As a Catholic scholar, I am aware of the deep reverence and love Catholics have for the Eucharist. The Eucharist is not just a symbol for us; it is Jesus Christ Himself, given to us in the form of bread and wine. So, what do you do when this precious gift falls to the ground during the celebration of Mass? Here’s a guide, deeply rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church, that outlines the immediate steps one should take in this situation.
The Eucharist: The Real Presence of Christ
Before diving into the “what-to-do,” let’s establish the “why.” Why is the Eucharist so important to us Catholics? The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist ‘the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained'” (CCC 1374). This means that the bread and wine truly become Jesus Christ, in His entirety, during the celebration of the Eucharist. St. Paul reiterates this belief in his First Letter to the Corinthians: “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” (1 Cor 10:16).
Reverence Is Paramount
The Church has always stressed the need for utmost reverence when dealing with the Eucharist. The Catechism notes, “To prepare for worthy reception of this sacrament, the faithful should observe the fast required in their Church. Bodily demeanor (gestures, clothing) ought to convey the respect, solemnity, and joy of this moment when Christ becomes our guest” (CCC 1387). Now, if one is expected to dress appropriately and observe fasting just to receive the Eucharist, imagine the seriousness attached to picking up the Holy Communion if it falls.
Immediate Steps to Take
1. Do Not Walk Away
The immediate reaction might be one of embarrassment. However, it’s important not to walk away or let anyone else pick it up as if it were a mere piece of food. Alert the priest or the extraordinary minister of Holy Communion immediately.
2. Allow the Priest or Minister to Handle It
The priest or extraordinary minister will have the training and understanding to deal with the situation properly. Often, they will pick up the Host and consume it immediately, or dissolve it in water until it no longer has the appearance of bread and then dispose of it appropriately.
3. Follow the Directions of the Clergy
It is advisable to follow any further instructions given by the priest or minister. They might ask you to wait for another Host to be consecrated for you, or they might instruct you on additional steps that might be specific to your parish or diocese.
Why These Steps are Essential
When the Eucharist is dropped, it’s not merely a matter of hygiene or cleanliness; it’s a matter of respect and reverence for what Catholics believe to be God Himself. It’s a significant event, and that’s why priests are trained on how to handle these situations.
The Church teaches that the Eucharist maintains the appearance of bread and wine but is truly the Body and Blood of Christ. Therefore, any particle of the consecrated Host or any drop of the consecrated wine is to be treated with the same reverence as would be given to Christ.
What The Church Says
Canon Law, which is like the legal system of the Catholic Church, has specific guidelines on how to treat the Eucharist respectfully. Canon 915-916 outlines the conditions for receiving Holy Communion worthily. Though it doesn’t explicitly state what to do if the Host falls, the underlying principle is clear: the Eucharist is to be treated with the utmost respect and reverence.
Theological Opinion vs. Universal Teaching
It’s crucial to distinguish between what is universally accepted teaching of the Church and what might be considered a theological opinion. The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the need for reverence are universal teachings, not opinions. How a specific parish or diocese might handle a fallen Host could vary and could fall under the category of theological opinion or pastoral practice, but the core belief and reverence remain unchanged across the universal Church.
Conclusion
In essence, the Eucharist is the most treasured belief in the Catholic Church. It is the real Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, and therefore, dropping it is a serious matter that requires immediate attention. The key is to remember the deep reverence the Church has for the Eucharist and to act immediately by notifying the priest or minister, allowing them to handle the situation, and following any additional directives they may give. In this way, we continue to honor the gift that is Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.