Eucharistic Minister and blessing

[tequilamac]

I’m confused, too–especially by the info given from Colin Donovan. In it, Colin says that laypeople do not have the spiritual authority to confer a blessing. Yet, the quote from the catexhism given near the beginning of this thread clearly enunciates that laypeople do, indeed, have the spiritual authority to confer blessings–but that this authority is regulated by church law particularly when it involves ecclessial action.

Only priests can offer blessings, but the common priesthood is a real priesthood. It isn’t just a concept meant to placate the laity. The ministerial priesthood is configured for a different type of service, but that doesn’t make the universal priesthood any less official or dignified.

Colin’s answer seems to contradict the catechism reference. I don’t hold an STL, but I’m perfectly fine with an answer of, "yes, laypeople, as participants in the one priesthood of Christ can confer blessings, but the Church has the authority to regulate when and in what situations these blessings may be given.

I’m not fine with an answer that diminishes the fullness of the Church’s teaching regarding the priesthood of Christ and the ways in which the lay and ordained members of his body participate in it.

Keith

One way of looking at the difference in the “priestly blessings” is in the Eucharistic Sacrifice itself. This excerpt is Ineastimabile Donum prepared by the Sacred Congregation for the Sacraments and Divine Worship and approved by the Holy Father.

"But one must not forget the primary office of priests, who have been consecrated by their ordination to represent Christ the Priest: for this reason their hands, like their words and their will, have become the direct instruments of Christ."

The key word here is direct.
While this section concerned primarily the role differentiation between EMHC and priests, it also applies to the difference between lay and priestly (sacramental) blessings.

 

[MrS]

I’m not trying to sound ignorant here, but I ask in Jesus’ name every day to bless my family and loved ones… and even those i don’t love… how does this become different from an EU blessing in Jesus’ name? I’m always grateful for a blessing, because the Lord knows I need them!!! Am I sounding too protestant? Yikes!!

Whenever a priest visits my home, I always ask for his blessing before he leaves. When a need a rosary or crucifix blessed for a purpose, I ask a priest.

In neither case would I ask for a blessing from a lay person. They can pray for me all they want… Lord knows it could really help.

But the grace of a blessing is different. It is more “powerful” for want of a word. We laity don"t have a priest’s power to dispense that kind of blessing.

The EMHC does not have the special “power” of the priest either…

.The only way a lay person can do more… is for the priest to do less.

.

 

[Lion]

So what about my question…

 

[tequilamac]

So what about my question…

And again:

"But one must not forget the primary office of priests, who have been consecrated by their ordination to represent Christ the Priest: for this reason their hands, like their words and their will, have become the direct instruments of Christ."

The key word here is direct.

 

[Lion]

Whenever a priest visits my home, I always ask for his blessing before he leaves. When a need a rosary or crucifix blessed for a purpose, I ask a priest.

In neither case would I ask for a blessing from a lay person. They can pray for me all they want… Lord knows it could really help.

But the grace of a blessing is different. It is more “powerful” for want of a word. We laity don"t have a priest’s power to dispense that kind of blessing.

The EMHC does not have the special “power” of the priest either… they are an approved abuse to distribute communion. If we give them more inches… they will take the mile… and some are already trying.

.The only way a lay person can do more… is for the priest to do less.

.

The blessing of a holy object is not the same as distributing holy communion. The priest “institutionalizes” a EU to distirbute the Holy Eucharist to communicants. Although I am NOT claiming any special power for the EU (because that IS vanity) why can they distribute the Sacred Host , but not give a blessing in Jesus’ name? What is more powerful than the Eucharist? (and i’m sorry if in your parish there obuses taking place!)

 

[tequilamac]

The blessing of a holy object is not the same as distributing holy communion. The priest “institutionalizes” a EU to distirbute the Holy Eucharist to communicants. Although I am NOT claiming any special power for the EU (because that IS vanity) why can they distribute the Sacred Host , but not give a blessing in Jesus’ name? What is more powerful than the Eucharist? (and i’m sorry if in your parish there obuses taking place!)

You are missing the point. The sacramental action of the priest is not confined to the distribution of the Eucharist. This is why a lay person can distribute it as well under proper circumstances. But the EMHC cannot, absolutely cannot Consecrate the Host he is distributing. When you receive the priest’s blessing on you it is a Consecration of your person. A EMHC cannot **Consecrate. Understand? As I said earlier, the priest’s action is direct, **the EMHC action is not. **Consecration is direct **and must be administered by those who are chosen to represent DIRECTLY.

Two important words to remember: Consecration and Direct.

 

[Lion]

And again:

"But one must not forget the primary office of priests, who have been consecrated by their ordination to represent Christ the Priest: for this reason their hands, like their words and their will, have become the direct instruments of Christ."

