EMHCs receiving Communion along with the priest

[quiet52]

Here in Hawaii the EMHCs go up to cleanse their hands± in the side sacristy at the very beginning of the Agnus Dei. We wait in there until the priest has consumed Holy Communion under both species, then join him behind the altar. He first serves the hosts to each of us and the altar server, then hands two of the EMHCs the chalices, who then serve the other EMHCs their Precoius Bloodl We then serve the congregation. Just thought you’'d like to know we’re far from you, but share unity of practice.

 

[japhy]

“If extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion are required by pastoral need, they should not approach the altar before the priest has received Communion. After the priest has concluded his own Communion, he distributes Communion to the extraordinary ministers, assisted by the deacon, and then hands the sacred vessels to them for distribution of Holy Communion to the people.” (Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion 38)

Here in Hawaii the EMHCs go up to cleanse their hands± in the side sacristy at the very beginning of the Agnus Dei. We wait in there until the priest has consumed Holy Communion under both species, then join him behind the altar. He first serves the hosts to each of us and the altar server, then hands two of the EMHCs the chalices, who then serve the other EMHCs their Precoius Bloodl We then serve the congregation. Just thought you’'d like to know we’re far from you, but share unity of practice.

I’m now curious if my parish (and yours) is still not in accord with the norm I have copied above. We don’t have any deacons, and we are a one-priest parish, so we have a handful of EMHCs at every Sunday Mass. (5 to be honest. The priest and three EMHCs with the Host, and two EMHCs with the Precious Blood.)

There is a “lead” EMHC for every Mass. This is the first one to receive the Body and Blood after the priest has finished his own communion. Then that EMHC, after receiving, is given the Chalice to administer it to the EMHCs after the priest gives them the Host. In other words, the EMHC is taking the place of the deacon in norm 38 above: “the priest … distributes Communion to the extraordinary ministers, assisted by the deacon, and then hands the sacred vessels to them for distribution of Holy Communion to the people.”

In other words, are we going against norms by giving the Chalice (a sacred vessel) to an EMHC before all the EMHCs have completed their communion? Is it improper to have an EMHC fill in for the deacon in the distribution of communion to other EMHCs?

 

[Aramis]

In the mass, only the priest is allowed to self communicate. That’s in canon law.

 

[quiet52]

I’m now curious if my parish (and yours) is still not in accord with the norm I have copied above. We don’t have any deacons, and we are a one-priest parish, so we have a handful of EMHCs at every Sunday Mass. (5 to be honest. The priest and three EMHCs with the Host, and two EMHCs with the Precious Blood.)

There is a “lead” EMHC for every Mass. This is the first one to receive the Body and Blood after the priest has finished his own communion. Then that EMHC, after receiving, is given the Chalice to administer it to the EMHCs after the priest gives them the Host. In other words, the EMHC is taking the place of the deacon in norm 38 above: “the priest … distributes Communion to the extraordinary ministers, assisted by the deacon, and then hands the sacred vessels to them for distribution of Holy Communion to the people.”

In other words, are we going against norms by giving the Chalice (a sacred vessel) to an EMHC before all the EMHCs have completed their communion? Is it improper to have an EMHC fill in for the deacon in the distribution of communion to other EMHCs?

I don’t believe your parish is observing the norms, if one extraordinary minister of Holy Communion receives the Precious Blood before the other EMHCs receive the Body of Christ. The deacon cannot assist at every mass. But we EMHCs don’t replace the deacon.

In my parish, when there is no deacon, each EMHC receives the Body of Christ from the celebrant. Then, the celebrant gives the chalices to two EMHCs, who receive the Precious Blood and proceed with the chalices to serve the congregation. The celebrant hands the ciboriums to the other EMHCs.

This is from the USCCB Committee on the Liturgy – question & answer format, question #5 of “Ten Questions on Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion” (usccb.org/liturgy/innews/102002.shtml):

5.* Because we have no deacon or concelebrating priests present, we must use eight extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. How can they receive Holy Communion in a reasonable amount of time?*
The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion approach the altar as the priest receives Communion. (see Norms, no. 38). When a large number of ministers are needed, the priest may go to the first two ministers and give them the consecrated bread. He may then give them the Precious Blood, after which they may assist him in communicating the rest of the extraordinary ministers. After all the extraordinary ministers have received Communion, the priest celebrant returns to the altar. The ministers without vessels may then approach the priest and he hands each their proper vessel. (see Norms, no. 40) When a deacon is present, he may assist the priest in the actions assigned to him at this time.

P.S. Remind your fellow extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion to show reverence, with a bow, before receiving the Body of Christ and the Precious Blood of Christ.