Hypothetical Situation At Mass

[Amppax]

So at Mass today, the EMHC ran out. No big deal, another EMHC came over and everyone got communion. But what would happen if a Church ran out completely during Mass? I don't know how it would happen, but what if it did, for whatever reason? what would happen?

[arfink]

That almost happened once at the seminary, when we had a gigantic group suddenly show up to visit us 10 mins before mass one morning. Father just started breaking down hosts into smaller pieces in the communion line. Other times the MC has been able to get more unconsecrated hosts ready before the Eucharistic prayer can get going, after seeing a larger than expected number of people show up.

I don't know for sure, but I suspect in worst case scenario you could always have another mass?

[faithcecelia]

In many cases the priest would just go and retrieve previously consecrated hosts from the tabernacle, but if they have run out I don't know.

[Amppax]

[quote name='arfink' timestamp='1313341328' post='2287643']
That almost happened once at the seminary, when we had a gigantic group suddenly show up to visit us 10 mins before mass one morning. Father just started breaking down hosts into smaller pieces in the communion line. Other times the MC has been able to get more unconsecrated hosts ready before the Eucharistic prayer can get going, after seeing a larger than expected number of people show up.

I don't know for sure, but I suspect in worst case scenario you could always have another mass?
[/quote]

Ah, I'd forgotten about breaking down the hosts, I've seen it done before. I suppose it probably wouldn't be an issue then.

Edited August 14, 2011 by Amppax

[dUSt]

I've been at a mass where this happened before. Actually, it was a mass where Fr Corapi was the celebrant. About 1/2 way through the communion line they ran out. What he actually did was consecrate more hosts. Everyone just waited, and he went to the altar, and consecrated more hosts right there. It appeared he shortened it somehow--he had his mic off.

[Amppax]

[quote name='dUSt' timestamp='1313344557' post='2287673']
I've been at a mass where this happened before. Actually, it was a mass where Fr Corapi was the celebrant. About 1/2 way through the communion line they ran out. What he actually did was consecrate more hosts. Everyone just waited, and he went to the altar, and consecrated more hosts right there. It appeared he shortened it somehow--he had his mic off.
[/quote]

Oh, really? Is that the standard response if they run out of consecrated host?

[loveofchrist1]

[quote name='dUSt' timestamp='1313344557' post='2287673']
I've been at a mass where this happened before. Actually, it was a mass where Fr Corapi was the celebrant. About 1/2 way through the communion line they ran out. What he actually did was consecrate more hosts. Everyone just waited, and he went to the altar, and consecrated more hosts right there. It appeared he shortened it somehow--he had his mic off.
[/quote]
Thats usually the general practise.
BTW i miss Fr Corapi

[MissyP89]

At daily Mass at school, the number of people fluctuated and was often unpredictable. Father would just break hosts in a pinch, but we do have consecrated hosts in reserve in an emergency.

[MargaretTeresa]

[quote name='MissyP89' timestamp='1313351347' post='2287722']
At daily Mass at school, the number of people fluctuated and was often unpredictable. Father would just break hosts in a pinch, but we do have consecrated hosts in reserve in an emergency.
[/quote]

Same here. But Fr J had to break down the hosts today at Mass since there were only a few peeps left in line.

[Maggyie]

I thought it was basically verboten to just do a mini-consecration? I remember discussing this in a class once and it was asked if the priest could just step aside and "go make some more." The response was if the priest runs out even after breaking the remaining hosts into little bits, too bad. Not everybody has to receive the Host at every Mass. They said you can't say the eucharistic prayer twice in one mass, like sticking the hosts in the spiritual microwave. You have to have another mass. I think.

[Amppax]

[quote name='Maggie' timestamp='1313374628' post='2288011']
I thought it was basically verboten to just do a mini-consecration? I remember discussing this in a class once and it was asked if the priest could just step aside and "go make some more." The response was if the priest runs out even after breaking the remaining hosts into little bits, too bad. Not everybody has to receive the Host at every Mass. They said you can't say the eucharistic prayer twice in one mass, like sticking the hosts in the spiritual microwave. You have to have another mass. I think.
[/quote]

That's one thing I was worried about. Anyone have a definite answer on this?

Edited August 15, 2011 by Amppax

[tinytherese]

I misunderstood the original post. I thought it said that an EMC literally ran out during communion time and what would happen if the congregation ran out of the church or wherever Mass was held what would the priest do.

[Basilisa Marie]

[quote name='tinytherese' timestamp='1313374960' post='2288019']
I misunderstood the original post. I thought it said that an EMC literally ran out during communion time and what would happen if the congregation ran out of the church or wherever Mass was held what would the priest do.
[/quote]

That's what I initially thought, too. And I think Maggie's right - you can't just say another quick Eucharistic prayer...

One time this happened at my home parish, and the priest had a EMHC go and get the host that was in the adoration chapel...since no one was adoring because mass was going on.

[Amppax]

[quote name='tinytherese' timestamp='1313374960' post='2288019']
I misunderstood the original post. I thought it said that an EMC literally ran out during communion time and what would happen if the congregation ran out of the church or wherever Mass was held what would the priest do.
[/quote]
haha sorry for the misunderstanding. it is a little bit poorly worded, isn't it?

[quote name='Basilisa Marie' timestamp='1313377097' post='2288071']

That's what I initially thought, too. And I think Maggie's right - you can't just say another quick Eucharistic prayer...

One time this happened at my home parish, and the priest had a EMHC go and get the host that was in the adoration chapel...since no one was adoring because mass was going on.
[/quote]
So in this scenario (completely running out of hosts) there would just have to be a second mass, or people would just not receive?

[Vincent Vega]

They could merely receive under the species of wine, provided that it was being distributed under both species.