EMHCs and Altar Linens

[netmilsmom]

At your parish, who launders the Altar Linens?
I launder the linens at my old parish. I love that I am one of the few people that can bring the Body and Blood of Christ home. (although no one gave me instructions about rinsing them and Jesus was in my Washing Machine the first two years )

I was told to make them perfect because the EMHCs get upset when they are not.

My question is, if you have the privledge of being an EMHC, why do you not also have the responsibility? Why is laundering the cloths that one used to wipe the cup not the responsibility of the EMHCs?

 

[Joysong]

Sacristans duties are quite different from those of the EMHC. Many of the latter are also taking personal time to bring communion to the sick. When I have done this, it frequently takes an entire morning. There are no mandates that care of the altar linens must also be a part of their ministry.

 

[dumspirospero]

Hey…They have an “Altar Society” at my Church that does that…I am not sure how they do it at other parishes though.

 

[TimOliv]

Simple, because “Sacristan” is a specific liturgical ministry according to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM).

EMHCs on the other hand…

1. In the absence of an instituted acolyte, lay ministers may be deputed to serve at the altar and assist the priest and the deacon; they may carry the cross, the candles, the thurible, the bread, the wine, and the water, and they may also be deputed to distribute Holy Communion as extraordinary ministers.85

Having a Sacristan is pretty important, this is a person who has some training and understands, for example, how linens are folded, which linen is which (purificators and finger towels sometimes are similar). It is the Sacristan’s job to know and do this type of thing. In many parishes, the faithful wash the altar linens (in the form of an altar and rosary society).

EMHCs, as per the GIRM, are tacked in right after altar servers as evidenced by the above quote.

Altar Servers may be deputed to carry the cross, candles, thurible, bread, wine and water. Most churches don’t have Acolytes so they depute (generally children) laity to perform this functions.

Likewise, in cases of necessity, a lay person can also be made an EMHC (in absence of an Acolyte who is an EMHC).

So why don’t the EMHCs wash the linens? Well the same could be said for altar servers, really.

Besides, washing the altar linens is a great service to the church that many people (who do not function as EMHCs) enjoy providing.

 

[netmilsmom]

Simple, because “Sacristan” is a specific liturgical ministry according to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM).

Having a Sacristan is pretty important, this is a person who has some training and understands, for example, how linens are folded, which linen is which (purificators and finger towels sometimes are similar). It is the Sacristan’s job to know and do this type of thing. In many parishes, the faithful wash the altar linens (in the form of an altar and rosary society).

EMHCs, as per the GIRM, are tacked in right after altar servers as evidenced by the above quote.

Altar Servers may be deputed to carry the cross, candles, thurible, bread, wine and water. Most churches don’t have Acolytes so they depute (generally children) laity to perform this functions.

Likewise, in cases of necessity, a lay person can also be made an EMHC (in absence of an Acolyte who is an EMHC).

So why don’t the EMHCs wash the linens? Well the same could be said for altar servers, really.

So are you saying that I should have been trained to be a Sacristan?

Okay, so how about if there is no Altar and Rosary society.
Then why not give the responsibility to those who also volunteer to be EMHCs?
I’m asking because I have gotten some attitude from the EMHCs when I have walked in for linens. I believe this is why no one wants to volunteer.

 

[netmilsmom]

Sacristans duties are quite different from those of the EMHC. Many of the latter are also taking personal time to bring communion to the sick. When I have done this, it frequently takes an entire morning. There are no mandates that care of the altar linens must also be a part of their ministry.

I’m asking about EMHCs. Please don’t hijack the thread.

 

[Joysong]

…and I answered with respect to EMHC’s, as did TimOliv.

There are no mandates that care of the altar linens must also be a part of their [EMHC] ministry.

 

[netmilsmom]

Sacristans duties are quite different from those of the EMHC. .

So then you are saying that I should have been trained as a Sacristan?

