Question 107 – In Case Of An Emergency, Can a Lay Person Touch The Holy Eucharist?

Interview Organization: Confraternity of Our Lady of Fatima
Interviewer Name: Christopher P. Wendt
Date: July 13, 2022
It is possible for a layperson to touch the Holy Eucharist in reverence and purify their fingers afterward. The Traditional Mass has two forms: Low Mass (Missa Lecta), where texts are read, and High Mass (Missa Cantata), where texts are sung. Using a bilingual missal and studying the explanations of the Mass enhances understanding and appreciation.
If you like what we do and want to regularly support our mission to build the Reign of Mary and/or assist the episcopal ministry of Bishop Athanasius Schneider, please consider becoming a Servant of Mary.

Transcript:

Yes, I think it is possible. We have to protect a greater good: our Lord from desecration. In this case, a layperson can touch the Holy Eucharist and then purify the hand's fingers, where it touched the blessed sacrament. This is in reverence of course; in this case, it is an exception. 

The Traditional Mass has several forms. The simplest form in Latin is called Missa Lecta in English, Low Mass. All the texts in the Order of the Mass are read, not sung. The priest is reading all the text in the Mass and singing is not required. 

The High Mass in Latin is called Missa Cantata or Missa Solemnis and all the texts are sung by the priest and by the people or by the choir. It would also be good to have this Missal translated into both Latin and English so that the texts in the Mass can be followed attentively. 

This will truly help you discover the richness of the prayers. For example, the prayers that the priest is saying in a low voice in secret, the missal will help you grasp the beauty and the depth of these prayers which also will help you love the Traditional Latin Mass. It would help if you read reputable explanations of the Holy Mass. Some books discuss each of the intricately detailed sections of the Mass.