Concelebration

[God Conquers]

Can someone explain this to me?

A friend of mine, very traditional but non-schismatic, said he prefers the tridentine rite mass because he says concelebration outside very specific instances is a liturgical abuse.

I have very little info to make a judgement or refute this....

What's the deal?

[Aloysius]

I never quite liked the idea of concelebration... maybe it's antiquarian of me but it feels like a big break from the way the mass was since the very beginning...

now, I don't know what the rules for concelebration are so I wouldn't be able to sight a concelebration abuse if I saw one.

it seems to me that only one priest is necessary and anything more is just weird and confusing. At the last supper, Jesus was the only celebrant. it just seems unnecessary to make a bunch of priests do it at the same time. perhaps someone could explain some sort of reasoning to it?

[Era Might]

[quote]I never quite liked the idea of concelebration... maybe it's antiquarian of me but it feels like a big break from the way the mass was since the very beginning...[/quote]

Not at all.

[quote]Concelebration is the rite by which several priests say Mass together, all consecrating the same bread and wine. It was once common in both East and West. As late as the ninth century priests stood around their bishop and "consented to his sacrifice" (Corp. Jur. Can., Decr. Grat., Pars III, dist. I, cap. 59). The rite of Concelebration was modified at Rome (perhaps in the time of Pope Zephyrinus, 202-218) so that each priest should consecrate a separate host (the deacons holding these in patens or corporals); but they all consecrated the same chalice ("Ordo Rom. I", 48; see also Dechusne, "Liber Pont.", I, 139 and 246). In the sixth century this rite was observed on all station days; by the eighth century it remained only for the greatest feasts, Easter, Christmas, Whitsunday, and St. Peter ("Ordo Rom. I", 48; Duchesne, "Origines", 167). On other days the priests assisted but did not concelebrate. Innocent III (1198-1216) says that in his time the cardinals concelebrate with the pope on certain feasts (De Saer. Altar. Myst. in Migne, P.L., CCXVII, IV, 25). Durandus, who denied the possibility of such a rite (Rationale Div. Off., IV, d. xiii, q. 3) is refuted by Cardinal Bona (Rer. Liturg., I, xviii, 9). St. Thomas defends its theological correctness (Summa Theol., III:82:2). Concelebration is still common in all the Eastern Churches both Catholic and [Eastern Orthodox]. In these, on any greater feast day, the bishop says the holy liturgy surrounded by his priests, who consecrate with him and receive Holy Communion from him, of course under both kinds. So also, at any time, if several priests wish to celebrate on the same day, they may do so together.

[url="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04190a.htm"]http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04190a.htm[/url][/quote]

Edited October 16, 2005 by Era Might

[homeschoolmom]

Okay... I've always wondered this... let's say that a preist is visiting for his niece's first communion in a different diocese... Does he concelebrate? Does he have to show an id card?

[Era Might]

[quote name='homeschoolmom' date='Oct 16 2005, 05:49 PM']Okay... I've always wondered this... let's say that a preist is visiting for his niece's first communion in a different diocese... Does he concelebrate? Does he have to show an id card?
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He would have to contact the local Bishop beforehand, and obtain his permission to celebrate Mass in his diocese.

[homeschoolmom]

[quote name='Era Might' date='Oct 16 2005, 04:51 PM']He would have to contact the local Bishop beforehand, and obtain his permission to celebrate Mass in his diocese.
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So, then if he didn't, would he just attend like everyone else?

[Era Might]

Yep. I'm sure he would get that all ironed out beforehand, and make sure the Pastor of the parish is aware of everything.

I think Priests have papers that they have to carry with them, to identify themselves as authentic Priests.

[Brother Adam]

concelebration is prefered over 'private masses'. That's why our churches don't have 'side altars' where several other priests all say private masses any longer. I suggest reading Mediator Dei and Sacrosantum Concilium

[shortnun]

He would be there in the pews, supporting his niece and the rest of the first communicants.

Concelebration can be abused. Ideally, priests who celebrate Mass at a parish/community are those who have a tie to said community. After all, they are the shepherds--the pastors-- of that community in a unique way (in quite a different way from visiting priests).

[Dave]

Concelebration would only be an abuse for Tridentine Masses. It's perfectly ok for Novus Ordo Masses, though. If something is allowed by the Church then it can't very well be considered an abuse.

