Expert: Fr. Michael - 10/24/2007

Question
I teach middle school religious ed - the students had three questions that for which the adults had different answers. Can you answer them?
1. Should we chew or not chew the host and why (why not)?

2. Some of the older people beat on their hearts at certain parts of the mass. Why?

3. We understand when the bells are rung during mass, but we arent' sure why. Can you explain this?

Thank you very much for your time.

Answer
1) Either, though it is generally considered to be more reverent to let It melt in the mouth.

2) It is a sign of contrition, as at the "mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa" of the Confiteor.

3) From the practical perspective it is to draw attention to the Consecration or to other significant points in the Holy Mass.