EMHC taking Host after Mass

[Fergal]

Dear friends,

Apologies for the above post but the first part of my message did not copy through. Of course the above post only refers to my Parish, my thoughts and is not doctrine!!!

I do believe myself that EMHC’s should not go to the tabernacle when the Priest is free to do so. To me this is a crossing of lines and a confusion of responsibilities. In our Parish sadly now it is a rarity to see a Priest at the Tabernacle. Rarely will he even go to it to check the number of Hosts available for Mass. Sadly again this fudging of responsibilities has led to one of our sacristans thinking it is ok for him to lift the monstrance and give the blessing at the end of a period of Exposition. Parish Priest was away and it now transpires that he was told to do this by another Priest as he was too busy getting ready for Mass. The Parish Priest was informed and it was dealt with satisfactorily.

Progression in this area has been far too rapid, far too disorderly and many times with very little thought. It seems in some areas that EM’s of Holy Communion have been given duties in the sanctuary simply because the Priest could not be bothered.
Of course it is a very different situation when the Priest is not able to attend to these duties due to old age or some other serious reason. Imagine the EMHC purifying the sacred vessels whilst the Priest sits there arms folded.

We need to roll back folks and my advice to EMHC’s is to remember what they are called to, realise what they are doing and respect and adhere to the limitations of their extraordinary ministry.

Blessings,
Fergal
Naas
Ireland

 

[Panis_Angelicas]

Fergal,
Thank you for your beautiful advice.
It not only should extend to EMHC’s, but to each of us as Catholic Christians.We should all “remember what (we) are called to, realise what (we) are doing and respect and adhere to the limitations (set for us).”

Marauder:

If it was prohibitted for EMHCs to approach the Tabernacle it would be stated so in the GIRM or RS.

This is not so, Marauder.
The GIRM states what** is** to be done, not what isn’t. It sets rubrics and prayers for the Mass. My initial query was about EMHC’s going into the tabernacle after Mass is concluded and the priest leaves the altar.
It is then that certain EMHCs in my parish access the Hosts reserved in the tabernacle. Father is just outside greeting the faithful, and comes right back through the church in a matter of minutes. But it is during this time of his greeting the faithful that our EMHC’s take the Hosts. It is not an occasion where there is no priest available, but is apparently done for expediency’s sake.

If you search through numerous diocese guidelines for EMHCs/Minister of the Sick you will see lines similar to the following.

The guidelines you offered didn’t state what Archdiocese was setting them forth.
I’ve still been searching.
I’ve found that my archdiocese, in the past at least, did forbid the faithful to reach into the tabernacle.
cny.org/archive/cv/cv100198.htm
John Cardinal O’Connor, while praising the work of extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, did write:
What of the handling of the Word made Flesh, the Eucharist itself? The deacon must be particularly careful about the rubrics. It is essential that they be universally observed in every parish. We are one Body, one Body in Christ. Rubrics are intended to insure reverence and unanimity, and to preclude spur-of-the-moment personal activities which eventually bring about deviations in the Mass. For this reason, even “little,” seemingly unimportant rubrics must be observed…
Other than the priest, it is only the deacon who removes the Blessed Sacrament from the tabernacle for distribution to the congregation; extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, laypersons, are not to remove the Blessed Sacrament from the tabernacle or replace it in the tabernacle. It is the priest or the deacon who purifies the chalice and ciborium; not extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist… Obviously, the deacon as the priest, in all contacts with the Eucharist must comport himself with special reverence. His is a high privilege which must never become routine.
This does pertain, specifically to functions within the Mass. However, some of our EMHC (in their well-intentioned zeal to assist and expedite) do repose the Blessed Sacrament during Mass.

I should think that concerning something so sacred as the Eucharist, one would prefer to err on the side of caution and reverence. For in observing long-followed limitations, we can hardly think that we are offending Our Lord.

But in extending ourselves permissions that have never been officially granted by the Holy See, it seems to me that we are overstepping the rightful authority for the sake of convenience, time constraints, or logistics.