[dspen2005]

as was stated it was a common practice in the early Church that was brought back with the Second Vatican Council. With all things, prudence is required; concelebration done in an extreme manner --as in ALL of the time -- can lead to a misunderstanding or confusion amongst the faithful. If we were to take Scripture one could infer that at the Institution of the Holy EUcharist, the Apostles, being the first bishops, gave their "consent" to the Consecration of Christ -- that could be used as an image of concelebration, to a certain extent (NOTE: I DO NOT PURPORT THIS TO BE AN OFFICIAL INTERPRETATION, BUT I OFFER THIS AS A POSSIBLE ACCOUNT; FURTHERMORE, IF WHAT I OFFERED AS A POSSIBILITY HAS BEEN DEEMED ERRONEOUS BY HOLY MOTHER CHURCH, THEN I SUBMIT TO HER AUTHORITY AND RENOUNCE WHAT I HAVE JUST SAID).

[Era Might]

Although concelebration certainly has its place, side altars rock. They were/are a great testament to popular piety. There was a long tradition of receiving communion at a particular side altar, in honor of the Saint there honored.

[dspen2005]

i think it still happens in some parishes.

[cmotherofpirl]

Concelebration is fine for special occasions, but need not be a daily event.

[JP2Iloveyou]

I think that a couple of you are actually mistaken. A priest need not receive explicit permission from the local ordinary to celebrate Mass in a diocese other than the one he is incardinated in. Perhaps this is what the policy is technically, but in practice it is never enforced. In fact, I think that the U.S. bishops have formally agreed to allow all priests to celebrate Mass and hear confessions in the Dioceses of the United States de facto, they need not receive explicit permission. For instance, when vocation directors from different dioceses visit our seminary, they will concelebrate at our seminary Mass. I'm certain the Archbishop doesn't issue special paperwork for each of them.

Furthermore, consider a priest who is traveling. A priest should, though he is not required to, offer Mass every day. If he is just passing through a diocese on vacation, it would be silly to expect him to call a chancery office, speak to the bishop, or whoever he would designate, and ask permission to celebrate Mass. A priest is a priest, regardless of what diocese you are from. This logically extends to religious priiests as well.

As for concelebrating in general, I see no problem with it. Almost every Mass that I go to anymore is concelebrated. At my home parish for instance, we are blessed to have three priests. They usually will all concelebrate the 7:00 a.m. Mass together. While it would be nice to have different Masses throughout the day to give people more options, this presents another problem of using to many EMHCs, which I'm certain many on here would oppose. The response would be to say that the other priests should come out and help distribute Communion during the other Masses of the day, however, this is simply not feasible sometimes. Like it or not, the reality is that priests do have other duties to attend to, like running a parish, visiting the sick, teaching, etc.

So, I really don't see a problem with priests concelebrating. Watch a papal Mass sometime and see how many priests concelebrate.

Edited October 17, 2005 by JP2Iloveyou

[Cam42]

A couple of thoughts.....

1. Concelebration did in fact happen in the Mass previous to the Second Vatican Council. Ordinations and consecrations. They were allowed and were conducted with all due solemnity.

2. Here is what Redemptionis Sacramentum says:

[quote name='Redemptionis Sacramentum #128']Holy Mass and other liturgical celebrations, which are acts of Christ and of the people of God hierarchically constituted, are ordered in such a way that the sacred ministers and the lay faithful manifestly take part in them each according to his own condition. [b]It is preferable therefore that “Priests who are present at a Eucharistic Celebration, unless excused for a good reason, should as a rule exercise the office proper to their Order and thus take part as concelebrants, wearing the sacred vestments. Otherwise, they wear their proper choir dress or a surplice over a cassock.”[/b]  It is not fitting, except in rare and exceptional cases and with reasonable cause, for them to participate at Mass, as regards to externals, in the manner of the lay faithful.[/quote]

[quote name='Footnote to RS #128; GIRM 114']Among those Masses celebrated by some communities, moreover, the conventual Mass, which is a part of the daily Office, or the community Mass has a particular place. Although such Masses do not have a special form of celebration, it is nevertheless most proper that they be celebrated with singing, especially with the full participation of all members of the community, whether of religious or of canons. In these Masses, therefore, individuals should exercise the office proper to the Order or ministry they have received. It is appropriate, therefore, that all the priests who are not bound to celebrate individually for the pastoral benefit of the faithful concelebrate at the conventual or community Mass in so far as it is possible. In addition, all priests belonging to the community who are obliged, as a matter of duty, to celebrate individually for the pastoral benefit of the faithful may also on the same day concelebrate at the conventual or community Mass.94 For it is preferable that priests who are present at a Eucharistic Celebration, unless excused for a good reason, should as a rule exercise the office proper to their Order and hence take part as concelebrants, wearing the sacred vestments. Otherwise, they wear their proper choir dress or a surplice over a cassock.[/quote]

The footnote to the previous quote:
[quote name='Eucharisticum Mysterium #47']Concelebration
Concelebration of the Eucharist aptly demonstrates the unity of the sacrifice and of the priesthood. Moreover, whenever the faithful take an active part, the unity of the People of God is strikingly manifested, particularly if the bishop presides.