 

[TimOliv]

So then you are saying that I should have been trained as a Sacristan?

No one said you should be trained as a Sacristan.

I made mention of Sacristans because the care of linens officially falls upon that person. In lieu of a Sacristan, the duty goes to pretty much anyone who volunteers (typically, an altar and rosary society, but can be an individual instead).

EMHC is not an established role, as Sacristan is. EMHC is a secondary responsibility of an Acolyte, in lieu of an Acolyte any lay person can be deputed to perform the EMHC duties of an Acolyte.

So what’s the point?

Simple. Altar linens don’t fall into their responsibilities. If an EMHC volunteered to wash altar linens, nothing would prohibit such, but likewise, there is nothing that compels EMHCs to wash altar linens any more than Altar Servers or Deacons are compelled to wash altar linens.

 

[CRW]

I’m asking about EMHCs. Please don’t hijack the thread.

Actually the priest, working with the many parish functions, often decide which duties are performed; a person could do all three or be part of all three. EMHC, Sacristan, and member of the Altar Society, that may or may not be in charge of the linens, placement of linens on the altar, etc.

As a Sacristan and EMHC I did not clean the linens; however my wife assisted those that did. The Altar Society and many ladies and man volunteer to clean the linen and the church. They also ensured that the proper linens are in place for the Liturgical Season. We also have a group that take care of the flowers and decorations for the church (Ordinary Time, Lent, Easter, Advent and Christmas). It is a group effort that works well for our parish. During Easter and Christmas, Life Teens also assist in the many functions required to prepare our church.

I hope that this post is not considered a hijack of your OP. As my post implies, each ministry has special duties that can be shared by all willing to serve their Lord and Church; based on local guidelines, requirements and priest approval.

Concerning training, each function should receive the training required to perform the function they perform.

 

[anamchara]

So are you saying that I should have been trained to be a Sacristan?

Okay, so how about if there is no Altar and Rosary society.
Then why not give the responsibility to those who also volunteer to be EMHCs?
I’m asking because I have gotten some attitude from the EMHCs when I have walked in for linens. I believe this is why no one wants to volunteer.

I’m just curious, what kind of attitude are they giving you? That seems odd.

 

[netmilsmom]

No one said you should be trained as a Sacristan.

I made mention of Sacristans because the care of linens officially falls upon that person. In lieu of a Sacristan, the duty goes to pretty much anyone who volunteers (typically, an altar and rosary society, but can be an individual instead).

EMHC is not an established role, as Sacristan is. EMHC is a secondary responsibility of an Acolyte, in lieu of an Acolyte any lay person can be deputed to perform the EMHC duties of an Acolyte.

So what’s the point?

Simple. Altar linens don’t fall into their responsibilities. If an EMHC volunteered to wash altar linens, nothing would prohibit such, but likewise, there is nothing that compels EMHCs to wash altar linens any more than Altar Servers or Deacons are compelled to wash altar linens.

Okay, I think I get this.
The Sacristan’s official duty is to care for the linens (please correct me if I’m wrong)
So, actually if no one else volunteers, it is the duty of the Sacristan to either do them or find someone else. Is that correct?

And please don’t think I want to stop doing this, that is not what I want to say. I just think that the attitude of the EMHCs is misplaced coming down on a laundry woman, for lack of a better term, rather than going to the source of a problem with the placement of the linens or lack of proper training.

If the EHMCs themselves were enlisted to do this, when no one else is available, perhaps they could be a bit nicer about it. I think it might be an individual problem.

 

[anamchara]

I believe the ladies that come and make meals for our priest and clean his house are also the ones who take care of Linens. We do have an Altar society however.

 

[netmilsmom]

I’m just curious, what kind of attitude are they giving you? That seems odd.

I’ve gotten pushed out of the way, gotten dirty looks when my children are helping to put the linens in the drawer (and they know that Jesus is in the tabernacle so they should be QUIET, Period) and barked at about a stain found on a cloth.

