C
Crusader
Guest
Just out of curiousity do you stand in the sanctuary or nave while singing the agnus dei?
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W
WBB
Guest
In the nave. We are only in the sanctuary for long enough to receive the Body and Blood and then be given either the Host or the Chalice and then we are out into the congregation again.
A
AnnieD
Guest
I take communion to the hospital patients. When I was in the hospital, I really appreciated receiving communion, so I signed our Church Time and Stewardship paper to bring communion to the patients and also to the nurses.
I bring rosaries, prayer books and books with the mysteries of the rosary and give them to the patients after they receive communion.
Many times patients don’t have time to bring their rosaries and prayer books from home.
I always say a prayer before I go, that I will be able to bring some comfort to the patients I visit.
Annie
I bring rosaries, prayer books and books with the mysteries of the rosary and give them to the patients after they receive communion.
Many times patients don’t have time to bring their rosaries and prayer books from home.
I always say a prayer before I go, that I will be able to bring some comfort to the patients I visit.
Annie
C
Crusader
Guest
Why did you post that here? It seems more than a bit off topic. Nice to hear of your service though.
M
Mysty101
Guest
Annie posted because bringing Communion to the sick is a legitimate duty of some EMHC. Most of us are also Church EMHC, and we receive our training in the Parish, and perform either service.
Most of us are truly dedicated to our lay ministry, and really resent the nasty comments. The Pastors or Liturgy committee set up the procedure, so please don’t blame us if it is incorrect. We do what we are told. We really don’t have a choice, if we wish to continue to serve.
Inappropriate dress should be addressed by the Pastor, the moderator of EMHC or the Liturgy Committee. I don’t think anyone condones personal misconduct, and it should not be tolerated in anyone, but especially a lay minister.
But Crusader & old fogey is this just your opinion?
**
If not many in your Parish agree, then you really should keep those nasty comments to yourself. If many do, then in charity, get together and do something about it. Be careful with the slurs.
SuZ**
Most of us are truly dedicated to our lay ministry, and really resent the nasty comments. The Pastors or Liturgy committee set up the procedure, so please don’t blame us if it is incorrect. We do what we are told. We really don’t have a choice, if we wish to continue to serve.
Inappropriate dress should be addressed by the Pastor, the moderator of EMHC or the Liturgy Committee. I don’t think anyone condones personal misconduct, and it should not be tolerated in anyone, but especially a lay minister.
But Crusader & old fogey is this just your opinion?
**
.
If not many in your Parish agree, then you really should keep those nasty comments to yourself. If many do, then in charity, get together and do something about it. Be careful with the slurs.
SuZ**
J
John666
Guest
Dear SuZ,
Why do you mention this being a “scary thread”?
Can you not see the abuse of overusing EMsHC?
This concern is addressed AGAIN in *Redemptionis Sacramentum *paragraph #88. Have YOU read it?
As for self-aggradizement I WAS somewhat guilty. When I was asked by the priest to be a EMHC, I thought, Wow me! … yeah I’m participating now. The priest truly does not need my help (at mass).
He truly didn’t need Me. It was just to make me feel involved.
It HAS been an abuse at my parish (from what I see, diocese as well). The deacon will sit in the congregation while EMsHC (9 AT EVERY Mass regardless of the size of the people gathered), I have heard of the priest sitting down while laity distribute communion. I can go on and on.
I do agree that at times the Ordained need laity taking communion to home bound hospitals etc… but I’m sure this is an abuse at most places.
I quit being a distributer. I add gas to the fire by practicing the abuse going on. It is like circus every Mass at my parish. It truly DOES take as much time for EMsHC to gather up there give communion to each other, fumbling around walking around each other than what could have been at least a 3rd of the people gathered receiving and back at their pew.
I can also see that confusion going on with people who don’t know about the roles of Laity and the Ordained. I’m grateful for this thread and yes I can see people taking there role as EMHC a bit to far, in my parish and others.
Anyway, I do like hearing opposing and/or different views.
Thank you,
Joe
Why do you mention this being a “scary thread”?
Can you not see the abuse of overusing EMsHC?
This concern is addressed AGAIN in *Redemptionis Sacramentum *paragraph #88. Have YOU read it?
