liturgical practice and catholic teaching on Tinction QUESTION from alexander james franco November 23, 2001
Dear Mr. Slavek: This is an important question: what is the Church Teaching on Tinction--the dipping of the Consecrated Host into the Sacred Blood of Christ? Is it generally permitted, occasionally permitted, permitted under certain circumstances? The variation is massive in different dioceses and parishes in the United States and Canada. Many are confused and feel guilty when they go from parish to partish, diocese to diocese? Why the different messages from different Pastors--where it is liberally allowed, and then in others, where it is strictly forbidden? Has the Magesterium spoken on this question? Thank you and God bless you in this essential ministry!
ANSWER by Mr. Jacob Slavek on November 29, 2001
Dear Mr. Franco,
The current missal includes a general okay for intinction. (not tinction) It is found in n.200 or the General Instruction. The pastor then has the authority to decide whether or not intinction is to be used in his parish.
I would like to make a clarification in vocabulary here: The rule on intiction is NOT Church Teaching with a capital T. Examples of Church Teaching would be that God is three and God is one, the Trinity, and that abortion is immoral.
Rather what we are dealing with here is liturgical LAW: a set number of rules which may be changed (only by the proper authorities, of course), unlike Church Teaching which cannot be changed.(although It can be developed and better understood)
The Magisterium is the TEACHING office of the Church, it does not directly deal with liturgical law. Rather, law is decreed by the Congregation for Divine Worship and promulgated by the reigning pope.
Liturgical law would be found in liturgical law books, while Church Teaching would be found in catechisms.
Thank you for your question,
Mr. Slavek
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