Duties of extraordinary minister

[LISA_Annette]

Okay, I am going to run the risk of someone thinking I am a critical and picky person, which IF I am being picky, it’s okay to tell me.

I used to be an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist 5 yrs ago but quit. After mass the priest instructed all ext. ministers to purify vessels as he left to greet people. After the consecrated hosts were placed in the tabernacle during mass in several vessels that e m.s used for distributing comm., we were instructed to return to the tabernacle after mass to “tidy up the vessels” and condense the sacred hosts from half full vessels to other vessels to minimize the vessels in the tabernacle. I was being shown by a more experienced e.m. how to do this, but as she was condensing the hosts from one vessel to another, she was simply popping the smaller bits of sacred hosts into her mouth. I must have given her a strange look (I even felt my face change), because she said she was only doing that to “leave the perfectly round ones for distribution next time----nobody wants a broken host…” She continued to do it , and this feeling of that it MUST NOT be right came over me. I was a bit disgusted at the flippant way she was doing it,—pardon me for saying this bc it is the ONLY thing that comes to mind— as if she were popping candies into her mouth one after the other. I felt it was disrespectful.

Some one please tell me if this was not right, or if it WAS okay, then say so. I just need to know, because I quit, and I feel guilty (I feel guilty bc I left without saying why, without sticking up for Jesus—I just was not SURE what to do). I became an e.m. to draw nearer to Jesus, and this only made me witness what I felt was irreverance. it made me feel very discouraged to see that.

 

[Leopard]

This was not correct. If there was some concern about broken or otherwise imperfect hosts (although why there should be I have no idea), the time these should be culled would be before the Mass, while they were still unconsecrated.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Okay, I am going to run the risk of someone thinking I am a critical and picky person, which IF I am being picky, it’s okay to tell me.

I used to be an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist 5 yrs ago but quit. After mass the priest instructed all ext. ministers to purify vessels as he left to greet people. After the consecrated hosts were placed in the tabernacle during mass in several vessels that e m.s used for distributing comm., we were instructed to return to the tabernacle after mass to “tidy up the vessels” and condense the sacred hosts from half full vessels to other vessels to minimize the vessels in the tabernacle. I was being shown by a more experienced e.m. how to do this, but as she was condensing the hosts from one vessel to another, she was simply popping the smaller bits of sacred hosts into her mouth. I must have given her a strange look (I even felt my face change), because she said she was only doing that to “leave the perfectly round ones for distribution next time----nobody wants a broken host…” She continued to do it , and this feeling of that it MUST NOT be right came over me. I was a bit disgusted at the flippant way she was doing it,—pardon me for saying this bc it is the ONLY thing that comes to mind— as if she were popping candies into her mouth one after the other. I felt it was disrespectful.

Some one please tell me if this was not right, or if it WAS okay, then say so. I just need to know, because I quit, and I feel guilty (I feel guilty bc I left without saying why, without sticking up for Jesus—I just was not SURE what to do). I became an e.m. to draw nearer to Jesus, and this only made me witness what I felt was irreverance. it made me feel very discouraged to see that.

The transfer of Hosts from one vessel to another must be done on the altar, on a corporal. It can be done after Mass. It should normally be done by the priest or deacon.

 

[LISA_Annette]

This was not correct. If there was some concern about broken or otherwise imperfect hosts (although why there should be I have no idea), the time these should be culled would be before the Mass, while they were still unconsecrated.

I see----I think, though, that the priest had cut several , for children and the elderly, as she said----but there were far too many-I would say like around 20 smaller pieces of hosts, to where she had to be there putting them in her mouth one after the other. I just don’t see why this would bother anyone, as Jesus is present in His Fullness Body, Blood, Sou,l and Divinity in even the most microscopic piece—that is why purifying vessels is so important, i imagine.
Anyway thank you for your answer.

 

[LISA_Annette]

The transfer of Hosts from one vessel to another must be done on the altar, on a corporal. It can be done after Mass. It should normally be done by the priest or deacon.

It is difficult for me to be contrary to the priest, so I just quit—It just seemed like the e.m.s did more than they should have. I know I should have been more educated, but one trusts the priest to make the right choices. it makes me afraid to be involved like that anymore.

 

[pigtown]

In reading this I was thinking back many years to when I was young. At that time (many years ago) lay people could not even touch the Host. The priest put it on the tongue of the communicants. If the Host was dropped no one could pick it up except the priest.

 

[LISA_Annette]

In reading this I was thinking back many years to when I was young. At that time (many years ago) lay people could not even touch the Host. The priest put it on the tongue of the communicants. If the Host was dropped no one could pick it up except the priest.

Yes, I know I agree with that way. I couldn’t help thinking at the time “Familarity breeds contempt” I do take it on the tongue, but I tried this ministry out, and decided surely it wasn’t for me.

 

[turtleoompa]

I totally understand what you are going through! I bowed out too. I do have a question. We distribute Hosts from the Tabernacle on the credence table located off the altar onto several patens prior to communion. Are they not supposed to transfer the consecrated Hosts off the altar? I need written rule.

