IDK how I didnt burst into bronchial spasms (which is normally immediate, once Ive been exposed)! The use of incense at parish Masses is optional. Regardless of when it is used it should be used more often. The concept of progressive solemnity seems a helpful guide in deciding which Masses should use incense and where in the Mass incense should be used. When he arrives at a point at the altar closest to where the altar cross is positioned, he stops there, bows, incenses the cross with three double swings, bows again, and resumes the incensing of the altar where he left off. Does anyone extend the traditional Roman style after the gifts at the Offertory (simply bowing to and then incensing from the sanctuary area) to processing the length of the aisles, for example? When a thurifer incenses the Blessed Sacrament without torchbearers accompanying him, he can also incense both species from a kneeling position as he faces the end of the altar to the right of the priest as described above for the deacon. This post continues the discussion of the use of incense at Mass in the Ordinary Form. Incense and candles can be used even if a separate Gospel book is not used, as was historically the case in a sung Mass without deacon or subdeacon (Fortescue, OConnell, and Reid, The Ceremonies of the Roman Rite, 165). Really wonder how many current catholics even understand the history, reasons, and why/wherefores of using incense? Smoke contains Chromium which I am highly allergic to. He then turns and incenses the other vertical end of the altar with two single swings. Phone: (608) 521-0385 That would take away from their traditions. Perhaps we need plants to give of visible smoke? According to tradition, the censer is not carried out in procession at the end of Mass (Elliott, 152; Mutel and Freeman, 181). Which may be a greater irritant than the odor of the incense itself. Spice based incense. While I appreciate the presence of incense like a lot of other things about the local Orthodox parish, greater use of incense is way down on my list of things that I think we should imitate, long after sung Eucharistic prayer, sung Creed, sung Our Father, longer services, etc. I found this online at: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/08/23/1233332/-Church-Incense-Banned-in-CA (Im not a Daily Kos reader, I just found it online.). To just use and presume? Therefore, it is entirely at the discretion of the celebrant. Every Sunday, at the parish solemn Latin Novus Ordo Mass. God is not Latin, nor is God incense. package; 1 oz. Altar Server Training Video for Catholic Masses with Incense I do my best to cope with the notion that incense is important to some people but it is difficult getting the sense that few of those seem willing to extend to me a similar courtesy. He repeats the same gestures with the group to his left in the sanctuary. Norman, I am sorry but you simply cannot be allergic to all forms of incense, maybe one or two. . FEEHILY! God is love, or have we forgotten? At the preparation, the gifts are censed, the altar censed again, and then the celebrant, then the assembly. The old Mass is not as important as charity, and that seems to be lacking among the traditionalists of my acquaintance. As the procession makes its way to the sanctuary, the thurifer, holding the censer from its ring in his right hand, gently swings the censer backwards and forwards. Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, Directly before reading the Gospel/Bible. . At Christmas I often have to excuse myself during those parts of mass when it is used. My question is whether we are still obligated to attend. @Don Donaldson comment #2: It is almost impossible to escape by sitting to one side or to the rear. Incense used at the beginning of mass to incense the altar doesn't tie in much with prayer and I think I agree w/ Fr. No one drives anymore. Tjis being said, the usual Roman Catholic frankincense is such a hodgepodge that youre probably bound to react to one or two substances burned. Each group to be incensed stands in turn in order to receive this mark of respect. Then a parishioner bought my pastor hypoallergenic incense. There are so many particulates in incense and the smoke that also cause asthma or trigger allergic reactions. While not required, it can add to the worship of our God and the celebration of Holy . Cannot a Catholic Church be concerned enough to give the problem consideration? While the Roman Missal (GIRM, 276) places this among those times when incense can be used at Mass ad libitum, the traditional practice has been to join the use of incense at the preparation of the gifts with the use of incense at the two elevations (Mutel and Freeman, 71). This blog is not associated with Pray Tell: An open forum on faith in South Texas. The host and chalice are censed as they are shown to the assembly. There is something special about it and I am afraid the Catholic Church is in pander mode in competition with pentescostal churches where music is played and I am SICK of the bad emulation by the Catholic Church. Thank you. Great humor, even more so these quotes from a related link: As new parents, my