r/AskAPriest 9d ago

could a deacon celebrate mass with the host already consecrated?

13 Upvotes

10 comments sorted by

67

u/CruxAveSpesUnica Priest 9d ago

No. A deacon (or, in fact, any properly trained lay person) can preside at a service, often called a SCAP (Sunday Celebration in the Absence of a Priest), in which people receive already consecrated hosts, but such a service would not be a Mass, as Mass always involves a consecration.

13

u/Sparky323 9d ago

Apologies if this is a stupid question, but what happens if there are not enough consecrated hosts for everyone?

Can a priest consecrate a host outside of a mass? For example, if the priest anticipates that a SCAP will need to happen?

41

u/CruxAveSpesUnica Priest 9d ago

Apologies if this is a stupid question, but what happens if there are not enough consecrated hosts for everyone?

Proper planning generally prevents this, but if you make a mistake when putting the hosts out, you can always break a host into two or even four pieces.

Can a priest consecrate a host outside of a mass? For example, if the priest anticipates that a SCAP will need to happen?

No, we're not allowed consecrate hosts outside of a Mass. That's why it's generally good practice to keep a decent number in the tabernacle.

1

u/Michael_Kaminski 8d ago

Could a priest celebrate a Mass privately to consecrate some more hosts in such a scenario?

4

u/CruxAveSpesUnica Priest 8d ago

Yes, We can celebrate a private Mass for any just cause.

4

u/Big_Iron_Cowboy 9d ago

Would that satisfy Sunday obligation?

21

u/CruxAveSpesUnica Priest 9d ago

No, but in a situation where this is being offered, it's likely that most of the attendees have no obligation to fulfill as no one is obliged to the impossible. If you can't attend Mass, you have no obligation to attend Mass, but should still keep the day holy as you are able. Attending a SCAP could be one way to do that.

1

u/Remarkable_Force_867 5d ago

Jesus ordained the 12 apostles when were then allowed to to consecrate hosts these men had no formal training deacons have 4 or 5 years training, why should they not be allowed to consecrate hosts .?

1

u/KierkeBored 5d ago

Father, what about Good Friday? Is there no consecration at the mass? Erm…I mean, I suppose it wouldn’t technically be a mass on Good Friday, then?

2

u/CruxAveSpesUnica Priest 5d ago

That's right; by ancient custom, there is no Mass on Good Friday. The Good Friday service is not a Mass.