I’d actually be greatly relieved to see some formal Vatican document saying it’s ok, and that Our Lord’s tabernacle is not being “invaded” on a regular basis by those who truly do so with the misguided intention of serving faithfully.

Pax Christi. <><

 

[Marauder]

Panis Angelicas:

This is not so, Marauder.
The GIRM states what** is** to be done, not what isn’t.

I realize that the GIRM states what is done. BUT the latest versions of RS and GIRM were specificly drawn up to get rid of problems with reverence to the Eucharist. If EMHCs going into the Tabernacle during times other then Mass was such a problem it would have been addressed in those things because it pertains to the most sacred of things, the people that can touch the Eucharist.

This does pertain, specifically to functions within the Mass. However, some of our EMHC (in their well-intentioned zeal to assist and expedite) do repose the Blessed Sacrament during Mass.

As you said, this stuff pertains to what happens DURING Mass not after Mass. The entire thread has dealt with things that happen after Mass or during other times.

When I did a search for regulations in different dioceses, Archdioceses and parishs, I found TONS of different policies on this. Every single one that referenced the EMHCs that take to the sick said the same thing. NONE of them stated that EMHCs could not ever approach the Tabernacle outside of Mass. Most of them said they could.

But in extending ourselves permissions that have never been officially granted by the Holy See, it seems to me that we are overstepping the rightful authority for the sake of convenience, time constraints, or logistics.

This isn’t EMHCs extending themselves permissions. These are permissions granted via the Bishops. If you remember Church policy. If a thing isn’t addressed by the Vatican directly, it is up to the Ordinarys to set policy in their diocese. If the Bishop allows or doesn’t allow something, that is the way it is in their diocese. They are allowed to interpret as they see fit as long as it doesn’t violate directives from the Vatican. Since the Vatican hasn’t said that a EMHC may not enter the Tabernacle after Mass, a Bishop may allow it if he sees fit.

I’d actually be greatly relieved to see some formal Vatican document saying it’s ok, and that Our Lord’s tabernacle is not being “invaded” on a regular basis by those who truly do so with the misguided intention of serving faithfully.

The Vatican doesn’t address EVERY issue, they leave certain issues up to the Ordinary. If you really want to see if this is a violation, write the Vatican Nuncio yourself. Since I see no problem with it, I will abide by the instructions from my Cardinal’s office.

I have shown documentation that supports that EMHCs may approach the Tabernacle during non-Mass times. It is up to you to show proof, not feelings, to the contrary.

 

[Marauder]

Fergal:

Progression in this area has been far too rapid, far too disorderly and many times with very little thought. It seems in some areas that EM’s of Holy Communion have been given duties in the sanctuary simply because the Priest could not be bothered.

And this is for the Vatican and Bishops to deal with. If there is a problem with EMHCs overstepping their boundaries the Pastor and/or Bishop should deal with it.

Of course it isn’t up to people’s feelings what is allowed and what isn’t allowed. It is up to documents from the Vatican and in absence of those documents it is up to the juristiction of the Ordinary (Bishop.)

 

[Fergal]

Dear Marauder,

As you quite rightly have said it is not up to peoples feelings as to whether something is allowed or not allowed, but it is up to people feelings to know if something is in line with ettiquette. If not then you (not you personally!!!) seem to promote the argument that the EMHC’s can do what they like in ignorance as long as the Priests or Bishops don’t correct it. If its not corrected at this level then carry on?

NO.:tsktsk: Common sense must also be a pre-requisite factor in the actions of any minister ordinary or extraordinary. For there are some practises that have crept in that were never envisiged by the Church. So the simple “it’s not documented” is not enough for any serious minded faithful Catholic.

Love and reverence for the Blessed Sacrament is of paramount importance. When we realise that we will begin to act in a more respectful manner.

