St. Mary's Catholic Church - Weekly Bulletin

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Convalidation

Paul Turner - “We’d like to get our marriage blessed.”

A couple who were married outside the Catholic church but who want the church’s approval of their marriage may do so later in a ceremony the popularly call a blessing. Technically, we call it a “convalidation.” We use this ritual when we all come to an agreement that the marriage counts.

Catholics choose to be married outside the church for various reasons. Sometimes one partner is formerly married, and the annulment has not yet been granted for the divorce. Sometimes the couple was unable to time to marriage preparation, and their pastor could not accommodate them. Sometimes they are not very active in the church and choose a marriage ceremony that better fits their relationship – high on romance, low on religion. The Catholic who chooses marriage outside the church withdraws from receiving Communion.

Later, though, the couple may have second thoughts. They grow to recognize their dependence on God and the church community. They miss the Eucharist. They want to share the sacraments with their children. So they contact the parish.

Generally, the parish will invite the couple to some preparation – family, pastoral, and spiritual formation. If previous marriages are involved, annulments are pursued. And then the marriage can be “blessed.”

The ceremony may be as elaborate or simple as the couple wishes. They may even walk down the aisle with attendants but most want a simple affair.

We need two witnesses, like a best man and maid/matron of honor. As long as they understand what is happening, the witnesses may be of any age, gender, or faith. We also need a deacon or a priest. In places of the Catholic world where ordained ministers are scarce, another designated minister may serve as the church’s official witness. Convalidation may include Mass, but it need not. We offer prayers, Scripture readings, the exchange of consent, the blessing of rings, prayers of the faithful, and blessings for the couple. It can be simple, yet solemn.

Intinction

Paul Turner

Ministers of communion can tell you this story: They offer the cup to the next person in line, “The blood of Christ.” The communicant answers, “Amen.” But instead of taking the cup, the communicant dips the host in the cup, pops it in the mouth, and slips back to the pew. Intinction, right? Wrong. Our church does not invite the faithful to this method of receiving Communion.

We offer several methods for receiving Communion. We may take the body of Christ on the tongue or in the hand. We may accept the blood of Christ from the cup. In some parts of the Catholic world the blood of Christ is administered through a silver tube or spoon.

We also have intinction: “The celebrant (or Communion minister) dips a particle into the chalice and, showing it, says: “The body and blood of Christ.” The communicants respond: ”Amen,” receive Communion from the priest, and return to their places.”

The bishops of the United States have clarified this for us: “If Communion is given by intinction the communicant may never dip the Eucharistic bread into the chalice.”

Ever since Jesus appointed the disciples to distribute the great multiplication of loaves, we have designated certain ministers to offer holy food to the faithful. This simple distinction helps us all approach the Communion table with reverence – like beggars, not thieves. We do not “take” Communion so much as we “receive” it.

Even with intinction, we do not stretch forth our own hands to dip the hosts into the wine, like chip-and-dip football appetizers. If intinction if offered, the minister completes the action before placing Communion directly in the mouth of the faithful.

Shortly after Vatican II, intinction enjoyed some popularity. However, when we got permission to take the Body of Christ in the hand, intinction became less attractive. The minister couldn’t place a damp host in the hands of the faithful.

Besides, the two separate actions of eating and drinking helped us connect the Eucharist with the Last Supper and with the way we eat at home. These actions deepen the sense of mystery that our all-powerful God comes to us in the ordinary forms of bread and wine.