Q: My parish’s new music director now rings a bell at Mass when the presiding celebrant is consuming the precious blood. I’ve never seen this done. I find it strange. Google gave me an answer (on Reddit) but I’m interested in your thoughts on this.
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A: The preconciliar liturgy called for ringing a bell when the presider drank from the cup because that completed the sacrifice of the Mass and served as the third of the three principal parts of the Mass.
It was discontinued in 1969, but some places have erroneously restored it.
Instead, the rubrics call for the communion antiphon to begin with the priest’s communion. This effectively unites his communion with that of the faithful, making a better case for the importance of the full, conscious active, participation of the people.