For example it does not state that husband and wife EM’s of Holy Communion should or should not engage in a passionate kiss at the Altar during the sign of Peace. (It happens at our Church during weekday Masses with one couple who serve together as EM’s of Holy Communion only!!) So your argument is to let it happen then as long as it is not stipulated by the rubrics or challenged by Pastor or Bishop. And if its not challenged it is none of our business and we should not interfere or attempt to correct it.

Neither does it state anywhere that the pushing of a buggy with child in tow is not allowed. So because its not stipulated I can do it until the Priest or Bishop tells me not to. And if they don’t BINGO! Another permission.

NO.:tsktsk: This type of mentality is what is responsible for people daring to cross lines in the first place. If we knew our place then we would not be having this trouble of is it or is it not!!!

What I am trying to say is that decorum, reverence and general cop on is also needed hand in hand with what is stipulated.

In this day and age of rapid and reachable information I reject that completely. Of course there has to be a sensible conscience also that comes with every ministry whether ordinary or extraordinary.

God Bless,
Fergal
Naas
Ireland

 

[Panis_Angelicas]

This reminds me of what happened back in the 70’s and 80’s with altar girls, which were expressly forbidden, and which later the Holy Father “permitted,” since a **majority of dissidents (entire dioceses, bishops, etc.) were doing it anyway.

**The mentality of those who feel no hesitation about reaching into the tabernacle seems to be that that if the Vatican hasn’t expressly forbidden the activity (which was never acceptable before) that absence of expressed prohibition equates with permission…

…or, if enough of us ‘do it this way,’ the pope may acquiesce and grant consent…

Just my opinion.

 

[Marauder]

Fergal:

Dear Marauder,

As you quite rightly have said it is not up to peoples feelings as to whether something is allowed or not allowed, but it is up to people feelings to know if something is in line with ettiquette. If not then you (not you personally!!!) seem to promote the argument that the EMHC’s can do what they like in ignorance as long as the Priests or Bishops don’t correct it. If its not corrected at this level then carry on?

NO.:tsktsk: Common sense must also be a pre-requisite factor in the actions of any minister ordinary or extraordinary. For there are some practises that have crept in that were never envisiged by the Church. So the simple “it’s not documented” is not enough for any serious minded faithful Catholic.

Sorry but there is a difference between an EMHC doing something without approval and an EMHC doing something with approval. The way you are talking it is as if EMHCs are going to the Tabernacle without the approval of the Ordinary. I have said several times that the fact that EMHCs are allowed to go to the Tabernacle is written in matterial from the CARDINAL. That sounds like approval to me. Don’t waive your judgemental finger at me for doing something that is APPROVED by the Bishop in charge of my Archdiocese and SEVERAL others. As I said before, if you have a problem with this write the Vatican. If they don’t like it, they will come out with something that says it is inappropriate.

I have found documents from over 20 different dioceses, parishes, and Archdioceses saying that this is allowed. Have you found one thing that says it isn’t? I guess not because it would have been posted already. Like I said, your feeling that a procedure APPROVED by the Ordinary is not wrong just because you FEEL it is wrong.

Why don’t you sign up for the Ministry of the Sick in your own parish and find out what the policy is there? The Ministry is always in need of new members.

Like I said before, until you can show me different I will continue to use a procedure that was taught to me by Archdiocesan training and approved by the Cardinal and approved by two different pastors.

I noticed that nobody has asked the question about whether this is allowed to Catholic Answers. I guess since you would only accept something from the Vatican saying it is allowed, a Catholic Answers Apologist wouldn’t be enough.

 

[Marauder]

Panis Angelicas:

The mentality of those who feel no hesitation about reaching into the tabernacle seems to be that that if the Vatican hasn’t expressly forbidden the activity (which was never acceptable before) that absence of expressed prohibition equates with permission…

Sorry but the ***permission ***is the permission granted by the local Ordinary in my case a Cardinal. As I said before it is in Archdiocese training materials approved by the Cardinal. I guess you do not approve of the church hiearchy because the way things are determined in the church is that when the Vatican is silent on something, if there is a question about anything in the local diocese the local Ordinary/Bishop has authority.

