My priest uses a crystal decanter at Mass. Is that allowed?
The short answer
Only for unconsecrated wine poured into chalices before the consecration. Decanters and flagons may not hold the Precious Blood, and chalices may not be made of crystal or pottery; sacred vessels must be of precious metal or gilded inside.
Before the consecration
Using the decanter to hold unconsecrated wine that is then poured into chalices is allowed.
Not for the Precious Blood
Flagons, bowls and other vessels not in accord with the norms may never hold the Blood of the Lord (Redemptionis Sacramentum 106). Glass, earthenware, clay and other breakable materials are reprobated (RS 117).
Precious metal
Sacred vessels are to be of precious metal; if of metal that rusts or less precious than gold, they should ordinarily be gilded inside (GIRM 328).
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