Andrea
Neeson
wrote:
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Hi there,
- I was wondering if you could tell me why, at midnight
Mass, some churches place
the figure of Christ in the
nativity scene after Holy Communion?
I think this is somehow related to Transubstantiation
but I can't quite form the whole idea!
Any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated!
Kind regards,
Andrea
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{
Why
do some churches place the figure of Christ in the nativity
scene after Holy Communion? }
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Mike
replied:
Hi Andrea,
Being that we are currently in the season of Lent,
I honestly have no idea at all : )
- I'm assuming you are talking about the Lenten season,
right?
Mike
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Andrea
replied:
Hi Mike,
No, I'm talking about Christmas. It's a bit of a
random question but I'm studying to be a Catholic
primary teacher and I'm playing catch-up on some
work! Basically, some churches place the figure of
Christ in the manger after Communion as opposed to
at any other point during the Christmas midnight
Mass.
We've been asked to look at the reason that might
be. I can only think of two reasons why:
- it
would detract from the Eucharistic Prayer/celebration, or
- possibly,
since after Communion we are all united and God is
with us, it would be an appropriate point to place
the figure of Christ, a physical reminder, if you will.
I'm kinda talking through my ideas,
so even if you don't have a definitive answer, writing
this has helped! : )
Thanks,
Andrea
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Mike
replied:
Hi Andrea,
I've never heard of this practice.
In reality, Our Lord is born again,
in the sense of being made physically presence on
all the altars at every daily Mass. Nevertheless,
I would have the same concerns as you, unless the
faithful were properly catechized correctly as to
the reason for doing this.
That's the best I can do.
Mike
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Andrea
replied:
Hi Mike,
I live in Glasgow, Scotland. It's fairly common practice
over here but not many other places it seems!
To qualify to teach in Catholic schools, I have to
submit a portfolio of answers to various questions
in what we refer to as the Credo journal. The Credo
course is run by the University of Glasgow.
I think the reason they've asked us this question
is probably because it's not an indoctrinated practice,
but more of a localized tradition, and it's something
they want us to think about, rather than to confirm
we know the correct answer.
Andrea
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