Eucharistic Ministers

[momorios]

What does it take exactley to be a Eucharistic Minister at Mass…for a lay person?

I’ve been feeling for a few months now the yearning to give of my time to my church and God in this way…and I don’t know if only certain people can participate in this.

Can someone answer this please…God Bless :whacky:

 

[AltarMan]

momorios:

What does it take exactley to be a Eucharistic Minister at Mass…for a lay person?

I’ve been feeling for a few months now the yearning to give of my time to my church and God in this way…and I don’t know if only certain people can participate in this.

Can someone answer this please…God Bless :whacky:

I dunno exactly – 5+ years of seminary and ordination for a male? Females cannot be “Eucharistic Ministers” under any circumstances.

The laity can become extraordinary ministers of holy communion and unfortunately there are next to no requirements, except perhaps being a confirmed Catholic Christian.

In some dioceses I think you can become a EMHC if you have the ability to fog a mirror. In others you might actually receive a bit of instruction and you might actually even be installed by the bishop or his proxy…

 

[Tantum_ergo]

Talk to your priest. (BTW, the newer term is “Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion”, as according to the Vatican the proper use for the term “Eucharistic Minister” should only apply to a priest).

Usually what is required is that the person be a baptized Catholic, most often confirmed as well, in most if not all places over the age of 16 (though I believe that younger children have assisted in some parishes specifically in parish school masses for children), who is living according to the tenets of the Catholic faith–meaning attending church faithfully on Sundays and holy days, NOT in a state of mortal sin, not dissenting from the teachings of the Magesterium.

Most parishes have the candidate go through instruction on the whys and wherefores (do not let a communicant self-intinct, if a Host falls on the floor it must be picked up and consumed reverently, what to do if the precious Blood spills, the proper way to carry the Host --in a pyx–, etc.). Many parishes have ceremonies to “install” or recognize the person at the conclusion of the instruction.

God bless.

 

[Eileen_T]

AltarMan:

In some dioceses I think you can become a EMHC if you have the ability to fog a mirror.

You have that requirement too? LOL

 

[totustuusmaria]

momorios:

What does it take exactley to be a Eucharistic Minister at Mass…for a lay person?

I’ve been feeling for a few months now the yearning to give of my time to my church and God in this way…and I don’t know if only certain people can participate in this.

Can someone answer this please…God Bless :whacky:

To be an extraordinary minister it requires that you be imputed by the Ordinary of the Diocese. You no lay person has the right to touch the Sacred Species without permission (as, say, a priest or deacon as “ordinary” ministers do), the only way to administer the Eucharist as a lay person is to receive permission.

It goes like this: you tell your priest you want to be an extraordinary minister (outside of the ordinary), he requests permission of the Bishop. The Bishop (if he’s like most bishops) grants permission. The priest says a prayer over you from the book of blessings or some other liturgical prayer book. Bingo, you’re an EM in that diocese for the next year.

I’m not recommending that people become Extraordinary Ministers since the more people who become them, the more ordinary it becomes; but that’s how you do it, anyway.

PLEASE NOTE: if you do serve as an EM, MAKE SURE YOU ARE IMPUTED! If your priest says: “you don’t need permission, just do it” don’t do it just because he says so. Laypersons don’t have a right to handle the Eucharist, and unless yoru ordinary has said you can and you’ve been through the liturgy imputing you, you probablys houldn’t be doing it.

 

[AltarMan]

totustuusmaria:

To be an extraordinary minister it requires that you be imputed by the Ordinary of the Diocese. You no lay person has the right to touch the Sacred Species without permission (as, say, a priest or deacon as “ordinary” ministers do), the only way to administer the Eucharist as a lay person is to receive permission.

It goes like this: you tell your priest you want to be an extraordinary minister (outside of the ordinary), he requests permission of the Bishop. The Bishop (if he’s like most bishops) grants permission. The priest says a prayer over you from the book of blessings or some other liturgical prayer book. Bingo, you’re an EM in that diocese for the next year.

