EM of Holy Communion/Convalidation Question

[jdunn41]

In an attempt to be concise as possible, here’s the situation -
I signed up to be an EMHC a month or so ago, went through the training, and my first time is scheduled for 6/12.
Convalidation won’t happen before then but will probably be the following week, 6/19.

If I go to confession (which is right before the vigil Mass) on 6/12 would I still be able to perform my duties or should I just let our coordinator that I won’t be able to carry them out?

Thanks!!!

 

[Spencerian]

In an attempt to be concise as possible, here’s the situation -
I signed up to be an EMHC a month or so ago, went through the training, and my first time is scheduled for 6/12.
Convalidation won’t happen before then but will probably be the following week, 6/19.

If I go to confession (which is right before the vigil Mass) on 6/12 would I still be able to perform my duties or should I just let our coordinator that I won’t be able to carry them out?

Thanks!!!

Hi, there.

This is a fascinating question, as EMHCs are the first to receive communion from a priest. If they are in need of confession prior to their duties to aid the priest, can they not receive but still distribute the Body and Blood?

I haven’t found a canonical answer to this question yet, but I thought I’d rephrase the implications for others in the know.

 

[jdunn41]

Honestly my first instinct was I didn’t feel comfortable distributing since my convalidation wouldn’t happen in time, but then I thought about confession, which I’ll have to do before the convalidation anyway…

And I meant to say “let the coordinator know…” Sometimes I type faster than my brain works!

I’m leaning towards passing on this month and just picking up in July.

 

[benedictgal]

Honestly my first instinct was I didn’t feel comfortable distributing since my convalidation wouldn’t happen in time, but then I thought about confession, which I’ll have to do before the convalidation anyway…

And I meant to say “let the coordinator know…” Sometimes I type faster than my brain works!

I’m leaning towards passing on this month and just picking up in July.

I would discreetly let the coordinator know that you can’t serve just yet and ask her if you could swap with the person who is scheduled to serve the last weekend in June.

 

[tinalewis]

I’m an EMHC and have also had my marriage convalidated.

Personally, I would wait until my marriage was convalidated and all the T’s crossed and I’s dotted before beginning my ministry as an EMHC. It really is a ministry and one that is best begun with a clear conscience and an open heart.

Best wishes, by-the-way!

 

[choy]

you can go to confession and then receive the Eucharist. you don’t need to wait for the convalidation. but what you need to do is from the time you make a confession, you will have to absolutely suspend any marital relations (sex, sleeping in the same bed) until convalidation. this way you do not sin. sleep in the guest room or the couch for a week

 

[Seatuck]

In an attempt to be concise as possible, here’s the situation -
I signed up to be an EMHC a month or so ago, went through the training, and my first time is scheduled for 6/12.
Convalidation won’t happen before then but will probably be the following week, 6/19.

If I go to confession (which is right before the vigil Mass) on 6/12 would I still be able to perform my duties or should I just let our coordinator that I won’t be able to carry them out?

Thanks!!!

One of the requirements for being an EMHC is to be in good standing with the church. Technically you shouldn’t have signed up or been trained yet since you are not. However since your convalidation is impending it probably isn’t such a big deal that you took the training. I think it’s wonderful that you are working to repair your relationship with the church. Talk to your priest about confession and living as brother and sister so that you can receive the sacraments of communion and confession.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

When running the EMHC’s to the home bound I had a couple of cases similar to yours. When they informed me of their problem, I just discreetly removed them from the rotation until they got their problem resolved. People were unavailable from time to time for various reasons; so there was nothing others would notice by their absence for a spell.

 

[thomas_jd]

One of the requirements at my parish to become a E.M.H.C. is to be in communion with the Church. I suggest that you wait until this requirement is met, if in doubt, and then proceed.