 

[BritishCatholic]

You experienced probably one of the biggest liturgical abuses there is in the modern church: witnessing abuse of the Sacred Body of Christ at the hands of a Eucharistic Minister. Not even a priest should do such a thing in the manner you described. To answer your initial question, what that lady was doing was definitely wrong. I’m sure every bishop would agree.

 

[LISA_Annette]

I totally understand what you are going through! I bowed out too. I do have a question. We distribute Hosts from the Tabernacle on the credence table located off the altar onto several patens prior to communion. Are they not supposed to transfer the consecrated Hosts off the altar? I need written rule.

somebody answer her, because I don’t remember:blush:

 

[LISA_Annette]

You experienced probably one of the biggest liturgical abuses there is in the modern church: witnessing abuse of the Sacred Body of Christ at the hands of a Eucharistic Minister. Not even a priest should do such a thing in the manner you described. To answer your initial question, what that lady was doing was definitely wrong. I’m sure every bishop would agree.

Yes, thank you for your answer—:blush:I am very embarrassed that I was so dumb about it, and that I am even so dumb to have to ask. I AM here, though, trying to learn the right way and reading more—instead of stupidly following others. I have to educate myself, because there will be others that for whatever reason will not do things properly—out of plain ignorance or irreverent nonchalance.

 

[BHawkes]

The transfer of Hosts from one vessel to another must be done on the altar, on a corporal. It can be done after Mass. It should normally be done by the priest or deacon.

Only if the ciboria are reposed in the tabernacle until their contents is combined. It would be wrong to leave the Blessed Sacrament exposed until the end of Mass. although purifying of the vessels can wait after Mass if they are covered. Also, I don’t believe there is anything from the Church that “normally” restricts this function to the ordained, nor must it necessarily take place on the altar from what I can tell.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Only if the ciboria are reposed in the tabernacle until their contents is combined. It would be wrong to leave the Blessed Sacrament exposed until the end of Mass. although purifying of the vessels can wait after Mass if they are covered. Also, I don’t believe there is anything from the Church that “normally” restricts this function to the ordained, nor must it necessarily take place on the altar from what I can tell.

I should have said “Can be done outside of Mass” so as to not imply that remaining Hosts from Holy Communion do not need to either be consumed or placed in the tabernacle right after Communion.

Here is how I have seen this done when we needed to clean/polish the ciborium that was in the tabernacle. We were required to go get Father. He would open a clean corporal on the altar then set a clean ciborium and cover on it along with a chalice and cruet of water and purificator. He would go to the tabernacle genuflect, remove the ciborium with the hosts, carry it covered to the corporal and place it on the corporal. He would then uncover it and reverently transfer the hosts to the new ciborium and cover it and carry it back to the tabernacle. Place it in the tabernacle, genuflect, and lock the tabernacle. He would then return to the altar, pour some water into the empty ciborium swirl it around and pour it into the chalice and then drink it from the chalice. He would wipe dry both the ciborium and chalice, drape the purificator over the chalice and hand the chalice, ciborium and cover to one of us, fold the corporal and take it in the back with him.

 

[Lux_et_Tenebrae]

Hi,

Try to relax and take a deep breath. Just as some priests APPEAR more reverent than others, so with lay people. I have never seen a specific rule about lay people transferring hosts, as there is about the transference of the Precious Blood

RS106. However, the pouring of the Blood of Christ after the consecration from one vessel to another is completely to be avoided, lest anything should happen that would be to the detriment of so great a mystery. Never to be used for containing the Blood of the Lord are flagons, bowls, or other vessels that are not fully in accord with the established norms.

So perhaps there just needs to be more emphesis on reverence. Circumstances do dictate some procedures. There is a tabernacle in the hospital where I minister, and the EMHC do get their own hosts to distribute to the sick in the hospital.

If you do receive by mouth yourself, I can understand that this would be a difficult ministry for you, but perhaps you could discuss this procedure with your Pastor, since it obviously is upsetting to you. There are different instructions given for distribution to large congregations.

After the last Papal Mass in our area, there were containers of broken consecrated hosts brought back to the parish (Pastors were told to bring consecrated hosts for distribution, but it was very difficult to estimate the number) Our Pastor placed them in the tabernacle, and called a few EMHC after daily Mass to consume some of the particles each morning, until they were all consumed. It was done in a reverent manner.

If you feel called to discuss this with your Pastor, remember that if you do return to the ministry, you can demonstrate a more reverent manner for the procedure, and perhaps effect some change by your good example.

Prayers for your peace either way.

Lux

 

[thistle]

You experienced probably one of the biggest liturgical abuses there is in the modern church: witnessing abuse of the Sacred Body of Christ at the hands of a Eucharistic Minister. Not even a priest should do such a thing in the manner you described. To answer your initial question, what that lady was doing was definitely wrong. I’m sure every bishop would agree.

A priest is the Eucharistic Minister. EMHC’s are NOT Eucharistic Ministers.

