Can I Bless the Sacrament Still?

[LostSheep]

I was wondering, when my probation ends, and I'm worthy again to exercise my priesthood power, can I still bless the sacrament, even though I'm 19? Or am I too old for it? I never really got a change to get to do it worthily.

[Jenamarie]

If there's a shortage of Priests to do it. More often than not we have at least one Melkezideck Priesthood holder blessing our Sacrament, because we only have 3 Priests in our ward.

[ryanh]

Can? Yes. Will it happen? Likely. Go to a YSA/university ward and there are no/very few priests, so there is plenty of opportunity. Some family wards have Elders and High Priests bless and pass sacrament on fast sundays. See if there is a nursing home under your ward's jurisdiction and volunteer to bless sacrament for those there.

[LostSheep]

i mean under normal circumstances, can I?

[john doe]

Ask your bishop, he knows more about the circumstances than we do.

[Just_A_Guy]

Generally speaking the Priest's quorum handles it. It's not an issue of "you can't"; it's just an issue of "it's not ordinarily your job anymore".

[bytebear]

Yes, you can. The policy issues aside, as long as you hold the Aaronic Priesthood and have been ordained to the office of Priest, or if you hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, you are eligible. I have seen newly ordained priests older than 19 bless and/or pass the sacrament. I have also seen fathers and sons together administer the sacrament. There is no restriction for being too old. But the Bishop has the final say in who administers (although he gives that decision to the priesthood leaders of those quorums).

[pam]

I think John Doe has a point. None of us can answer the question. Only his Bishop can.

[SeattleTruthSeeker]

Originally Posted by LostSheep

i mean under normal circumstances, can I?

Yes, you will be able to not only bless the sacrament, but be able to pass it as well. Why is this? Because you have the authority to do so.

Melchizedek Priesthood holders may perform all the ordinances of the Aaronic Priesthood. In addition, they may bless and name children, confirm members of the Church and bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost, consecrate oil, administer to the sick, dedicate graves, give father’s blessings to their children, give blessings of guidance and comfort, and confer the Melchizedek Priesthood when authorized by the stake or mission president. Elders may ordain others to the office of elder, and high priests may ordain others to the office of high priest or elder.

Regarding the ability to bless and pass the sacrament, we have the following:

The Sacrament

The sacrament is a very sacred ordinance and is administered under the direction of the bishopric or branch presidency. Aaronic Priesthood holders usually perform these duties. However, Melchizedek Priesthood holders may bless and pass the sacrament when there are not enough Aaronic Priesthood brethren or if the bishop or branch president occasionally invites them to do so.

Every priesthood holder who participates in this ordinance should understand that he is acting on behalf of the Lord. The personal appearance and attitude of all who participate should reflect the sacred nature of the ordinance. Priesthood holders should wash their hands before preparing, blessing, or passing the sacrament.

Worthy teachers, priests, and Melchizedek Priesthood holders may prepare the sacrament. Before the meeting begins, those who prepare the sacrament should make sure that clean bread trays with unbroken bread, clean water trays with cups filled with fresh water, and clean white tablecloths are in place.

Both references are from here: Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood: Basic Manual for Priesthood Holders, B

[Justice]

Certainly you can. When one is ordained into an office in the Priesthood they still hold all the responsibilities of the offices they held previously. My hunch is when the time is right all you have to do is ask.