If the local Bishop says it is allowed, baring something different from the Vatican, it is allowed. If you have a problem with the authority of a Bishop, write the Vatican Nuncio.

Why did you ask the original question anyway, since you already had your mind made up to what you thought the correct response was?
You won’t listen to Br. Rich “a Franciscan Third Order Secular that has been in apologetics and Catechesis for 10 years.” You won’t take the word of a person that is in charge of the Ministry of the Sick in their parish and you won’t take my word. Why ask the question in the first place?

 

[Fergal]

Sorry but there is a difference between an EMHC doing something without approval and an EMHC doing something with approval. The way you are talking it is as if EMHCs are going to the Tabernacle without the approval of the Ordinary.

YES!! Are you certain that your local Ordinary has stipulated that each and every occassion a lay person reaches into the tabernacle is a special occassion as laid out in Canon Law? I mean is a special occassion one where the Priest could not be bothered to take a few steps to the Tabernacle? If so then I guess we are really on dangerous ground.

---

Have you found one thing that says it isn’t?

Canon Law states the following: Can. 943 The minister of exposition of the blessed Sacrament and of the eucharisticblessing is a priest or deacon. In specialcircumstances** the minister of exposition and deposition alone, but without the blessing, is an acolyte, and extraordinaryminister**** of holycommunion****, or another persondeputed**** by the localOrdinary****, in accordance with the regulations of the **diocesan Bishop.

Note: In special circumstances. So each and every Mass is a special circumstance at your Parish? I find that hard to believe. Are all Priests so completely disabled that they cannot approach the Tabernacle themselves? Are they so wrapped up in the world that to go to Christ in the tabernacle is an inconvenience???

Why don’t you sign up for the Ministry of the Sick in your own parish and find out what the policy is there? The Ministry is always in need of new members.

***I am a Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion to the Sick and Housebound and thankfully special occassions at our Parish are just that special and also few and far between.:tiphat: ***

Like I said before, until you can show me different I will continue to use a procedure that was taught to me by Archdiocesan training and approved by the Cardinal and approved by two different pastors.

***I guess I have shown you Canon Law. But now that Canon Law says that only in special circumstances you may reach into the tabernacle you will from this moment on regard each and every occassion as a special occassion. ***
See how that type of mentality loves to push the boundries???

Bless you,
Fergal
Naas
Ireland

 

[Marauder]

Fergal:

Have you found one thing that says it isn’t?

Canon Law states the following: Can. 943 The minister of exposition of the blessed Sacrament and of the eucharisticblessing is a priest or deacon. In specialcircumstances** the minister of exposition and deposition alone, but without the blessing, is an acolyte, and extraordinaryminister**** of holycommunion****, or another persondeputed**** by the localOrdinary****, in accordance with the regulations of the **diocesan Bishop.

Sorry this applies to exposition of the blessed sacrement, not the Ministry of the Sick. I have at no point said that a EMHC should remove the blessed sacrement for exposition under normal circumstances. The exposition of the blessed sacrement is a ceremony that involves numerous blessings and ceremony. An EMHC should not be doing that unless special circumstances exist and the follow the methods of their Ordinary.

***I am a Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion to the Sick and Housebound and thankfully special occassions at our Parish are just that special and also few and far between.:tiphat: ***

Good, continue to follow the policies as they apply in your diocese.

***I guess I have shown you Canon Law. But now that Canon Law says that only in special circumstances you may reach into the tabernacle you will from this moment on regard each and every occassion as a special occassion. ***
See how that type of mentality loves to push the boundries???

You have shown me Canon Law as to the exposition of the blessed sacrement, you have not shown me Canon Law as to the entering of the Tabernacle for the Ministry of the Sick.

As such I will continue to obey the Bishop of my diocese.
And not to obey people that think they know more then the Bishop of my diocese.

I see that this is like talking to a wall, so either ask the question of Catholic Answers, write your Vatican Nuncio, but until there is something other then your opinion I will obey my Bishop.