wife Betty and I are extremely concerned about second-hand incense, California resident Kevin Hardy told EOTT. The Byzantine usage certainly incorporates the assembly into the celebration several times by this means. package and a 1 oz. It is a reminder of the sweet-smelling presence of our Lord. The use of incense was common in Jewish worship and carried over into Christian practice. Nothing wrong with incense, even to this progressive. If it happens, just ask the priest to switch to a different make. It also helps to create the ambience of heaven, for as we are told in the Book of Revelation (8:3), Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a gold censer. My oxygen level went down to 56 when the guy carrying the incense walked only about 2 feet in front of me. One evening I came home and my wife said, You smell like church. It was the highest compliment shes ever given me! The incensing of the Easter candle is prescribed only during the Easter vigil before the singing of the Exsultet. The smoke, as the psalmist reminds us, is a . I guess we are pretty low church Catholics .. not much by way of statues etc either. Saint Patrick's Guild sells packs of Catholic incense that come in a convenient size so they can be used in church or in one's home. I like incense a lot. @Norman Borelli comment #13: Given increased awareness about this issue, I imagine there have been complaints. We are in transition between a Pastor who is a liturgist to a Pastor who is a cannon lawyer. Though it was used at the 50th anniversary of our building a couple of months ago. The deacon takes a step back to receive the incense boat. I do get some dismissive comments from parishioners who cant seem to grasp the notion of a Catholic being allergic to incense as if having one somehow makes one less authentically Catholic. He did this at the first incensation of the altar and then again at the offertory. I think there is a strong argument to be made here. But Id prefer to attend, so a list would be helpful. Easter: Incense at the entrance, gospel, preparation. During the Eucharistic Prayer, the deacon stands near but slightly behind the priest, so that when needed he may assist the priest with the chalice or the Roman . That doesnt say much for the people who insist on the Holy Smoke, no matter how it harms some of the parishioners. The Roman Missal provides for the optional use of incense at any Mass. In some larger churches, depending on the circumstances, the thurifer may swing the censer from right to the left as he goes forward, then from left to right before him. How much incense? Thus, there may be times when it is more practical to forego the use of incense at the opening procession of Mass even if one desires to use it at other points during the same Mass. There is no city bus and taxis are very expensive. - Incense will not used on Saturday morning Adoration. Moderators note: Non solum is a feature at Pray Tell for our readership community to discuss practical liturgical issues. They just avoid going to church. He has been willing to in the past but I often get the sense when I request such it is srot of like having to pull teeth and that I just end up being some sort of killjoy. It should be clearly noted in the bulletin for those with sensitivities. Due to the fact that many parishioners have certain allergies or sensitivities, as well as the fact that Blessed Sacrament Church is a small Church is size, the following is the policy for the use of incense at Blessed Sacrament: - Incense may be used only at the 10:00 am Mass (This is the norm for all Sundays of the year except Easter Sunday and when Solemnities of Our Lord occur on Sunday and as noted below). Its sad to miss out on these special worship times yet for my health I must. Maybe a modern recovery of some lost things in liturgy is evidence of a forward trajectory? (Wausau, Wis.). The thurifer, or another minister, places the ring of the chain(s) in the deacons left hand with his own right hand, and the chain(s) near the bowl in the deacons right hand with his own left hand. The Sunday obligation is explained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. Or, he could kneel facing the end of the altar to the right of the priest and incense the Blessed Sacrament from there, which is the customary position in the extraordinary form of the Requiem Mass (Fortescue, OConnell, and Reid, 159). This causes the thurible to spill around a fragrant and aromatic smoke. It seems to me, though, to place a little too much emphasis on the words of institution apart from the epiclesis and anamnesis. - Normally incense will be used at every funeral when a casket is present, unless someone from the immediate family has a severe allergy. We use it sparingly at funerals and can guarantee an email or phone call complaining within the day even though we bring it in at the last moment and remove it to outside just as fast. By preference, wed never use it, or nearly never. Having incensed the gifts and altar cross, the celebrant then begins to incense the altar in the same way he did at the beginning of Mass by first turning to his right. Not at all in any