As for self-aggradizement I WAS somewhat guilty. When I was asked by the priest to be a EMHC, I thought, Wow me! … yeah I’m participating now. The priest truly does not need my help (at mass).
He truly didn’t need Me. It was just to make me feel involved.
It HAS been an abuse at my parish (from what I see, diocese as well). The deacon will sit in the congregation while EMsHC (9 AT EVERY Mass regardless of the size of the people gathered), I have heard of the priest sitting down while laity distribute communion. I can go on and on.
I do agree that at times the Ordained need laity taking communion to home bound hospitals etc… but I’m sure this is an abuse at most places.
I quit being a distributer. I add gas to the fire by practicing the abuse going on. It is like circus every Mass at my parish. It truly DOES take as much time for EMsHC to gather up there give communion to each other, fumbling around walking around each other than what could have been at least a 3rd of the people gathered receiving and back at their pew.
I can also see that confusion going on with people who don’t know about the roles of Laity and the Ordained. I’m grateful for this thread and yes I can see people taking there role as EMHC a bit to far, in my parish and others.
Anyway, I do like hearing opposing and/or different views.
Thank you,
Joe
A
AnnieD
Guest
I was just showing a different viewpoint of being an EMHC, than your description of EMHC’s being of service for self aggrandizement, Crusader. Suz said it well , when she said that “most of us are truly dedicated to our lay ministry”
Annie.
C
Crusader
Guest
Someone once termed EMsHC as “eucharistic monsters.” I think in many cases that is a very accurate description.
In my home parish my pastor used to distribute communion by himself either under one species or through intinction. I could plausibly see the need for 1-2 EMsHC to handle the chalices today. Instead, we have NINE EMsHC plus two “captains” who do nothing but “strut their stuff.” Yes there are exceptions, but they are just that – exceptions. In effect, a monster has been created.
So when the local band of EMsHC suggest they are NEEDED, I find that rather sad and laughable.
C
Crusader
Guest
Nice.
O
otm
Guest
The Ordo Missae, which certain groups insist on calling the Novus Ordo, is also the unbloody sacrifice of the Cross…
And they both are a sacred meal.
I fail to see what your point is.
R
RichT
Guest
Regarding number one, this has been discussed before. Entering the sanctuary is clearly different from approaching the altar. Although the EMHC is physically closer to the altar they are not actually approaching it if they enter the sanctuary and wait intil after the priest consumes before approaching to receive themselves.
Now, as an EMHC myself let me just say that we are necessary in some parishes. I personally take my responsibilties very serious. Do I see myself as a priest or his equivilent? Definately not! And I personally would never assume that another EMHC regards him or herself as someone who is even remotely close to being a priest. I realize many of you traditionalists don’t like the use of EMHC’s, but don’t make assumptions about us. Although I agree that some EMHC’s may have their hearts in the wrong place, that isn’t the case with all of us.
C
Crusader
Guest
- I disagree, but I wish RS had said “does not enter sanctuary.” Heck, then again, the abusers would find a way around that – as many detest even the idea of a sanctuary and nave.
- In very limited cases perhaps. Certainly not the horrible situations that are so common today.
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WBB
Guest
You are right. We used to have “Captains” whose job it was to go to the tabernacle and remove the ciborium and place it on the altar. Now only the priest or deacon goes to the tabernacle. I find the way that our parish has approached EMHC is good and respectful. We are not all standing around in the sanctuary holding hands and the like, but we are waiting in the nave with the rest of the parish waiting to receive the Lord (the only difference is that we actually approach the altar to get the vessels we need to aid in the distribution of the sacred species). We have a very large parish…at times 600 or more communicants at Mass and there are 7 Masses on a weekend, so I feel that EMHC are useful, but to say that they are “needed” is a bit much.
C
Crusader
Guest
Please don’t generalize, and please don’t stereotype.
Answer me this. I attend the exact same parish in the exact same church building that I did as a kid. The number of people who attend the Mass I attend is about the same, perhaps a bit smaller.
One priest used to distribute holy communion either though one species of through intinction. Why does it now take a priest, NINE EMsHS and two “captains” to distribute communion under both kinds?
This ABUSE has nothing to do with using EMsHC. It has to do with **abusing the use of EMsHC. **This is in no way unique to my parish. It seems common to perhaps 95-99% of all Catholic parishes I have visited in recent years.
