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Catholics/Authorized to open the Tabernacle?

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Expert: - 10/2/2011


Question
At our Catholic Church in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, we have 3-4 priests. During the Holy Mass, we see Sacristans opening the Tabernacle to arrange distribution of Holy Communion, and after distribution closing placing hosts back and closing it, even when the priest is present in the Altar.

Is it allowed for Sacristans to do so? Awaiting your earliest answer.

Answer
Peace


Dear Justin
    If its a true Sacristan(males only)or an extra-ordinary minister of the Holy Sacrament(male or female) they can as well as any ordain (deacon, priest, bishop) can. In some countries it may not be allowed.  I can see why a 2nd Priest could not assist at Mass, even if its only during communion, I think it would be more proper. I recall we had a 2-3 priests at my childhood parish, one would always walk about 1/4 mile just to help at communion time.

         Your servant but Christ's first
         George  

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George A. Card,sfo, M.I

Expertise

I am willing to attempt to answer any question. If I don’t know the answer, I will look-up or pass the question on to friends for feed back. Beside Catholicism (especially the social/moral and the Eastern rites), I am well read on Mormonism and so-called Modern Christian Fundamentalism. Also I study Franciscan History as means of growing in my lay Franciscan calling to holiness in Christ.

Experience

20+ years as the Justice and Peace Laison for my (local)Secular Franciscan Fraternity,22+ years public speaking on the Faith,and/or teaching CCD and Youth Retreats,a former Officer for K of C and my SFO Fraternity,still hold appointed offices in local SFO fraternity

Organizations
Catholic Church, Rome Rite
Secular Fraciscan Order
Knights of Columbus
The Men's Study (A local Catholic study group I co founded)
Others
Militia Immaculata(Knights of the Immaculate

Publications
Local News Letters:Mostly my Poetry


Education/Credentials
2 years of Minor Seminary
Bible and Adult Faith Studies and Seminars

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