low Mass. We use incense from orthodox monasteries because they really know what theyre doing with incense, and we find we get fewer complaints. Both? Gluc that incensing during the elevation is a bit much and confuses the theology a bit. (Try it sometime, youll have an insight into how the apostles felt!) The Ceremonial for Bishops (140) also confirms that all rise, except the bishop, as the Alleluia begins. Thus, if the celebrant imposes incense while the Alleluia is being sung, he clearly does so from a standing position. I can see that my original post may have conveyed that this priest was totally unwilling to accommodate my allergies. and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. At the center of the altar, the celebrant imposes incense as described above, if necessary. 4. After the deacon incenses the celebrant and those in the sanctuary, he could pass the censer to the thurifer, who would bow, incense the deacon with three double swings, and bow again before proceeding to the center of the sanctuary toward the front to incense the assembly as described above (Mutel and Freeman, 121). Either incense was used at all the possible occasions when servers with candles could accompany the entrance and gospel processions, or incense was simply used at the offertory and at the elevations, without being used at any other point in Mass. Kenneth Doyle at [emailprotected] and 40 Hopewell St., Albany, NY 12208, Arlington Catholic Herald200 N. Glebe Rd.Suite 615Arlington, VA 22203703-841-2590800-377-0511, Website Design and Development by New Target, Morally responsible investing takes faith into account. Different types of incense vary in the strengths of their aroma, and more moderate brands are available. Weary about incense. Now its less clear. Amen. La Crosse, WI, 54602-0385 Were a Seminary not a parish, but I thought readers might be interested to know what our practice of other Eucharistic Communities might be. After the reading of the Gospel, the thurifer returns the censer to the sacristy (or other location), pausing to bow to the altar with the servers. Ive noticed this is done in some Anglican churches too. Expert comments on this matter would be appreciated. The incense also helps to balance emotions and cleanse evil thoughts in your mind. Rare usage also makes it difficult to keep servers trained in how to carry out the ceremonies. In my four or so years worshipping here, I havent heard any complaints about the use of incense, nor do I recall any public comments (bulletin, announcement) about scent/smoke sensitivity. Christmas: Incense at the entrance (beginning with the crche at the back of church during the Christmas Proclamation on Christmas itself), gospel, preparation. Myrrh. In this guide, we explain how to use catholic incense at home for spirituality or just to create a nice aroma. No dispensation is required. Another son uses a tablet. And these Masses are completely sung also. He incenses the Host and the chalice at each elevation with three . There he hands the censer back to the deacon or minister, and proceeds directly to his chair. Its smoke conveys a sense of mystery and awe. at a parish in New Jersey. Last week I was exposed to incense during the processional. Saunders is president of Notre Dame Institute and associate pastor of Queen of Apostles Parish, both . He bows profoundly once again at the waist. Why do we use incense? Due to the fact that many parishioners have certain allergies or sensitivities, as well as the fact that Blessed Sacrament Church is a small Church is size, the following is the policy for the use of incense at Blessed Sacrament. Using incense rarely only reinforces some peoples discomfort with it because it becomes foreign to their liturgical experience. Not once or twice, but repeatedly. So.. in order not to bother other mass goers, I now do not attend Mass any longer. This is why the altar is incensed during the Mass (as pictured above ): because it is another symbol for Christ and so it is re verenced. In the Book of Revelation, or Apocalypse, the burning of incense appears to be an important part of the worship in heaven. Two stories: A Byzantine priest friend followed a non-user (!) In fact, weve even heard how bad third-hand incense is for children, and we wont even allow our priest friend to hold our child if hes said Mass using incense. A. Incense was originated to cover the stench of animal sacrifices in the temple. Much depends on how much incense, of course a little bit is fine, but weve had a couple of priests who were deep into the more is much better way of thinking. While not required, it can add to the worship of our God and the celebration of Holy Mass as we "let our prayer rise like incense" to our God. My throat closes in and uncontrollable coughing and gasping follow. During the preparation of the altar, after the celebrant rises from saying the silent prayer With humble spirit and contrite heart may we be accepted by you, O Lord, and may our sacrifice in your sight this day be pleasing to you, Lord God, he turns to his right, without stepping away from the center of the altar. Personal preference where did I say