Concelebration both symbolizes and strengthens the brotherly bond of the priesthood, because "by virtue of the ordination to the priesthood which they have in common, all are bound together in an intimate brotherhood."

Therefore, unless it conflicts with the needs of the faithful which must always be consulted with the deepest pastoral concern, and although every priest retains the right to celebrate alone, it is desirable that priests should celebrate the Eucharist in this eminent manner. This applies both to communities of priests and to groups which gather on particular occasions, and also to all similar circumstances. Those who live in community or serve the same church should welcome visiting priests into their concelebration.

The competent superiors should, therefore, facilitate and indeed positively encourage concelebration, whenever pastoral needs or other reasonable motives do not prevent it.

The faculty to concelebrate also applies to the principal Masses in churches and public and semi-public oratories of seminaries, colleges and ecclesiastical institutes, and also of religious orders and societies of clergy living in community without vows. However, where there is a great number of priests, the competent superior may give permission for concelebration to take place even several times on the same day, but at different times or in different sacred places.[/quote]

The footnotes for the above quote:
[quote name='Sacrosanctum Concilium #57']§1. Concelebration, whereby the unity of the priesthood is appropriately manifested, has remained in use to this day in the Church both in the East and in the West. For this reason it has seemed good to the Council to extend permission for concelebration to the following cases:

1. a) on the Thursday of the Lord's Supper, not only at the Mass of the Chrism, but also at the evening Mass.
b) at Masses during councils, bishops' conferences, and synods;
c) at the Mass for the blessing of an abbot.

2. Also, with permission of the ordinary, to whom it belongs to decide whether concelebration is opportune:
a) at conventual Mass, and at the principle Mass in churches when the needs of the faithful do not require that all priests available should celebrate individually;
b) at Masses celebrated at any kind of priests' meetings, whether the priests be secular clergy or religious.


§2..1. The regulation, however, of the discipline of concelebration in the diocese pertains to the bishop.

2. Nevertheless, each priest shall always retain his right to celebrate Mass individually, though not at the same time in the same church as a concelebrated Mass, nor on Thursday of the Lord's Supper.[/quote]

[quote name='Ecclesiae Semper #7']Therefore, concelebration is always encouraged, “unless the welfare of the Christianfaithful requires or urges otherwise.” “Visiting priests should be gladly welcomed toEucharistic concelebration, as long as their priestly standing is ascertained,” and “asuperior may not prohibit a priest from concelebrating,” except in the instancesdescribed in no. 10, below.[/quote]

[quote name='ES #10']“No one is ever to enter into a concelebration or to be admitted as a concelebrant oncethe Mass has already begun.”[/quote]

[quote name='SC #41']The bishop is to be considered as the high priest of his flock, from whom the life in Christ of his faithful is in some way derived and dependent.

Therefore all should hold in great esteem the liturgical life of the diocese centered around the bishop, especially in his cathedral church; they must be convinced that the pre-eminent manifestation of the Church consists in the full active participation of all God's holy people in these liturgical celebrations, especially in the same Eucharist, in a single prayer, at one altar, at which there presides the bishop surrounded by his college of priests and by his ministers.[/quote]

