Q: Our sacristans pour the unconsecrated wine into the communal chalices at the altar after the priest pours the wine into his chalice. Is this okay for the sacristan to do? Since wine can be poured in to the communal chalices before Mass—I would presume that a lay person could do this during Mass as well—wrong?
A: I think that your practice does not conflict with the US Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion under both Kinds. See #36 here: http://www.usccb.org/ prayer-and-worship/the-mass/ norms-for-holy-communion- under-both-kinds/. It allows “servers” to help deacons prepare the altar, and your sacristans are basically acting like servers at that point. However, it does say that chalices “filled with wine” may be placed on the altar, which seems to imply that the pouring has taken place elsewhere. Personally, I don’t see a problem with your practice, but it may become a judgment call by the presider.