Libby Beussink, T.O.R. on her temporary profession of vows with the Franciscan Sisters, T.O.R., of Penance of the Sorrowful Mother!  We love the T.O.R. Sisters!

More CCM students featured in SEMO's "Southeast Spotlight"

CCM students continue to be recognized by the university on the Southeast Spotlight area of the university website.  Check out these CCM students and graduates who have been featured recently:

Hannah Korte
Jamie Litteken
Denise Schmidt
Rita Jo Dirnberger
Joseph Ramos
Kelli Foster

Congrats to all our students!  It is quite a testament to all our students who continue to be featured in this and other publications - we are so blessed to have such wonderful students at CCM who are striving to become the people God has made them to be!

CCM on Life on the Rock

Thanks to everyone who tuned in to Life on the Rock for our appearance!  If you missed the show be sure to check it out below.  Also, the show can be purchased on DVD or audio CD from the EWTN Religious Catalogue here

Monday, August 2, 2010

Announcing Mr. and Mrs. Justin Moore!

Congratulations to Justin and Sarah (Orlovsky) Moore!  What a beautiful Nuptial Mass last Saturday and a rockin' reception!  We pray that God will bless your marriage abundantly!  Feel free to name your first daughter "Kristen" and your first son "Patrick"!