Eucharistic Minister and blessing

[LeahInancsi]

" … the blessing of anyone by an EME at Communion time is a VAIN gesture, which does NOTHING for the recipient …" – Source.

I agree.

Yes, you “climb over the person in front of you who is a non-communicant”.

Decades ago when the majority of folks did not receive communion climbing over the person in front of you who was a non-communicant was not a problem. I don’t understand why it would be a problem today when only a minority of folks do not receive – much less people to climb over than before.

I wasn’t being sarcastic when I asked that question. Before I converted and did not go forth in the communion line, I don’t recall my staying in the pew a problem. It’s only been lately that it’s difficult to climb over people.

 

[Damascus]

I wasn’t being sarcastic when I asked that question. Before I converted and did not go forth in the communion line, I don’t recall my staying in the pew a problem. It’s only been lately that it’s difficult to climb over people.

When I was a non smoker I dont recall my non smoking offending anyone.
Now that I am a smoker, its getting difficult to deal with the offeneded non smokers.

 

[tequilamac]

I for one did not think it was funny atALL…

And it made me even more upset than I was before about EMHC’s than I ever have been before!!!

How bold to sit in judgement simply because one is an EMHC.

How dare you put yourself above the sinner when you are one yourself?

Would you prefer a sinners only side??? Sinners who VALUE the SACRAMENT enough to abstain AS THEY SHOULD?

You are more worried about getting the Mass to FLOW???

URRRGHHH…

I am really Thanks OP! YOu cinched it up nicely!

Damascus- what are you yelling at me about? What are your talking about here? My post was disallowing that people would be interrupting “the flow” if they did not receive. What in the world are you responding to here?

 

[Sir_Knight]

tequilamac, don’t feel bad. I couldn’t follow that either.

 

[Damascus]

Damascus- what are you yelling at me about? What are your talking about here? My post was disallowing that people would be interrupting “the flow” if they did not receive. What in the world are you responding to here?

I bolded the OP here T.M. Its my response to her- I added your post to mine only to highlight the fact that this OP has really confused and estranged me More So to the role of the EMHC. I cant understand how a new convert never saw a problem with her sitting in the pew yet Now, She does…

???

Cause ssooooo muchhhh hasss changed in the few years she has been doing this???/

Yeah like I am yelling at you —??? who understands what they are there to do and not there to do…

Why do you ask me when you know I am not a liberal?

 

[tequilamac]

tequilamac, don’t feel bad. I couldn’t follow that either.

Ah, I’ve got it now. This was Damascus’ way of showing support for what I wrote. It’s cool.

 

[billpenn]

I found the following when I was looking for an answer:

Blessings and Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers

Answered by Colin B. Donovan, STL

I found this part of interest to me: “The laity can impose some sacramentals (ashes, St. Blaise blessing), but using objects previously blessed by the ordained.”

A couple of weeks ago I made the sign of the cross on my sister’s forehead with holy water, and said “May Almight God bless you in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.”

I was concerned that maybe I should not have done that, but the above statement seems to say it is OK.

I know I have walked through my home sprinkling holy water in each room and saying “Bless this house, and all who enter here.”…so I guess that is OK too…

 

[Sir_Knight]

Anyone can give a blessing but only someone who is ordained (bishop, priest and sometimes a deacon under certain conditions) can give an official church blessing. The problem comes into the picture when people go up for a blessing THINKING that they ARE getting a church blessing when in reality they are not. For that reason, EMHC should reframe from giving blessings. A blessing from them is the same as a blessing that you would receive from your spouse or sibling but a blessing from a priest IS an official church blessing. Two entirely different things.

 

[marci]

Things I never do:

I don’t receive the Eucharist from anyone other than the priest (no matter how long the line)

I don’t ask for a blessing in the communion line (why should I when we all receive a blessing at the end of mass.)

I never receive the Eucharist without being properly disposed (ie examination of conscience, confession) The only shame I feel in remaining in the pews during communion stems from the fact that I know, through my own sin, I am separating myself from Christ. I pray during this time that I will give a good confession as soon as possible and that the Lord will help me to cease whatever sin I am commiting that forces me to refrain from receiving the Eucharist. As far as whatever anyone else thinks about the fact that I remain in the pew–I pray that everyone who is approaching Jesus in the communion line does so with reverence, respect, and without mortal sin on their soul, becuase it is far worse to walk up and receive when one is not in the proper state, then to remain seated and face some embarasment.

