Author Topic: Ash Wednesday ashes (Read 1135 times)

Daniel · « **on:** February 21, 2007, 04:56:29 AM »

All

I said I would not log on to the forum during lent and here I am.

My prblem is this. I told my six year old daughter to refuse the ashes today at school because I knew it would not be a Priest. As it turns out it was grade 7 students. I would like to know what the Priest was doing that was so important as he teed this up well in advance. Anyway that is another subject. My daughter, being 6 was too scared to pipe up and seperate herself from the group so ended up recieving them from these kids in grade 7. I don't blame her as it is my fault for not ringing the school and making sure that this did not happen.

I am wondering if anyone knows what the official line is on this. Has it changed? I know the SSPX teaches us that it is the domain of a Priest. Has this law changed? Or is it a case of make it up as you go? Does anyone know of any docuмentation on this subject? I know if I am to bring this up next year I will be asked why. I want to be prepared.

Thanks in advance.

Daniel · « **Reply #1 on:** February 22, 2007, 01:52:25 AM »

MaterDominici · « **Reply #2 on:** February 22, 2007, 12:17:18 PM »

In my 20+ Novus Ordo years, I've only ever seen even deacons distribute ashes in very large parishes. In the smaller parish I called home, only the priest ever did this--no deacons, no EMs, and certainly no random lay people.

As far as an official line, though, I'm of no help.

katoliko · « **Reply #3 on:** February 22, 2007, 03:00:26 PM »

i don't know the official line on the subject, but they allow just about anyone to distribute Holy Communion, I don't see why they wouldn't allow the same with ashes. i have seen them at more than one NO, at my school they even have people walking around in the halls and cafeteria ready to administer it.

student · « **Reply #4 on:** February 22, 2007, 09:44:02 PM »

When I was in the NO, I saw both laymen and women distributing. Many times.

The funniest, though, is when a young child comes up for communion and the lay eucharistic minister gives a "blessing."

Matthew · « **Reply #5 on:** February 22, 2007, 10:37:54 PM »

As I understand it, ashes are a sacramental, but not something that laymen are positively forbidden to touch.

Holy Communion (both species) and Holy Chrism can only be touched by a deacon (or higher).

What sacramental grace is received when laymen administer them is a mystery to me.

I guess it would be like your grandmother sprinkling you with holy water, vs. a priest sprinkling you during the Asperges Me. The latter carries more grace, as it is connected with the Church (and hence with Christ) whereas the grandmother only is applying a sacramental. Both are sacramentals, but when the Church/Liturgy is involved, they are more powerful.

Matthew