Honestly, this is a parish I left two years ago. I go every January to pick them up, launder them and get them back in a timely fashion. My wonderful pastor (God Bless him and grant him long life) charged me not to give up this ministry when I came to my new parish. I mentioned that I should probably stay at the old parish until January because I launder Altar linens and they have very few volunteers.

He said, “We are all part of the Body of Christ. Many of our parishioners continue to volunteer at other parishes in need.”

I guess I’m just God’s cleaning woman.
We all find our talent. Mine is cleaning bathrooms and laundering altar linens.

 

[anamchara]

I’ve gotten pushed out of the way, gotten dirty looks when my children are helping to put the linens in the drawer (and they know that Jesus is in the tabernacle so they should be QUIET, Period) and barked at about a stain found on a cloth.

Honestly, this is a parish I left two years ago. I go every January to pick them up, launder them and get them back in a timely fashion. My wonderful pastor (God Bless him and grant him long life) charged me not to give up this ministry when I came to my new parish. I mentioned that I should probably stay at the old parish until January because I launder Altar linens and they have very few volunteers.

He said, “We are all part of the Body of Christ. Many of our parishioners continue to volunteer at other parishes in need.”

I guess I’m just God’s cleaning woman.
We all find our talent. Mine is cleaning bathrooms and laundering altar linens.

Well, for the love of heaven how rude. Perhaps they have a bit of the snobby thing going on and think their better. This kind of thing really makes me angry, they should be smiling at you and saying thank you, my goodness you don’t even go there anymore and your willing to do it.

 

[netmilsmom]

Well, for the love of heaven how rude. Perhaps they have a bit of the snobby thing going on and think their better. This kind of thing really makes me angry, they should be smiling at you and saying thank you, my goodness you don’t even go there anymore and your willing to do it.

Maybe it will crack off a little Purgatory time!
Really I guess I just wanted to be able to say, “Why aren’t you doing this if you don’t like the way I am?”

But if it isn’t their duty, I really can’t say that, can I?

 

[anamchara]

Maybe it will crack off a little Purgatory time!
Really I guess I just wanted to be able to say, “Why aren’t you doing this if you don’t like the way I am?”

But if it isn’t their duty, I really can’t say that, can I?

lol, that’s right…less time in Purgatory is always a good thing

Since there doesn’t appear to be any set standard on who normally does it, I don’t see why you can’t speak up and say something. I would, just say “is there a problem with the way I’m doing this or are you just generally an ungrateful person?”

hehe ok I’d leave out the ungrateful…seriously there isn’t any reason to put up with that kind of thing when you are trying to help.

 

[netmilsmom]

l I would, just say “is there a problem with the way I’m doing this or are you just generally an ungrateful person?”

hehe ok I’d leave out the ungrateful…seriously there isn’t any reason to put up with that kind of thing when you are trying to help.

You know me Lady, I might just take your advice!

 

[Walking_Home]

I’ve gotten pushed out of the way, gotten dirty looks when my children are helping to put the linens in the drawer (and they know that Jesus is in the tabernacle so they should be QUIET, Period) and barked at about a stain found on a cloth.
Honestly, this is a parish I left two years ago. I go every January to pick them up, launder them and get them back in a timely fashion. My wonderful pastor (God Bless him and grant him long life) charged me not to give up this ministry when I came to my new parish. I mentioned that I should probably stay at the old parish until January because I launder Altar linens and they have very few volunteers.

He said, “We are all part of the Body of Christ. Many of our parishioners continue to volunteer at other parishes in need.”

I guess I’m just God’s cleaning woman.
We all find our talent. Mine is cleaning bathrooms and laundering altar linens.

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Sounds like some EMHC’s have developed a “Big Head”.

 

[netmilsmom]

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Sounds like some EMHC’s have developed a “Big Head”.

I’m glad you said it!