 

[Marauder]

Forgot to mention one thing, if the EMHCs are never supposed to approach the Tabernacle, how can a EMHC lead a communion service? There are provisions in ceremonies in the event of a priest and deacon not being available that EMHCs may lead communion services (as long as they use the appropriate ceremony and the EMHC doesn’t do anything that is reserved for the ordained.)

If EMHCs can not approach the Tabernacle, where are they going to get the materials for the communion service?

You will not find an all encompasing thing that say EMHCs can not approach the Tabernacle because in reality they will have to on occasion, especially in areas where there are few priests and/or deacons.

 

[Fergal]

Entertain me for a few minutes: The Bishop in Croatia has deemed the happenings in Medjugorje as in line with nothing supernatural (‘constat de non supernaturalitate’). When Rome was told of this judgement (and a very definitive judgement it was too) the response was as follows:

***“My conviction and my position is not only ‘non constat de supernaturalitate,’ but likewise, ‘constat de non supernaturalitate’ of the apparitions or revelations in Medjugorje”, should be considered the expression of the personal conviction of the Bishop of Mostar which he has the right to express as Ordinary of the place, but which is and remains his personal opinion." ***
See medjugorje.org/newletter.htm

So Rome do not always let the Bishop / Cardinal have the final say. There are times the Bishop / Cardinal are taken down or up a peg or two, for going to far, or not going far enough. They can err. Canon Law is infallible. Bishop / Cardinal fallible.

The CCC states the following:

907 "In accord with the knowledge, competence, and preeminence which they possess, [lay people] have the right and even at times a duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church, and they have a right to make their opinion known to the other Christian faithful, with due regard to the integrity of faith and morals and reverence toward their pastors, and with consideration for the common good and the dignity of persons."443
So we have the right to fraternally correct when*** we know*** that something is just not right. Canon Law sets out all that is right and wrong.

Ah of course … THE LAW … Canon Law. Lets see what that has to say:
Can 230 §3 Where the needs of the Church require and ministers are not available, lay people, even though they are not lectors or acolytes, can supply certain of their functions, that is, exercise the ministry of the word, preside over liturgical prayers, confer baptism and distribute Holy Communion, in accordance with the provisions of the law."

Note: Not in accordance with the opinions or approvals of the Local Ordinary!

Now the Law also says this:

***Can. 943 The minister of exposition of the blessed Sacrament and of the eucharistic blessing is a priest or deacon. In special circumstances ***the minister of exposition and deposition alone, but without the blessing, is an acolyte, and extraordinary minister of holy communion, or another person deputed by the local Ordinary, in accordance with the regulations of the diocesan Bishop."

---

So is a special circumstance one where the Priest during Mass cannot be bothered? No. To me a special circumstance is where the Priest cannot, by old age or infirmity, go to the tabernacle. Not when a journey to the tabernacle interferes with his dinner or favourite TV show or card game or golf etc. Note that the Bishop has no permission to decide what constitutes a special occassion for again this is already spelt out for us:
The 1980 document Inestimabile Donum reiterated the instruction that “the faithful, whether religious or lay, who are authorized as extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist can distribute Communion only when there is no priest, deacon, or acolyte; when the priest is impeded by illness or advanced age; or when the number of the faithful going to Communion is so large as to make the celebration of Mass excessively long.”

(cont)

---

 

[Fergal]

Oh finally this should be of interest:
The new Latin Roman Missal released in May 2002 also addresses some of the abuses associated with extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist. The Missal, the English translation of which is underway, notes that extraordinary ministers are not to assist in the transfer of consecrated hosts and the Precious Blood to sacred vessels, nor are they to retrieve the Blessed Sacrament from the tabernacle and return the remaining consecrated hosts to the tabernacle.