If more catholics TRUELY BELIEVED in the REAL PRESENCE two things would happen; more people would remain in the pews and communion lines would be smaller, or more people would be in line for confession and fewer people would remain in the pews. As it is now, fewer people remain in the pews and fewer people stand in line at the confessional. (at least this is what I have observed)

Something is amiss.

 

[tequilamac]

Things I never do:

I don’t receive the Eucharist from anyone other than the priest (no matter how long the line)

I don’t ask for a blessing in the communion line (why should I when we all receive a blessing at the end of mass.)

I never receive the Eucharist without being properly disposed (ie examination of conscience, confession) The only shame I feel in remaining in the pews during communion stems from the fact that I know, through my own sin, I am separating myself from Christ. I pray during this time that I will give a good confession as soon as possible and that the Lord will help me to cease whatever sin I am commiting that forces me to refrain from receiving the Eucharist. As far as whatever anyone else thinks about the fact that I remain in the pew–I pray that everyone who is approaching Jesus in the communion line does so with reverence, respect, and without mortal sin on their soul, becuase it is far worse to walk up and receive when one is not in the proper state, then to remain seated and face some embarasment.

If more catholics TRUELY BELIEVED in the REAL PRESENCE two things would happen; more people would remain in the pews and communion lines would be smaller, or more people would be in line for confession and fewer people would remain in the pews. As it is now, fewer people remain in the pews and fewer people stand in line at the confessional. (at least this is what I have observed)

Something is amiss.

Personally I find it a relief to see some people not receive Communion. It creates security for me and it is a tremendously excellent example for my kids.

It is a much better example for my kids to see the next door neighbor not receive than it is for them to see their Social Studies teacher receive when they have been in class with him that week and know what he taught was wrong, or the English Teacher be a EMHC when they have also been in class with them.

By the time they get home from school and listening to their fellow catholics teaching in school- the neighbor who does not receive is probably the closet person they have come to a person who behaves reverently and takes their religion seriously other than the priest.

If we could honestly say that everyone in line and the EMHC’s should receive, they are in that state of grace, then sure, these people would provide an example.

But in a small town like mine, the example they set is one of God’s forgiveness only. Because the kids know what the people have been doing all week and watch them receive anyway.

I used the teachers for an example. I could easily replace them with the Catholic bar owner who was hanging with his customers outside within the kid’s earshot.
Or the store clerk who showed up at the bowling alley with a boyfriend rather than her husband.
Or the mother of one of their best friends who they are aware went to have an abortion. etc. etc.
People think kids and teens are blissfully unaware of what goes on around them. I have found them on the contrary to be an excellent source of the latest “news.”
So, when I see someone refraining from the Communion line, I feel better because I know there is at least one guy in town who has an actual conscience. It is like God sparing the world because ten just men could be found.

 

[Sir_Knight]

I don’t receive the Eucharist from anyone other than the priest (no matter how long the line)

Why?

 

[marci]

I don’t receive from Eucharistic Ministers because I believe that only the priest who through the Sacrament of Holy Orders has the ability through consecrated hands to consecrate and deliver the host to the receipiant. Therefore, I receive on the tongue unless the priest is personally opposed to this (which some are). In that circumstance I will take in the hand rather than cause a disruption in the communion line.

I believe that there should be a visible separation between the ordained ministers of the church and the laity. The laity should never (in my opinion) mimic the actions that are reserved for the priesthood, ie blessings.

I think that if the lay faithful want to serve the church in performing the duties traditionally reserved for the station of Holy Orders, than they should consider that maybe God is calling them to a vocation to the priesthood, or to be a sister.

If they feel that this is not the path of faith for them (Holy Orders) than perhaps they should try to find grace in the vocation that they have chosen, matrimony for example.
Many a saint has come out of that vocation, and many a priest has come out of a devout family whose parents lived out a pious married life and instilled this in their children.

By no means do I beleive that this applies to all, but I believe that for some, insitance on participating in what used to be traditionaly priestly duties is more about their own pride and vanity, then truely service to God. Now, I know that sounds harsh, but I believe one of the greatest virtues, or characteristics of sainthood, is HUMILITY. This is what I am trying to teach my children. It matters little that the whole of the world may see your pius nature, but only God knows the virtueous heart.