I’m not recommending that people become Extraordinary Ministers since the more people who become them, the more ordinary it becomes; but that’s how you do it, anyway.

PLEASE NOTE: if you do serve as an EM, MAKE SURE YOU ARE IMPUTED! If your priest says: “you don’t need permission, just do it” don’t do it just because he says so. Laypersons don’t have a right to handle the Eucharist, and unless yoru ordinary has said you can and you’ve been through the liturgy imputing you, you probablys houldn’t be doing it.

A priest does not need the prior approval of his bishop to use any layperson as an EMHC. They can pick people to serve as needed.

That said there is a process to be installed as an EMHC for a definite period – usually 1-3 years by the bishop. This is wonderful but not required.

 

[John_Lilburne]

One way to become an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is to become an instituted acolyte. These are permanent Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

The requirements for this are given in the Motu Proprio of 1972 Ministeria Quaedam:

"7. In accordance with the ancient tradition of the Church, institution to the ministries of reader and acolyte is reserved to men.

"8. The following are requirements for admission to the ministries:

“a.the presentation of a petition that has been freely made out and signed by the aspirant to the Ordinary (the bishop and, in clerical institutes, the major superior) who has the right to accept the petition;
b.a suitable age and special qualities to be determined by the conference of bishops;
c.a firm will to give faithful service to God and the Christian people.”

I think the procedure to become an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion were slightly changed with the Instruction of 2004, Redemptionis Sacramentum.

In 1973 the Instruction Immensae caritatis described the appointment of these “in a given instance or for a set period or even permanently”. (Documents on the Liturgy, Liturgical Press, 1982, ISBN 0-8146-1281-4, page 651, n. 2075). The 2004 Instruction changes this to “one occasion or for a specified time”. (Redemptionis Sacramentum, n. 155)

A Rite of Commissioning was also published, with the 1973 instruction: “When the local Ordinary or his delegate deputes anyone in particular circumstances as a special minister of holy communion, that person should receive a mandate according to the following rite. This rite may take place either within or outside Mass, with a congregation present.” (Documents on the Liturgy, n. 2949).

This rite was “advisable” rather than essential: “If there is time, it is advisable that the fit person chosen … should receive a commission (mandatum) according to the rite annexed to this Instruction.” (Documents on the Liturgy, n. 2080).

The 2004 Instruction highlights this, in n. 155: “This act of appointment, however, does not necessarily take a liturgical form, nor, if it does take a liturgical form, should it resemble sacred Ordination in any way.”

The appointments were made in the 1973 Instruction by the “local Ordinary or his delegate” but in the 2004 Instruction “by the diocesan bishop”.

So now to be properly appointed as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (other than an instituted acolyte) I think you need a document signed by the diocesan bishop, including an expiry date for the appointment.

However, as the 2004 Instruction has in 155: “Finally, in special cases of an unforeseen nature, permission can be given for a single occasion by the Priest who presides at the celebration of the Eucharist.”

 

[puzzleannie]

momorios:

What does it take exactley to be a Eucharistic Minister at Mass…for a lay person?

I’ve been feeling for a few months now the yearning to give of my time to my church and God in this way…and I don’t know if only certain people can participate in this.

Can someone answer this please…God Bless :whacky:

in general the requirements are that the person be a fully initiated Catholic adult, (bishop determines the age) living in harmony with Catholic teaching, including Church laws on marriage. In this diocese they are supposed to complete a course of instruction at our new lay ministry institute, which includes Basic Catholic Doctrine and specific instruction on their ministry. Not all parishes are complying with the bishop’s directive to make sure all lay ministers are trained. Some still follow the formal practice of having an experienced minister do the training.

the person should be physically able to perform the duties reverently. I don’t serve because I cannot hold the cup with my arthritis.

 

[AltarMan]

John Lilburne:

One way to become an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is to become an instituted acolyte. These are permanent Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

The requirements for this are given in the Motu Proprio of 1972 Ministeria Quaedam:

"7. In accordance with the ancient tradition of the Church, institution to the ministries of reader and acolyte is reserved to men.