[quote name='Lumen Gentium #28'] Christ, whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world,  has through His apostles, made their successors, the bishops, partakers of His consecration and His mission. They have legitimately handed on to different individuals in the Church various degrees of participation in this ministry. Thus the divinely established ecclesiastical ministry is exercised on different levels by those who from antiquity have been called bishops, priests and deacons. Priests, although they do not possess the highest degree of the priesthood, and although they are dependent on the bishops in the exercise of their power, nevertheless they are united with the bishops in sacerdotal dignity. By the power of the sacrament of Orders, in the image of Christ the eternal high Priest, they are consecrated to preach the Gospel and shepherd be faithful and to celebrate divine worship, so that they are true priests of the New Testament. Partakers of the function of Christ the sole Mediator, on their level of ministry, they announce the divine word to all. They exercise their sacred function especially in the eucharistic worship or the celebration of the Mass by which acting in the person of Christ  and proclaiming His Mystery they unite the prayers of the faithful with the sacrifice of their Head and renew and apply  in the sacrifice of the Mass until the coming of the Lord the only sacrifice of the New Testament namely that of Christ offering Himself once for all a spotless Victim to the Father. For the sick and the sinners among the faithful, they exercise the ministry of alleviation and reconciliation and they present the needs and the prayers of the faithful to God the Father. Exercising within the limits of their authority the function of Christ as Shepherd and Head, they gather together God's family as a brotherhood all of one mind, and lead them in the Spirit, through Christ, to God the Father. In the midst of the flock they adore Him in spirit and in truth. Finally, they labor in word and doctrine, believing what they have read and meditated upon in the law of God, teaching what they have believed, and putting in practice in their own lives what they have taught.

Priests, prudent cooperators with the episcopal order, its aid and instrument, called to serve the people of God, constitute one priesthood  with their bishop although bound by a diversity of duties. Associated with their bishop in a spirit of trust and generosity, they make him present in a certain sense in the individual local congregations, and take upon themselves, as far as they are able, his duties and the burden of his care, and discharge them with a daily interest. And as they sanctify and govern under the bishop's authority, that part of the Lord's flock entrusted to them they make the universal Church visible in their own locality and bring an efficacious assistance to the building up of the whole body of Christ. intent always upon the welfare of God's children, they must strive to lend their effort to the pastoral work of the whole diocese, and even of the entire Church. On account of this sharing in their priesthood and mission, let priests sincerely look upon the bishop as their father and reverently obey him. And let the bishop regard his priests as his co-workers and as sons and friends, just as Christ called His disciples now not servants but friends. All priests, both diocesan and religious, by reason of Orders and ministry, fit into this body of bishops and priests, and serve the good of the whole Church according to their vocation and the grace given to them.

In virtue of their common sacred ordination and mission, all priests are bound together in intimate brotherhood, which naturally and freely manifests itself in mutual aid, spiritual as well as material, pastoral as well as personal, in their meetings and in communion of life, of labor and charity.

Let them, as fathers in Christ, take care of the faithful whom they have begotten by baptism and their teaching.  Becoming from the heart a pattern to the flock, let them so lead and serve their local community that it may worthily be called by that name, by which the one and entire people of God is signed, namely, the Church of God.  Let them remember that by their daily life and interests they are showing the face of a truly sacerdotal and pastoral ministry to the faithful and the infidel, to Catholics and non-Catholics, and that to all they bear witness to the truth and life, and as good shepherds go after those also, who though baptized in the Catholic Church have fallen away from the use of the sacraments, or even from the faith.

Because the human race today is joining more and more into a civic, economic and social unity, it is that much the more necessary that priests, by combined effort and aid, under the leadership of the bishops and the Supreme Pontiff, wipe out every kind of separateness, so that the whole human race may be brought into the unity of the family of God.[/quote]

So, that is a really wordy way to say that concelebration is not only acceptable, but to be encouraged, when necessary, as determined by the Church, not the faithful.

[God Conquers]

Wow, CAM... that is an incredibly well-laid out answer. I thank you and the others.

One follow-up question:

What about priests in the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter? My friend said it would be improper for them to concelebrate at a NO mass, and even at all, and that the two rites should be completely separate to prevent scandal (both ways).

What do you think?

[Cam42]

[quote name='God Conquers' date='Oct 17 2005, 08:31 PM']Wow, CAM... that is an incredibly well-laid out answer. I thank you and the others.

One follow-up question:

What about priests in the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter? My friend said it would be improper for them to concelebrate at a NO mass, and even at all, and that the two rites should be completely separate to prevent scandal (both ways).

What do you think?
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Yep, they are to be totally separate. There is to be no mixing of the Missa Normativa and the Mass previous to Vatican Council II.

That is per Ecclesia Dei and supporting documents.

[Aloysius]

as I suspected, I was just being as bad of an antiquarian as those who argue we should use wooden tables as altars.

[dspen2005]

in our parish, we have 4 priests... and on Sunday's one priest offers Mass, then when it comes time for the dispensing of Communion, another one of the priests comes out in cassock, surplice and stole to help dispense Communion... then he leaves, going back into the sacristy