Also:

---

Zenit reported on September 23, 2002 of the Holy Father’s concern that much of the laity have become confused in their role, and warns of the attempts to clericalize the laity:
**"… in the years following the Council, in order to fulfill this desire, the confusion of functions in regard to the priestly ministry and role of the laity was arbitrarily extended," he explained.
Symptoms of this confusion are “the indiscriminate and common recitation of the Eucharistic Prayer,” “homilies given by lay people” and the “distribution of Communion by the laity.”
These “grave abuses often originated in doctrinal errors, especially in regard to the nature of the liturgy, of the common priesthood of Christians, of the vocation and mission of the laity, but also in regard to the ordained ministry of priests,” the Pope stressed.
The Holy Father said that one of the consequences of this phenomenon is “the lack of observance of certain ecclesiastical laws and norms, the arbitrary interpretation of the concept of ‘substitution,’ the tendency to ‘clericalize’ the laity, etc.” **(Pope John Paul II, September 23, 2002)

So is approval or Bishop / Cardinal above Canon Law and the concerns of the Holy Father ?

See tldm.org/News5/distributing.htm

also

catholicinsight.com/online/church/liturgy/article_470.shtml

Need I carry on?

May God Bless you always,
Fergal

 

[Fergal]

Oh and the following…

**A further point mentioned in your question refers to the extraordinary minister of the Eucharist going to the tabernacle to retrieve and repose the hosts. This is not the normal practice during Mass.

The GIRM, in No. 162, states: “(If) … there is a very large number of communicants, the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, e.g., duly instituted acolytes or even other faithful who have been deputed for this purpose. … These ministers should not approach the altar before the priest has received Communion, and they are always to receive from the hands of the priest celebrant the vessel containing either species of the Most Holy Eucharist for distribution to the faithful.”

Likewise, after Communion is completed, No. 163 specifies: “[A]s for any consecrated hosts that are left, he (the priest himself) either consumes them at the altar or carries them to the place designated for the reservation of the Eucharist.” If a deacon or other priests are present they may also return the hosts to the tabernacle. **

 

[Panis_Angelicas]

Marauder:

Have you found one thing that says it isn’t? I guess not because it would have been posted already.

Geesh, Marauder, no need to get all huffy. As a matter of a fact, I did post a link to something written by the late leader of my archdiocese, John Cardinal O’Connor. You dismissed it.

Why don’t you sign up for the Ministry of the Sick in your own parish and find out what the policy is there? The Ministry is always in need of new members.

I’m sure it is, but with a housefull of children, I’m not in a position to be off visiting the sick on a regular basis.

I noticed that nobody has asked the question about whether this is allowed to Catholic Answers. I guess since you would only accept something from the Vatican saying it is allowed, a Catholic Answers Apologist wouldn’t be enough.

Wow, your tone is really getting hostile. Yes, I would like to see Vatican approval. Is that so wrong? I am a Roman Catholic, after all, and American bishops have a recent history of blatant disobedience to Rome, with many souls following blindly. Call me a skeptic. Also, I didn’t realize that I needed to post this question anywhere other than here for an apologist to answer it. This is the Catholic Answers forum for questions concerning Liturgy and rubrics, as I understand it.

Pax Christi. <><

 

[Panis_Angelicas]

Marauder:

You won’t listen to Br. Rich “a Franciscan Third Order Secular that has been in apologetics and Catechesis for 10 years.”… Why ask the question in the first place?

Actually, Br. Rich said it would probably be acceptable in the case of an emergency.
I am specifically speaking of a couple of people who do this immediately following the Mass. They’d have no idea if there was an emergency occurring. And the priest is only a few steps outside the Church and will be coming back through momentarily.
Most of these permissions seem to indicate that EMHC may do certain things if there is a definite need – if there is an absence of a deacon or priest.
I asked because I was hoping there was some definitive guidelines.
I’m not so sure that you are correct about the bishop’s role of making law if one isn’t in existence. That might be stretching his authority a bit. Not sure, though. Generally, I thought that if a bishop had a question, he was to inquire of the Vatican in the form of a dubia…

Pax Christi. <><

 

[Panis_Angelicas]

PS ~ Why are there stars next to this, and some of the other threads?