 

[TobyLue]

LISA Annette,
Perhaps this will help. As it says only a priest, deacon or an instituted acolyte can purify the vessels. Also note “…the ministry of instituted acolyte, which is open only to men…”

 

[LISA_Annette]

Thanks for your reply Lux. it concerned me more than upset me how she just popped them in her mouth one after the other—it was in a manner that did not elevate the action( of consuming) to devotion–it appeared as if she were doing as a “by the way” action “I am just trying to tidy up the scared hosts”. it has stayed in the back of my mind and every so often it comes to my mind–I don’t know of anyone who could answer this as well as you all have. The priest, although joyous and kind for the most part, is very defensive when confronted on matters such as these.

So I guess my next question is: If there is no set rule for em’s on how to transfer the hosts, then *how will we know *if we are doing it “reverently”—I might have been just picky and saw she did not do it like I thought it should have been done–that leaves the manner of reverence open to interpretation then, I think, without a set process.

After the last Papal Mass in our area, there were containers of broken consecrated hosts brought back to the parish (Pastors were told to bring consecrated hosts for distribution, but it was very difficult to estimate the number) Our Pastor placed them in the tabernacle, and called a few EMHC after daily Mass to consume some of the particles each morning, until they were all consumed. It was done in a reverent manner.

Prayers for your peace either way.

Lux

I see here that the manner of reverence was in the em’s following the advice of the pastor to consume them—not done at their own discretion. Specifically what was the reverent manner of consuming these broken particles of scared hosts? I am just curious, thank you, and I hope my question doesn’t offend.

 

[sacristan1]

I am glad you clarified that. At our Parish the words Eucharistic Ministers are used all the time. It disturbs me greatly and I am happy you pointed out that we are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. I don’t know when the term changed or if we were ever called Eucharistic Ministers but apparently it has not gotten out to all exactly what we are to be called.
Thank you.

 

[Lux_et_Tenebrae]

So I guess my next question is: If there is no set rule for em’s on how to transfer the hosts, then *how will we know *if we are doing it “reverently”—I might have been just picky and saw she did not do it like I thought it should have been done–that leaves the manner of reverence open to interpretation then, I think, without a set process…

Since this is not a usual procedure, it is up to the discresion of the Pastor (since the administration of the sacraments, and care of the Eucharist is under his authority), so you could or maybe even should mention your concerns to him. I don’t think the exact procedure for a devout reception of Holy Communion is written down, but I don’t think we need to be told that we should not be having a conversation, or thinking about anything other than Jesus at that time.

I see here that the manner of reverence was in the em’s following the advice of the pastor to consume them—not done at their own discretion. Specifically what was the reverent manner of consuming these broken particles of scared hosts? I am just curious, thank you, and I hope my question doesn’t offend.

Once a host fell on the floor, and someone picked up and looked bewildered at what to do. I just put out my hand, was given it and consumed it. No one told me to do this, but the Pastor said he was glad I acted quickly.

I don’t remember the exact details of when we consumed the hosts after the Papal Mass, but I think we just went into the back sacristy, quietly consumed what the Pastor gave us and left saying our own private prayers.

When I used to visit at the nursing home, one man would not speak to me, if he knew I was carrying a Pyx. After speaking with my Pastor, I have relaxed this rule, since some sick people really need some kind words—I really don’t think Jesus would mind that. (If I am taking hosts from the Parish, I always ask him first)

Also one priest once told me that if Jesus was so concerned about possible lapses (I am not speaking of descretation), He would have chosen a different form to be present to us.

Lux

 

[LISA_Annette]

Since this is not a usual procedure, it is up to the discresion of the Pastor (since the administration of the sacraments, and care of the Eucharist is under his authority), so you could or maybe even should mention your concerns to him. I don’t think the exact procedure for a devout reception of Holy Communion is written down, but I don’t think we need to be told that we should not be having a conversation, or thinking about anything other than Jesus at that time.

so true. I think there should have be a certain prayerful silence and peace, set apart from describing to me other things. She was teaching me how to do stuff, and then just decided to do that, like it just occurred to her.

I don’t remember the exact details of when we consumed the hosts after the Papal Mass, but I think we just went into the back sacristy, quietly consumed what the Pastor gave us and left saying our own private prayers.

This sounds about what I have in mind should be done.

When I used to visit at the nursing home, one man would not speak to me, if he knew I was carrying a Pyx. After speaking with my Pastor, I have relaxed this rule, since some sick people really need some kind words—I really don’t think Jesus would mind that. (If I am taking hosts from the Parish, I always ask him first)

Also one priest once told me that if Jesus was so concerned about possible lapses (I am not speaking of descretation), He would have chosen a different form to be present to us

Lux

You sound like a good e.m.—I used to give holy communion to the homebound, and I know it was difficult to see their situations and not want to stay and have a few words with them. I would carry the pyx and reverently keep close to me, and tell them that I am sure Jesus wants for us to have a little visit if they are up to it—so I would visit for the time that each would be comfortable with (one lady just wanted an in and out visit—about 5-10 minutes or until she looked stressed out—but this other wanted 30 minutes or so–she LOVED talking ) We would speak and then at the end of the visit, I would offer them their communion.

thanks for your time and answers!