The key word here is direct.

So why do we have EU’s? I think we have all had experiences of EU’s that has made us ponder… they are servants of the church which is supposed a servant of God… True, some are there because of the “grandeur”, however not all… Eu’s should never forget the primacy of priests or indeed God

 

[tequilamac]

So why do we have EU’s? I think we have all had experiences of EU’s that has made us ponder… they are servants of the church which is supposed a servant of God… True, some are there because of the “grandeur”, however not all… Eu’s should never forget the primacy of priests or indeed God

I just answered that:
forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=1677955&postcount=46

 

[Lion]

You are missing the point. The sacramental action of the priest is not confined to the distribution of the Eucharist. This is why a lay person can distribute it as well under proper circumstances. But the EMHC cannot, absolutely cannot Consecrate the Host he is distributing. When you receive the priest’s blessing on you it is a Consecration of your person. A EMHC cannot Consecrate. Understand? As I said earlier, the priest’s action is** direct**, the EMHC action is not. **Consecration is direct **and must be administered by those who are chosen to represent DIRECTLY.

Two important words to remember: Consecration and Direct.

Thank you for your continued posts!
I never, ever suggested that someone other than an ordained priest could consecrate… so non-issue
So why are priests even allowed to use EM’s?

 

[tequilamac]

Thank you for your continued posts!
I never, ever suggested that someone other than an ordained priest could consecrate… so non-issue
So why are priests even allowed to use EM’s?

Ever been to Midnight Mass in downtown New York? How about a huge wedding at Sts. Peter and Paul in S.F. Even the smaller cities get overcrowded on big feastdays. Sometimes priests break their legs or get sick and do not have a deacon to assist. That is why we call the EMHC’s “extra”. It does not mean extraordinary in the miracle sense or holy sense. It means “extra”. The priest is the Ordinary the lay is the extra ordinary. But it became abused. Everyone wanted to be an EMHC and they cling to their ministry like it is a sacred cow. And some priests are lazy.

 

[Lion]

I just answered that:
forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=1677955&postcount=46

Okay, perhaps i’m mising something here in what you are trying to tell me… i’m not purposely trying to be ??? (fill in whatever word fits your mood). I like this conversation because i want to learn and correct anything if it is something faulty in my thinking or beliefs or understanding. Can you maybe restate what it is you are trying to get across to me. Thanks!!

 

[Lion]

Ever been to Midnight Mass in downtown New York? How about a huge wedding at Sts. Peter and Paul in S.F. Even the smaller cities get overcrowded on big feastdays. Sometimes priests break their legs or get sick and do not have a deacon to assist. That is why we call the EMHC’s “extra”. It does not mean extraordinary in the miracle sense or holy sense. It means “extra”. The priest is the Ordinary the lay is the extra ordinary. But it became abused. Everyone wanted to be an EMHC and they cling to their ministry like it is a sacred cow. And some priests are lazy.

LOL, okay I see what you mean… but a generalization is a generalization… meaning not all EM’s are that way. I used to attend Notre Dame Basillica in Montreal and know of what you speak… And in fact, in my opinion, the smaller the parish, the more “abuse” one might witness… but whatever…
I still have not heard / read why giving a blessing is worse than giving our Lord in the Sacred Host
And BTW, thank you for staying with me on this thought and helping me to understand what you are trying to tell me… I DO appreciate it!!!

 

[tequilamac]

Okay, perhaps i’m mising something here in what you are trying to tell me… i’m not purposely trying to be ??? (fill in whatever word fits your mood). I like this conversation because i want to learn and correct anything if it is something faulty in my thinking or beliefs or understanding. Can you maybe restate what it is you are trying to get across to me. Thanks!!

The questions you asked in your posts 45, 47, 49. You did write those questions did you not?

 

[Lion]

The questions you asked in your posts 45, 47, 49. You did write those questions did you not?

Uhmm yeah , you know i did… what is your point?

 

[tequilamac]

LOL, okay I see what you mean… but a generalization is a generalization… meaning not all EM’s are that way. I used to attend Notre Dame Basillica in Montreal and know of what you speak… And in fact, in my opinion, the smaller the parish, the more “abuse” one might witness… but whatever…
I still have not heard / read why giving a blessing is worse than giving our Lord in the Sacred Host
And BTW, thank you for staying with me on this thought and helping me to understand what you are trying to tell me… I DO appreciate it!!!