 

[Marauder]

Panis Angelicas:

Geesh, Marauder, no need to get all huffy. As a matter of a fact, I did post a link to something written by the late leader of my archdiocese, John Cardinal O’Connor.

I am not getting all huffy, you can not tell the tone of my voice. I addressed your link and it did not apply to this particular case.

I’m sure it [Ministry of the Sick] is, but with a housefull of children, I’m not in a position to be off visiting the sick on a regular basis.

I have a lot to do also, but I make time for this worthy ministry. Not everyone that is in the Ministry sees people EVERY week. I personally see people about once a month.

Wow, your tone is really getting hostile. Yes, I would like to see Vatican approval. Is that so wrong?

My tone is not getting hostile. I have now asked the question of a Catholic Answers Apologist. I will accept their answer, will you?

 

[Paul_W]

There seems to be much confusion as to the topic of discussion here. It may be real confusion, or perhaps there are too many people pushing agendas.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion fill two distinct roles. One is to assist in distributing Holy Communion within a Mass. Another is to take Holy Communion out of the church or chapel, to distribute to those who cannot attend the Mass in person. Some EMHC’s fill only one role or the other, some do both. There are different regulations for each ministry, and they are being confused here. (There may also be different regulations in Europe and the United States.)

During a Mass, there are certain procedures to ensure that the congregation does not perceive the EMHC as an ordained minister. Therefore their role is much more limited, and has been discussed in other threads. But the topic of this thread concerns those who have been asked to distribute Holy Communion outside of Mass.

If they are being “sent out” as part of the Mass, they are subject to the specific limitations mentioned in the GIRM. They should have a pyx filled by an ordained minister (priest or deacon.) Local regulations will decide whether this happens in the Communion line, or at the altar.

In the case of someone who fills their own pyx after Mass, I suspect that they don’t want to “bother” the priest. But they should, rather than confuse the members of the congregation who happen to linger. It may also be possible that they need to chat with someone after Mass, sell raffle tickets, or whatever, and they know they should not be doing this while transporting Holy Communion. Or, it may be possible that someone stops them just before Mass, to ask them to make a sick call to a relative, and the EMHC doesn’t have time in those few minutes to coordinate with the priest. In these cases, the church should be “empty” before they return to fill their pyx.

 

[Paul_W]

(continued)
The first rule of making a sick call is to consider the needs and limitations of the person who is ill or otherwise homebound. Therefore, there are many situations in which an EMHC can make a sick call without being sent out from Mass. For example, I have found that some homebound prefer to receive Holy Communion on a day other than Sunday. Imagine a situation where the person is alone most of the week, except on Sunday, when the entire family descends upon them. The Communion service could feel rushed or distracted (especially if other family members are not practicing Catholics) and therefore less pious than if the EMHC were to come mid-week. They may also appreciate the mid-week social visit.

An EMHC may have to find a window of opportunity between his or her own work schedule and the daily routine of the person they are visiting, considering those who are late risers, as well as feeding schedules*, scheduled therapies, waxing and waning levels of alertness due to medications, the comings and goings of other members of the household, etc. It simply may not be charitable to say “I’ll be there after Mass, take it or leave it.”

• the sick are not bound by the one-hour fast, but some will still self-impose it.

When conducting a sick call at a time other than immediately after Mass, the EMHC may, if the pastor approves, reverently approach the tabernacle and fill the pyx themselves. Because of the time of day, the priest may not be available to do so. (The EMHC may even have a key to the church for that reason.) Because there is no Mass being celebrated, there is less likelihood that the EMHC will be perceived as an ordained minister, if someone happened to wander by.

There are those who are opposed to all EMHC’s, all the time. However, in parishes with only one priest (or perhaps a shared priest) it may not be possible for him to visit all of the sick and elderly as often as they would like. As pointed out in another thread, the priest should still visit occasionally, to hear the person’s confession. Yes, I have had parishioners ask me not to visit a certain week because they wanted to receive Reconciliation. But they are grateful for all the other weeks when I am able to bring them Holy Communion, when they would otherwise not be able to receive.