"8. The following are requirements for admission to the ministries:

“a.the presentation of a petition that has been freely made out and signed by the aspirant to the Ordinary (the bishop and, in clerical institutes, the major superior) who has the right to accept the petition;
b.a suitable age and special qualities to be determined by the conference of bishops;
c.a firm will to give faithful service to God and the Christian people.”

I think the procedure to become an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion were slightly changed with the Instruction of 2004, Redemptionis Sacramentum.

In 1973 the Instruction Immensae caritatis described the appointment of these “in a given instance or for a set period or even permanently”. (Documents on the Liturgy, Liturgical Press, 1982, ISBN 0-8146-1281-4, page 651, n. 2075). The 2004 Instruction changes this to “one occasion or for a specified time”. (Redemptionis Sacramentum, n. 155)

A Rite of Commissioning was also published, with the 1973 instruction: “When the local Ordinary or his delegate deputes anyone in particular circumstances as a special minister of holy communion, that person should receive a mandate according to the following rite. This rite may take place either within or outside Mass, with a congregation present.” (Documents on the Liturgy, n. 2949).

This rite was “advisable” rather than essential: “If there is time, it is advisable that the fit person chosen … should receive a commission (mandatum) according to the rite annexed to this Instruction.” (Documents on the Liturgy, n. 2080).

The 2004 Instruction highlights this, in n. 155: “This act of appointment, however, does not necessarily take a liturgical form, nor, if it does take a liturgical form, should it resemble sacred Ordination in any way.”

The appointments were made in the 1973 Instruction by the “local Ordinary or his delegate” but in the 2004 Instruction “by the diocesan bishop”.

So now to be properly appointed as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (other than an instituted acolyte) I think you need a document signed by the diocesan bishop, including an expiry date for the appointment.

However, as the 2004 Instruction has in 155: “Finally, in special cases of an unforeseen nature, permission can be given for a single occasion by the Priest who presides at the celebration of the Eucharist.”

Good luck. I don’t believe there are 5 (arch)dioceses that institute either acolytes OR lectors in the USA…

 

[palmas85]

momorios:

What does it take exactley to be a Eucharistic Minister at Mass…for a lay person?

I’ve been feeling for a few months now the yearning to give of my time to my church and God in this way…and I don’t know if only certain people can participate in this.

Can someone answer this please…God Bless :whacky:

Judging from the sheer numbers of them I would have to assume it is a fairly easy thing to accomplish. And, in all honesty since most of the ones I’ve seen over the years all seem to do their own thing up there, there doesn’t appear to be any hard and fast rules about training or anything bothersome like that.

I mean absolutely no disrespect to those who take this duty for WHAT IT IS, do it responsibly and in the manner it was INTENDED . But when you consistantly have 6-8 Extraordinary Ministers for a fifty or sixty person congregation, you begin to realize that something is seriously out of whack back in the Sacristy.

Don’t let my cynicism dissuade you though. If you truly feel the call to do it, speak with the Parish Priest or even one of the Ministers themselves. They could always use a few more I guess.

 

[Sir_Knight]

totustuusmaria:

To be an extraordinary minister it requires that you be imputed by the Ordinary of the Diocese. You no lay person has the right to touch the Sacred Species without permission (as, say, a priest or deacon as “ordinary” ministers do), the only way to administer the Eucharist as a lay person is to receive permission.

It goes like this: you tell your priest you want to be an extraordinary minister (outside of the ordinary), he requests permission of the Bishop. The Bishop (if he’s like most bishops) grants permission. The priest says a prayer over you from the book of blessings or some other liturgical prayer book. Bingo, you’re an EM in that diocese for the next year.

I’m not recommending that people become Extraordinary Ministers since the more people who become them, the more ordinary it becomes; but that’s how you do it, anyway.

PLEASE NOTE: if you do serve as an EM, MAKE SURE YOU ARE IMPUTED! If your priest says: “you don’t need permission, just do it” don’t do it just because he says so. Laypersons don’t have a right to handle the Eucharist, and unless yoru ordinary has said you can and you’ve been through the liturgy imputing you, you probablys houldn’t be doing it.