“I still have not heard / read why giving a blessing is worse than giving our Lord in the Sacred Host”

I already answered that. Twice. Consecration. When a person is blessed by the priest, it is a consecration of the person to God’s service. The EMHC cannot Consecrate. Not the wine, not the Host, not a person. Because the priest directly represents Christ but the lay person needs the priest to be an intermediary. Because the lay minister needs an intermediary they cannot behave as if they directly consecrate. The action, especially if insisted on with full knowledge of the import is similar to that of impersonating a priest which is grounds for excommunication by the way. Just as a lay minister cannot give absolution, they cannot consecrate. But they can distribute with the Consecrator’s permission that which the *Consecrator *consecrated.

 

[Lion]

“I still have not heard / read why giving a blessing is worse than giving our Lord in the Sacred Host”

I already answered that. Twice. Consecration. When a person is blessed by the priest, it is a consecration of the person to God’s service. The EMHC cannot Consecrate. Not the wine, not the Host, not a person. Because the priest directly represents Christ but the lay person needs the priest to be an intermediary. Because the lay minister needs an intermediary they cannot behave as if they directly consecrate. The action, especially if insisted on with full knowledge of the import is similar to that of impersonating a priest which is grounds for excommunication by the way. Just as a lay minister cannot give absolution, they cannot consecrate. But they can distribute with the Consecrator’s permission that which the *Consecrator *consecrated.

So a blessing for someone not receiving communion is akin to consecrating the Eucharist?!?!?! That is definitely news to me!!!
If a priest allows a person to distribute Holy Communion, then what is the harm in giving a blessing? Simply saying “Blessings in Jesus”. I pray for people but am not a priest… does that mean my prayers are invalid… Granted, a priest’s blessing may carry more weight, however I would welcome any truly intentioned blessing. As children we say our nightly prayers starting with “God Bless” so-and-so… are those prayers, or blessings invalid?

 

[Lion]

“I still have not heard / read why giving a blessing is worse than giving our Lord in the Sacred Host”

I already answered that. Twice. Consecration. /I].

Methinks we are arguing two different points or are at least not on the same page about what we are trying to discuss

 

[tequilamac]

LOL, okay I see what you mean… but a generalization is a generalization… meaning not all EM’s are that way. I used to attend Notre Dame Basillica in Montreal and know of what you speak… And in fact, in my opinion, the smaller the parish, the more “abuse” one might witness… but whatever…
I still have not heard / read why giving a blessing is worse than giving our Lord in the Sacred Host
And BTW, thank you for staying with me on this thought and helping me to understand what you are trying to tell me… I DO appreciate it!!!

So a blessing for someone not receiving communion is akin to consecrating the Eucharist?!?!?! That is definitely news to me!!!
If a priest allows a person to distribute Holy Communion, then what is the harm in giving a blessing? Simply saying “Blessings in Jesus”. I pray for people but am not a priest… does that mean my prayers are invalid… Granted, a priest’s blessing may carry more weight, however I would welcome any truly intentioned blessing. As children we say our nightly prayers starting with “God Bless” so-and-so… are those prayers, or blessings invalid?

You do understand the difference between a person in holy orders such as a priest and a lay person, correct? I’m beginning to think you do not. for one thing a consecration is not only a blessing. Maybe you could ask your priest to explain the difference or your local RCIA director.

 

[Lion]

You do understand the difference between a person in holy orders such as a priest and a lay person, correct? I’m beginning to think you do not. for one thing a consecration is not only a blessing. Maybe you could ask your priest to explain the difference or your local RCIA director.

Okay so now you are just being condescending… You are obviously not reading what i write (and that may be fault), but whatever the case, I think we should part ways… have a great night and God Bless

 

[Damascus]

Ever been to Midnight Mass in downtown New York? How about a huge wedding at Sts. Peter and Paul in S.F. Even the smaller cities get overcrowded on big feastdays. Sometimes priests break their legs or get sick and do not have a deacon to assist. That is why we call the EMHC’s “extra”. It does not mean extraordinary in the miracle sense or holy sense. It means “extra”. The priest is the Ordinary the lay is the extra ordinary. But it became abused. Everyone wanted to be an EMHC and they cling to their ministry like it is a sacred cow. And some priests are lazy.

Well, agreed. But how about the whiny pew crew that demands a “quick” Mass? In my Parish they complain to the Priests so much that it is even mentioned in our bulletins how the priests are being berated so much to keep it brief! Amazing the lack of respect! A few more minutes and we would not need the “extra”!
The sick, one thing. The pleasing of the “masses” is quite another.
I would gladly stay longer to avoid the whole abuse.
What is worse is Priests sitting in the back pews WATCHING the mass only to rush out to greet people as they leave! And they could be distributing instead!
I think the parishioners have to shoulder some blame here too, at least in my parish. McEucharist will be next. Drive up.
Blessing? I think not. Its fine after Mass or before Mass for ANYONE to give their blessings to who they wish, but I dont want them to attempt it when I am receiving communion!