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Purification of the Vessels After Mass

Question:

Our priest did not complete the purification of the Communion vessels during Mass. Is that wrong?

Answer:

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal does permit the purification of the vessels to take place after Mass:

It is also permitted, especially if there are several vessels to be purified, to leave them suitably covered on a corporal, either at the altar or at the credence table, and to purify them immediately after Mass following the dismissal of the people (163).

The sacred vessels are purified by the priest, the deacon, or an instituted acolyte after Communion or after Mass (279).

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