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Question Title Posted By Question Date
changing one word of the consecration Jennifer Thursday, January 19, 2006

Question:

Hello. I recently went to a Mass where the priest changed one word of the consecration. He said, "It will be shed for you and for EVERYONE so that sins may be forgiven." Is it still the Body and Blood of Jesus with the one word changed?

He also wore a surplice with the underside (very visible) made of a calico, lavender quilt. He pointed it out and said it was the side he wears on the outside during Lent. What is your take on this? Thanks.

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Jennifer,

I'm pretty sure that most sacramental theologians would agree that this change would not invalidate the Mass.

But that doesn't mean AT ALL that this change is permissible.  No priest has the ability or right to play with the Mass in this way.

Also, the church has specifically stated that the surplice may not be used in place of the alb.  (GIRM, n.336)

Mr. Slavek
Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers.

(b) There is no such Mass called the Novus Ordo. The Current Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000, or the Oridinary Form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass is the Roman Missal of 1962, or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Please refrain from using the term, Novus Ordo. Thanks.

(c) The titles of Acolyte and Lector belong exclusively to the Installed Offices of Acolyte and Lector, who are men (only) appointed by the Bishop. These roles performed by others are Altar Servers and Readers, respectively.