Notes on the Eucharistic Celebration

Materials and Objects

Materials and objects used in Eucharist are to be "truly worthy and beautiful", authentic in their noble simplicity, and well adapted to sacred use. The greatest care and sensitivity are necessary, even in the smallest matters, to achieve "a noble simplicity and cleanliness". (Cf General Instructions on the Roman Missal Nos 253, 287, 288 and 312)

Bread and Wine

The very nature of sacramental demands that the elements for the Eucharist be recognisable, in themselves and without explanation, as food and drink.

Bread made from wheat flour (and by tradition of the Western Church unleavened) should "have the appearance of food". In colour, taste, texture and smell it should be identifiable as bread by those who share it. This is just as necessary when small individual breads are used. (Cf GIRM No 283)

Wine should be natural and pure, from the fruit of the grape, and free from any foreign substance. To be seen and recognised for what it is and what it signifies, it can help greatly if the wine is brought to the altar in clear glass containers and is of a sufficiently rich colour to be clearly distinguishable from water. (Cf GIRM No 284)

Vessels

Vessels for the eucharistic elements should be made of worthy and durable materials, their form in keeping with local culture and with their function in the liturgy. The fundamental eucharistic symbolism of the many sharing in the one bread and the one cup is more clearly expressed when all the bread is contained in a single vessel and all the wine in one cup. Additional vessels may be necessary for the distribution of communion and may be brought to the altar at the breaking of bread.

Vessels for the body of Christ preferably have the form of bread-plates or dishes rather than cups or reliquaries. Cups for the blood of Christ need to be large enough to be shared, easily handled between minister and communicant, and easily tilted by the communicant for the purpose of drinking

A suitable jug and basin may be used for the washing of the priest's hands. The water presented with the gifts for mixing with the wine is not appropriate for this purpose. Generous quantities of water and a towel will be necessary if the priest is to do more than wet the tips of his fingers. (cf. GIRM nos 291-292, 259)