“At that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Who thinkest thou is the greater in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them, and said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven.”
St. Matthew 18:1-4

 

[tequilamac]

I don’t receive from Eucharistic Ministers because I believe that only the priest who through the Sacrament of Holy Orders has the ability through consecrated hands to consecrate and deliver the host to the receipiant. Therefore, I receive on the tongue unless the priest is personally opposed to this (which some are). In that circumstance I will take in the hand rather than cause a disruption in the communion line.

I believe that there should be a visible separation between the ordained ministers of the church and the laity. The laity should never (in my opinion) mimic the actions that are reserved for the priesthood, ie blessings.

I think that if the lay faithful want to serve the church in performing the duties traditionally reserved for the station of Holy Orders, than they should consider that maybe God is calling them to a vocation to the priesthood, or to be a sister.

If they feel that this is not the path of faith for them (Holy Orders) than perhaps they should try to find grace in the vocation that they have chosen, matrimony for example.
Many a saint has come out of that vocation, and many a priest has come out of a devout family whose parents lived out a pious married life and instilled this in their children.

By no means do I beleive that this applies to all, but I believe that for some, insitance on participating in what used to be traditionaly priestly duties is more about their own pride and vanity, then truely service to God. Now, I know that sounds harsh, but I believe one of the greatest virtues, or characteristics of sainthood, is HUMILITY. This is what I am trying to teach my children. It matters little that the whole of the world may see your pius nature, but only God knows the virtueous heart.

“At that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Who thinkest thou is the greater in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them, and said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven.”
St. Matthew 18:1-4

I pretty much agree with this. And more. I receive only from the priest as much as possible. We have a priest. We are blessed to have a priest. Why not take advantage of having a priest?
Also the priesthood has been soundly knocked of recent. Catholics can vote with their feet as well as the next guy. We can walk down the priest’s side of the aisle as a vote of confidence in our priesthood and our magesterium.
And again- anyone who wants to get so close to Holy Orders that they are doing what priests do, should consider their vocation as an actual priest or deacon instead of an EMHC.
And again receiving from the priest instead of a lay person whenever possible sets an example to our children how important the priesthood is to us.

 

[palmas85]

Why?

I cannot answer for the person you were responding to but for me it boils down to a simple yet often overlooked or maybe forgotten fact. During the Mass the Priest acts in the place of Christ. In fact, it is Christ working through the Priest by virtue of the Sacrament of Holy Orders that even allows the Host to be consecrated, It doesn’t matter if you have a million of the laity there, the consecration will not and never has taken place without the presence of one validly ordained Priest. Period.

I was taught through my old Baltimore Catechism that during the Mass, instead of seeing the Priest as a man, I should see him as Christ himself because he and he alone had that awesome responsibility and authority. No one else.

It has been my experience that the hordes of Extraordinary Ministers that normally manifest themselves at MOST Masses are in no way needed and in fact constitute an abuse of their function. I see absolutely no reason for me to contribute to that abuse. So I will seek out the Priest and if for some reason he runs out before I get there, I will return to my seat kneel down and ask for spiritual communion, also as I was taught to do oh so many years ago.

 

[Sir_Knight]

Once the host is consecrated [sp] (by a priest), it makes no difference if you receive that host from a bishop, priest, deacon or Extraordinary Minister – Christ will still come into your soul in EXACTLY the SAME way – no matter who you receive from.

I find it “interesting” that anyone would pick giving up an opportunity to sacramentally receive our Lord rather than receive from a Extraordinary Minister.

 

[Sir_Knight]

I don’t receive from Eucharistic Ministers because I believe that only the priest who through the Sacrament of Holy Orders has the ability through consecrated hands to consecrate and deliver the host to the receipiant.

The last part (“deliver the host to the receipiant”) is in contradiction with official church teaching because the church DOES allow lay Eucharistic Ministers to distribute communion.

Let me ask you a “what if”

What if when you become older, you find yourself homebound. As the number of priests are decreasing, it will be unlikely that a priest will be able to bring you communion. Will you deny yourself sacramentally receiving our Lord and all of the blessings and graces that are contained in the Eucharist if He is only available from a Eucharistic Ministers?