The parish nun approached me after mass and said that she was in need of people to distribute communion in my neck of the woods to the sick & homebound and asked me if I was willing to do it. I said yes. We then went to the priest who said a prayer in Latin over me from some huge old book and I was told that I was now a EM.

Was I “imputed”? Do I have permission to be giving communion to people? If not, I’ve been doing it for several weeks. Am I doing some sort of abuse that I need to confess?

 

[Rebecca_New]

First and foremost, the correct term is Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. I think the Lord calls us to serve in many different ways. Pray to the Lord for guidance, and you will find the doors open to you. We attended an all day session at Christ the King Seminary, our teacher was a very wonderful Deacon. The next step was to be approved by the Parish Council and attend a Parish class. We have meetings occassionally to discuss any changes or problems.

 

[Elzee]

palmas85:

Judging from the sheer numbers of them I would have to assume it is a fairly easy thing to accomplish. .

This is true in some parishes I’m sure. We have over 130 EMHC’s in our parish. There are always 8-9 at every weekend Mass. At weekday Mass when there are roughly only 20 people typically there, there is still an EMHC helping to distribute communion. This person also takes the ciboriums back to the tabernacle instead of the priest…which is not allowed from what I understand.

I understand some people feel called to this, but I also know some who do it because they want to volunteer at something to be ‘active’ in the church, and this is a low time commitment…‘they are there anyway’ is what I’ve been told. I think that is very sad and such a disrespect to our Lord.

 

[AnnaRose]

When I became an EM there was a quick training session with little information. At mass I’ve noticed most EM hand out the host like free bubble gum and it’s done very hurriedly and no reverence. While vacationing in the mts. I went to a church where the elder priest reverently and slowly placed the host in your hand or on your tongue. I certainly felt like I received Jesus that day.

Usually I’m a minister to the cup, but if I do the host I take my time, don’t rush (no matter how long the line is) and handle Jesus preciously and with reverence.

As Catholics I believe we have a duty to practice what we believe. Maybe some just do it to volunteer and don’t believe it is Jesus, both body and soul, but just a symbol. We might want to ask ourselves what we do believe when we go to communion.

Forbidden fruit creates serious jams

 

[Elzee]

AnnaRose:

When I became an EM there was a quick training session with little information. At mass I’ve noticed most EM hand out the host like free bubble gum and it’s done very hurriedly and no reverence. While vacationing in the mts. I went to a church where the elder priest reverently and slowly placed the host in your hand or on your tongue. I certainly felt like I received Jesus that day.

Excellent point, AnnaRose. Unfortunately we have one priest who looks like he is dealing cards as opposed to giving people our Lord. But then, he also dumps the consecrated hosts from one plate to the next when he is at the altar, where, if you’re sitting up front you can hear them landing. I try not to wince but I think sometimes I do. It just makes me want to drop my jaw at the irreverence. Although I admit I’m one person who would rather have communion take longer and have it given by a priest or deacon to everyone if possible, God Bless the priests and EMHC’s who distribute communion with reverence.

 

[AltarMan]

Elzee:

This is true in some parishes I’m sure. We have over 130 EMHC’s in our parish. There are always 8-9 at every weekend Mass. At weekday Mass when there are roughly only 20 people typically there, there is still an EMHC helping to distribute communion. This person also takes the ciboriums back to the tabernacle instead of the priest…which is not allowed from what I understand.

I understand some people feel called to this, but I also know some who do it because they want to volunteer at something to be ‘active’ in the church, and this is a low time commitment…‘they are there anyway’ is what I’ve been told. I think that is very sad and such a disrespect to our Lord.

LOL! It sounds like we attend the same parish! The thing that really burns me is that these EMHC seem to install themselves for life…

 

[OhioBob]

Rebecca New:

…the next step was to be approved by the Parish Council …

EMHC approved by Parish Council, huh? At my parish that would be rather like Congress controlling their own pay raises. Oh wait, they do!.

But at least Parish Councils could verify that mirror-fogging thing…