Re: Incense
            QUESTION from Charles on March 30, 2004

Mr. Slavek. If I can get my two cents worth in regarding the use of incense; perhaps if the priest is concerned about some people being allergic to it, he could make announcements and even place it in their bulletin that incense will be used at a certain mass every Sunday. That way people that are allergic to it can attend another mass. But I supposed too that maybe constant use would have people develop a tolerance to it. In our parish we use incense every Sunday at three masses. I have seen people that have to use special breathers from a tank tolerate it very well. I know of some boys who have asthma but yet the smoke does not bother them even though they serve and are right up there with all the smoke. Also, with proper training there is no reason why young teens cannot learn to be thurifers. We mostly have adult men as thurifers, (we have a thurifer, a boat, a crucifer and two torches- BTW all males) but we have some teens, who our priest knows personally and trust them enough, that they also have learned how to use the thurible and light the charcoal with care. I serve on many Sundays and have trained several young men, my son included, who is 17 and has been doing it since he was 12, on the proper method of using incense; how to incense during the consecration, how to incense the priest, deacons, and laity since there is a proper order. Perhaps Doug (12-30-03) and Rosa (1-8-04) can approach the priest with these suggestions.