EMHC taking Host after Mass

[Marauder]

Paul W:

…good stuff…

Thank-you for summarizing and putting into words the things I have been trying to say but not able to get the correct words together in one place.

 

[itsjustdave1988]

We don’t use either method.

Instead, EMHCs are instructed to meet Father after Mass. Only Father (or the Deacon in his absence) are permitted to open the Tabernacle. This is in accord with Father’s understanding that EMHCs ought not to “take” the Eucharist, BUT ought to be “given.”

We used to use method 1) and I was very uncomfortable with it, as I didn’t know who the person was that came with a pyx in hand.

Father changed our practice so that he could remind the EMHC of their responsibility and the need to go directly to distribute the Eucharist and not take unecessary stops along the way.

 

[Panis_Angelicas]

Marauder:

I have a lot to do also, but I make time for this worthy ministry.

I didn’t say I have a lot to do. I said I still have nine children living at home. Just this week, the tummy bug went through my home. For six consecutive days, I was up to my elbows in vomit. On the seventh day, I rested. Not because I am God, but because I caught my kids’ germs. I need not be a carrier to and from the hospital or the elderly or the homebound with every germ my kids have, nor bring the sicknesses of the hospital home to them. It’s a charity for me not to be in this ministry at this time.

I have now asked the question of a Catholic Answers Apologist. I will accept their answer, will you?

Depends. Is he infallible?

 

[Panis_Angelicas]

Thanks Paul W,
Your explanation sounds completely reasonable to me.
But I do have one question:
Paul W:

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.

Are you saying that it’s acceptable to combine a mid-week distribution of the Body of Christ with a social visit?
It kind of sounded that way when I read that last statement in your quote above.
You may be saying that they’d just appreciate a social visit in mid-week. It could be read either way.
My parish used to have a priest who made it his personal ministry to visit the sick. If they were not practicing, he encouraged them to return to the Sacraments.
After their discharge from the hospital, he followed up with home visits.
This was true also for his regular parishoners.
However, if he brought the Most Blessed Eucharist to the home, he only gave Holy Communion and said softly, “Thank you for the privilege.” Then, he swiftly departed. He would return later that day, or another day, for a social visit.
Never did he mix his priestly ministry with the social aspect.
I found him to be THE most holy man I’ve ever known.
Knowing the high regard he held for the Most Blessed Sacrament, and having him visit my own home on many occasions, I truly ache when now I see some specially-commissioned laymen and women treating the Most Blessed Sacrament and the tabernacle in a cavalier manner. This is not just my perception. The required rubrics for showing reverence are not followed.
When one particular emHC approaches the tabernacle, she doesn’t even bow or genuflect, just reaches in…like “invasion of the Sacred Body snatchers.”
It’s blatantly irreverent.
And yes, immediately after Mass, Father is only a few steps away. If the emHC has waited all through Mass to obtain the Host, what’s five more minutes?
It appears that my circumstance, which was the cause of my question in the first place was answered in your first post; that this is probably inappropriate.
When I meet with my pastor, I’ll bring it to his attention.
My guess is that it’s been awhile since the emHCs have been instructed, and they’re becoming sloppy or a bit comfy with their “role.”
I say this because some have also begun to repose the vessels during Mass and give blessings to non-communicants in the Communion line…but that’s another thread!!! lol. (And I do have an open invitation to discuss this matter with my kindly pastor.)
Incidentally, I’m not anti-emHC, but I am anti their “habitual use” and the 'blurring of roles," giving the appearance of “clericalization of the laity.”
Pax Christi. <><

 

[Marauder]

Panis Angelicas:

It appears that my circumstance, which was the cause of my question in the first place was answered in your first post; that this is probably inappropriate. When I meet with my pastor, I’ll bring it to his attention. My guess is that it’s been awhile since the emHCs have been instructed, and they’re becoming sloppy or a bit too comfy with their “position.” I say this because some have also begun to repose the vessels during Mass and give blessings to non-communicants in the Communion line…but that’s another thread!!! lol.
Incidentally, I’m not anti-emHC, but I am anti their “habitual use” and the 'blurring of roles," giving the appearance of “clericalization of the laity.”
Pax Christi. <><

This is where I have been trying to go during the entire thread. There is a difference between an EMHC doing his/her job correctly and abiding by the rules and one that is not. If a EMHC is not showing proper reverence for the Eucharist, doing things they aren’t supposed to, “blurring the roles” then it should be corrected by the Pastor or a Priest.

Just because EMHCs may be doing things wrong in your parish/diocese doesn’t mean they are doing things wrong everywhere. I have seen abuses, I can’t stand it when there is a Priest concelebrating and a “scheduled” EMHC doesn’t step down. I have seen EMHCs blessing, and other things but I bring the matter to the attention of either the Pastor or the person doing it and it is usually corrected.

Our parish required EMHCs to go to training every year. Of course when it was taught by the Liturgy Committee it stunk and was full of errors, but they changed it to being taught by an Archdiocese level trainer and the last few minutes a Priest comes in to inform people of the specifics to our parish. This has worked wonders. Of course, there are still a few that do things their own way, and a lot of them have been removed from the program.

 

[Paul_W]

Panis Angelicas:

Thanks Paul W,
Your explanation sounds completely reasonable to me.
But I do have one question: Are you saying that it’s acceptable to combine a mid-week distribution of the Body of Christ with a social visit?
It kind of sounded that way when I read that last statement in your quote above.
You may be saying that they’d just appreciate a social visit in mid-week. It could be read either way.
Pax Christi. <><

There is definitely a social component involved in making a sick call. You don’t just pray, give them Holy Communion, and then rush off to the next visit. (Is that what Jesus would have done?)

As a matter of politeness, you find out how they’re doing, and by definition, that may take a while. It may be relevant to ask about other family members as well. They may be concerned about family members who have fallen away from the Church, and seek your (name removed by moderator)ut. You may need to coordinate plans for the next visit.

Because they are somewhat isolated from the parish community, it’s important to let them know what’s happening . They may not be able to attend the annual carnival or picnic, but will appreciate hearing all about it. They may wonder how the church was decorated for a certain holiday. A parishioner who used to be a CCD teacher may be interested to hear how the program is getting along, or what’s new in the parish school. They may have a question about something they read in the bulletin. The normal kinds of things you talk about in the parking lot after Mass, or when you see a fellow parishioner in the supermarket, they don’t have an opportunity to discuss with anyone else.

It’s important to have respect for the Holy Communion, but in doing so we don’t have to ignore the humanity of the sick or homebound.