How does the Church get around

[flip]

ive always wondered this...

how is giving alchol to minors illegal in America, yet we do it at Mass everyday? If the state wanted, could the police come in and arrest people?

I guess technically we are not giving alchohol to minors, but the blood of Christ to minors... is that how the Church is not being illegal?

[dUSt]

Giving alcohol to minors is not illegal under several circumstances. If I wanted, I could let my daughter have a glass of wine at dinner. The law allows parental supervision of drinking, and it also makes provisions for alcohol in religious practices.

[Jake Huether]

I'll be corrected if I'm wrong, but I believe it is the sale of alcohol to minors that is prohibited. So it isn't illegal to give a sip to a minor.

Technically, indeed, we are giving the Blood of Christ to minors (a good thing). But on the flip side, the physical accidents of alcohol are retained, which means that if one drinks enough of the Blood of Christ, one would feel the physical effects of the accidents of alcohol (i.e. intoxication).

Again, I think it's the sale that's illegal.

Hope that helps.

[Guest Aluigi]

that's when seperation of Church and State works in our favor. "Congress shall pass no law establishing religion or prohibiting the free practice thereof." (Quote from the Constitution of the United States I believe) If they attempted to stop us they would be breaking the constitution and we could take it all the way to the Supreme Court.

During the Prohibition of the 1920's they didn't dare take on the Catholic Church. They can't touch us on this. I betchya even the ACLU would probably defend us if they tried.

[Guest Aluigi]

In Pennsylvania it is illegal even for parents to allow their kids to drink. But the religious exception is definitely in place.

[Socrates]

[quote name='Jake Huether' date='Oct 18 2004, 03:08 PM'] But on the flip side, the physical accidents of alcohol are retained, which means that if one drinks enough of the Blood of Christ, one would feel the physical effects of the accidents of alcohol (i.e. intoxication).

[/quote]
This never happens in reality! (Family Guy notwithstanding) Normally, the laity does not receive under the species of wine in the Latin Rite.

This is basically a non-issue.

[Thy Geekdom Come]

[quote name='Socrates' date='Oct 18 2004, 10:28 PM'] This never happens in reality! (Family Guy notwithstanding)  Normally, the laity does not receive under the species of wine in the Latin Rite.

This is basically a non-issue. [/quote]
Well, actually, provisions are made for priests with alcoholic predispositions to use grape juice (valid but illicit matter) for consecration, but one cannot consume enough of the Precious Blood to get the effects of the accidents of alcohol. However, even the tiniest hint to the senses could trigger a craving for alcohol and could lead even otherwise sober priests to seek out the bottle after Mass.

In Nebraska, it is legal for me to drink, with or without parental knowledge, permission, or supervision, in my parent's home or in mine. Once I am drinking publically, however (even out on my front porch), I break the law.

My parents have given me permission to drink in our home, as long as I don't get drunk.

Of course, I don't live at home anymore.

[cmotherofpirl]

[quote name='Aluigi' date='Oct 18 2004, 05:13 PM'] In Pennsylvania it is illegal even for parents to allow their kids to drink. But the religious exception is definitely in place. [/quote]
It is not illegal for children to drink with their parents in Pa.

[Snarf]

Consumption itself by minors is a criminal offense, as anyone who's been busted at a frat party can testify. In most states, at least.

[Brother Adam]

I doubt even in most states. I would be interested in seeing a list though. Naturally, all states have exemption clauses for Church. Catholics are not the only ones who use real wine. Actually I think reformed and free Churches are the only ones to use grape juice exclusively.

[Guest Aluigi]

Cmom, a Police guy came into school once and showed us all the PA alchohol laws. No, legally minors cannot consume alchohol with their parents. I know, it annoyed me too.

[IcePrincessKRS]

[quote name='Socrates' date='Oct 18 2004, 10:28 PM'] This never happens in reality! (Family Guy notwithstanding) Normally, the laity does not receive under the species of wine in the Latin Rite.

This is basically a non-issue. [/quote]
Actually.... At my friend's home parish her priest will not dispose of the remaining Precious Blood in the proper manner so to prevent something sacriligious her father (an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion) will comsume what is left after Mass, for some reason the priest refuses, I am sure this is some sort of liturgical abuse on both the part of the priest and Mr. L. But anyway, my point was that Mr. L. has a fairly low alcohol tolerance and he will get tipsy from it (luckily they live about a block away from Church and he can walk home lol).

[cmotherofpirl]

[quote name='Aluigi' date='Oct 19 2004, 08:14 PM'] Cmom, a Police guy came into school once and showed us all the PA alchohol laws. No, legally minors cannot consume alchohol with their parents. I know, it annoyed me too. [/quote]
He lied.
Ask the cops. As long as the child is under the supervision of an adult they can consume alcohol. They however, cannot get drunk.

[Guest Aluigi]

that's what i thought.... but he had it in writing and it was like citing actual law or something... it was pretty convincing

whatever, my parents would never let me anyway so this wont be an issue any time soon...

[Benedict]

I have two comments:

1 - I have only been to four parishes in my Catholic life. All four were Latin Rite, all four offered the chalice. So that came as a surprise.

2 - I am deathly allergic to ethanol (alcohol). Even the smell of beer or wine gives me a migraine headache. Yet, I receive His Precious Blood at Mass. Glory to God in the highest.