Should a Chalice be made of glass?

According to the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (nos. 328-29), all vessels should be made of precious metal; or, in the case of the United States, a durable material such as an ebony or hard wood. The reason why glass is discouraged is because glass can break very easily, and the sacred vessel should not be so fragile. However, despite the fact that glass is not mentioned as a suitable material for the Chalice, you will see some churches using glass for the sacred vessels.

Julianne E. Wallace is the director of campus ministry at Alvernia University in Reading, Pennsylvania. She is currently working on a D.Min. in Educational Leadership from Virginia Theological Seminary. She earned an M.T.S. in Word and Worship from the Washington Theological Union in Washington, D.C. and a B.A. in Music Performance from the University of Mary Washington in Virginia. Julianne is passionate about sharing the joy of liturgy with others and helping everyone to worship well.