Q. I notice at Mass many different chalices are used by the priest. Do priests have their own chalices? Are their specific regulations for chalices?
A. Priests will often own their own chalices, but it is not required for them to have their own. Usually, parishes possess some chalices of their own and so the priest may use those. Many priests will own a traveling Mass kit for Masses outside of a church which includes a small paten (a plate the Eucharist is placed on during Mass) and a small chalice.
A diocesan priest like myself does not take a vow of poverty, and so we are able to have our own possessions, including our own chalice. I was blessed to have a new chalice upon my ordination to the priesthood, through the generosity of my parents and grandparents. A religious priest who lives and shares possessions in a community may have a chalice donated to him, but it may have to become the property of the entire religious community.
Any rules in the Catholic Church regarding chalices stem from our belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Through the words of consecration by the priest, bread and wine change substantially into Christ’s body, blood, soul and divinity. The Eucharist is the paschal mystery made present before us; a continuation of Christ’s total gift of self that began with his incarnation, came to its culmination on the cross where he dies for us, and continues to be present to us under the appearance of simple bread and wine.
Reception of the Eucharist brings us into communion with God, which makes it a priceless gift to us, and must, therefore, be treated with respect and honor. One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that is infused within us at baptism and sealed in the sacrament of confirmation is piety. Piety is giving God his due worship and revering him as his child. The gift of piety should be expressed in our participation at Mass, where we encounter the Lord in a profound way.
Thus, the Church recognizes it is an act of piety to have a chalice, a vessel of God’s very presence, which is a fitting dwelling place for presence of Christ. According to the current laws of the Church, the chalice, or at the least the cup of the chalice, must be made of the precious metals of either gold or silver. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), which gives instruction for how the Mass is to be celebrated, states: “Sacred vessels are to be made from precious metal” (GIRM 328).
As you have probably noticed at Mass, chalices come in many different styles, shapes and sizes. Some are decorated with jewels and have ornate designs. Some have images of the crucifixion, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints, and other Christian symbols.
Related item: Bishop consecrates chalices
A chalice is an example of a sacramental. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes sacramentals as “sacred signs instituted by the Church to prepare us to receive the fruit of the sacraments and to sanctify different circumstances of our lives.” Human beings come to knowledge through the senses. This means that sensible objects can help us know the Lord in a better way; they can aid us in our prayer. Sacramentals assist us in this manner. A beautiful chalice rich in imagery is not to make a priest look good, but for the glorification of God and the sanctification of his people. It is to draw the people of God to the Precious Blood of Jesus within the chalice.
The U.S. bishops have allowed for the use of materials beyond silver and gold “that, according to the common estimation in each region, are precious, for example, ebony or other hard woods,” but, “provided that such materials are suited to sacred use and do not easily break or deteriorate.” In addition, vessels destined to serve as receptacles for the blood of Christ should have bowls of nonabsorbent material.
This question was answered by Father Nicholas Kipper, moderator of the curia. Write to Ask the Register using our online form, or write to 3700 Sheridan Blvd., Suite 10, Lincoln NE 68506-6100. All questions are subject to editing. Editors decide which questions to publish. Personal questions cannot be answered. People with such questions are urged to take them to their nearest Catholic priest.
