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Josephine Luby wrote:

Hi, guys —

  • In the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, when does the consecration begin?

A lay person told me that it starts at the washing of the hands. I was always taught the consecration starts at the offertory.

Josephine
  { In the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, when does the consecration begin? }

Mike replied:

Hi Josephine,

The consecration begins when the priest says:

This is my Body, and
This is the cup of my Blood.

We refer to this portion of the Mass as the Institution Narrative, which is part of the Offertory.
You are correct. Your friend is wrong.

Just to keep me honest I have send my reply to Fr. Jonathan to make sure.

Mike

Fr. Jonathan replied:

Josephine,

The consecration itself is when the priest says those words (we say Chalice now not cup) which begin with Take this, all of you . . .; however The Sacrifice is the longer action that begins earlier and ends with the Amen.

I think your friend was speaking about this.

Fr. Jonathan

Josephine replied:


Thank-you!

Josephine
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