If the answer is “yes”, then I find that very sad. If the answer is “no”, then you really have no reason not to receive from one now.

 

[tequilamac]

The last part (“deliver the host to the receipiant”) is in contradiction with official church teaching because the church DOES allow lay Eucharistic Ministers to distribute communion.

Let me ask you a “what if”

What if when you become older, you find yourself homebound. As the number of priests are decreasing, it will be unlikely that a priest will be able to bring you communion. Will you deny yourself sacramentally receiving our Lord and all of the blessings and graces that are contained in the Eucharist if He is only available from a Eucharistic Ministers?

If the answer is “yes”, then I find that very sad. If the answer is “no”, then you really have no reason not to receive from one now.

Yes. We know this. I believe Marci also knows the Host distributed by the EMHC is the same Host distributed by the priest. But that is not the point. The point is the priest is ordained by God to re-present Christ. Just as a lay person does not want their confession heard and absolution given by any other than Christ, there is no reason to assume that a lay person would rather not receive the Host from the hands of Christ rather than a lay person. It is just not a difficult concept once one remembers who the priest is supposed to be.
Most EMHC’s if asked, most but not all, will tell you they prefer to receive the Host from the priest themselves rather than another EMHC. It is rather an odd duck who says otherwise.

 

[Sir_Knight]

The focus should not be FROM WHO you are receiving but WHO you are receiving. Whether the host comes from a EMHC or the Pope, it is still Jesus that is coming to us and that is what the Mass is mainly about – receiving Jesus into our minds, hearts, bodies and souls … NOT where He comes from.

 

[marci]

The last part (“deliver the host to the receipiant”) is in contradiction with official church teaching because the church DOES allow lay Eucharistic Ministers to distribute communion.

I realize that the church allows Eucharistic Ministers to give communion, but I think in doing so as a habit, rather than in extraordinary circumstances, it lowers the level of the priesthood and elevates the level of the laity (sorry, couldn’t think of a better way to put this).

I’ll say it again, if the laity wishes so desprately to be able to perform the roles traditionally reserved for the priesthood, than maybe they should consider whether God is calling them to Holy Orders.

What if when you become older, you find yourself homebound. As the number of priests are decreasing, it will be unlikely that a priest will be able to bring you communion.

I dare say that had it not been for the secular, pop culture, “fresh breeze” mentality that pushed it’s way into the church after Vatican II, perhaps the priest shortage we are now facing would not be as large of a problem (which I agree is sad fact). But, isn’t it amazing that the more traditional seminaries are full to the brim with good, holy and traditional young seminarians. I read somewhere once (could be wrong about this) that as much as a third of the clergy left their orders shortly after Vatican II.

Will you deny yourself sacramentally receiving our Lord and all of the blessings and graces that are contained in the Eucharist if He is only available from a Eucharistic Ministers?

If the answer is “yes”, then I find that very sad. If the answer is “no”, then you really have no reason not to receive from one now.

It is my prayer that with the return to tradition, that I believe the Holy Father is working toward, there will be a renewal in the church, and that with it many young men will listen to and heed the call from God to Holy Orders.

Let us all pray the rosary for vocations to the priesthood.

 

[palmas85]

Once the host is consecrated [sp] (by a priest), it makes no difference if you receive that host from a bishop, priest, deacon or Extraordinary Minister – Christ will still come into your soul in EXACTLY the SAME way – no matter who you receive from.

I find it “interesting” that anyone would pick giving up an opportunity to sacramentally receive our Lord rather than receive from a Extraordinary Minister.

Why would that surprise you? As I said, I was taught to view the Priest not as just any priest but as the supreme Priest Christ re-presenting the sacrifice at Calvary to the father… You call it passing up the opportunity to receive Christ. I look at it as receiving this great gift in the most respectful and meaningful manner possible. That means at least to me receiving from the Priest. I accept tha fact that the Chucrh has decided, at least for now, to allow the laity the great privilige of assisting the Priest in this duty. Hopefully due to the outright abuse of the system by both the laity and quite frankly either lazy of modernist thinking priests, the practice will be curtailed.

Besides, spiritual communion also works and has often served me in the past when for whatever reason I was unable to receive.