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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Tabernacle door opened during Mass Pat Monday, August 3, 2015

Question:

Mr. Slavek,

During Mass on Sunday our Pastor, once again, and probably without realizing it, did leave the tabernacle door opened during and after the consecration, through the distribution of Holy Communion until the placement, of the reserved Hosts, back into the tabernacle.

What truly bothers me is the fact that the Blessed Sacrament was clearly visible in the tabernacle during this entire time period and according to liturgical law, this is not permitted.

I want to approach my Pastor, in a polite way, and show him the Liturgical law that expressly forbids exposing the Blessed Sacrament during the celebration of Mass but I do not know which number law that is. Could you please furnish me with that information so that I could approach my Pastor privately and hopefully avoid this from happening again?

Thank you so much,

Pat



Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Pat,

The rule you are looking for is found in the document EUCHARISTIAE SACRAMENTUM, Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship, 1973.

83. During the exposition of the blessed sacrament, celebration of Mass in the body of the Church is prohibited.

Please note that I don't believe there is a specific rule prohibiting exposition during Mass, but rather it is the other way around:  Mass is prohibited during exposition.  But the idea is the same.

I'm actually more concerned WHY the tabernacle door is left open unattended for such a long period of time....  going by the rules for Mass, (the GIRM) there is no reason at all for anyone to be going up there prior to Communion time.  That's actually what I would approach my pastor about first rather than the exposition rule, especially since it seems to be an honest oversight. Just my opinion. :-)

Mr. Slavek
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