Can an lay eucharistic minister self-communicate in any situation?

[FrenzyJen]

I was going to a scheduled mass at a local medical facility, which the priest was unable to attend, but to which he sent consecrated hosts with the eucharistic minister who typically assists with the services there. We had a communion service instead since the priest was unable to be there.

There was perhaps a total of 6 people in attendance, and when it came time for communion, I noticed that the eucharistic minister gave himself a host from the chalice before distributing to the rest of us.

I know that one is not supposed to self-communicate, but are there any criteria, like those above, where no one else being trained or available to give to that individual would make it acceptable?

 

[Phemie]

I was going to a scheduled mass at a local medical facility, which the priest was unable to attend, but to which he sent consecrated hosts with the eucharistic minister who typically assists with the services there. We had a communion service instead since the priest was unable to be there.

There was perhaps a total of 6 people in attendance, and when it came time for communion, I noticed that the eucharistic minister gave himself a host from the chalice before distributing to the rest of us.

I know that one is not supposed to self-communicate, but are there any criteria, like those above, where no one else being trained or available to give to that individual would make it acceptable?

Yes, the EMHC who leads a Communion service does self communicate. It’s in the rubrics for that Liturgy.

 

[FrenzyJen]

Oh thank you!!

I had never been to a communion service before and was concerned. I feel better now. Thank you so much!!

 

[thistle]

I was going to a scheduled mass at a local medical facility, which the priest was unable to attend, but to which he sent consecrated hosts with the eucharistic minister who typically assists with the services there. We had a communion service instead since the priest was unable to be there.

There was perhaps a total of 6 people in attendance, and when it came time for communion, I noticed that the eucharistic minister gave himself a host from the chalice before distributing to the rest of us.

I know that one is not supposed to self-communicate, but are there any criteria, like those above, where no one else being trained or available to give to that individual would make it acceptable?

NEVER at a Mass.

 

[zab]

Here are two examples of the Rite for Distributing Holy Communion With the Liturgy of the Word that allow for the lay minister to receive Communion:

1. dioceseoflansing.org/lansing/sites/all/themes/lansing/pdf/worship/2012PTCommunionOutsideMass.pdf Lansing diocese

2.yakimadiocese.org/attachments/article/532/Holy%20Communion%20Outside%20of%20Mass%202013.pdf Yakima diocese

There does not seem to be any mention of an allowance for the lay minister to receive Communion when distributing Communion to the homebound in the simpler rite without the Liturgy of the Word.