M
Marauder
Guest
Crusader said:
Actually the reason RS doesn’t say “may not enter the sanctuary” because that is what was meant. Depending on the size of the sanctuary, EMHCs can be in the sanctuary or enter the sanctuary without approaching the altar.
At the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where everything is done “by the book”, the EMHCs walk in the processional and sit in the sanctuary. They do not approach the altar until after the priest(s) receives communion.
At my church, the EMHCs sit in the pews and after the Lamb of God they line up outside the sanctuary. That way, people can count the number of priests, deacons, and EMHCs present and know if more are needed. All the EMHCs know the number of required people to distribute communion at every Mass. (weekdays, 2, Sunday Mass w/o Precious Blood, 6, Sunday Mass w/ Precious Blood 10) All the numbers are including any priests and deacons present. This is in a parish with 4000 registered families.
Yes there are abuses, but just because some people do not like EMHCs and SOME EMHCs may do their job wrong, doesn’t mean all EMHCs are bad.
It is the responsability of the priest to make sure the EMHCs are doing their job right and they are not overused. If the priest is doing his job wrong, it should be reported to the Bishop. If he doesn’t do anything it should be reported to the Vatican Nuncio.
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Crusader
Guest
It sounds as though your parish has created a monster. It would be fascinating to understand how they distributed communion prior to the use of EMsHC.
Too often parishes base their “need” for EMsHC on the bloated, horrendous numbers in current use, without actually starting from a clean slate and ascertaining the *actual *number needed.
As for the language about not entering the sanctuary, that would mean little difference. The abusers would still be abusive…
M
Marauder
Guest
Assuming a lot about my parish aren’t you. What if I tell you that EVERY Sunday Mass has EVERY pew full. Some Masses may not be overfull, but all are full.
You assume a lot don’t you. If our priest feels that there are too many EMHCs he will tell them to sit down. Our parish has tried numerous models with varying numbers of EMHCs and this is the one that works. Like I said it is a large parish, the largest in the county and one of the largest in the Archdiocese.
J
Joanne_ca
Guest
Thank You Crusader!
Everytime I see your posts, it’s makes me realize I made the right choice in only attending TLM.
Everytime I see your posts, it’s makes me realize I made the right choice in only attending TLM.
F
FenianMan
Guest
We still haven’t addressed the issue, though. Clearly the Church functioned for a very, very long time without having recourse the extraordinary ministers. By definition, these persons are acting in an extra-ordinary fashion. Habitual use (every Sunday), let alone normative use (daily) is clearly an abuse even of the title. The problem, as I see it, rests on two fundamental problems: 1) The rampant insistence on distributing under both species all the time, and 2) The excessive numbers of persons receiving communion. Without presuming to judge individual person’s souls, one need only watch the numbers at the confessional on Saturday and the numbers that receive communion on Sunday. Now, some parishes with good priests have been blessed in either avoiding this or have been able to rectify it, but most of the country has not. This is a significant problem and one that the priests will have to answer for, at least in part, with regard to precisely what constitutes mortal sin and how frequently one ought to confess. The problem of both species is just goofy as now we have whole generations of utraquists running about feeling “cheated” out of the Precious Blood. *Sacrosanctum Concilium *certainly never envisioned the situation present in so many parishes now, whereby extraordinary ministers distribute the cup at daily Mass, let alone every Sunday Mass.
M
Marauder
Guest
In my parish, EMHCs are used every Sunday since there are 4000 familes in the parish, but a particular EMHC is only used at most once a month. What do you propose for churches that have large numbers of people present? The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception can have 2000 or more people at one Mass. Even with all 4 priests assigned to the church distributing, it would take forever. It is great when lots of priests are visiting the Shrine and all the people distributing communion are priests and/or deacons but it doesn’t happen every Mass.
Our priest allows for the distribution of communion under both species at daily Mass. Usually there are no deacons present, so an EMHC has to distribute it. It is his choice to allow communion under both species. Except for holy days of obligation it is only the priest and one EMHC.
At our parish it is only done at weekday Masses and the 10:30 Sunday Mass. All other are only in the form of the host.
As with all the instances of EMHC abuse. Training is required. In my parish there are always long lines for Confession. Not long enough but they are long.
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