EMHC's still purifying?

[G_S]

One of our almost every week EMHC’s says, “I don’t like giving out communion, I just like giving out the wine.” After she’s done, she simply stuffs the purificator into the chalice. The EMHC’s have never been instructed to put water in the chalice or ciborium and then drink. They simply immerse the vessels in soapy water and wash them. The water is poured down the sacrarium.

 

[WanderAimlessly]

I just noticed it this week but the priest purified all the cups at the alter after Mass. This was also the first week in awhile where the priest also put the remaining body in the tabernacle himself.

 

[MusicMan]

I have a suggestion. Just like any other organization, the Church has a clearly defined chain of command. The Pope gives and order, and it filters down via the chain. Instead of getting so upset about how Father So-and-so hasn’t ordered the EMsHC to stop purifying, why don’t you give the chain of command the opportunity to work. Perhaps the Diocesesan Bishop has issued a directive that you don’t know about stating that the Diocese is to cease allowing EMsHC to purify on a certain date. We all have the responsibility to our immediate superior in the chain of command. If the Bishop tells your pastor to wait, then you as an EMHC also should wait.

Many dioceses make liturgical changes at the start of a major season, such as Advent (also the start of the new year) or Lent. This is an easy fix, so we shouldn’t have to wait past next week Sunday for uniform implementation. If your priest hasn’t ordered the EMsHC to stop purifying the vessels by next Sunday, why don’t you kindly ask him what’s going on. Then, obey his wishes. If you feel that his decision is inappropriate, then utilize the chain of command and contact the office of the Bishop.

 

[decn2b]

Musicman. I was informed by my deacon that this instruction was self executing. meaning no chain of command. It was published by the USCCB liturgy committee and posted on their website for the faithfull to see. This can be backed up by section #183 of Redemptionis Sacramentum which indicates that All are bound to ensuring certain practices are done correctly regarding the Eucharist. I keep hearing that the new norms will come into effect at the first Sunday of Advent. We both can agree that the purification by laity was never really an old norm let alone a new one. In fact if someone could refresh us as to how long ago the permission for laity to clean vessels expired. I believe it can be measured in years not months.

 

[gez722]

I am an EMHC and I’m trying to decide whether it would be best for me to resign or to stay and attempt to educate the others. I take Communion to the nursing home and I feel that I should continue doing that, but I may resign from doing Mass. I have written a detailed letter to my pastor about this matter and I’m still waiting to hear back from him. His initial reaction was that the priests and deacons can’t purify all of the vessels. If I continue on as an EMHC, I may cause division because I would have to tell the other ministers that I will not disobey the Holy Father and purify the vessels. Of course, Jesus did say that he came to bring division (Matt 10:34-39, Luke 12:51), so maybe that’s what I should do. I’d appreciate any advice.

God Bless,
Gary

 

[Cristiano]

I am an EMHC and I’m trying to decide whether it would be best for me to resign or to stay and attempt to educate the others. I take Communion to the nursing home and I feel that I should continue doing that, but I may resign from doing Mass. I have written a detailed letter to my pastor about this matter and I’m still waiting to hear back from him. His initial reaction was that the priests and deacons can’t purify all of the vessels. If I continue on as an EMHC, I may cause division because I would have to tell the other ministers that I will not disobey the Holy Father and purify the vessels. Of course, Jesus did say that he came to bring division (Matt 10:34-39, Luke 12:51), so maybe that’s what I should do. I’d appreciate any advice.

God Bless,
Gary

I hear your point. The first reason why I prefer to assist the priest by dispensing from the ciborium is that I am a very anxious person and that I am afraid to spill from the chalice. The second point is that I want to be obedient to the Pope, the Bishop, the Priest and to the liturgical director. I have quite a bad attitude toward authority in general, and being obedient is a good spiritual practice for me. I found that often I can be obedient without going against my conscience by prudently choose how to participate (e.g. ciborium vs. chalice). Your intention appears good, your attitude appears proper. Just pray over it and try to understand what God asked you to do. I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit takes charge. I understand that as an instituted acolyte you could purify the vessels and be in a stronger position to educate other people. Probably that is your next step.