that? I like it because it is found in scripture and Jesus was familiar with incense when he went into the Temple. Incense serves a two-fold purpose: The visual imagery of the rising smoke is symbolic of the prayers of the congregation being lifted toward the Lord, and the act of incensing pays honor to the object to which it is directed to the just-consecrated bread and wine at their elevation, for example, or the remains of the deceased at a funeral Mass. The incensation of a freestanding altar is carried out in the same manner described at the beginning of Mass. We then talk about how to add solemnity. It is sad and I truly miss attending Mass, but there are a number of other churches where I go to feed my soul. - Additional Holy Hour and Benediction opportunities may include the use of incense. (It might also be that he knows of volunteer drivers in your parish who could bring you to Mass on days when you would like to go and feel that your health allows. My parish Scared Heart of Jesus, Winchester, VA, has started using incense at almost all Masses. I dont think youre asking too much and what you ask for is very very reasonable. The deacon could kneel or stand before the celebrant, depending on the circumstances, to minister the incense boat and spoon. We can debate what constitutes forward or backward until the cows come home. The last time our church used incense when I was present, I was miserable for days Itchy, swelled, watering eyes, constant sneezing and coughing. The smoke of the burning incense is seen as symbolizing the prayers of the faithful rising toward . It disappeared with the faithful lol. I READ MOST OF THE COMMENTS AND MARVELED at the smugness of several who commented! While incense is often burnt during mass and other religious events, you can also burn it at home. It also makes it hard to follow our director. When in the liturgy? In one parish I once attended the celebrant incensed the entire congregation by walking down the center aisle. Add to that every person in the church holding a lit candle can be an allergen. Like on feast of Epiphany, Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, Feast of Divine Mercy Sunday, Ascension Thursday, Feast of Pentecost, Feast of Holy Trinity, Feast of Corpus Christi, Feast of Assumption of Mary, Feast of All Saints Day, Feast of Christ the King, Feast of Immaculate Conception, Christmas, Feast of Holy Family, and feast of Mary Mother of God (New Years). PO Box 385 The thurifer closes the censer (with the boat in his left hand before his chest, unless another minister holds it), holding the censer in his right hand at the ring of the chain(s). When we see incense being used in our churches, it is meant to remind us of heaven, and that our worship of God in the Christian liturgy is divine in origin. Thanks for your reply, Dale. I also point out that we have at least two parishioners who react violently to the presence of pine or cedar one will break out in hives as you watch her. A: While solemn exposition (with the use of servers and incense) can only be carried out by a priest or deacon, a simple exposition, either by opening the tabernacle or placing the Host in a monstrance, can be done by an instituted acolyte or by an authorized extraordinary minister of the Eucharist. Well, Im sorry, but I am in a better position to understand my reaction to incense than you are. Actually, would suggest that litnik might apply to those who use incense as if the community knows why? The celebrant holds the ring of the chain close to his chest with his left hand. The ancient use of incense at the liturgy finds it's roots in the Old Testament (Exodus 30:7, 40:27, etc.). 87.d of the Ceremonial of Bishops (CB), this is done at the entrance procession and at the presentation of gifts. Perhaps we need to face the very real possibility that, now that we understand and are more sensitive to the very real dangers of various kinds of smoke, the Church collectively might eventually decide that this precious tradition is no longer appropriate. Then I mentioned to Father Weary about have you ever heard of Gloria Incense. The GIRM allows for the use of incense at Mass during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar, at the Gospel procession and proclamation, at the preparation of offerings, and at the showings of the Host and Chalice during the Eucharistic prayer. Our parish (Church of England) even uses hypoallergenic charcoal. There is a glass wall between the nave and narthex that allows anyone who needs to leave the nave to go there and continue to see and hear well everything in main church. According to the St. Paul Catholic Church website, officiants may use incense "during the entrance procession; at the beginning of Mass, to incense the altar; at the procession and proclamation of the Gospel; at the offertory" [. That is where my comments were coming from. The new e-Thuribles have a small button near the handle which turns on an atomizer located inside the thurible, and burns what smells like incense, but is in all actuality just vapor.
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how to use incense at catholic mass
