Because I do not live in your diocese, I can tell you what it is like in my diocese but this might be different from what you experience. Here the training is either one weekend (both days), or four weeknights. The theology is discussed along with a (greatly abridged) history of the Sacrament. Rules and standards that apply are also discussed. Lastly there is practicum, where each trainee is allowed to practice until they feel comfortable.
What happens in you diocese may be slightly different, so if you want the most accurate answer you should ask you priest and other ministers what the training is like.thanks for that that really helped in our diocese the parishes do the training i do hope i get some practice like you mentioned not thrown in the deep end like i was for being the mass organiser
What on earth is a “mass organizer”?thanks for that that really helped in our diocese the parishes do the training i do hope i get some practice like you mentioned not thrown in the deep end like i was for being the mass organiser
the person who gets the altar ready organises the readers and specials ministers and such
Except for the Sacristan or Deacon actually getting the altar ready, I should think the rest would be the Priest’s–or possibly Deacon’s–responsibility.
In this diocese every person in lay ministry including this one is supposed to first take a 12-week course in Basic Faith Formation, based on the Compendium to the CCC. After that, there is a specific course 6-12 weeks depending on topic for EMHCs and other liturgical ministry, ministry to the sick and homebound, and so forth, there are 10 or 12 topics for additional training. Cathechists have their own diocesan formation
However, it should be noted that EMHCs (unless there is duly instituted alcolyte) should not be purifying the vessels. That is for the celebrant, deacon or duly instituted alcolyte to do. Now, they can wash them with hot soapy water, but, only after the aforementioned have purified them.
Actually, when there is no deacon, the celebrant (or in the case of concelebrants, one of them) should be retrieving the Blessed Sacrament from the Tabernacle. EMHCs should never approach the altar until after the celebrant has communicated. If there are enough concelebrants and deacons, EMHCs should not be used at all.
In my parish, the celebrant leaves the sanctuary to retrieve the Blessed Sacrament and the Agnus Dei does not begin until after he returns and begins the Fractioning. One way to solve the problem is to simply move the Tabernacle back to the sanctuary. That is something that I am hoping we will have once the more permanent church is built.
Training in this diocese is similar. First, all EMHCs are reccommended by the pastor. People cannot decide on their own to do this. Then you go through a required weekend diocese training which involves discussions of the meaning and importance of the Eucharist and diocesean standards. Then each parish has a training session where you get specific instructions from the pastor and can practice with unconsecrated hosts. Finally, for those who will take communion to the sick, there is another training session. So altogether it is about 4 full days of training. And this is after the Pastor recommends you.
Correct. And EMHCs here do not go up to the altar at all. The priest brings communion to them standing at the altar steps, and then gives each the ciborium. After communion, the deacon or priest takes the ciborium and the EMHCs go to a small table to purify their fingers. Only those who will be taking communion to the sick approach the altar to receive the pyx–and this is after communion is over.
precisely, and most EMHCs (not to mention pastors) have yet to be instructed on that regulation, so it should be covered in the training.
There was a period when an indult was granted (2002-2005) for three years giving EMHC permission to purify the vessel after Communion. The USCCB sought permission to extend this indult but permission was not granted. Shortly thereafter, the vatican came out with Redemptoris Sacramentum giving a long list of things that every parish was supposed to followed. Pastors have had several years to make the necessary changes.
It should be noted that unless the bishop sends RS to the parishes the average priest will not have read it. Our diocese hasn’t even implemented it–or at least that’s what my former pastor said when questioned on it “The Bishop says we haven’t implemented that document.” Why should I doubt it, as a country we’ve yet to implement the 202 GIRM.
Then it seems to me that the worst offenders in this case would be the bishop and pastors for not implementing the directives.It should be noted that unless the bishop sends RS to the parishes the average priest will not have read it. Our diocese hasn’t even implemented it–or at least that’s what my former pastor said when questioned on it “The Bishop says we haven’t implemented that document.” Why should I doubt it, as a country we’ve yet to implement the 202 GIRM.
I hope that the priest is purifying them before he gives them to you. He is supposed to be the one purifying, not you. One of the first things that Pope Benedict XVI did was to allow the indult allowing EMHCs to purify to expire. This was four years ago.