Eucharistic Ministers

[LeahInancsi]

If there is no rail kneel on the step, or on the floor in front of the altar. If there is no room then the church must be small in which case the priest can easily do it on his own. I have never heard of the third case, I believe communion under one form is perfectly sufficient and have never drunk from a chalice. Why would someone be unable to recieve the the Host and yeat able to drink from the Chalice?

How many people are in attendance at this fantasyland mass?

At my parish, approx 20 people could kneel in front of the altar at one time. 3,100 people in 5 masses each Sunday. 5 minutes for each group of 20 people to take their places in front of the altar, receive communion and get up and move away from the altar. That amounts to over 12 solid hours of the priest serving nothing but communion. No mass or time in between mass for people to come and go. Do you really think that’s realistic.

If you don’t like EMHC’s, then you should go to the priest for your communion. Otherwise, it’s no skin off your nose what the rest of us do.

BTW, some people cannot receive the host because they are alergic to wheat.

 

[LeahInancsi]

And I ask again, who is more qualified to make that determination – a priest who has formal training and actual experience or a non-priest who has no formal training or experience in this area?

AMEN!!!

 

[LilyM]

How many people are in attendance at this fantasyland mass?

At my parish, approx 20 people could kneel in front of the altar at one time. 3,100 people in 5 masses each Sunday. 5 minutes for each group of 20 people to take their places in front of the altar, receive communion and get up and move away from the altar. That amounts to over 12 solid hours of the priest serving nothing but communion. No mass or time in between mass for people to come and go. Do you really think that’s realistic.

If you don’t like EMHC’s, then you should go to the priest for your communion. Otherwise, it’s no skin off your nose what the rest of us do.

BTW, some people cannot receive the host because they are alergic to wheat.

I don’t think communion at a rail quite works that way, rather that individuals move away from the rail and are replaced as they receive, not a whole railful at one time.

But the point remains valid that it is a fair bit slower than the communion line, and in churches that do service large numbers of communicants, and have masses every hour of a Sunday it is a real concern to ensure that Masses are said and Communion distributed in a timely manner.

 

[jmcrae]

I don’t think communion at a rail quite works that way, rather that individuals move away from the rail and are replaced as they receive, not a whole railful at one time.

That’s true. The thing that really keeps it moving along in the TLM churches is the fact that all of the communicants are kneeling, with their heads up and their mouths open - the priest simply moves along to each person, says the words, and drops the Host into your mouth. As he’s moving on to the next person, you get up, and someone else takes your place - he never actually stops; he simply skates back and forth along the line until there’s no one left. It’s actually very efficient.

But that whole dynamic would change completely if everyone were standing up in a line, and if not everyone was receiving in the same way. I think it would start to get very clumsy, since the priest not only has to notice how the person is receiving, and reach up or down to that person’s level, as when people line up in the regular way - he’s also trying to walk, at the same time.

 

[LeahInancsi]

I don’t think communion at a rail quite works that way, rather that individuals move away from the rail and are replaced as they receive, not a whole railful at one time.

I don’t know how it works, but from the way he described it, that’s the picture I got. Especially when he mentioned kneeling at the rail. So many of the parish are old enough that they couldn’t kneel and get up without a lot of assistance.

 

[THurifer2]

50+ years ago people were taught that it was a sin to eat meat on Fridays. .

Actually are we not supposed to abstain from meat on Fridays? And if we do not we should exchange that abstinance with another equivalent fast or work of mercy?

Can. 1250 The penitential days and times in the universal Church are every Friday of the whole year and the season of Lent.

Can. 1251 Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

Can. 1252 The law of abstinence binds those who have completed their fourteenth year. …etc.

Can. 1253 The conference of bishops can determine more precisely the observance of fast and abstinence as well as substitute other forms of penance, especially works of charity and exercises of piety, in whole or in part, for abstinence and fast.

 

[LilyM]

Actually are we not supposed to abstain from meat on Fridays? And if we do not we should exchange that abstinance with another equivalent fast or work of mercy?

Can. 1250 The penitential days and times in the universal Church are every Friday of the whole year and the season of Lent.

Can. 1251 Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

Can. 1252 The law of abstinence binds those who have completed their fourteenth year. …etc.

Can. 1253 The conference of bishops can determine more precisely the observance of fast and abstinence as well as substitute other forms of penance, especially works of charity and exercises of piety, in whole or in part, for abstinence and fast.

Look at Canon 1253 again - the Bishops conferences of the US, UK, Australia and other countries have indeed opted to permit other penitential acts in lieu of abstinence on non-Lenten Fridays.

 

[Tish]

When I was asked to serve as a “special minister of communion” at our parish, I looked into it and found the document, "Redemtionist Sacramentum’. After reading this I was convinced that not only should I not become an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, but that they are over used in our parish. In one thread someone said that if one doesn’t want to go to a EM then just go to the priest. This does not always work, especially when you are approaching communion with 8 children who also want to receive from the priest - we could make a scene. Also, sometimes I am told by the priest to move to the line with the EM and he stands there, interupting distribution until I move. I am so saddened by the over us of EMs and I think if discourages vocations to the priesthood and laypeople begin to think we just don’t need the priests anyhow.

My question today is this: Is it ok for the priest to be standing at the altar after communion while the EMs replace the left over concecrated Hosts to the tabernacle? I thought the EM was to always be handed Jesus and that they should not be approaching the tabernacle to retrive or repace Him when a priest was available. Does anyone know where I can find information on this?

 

[Orionthehunter]

nice: OK, OK. Well I believe what I have always been taught.

To paraphrase the late Senator Moynihan, you are entitled to your opinions but as a Catholic you are not entitled to determine what is an abuse contrary to Church explicit teaching. The Church allows one to recieve in the hand.

You are however, entitled to choose your particular manner of receiving (in the hand or on the tongue) without recrimination. You should extend the same courtesy to those who choose to exercise their right to receive in the hand and not refer to it as an abuse.

 

[Allen537]

There is no need for Extraordinary Ministers of The Eucharist except in extraordinary circumstances.
If your short of time with only one priest to administer Comunnion, have the Faithful kneel at the altar rail, thus eliminating the need for abusive ‘Extraordinary Ministers’

I think that it is important to remember that the Church allows for EMHC in cases of pastoral need (and I think that it is in one way keeping with the spirit of the Second Vatican Council insofar as getting the lay people involved in the Liturgy) . That would mean that the Pastor of the Parish is the one who decides if there is “Pastoral Need”, not a member of the parish community. I do agree with you, however, that if a parish has a sufficient number of priests that could come and help out with the distribution of the Blessed Sacrament, then they should be enlisted instead of Eucharistic Ministers.

 

[Malcolm_McLean]

When I was asked to serve as a “special minister of communion” at our parish, I looked into it and found the document, "Redemtionist Sacramentum’. After reading this I was convinced that not only should I not become an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, but that they are over used in our parish. In one thread someone said that if one doesn’t want to go to a EM then just go to the priest. This does not always work, especially when you are approaching communion with 8 children who also want to receive from the priest - we could make a scene. Also, sometimes I am told by the priest to move to the line with the EM and he stands there, interupting distribution until I move. I am so saddened by the over us of EMs and I think if discourages vocations to the priesthood and laypeople begin to think we just don’t need the priests anyhow.

My question today is this: Is it ok for the priest to be standing at the altar after communion while the EMs replace the left over concecrated Hosts to the tabernacle? I thought the EM was to always be handed Jesus and that they should not be approaching the tabernacle to retrive or repace Him when a priest was available. Does anyone know where I can find information on this?

I think you are right not to become a Eucharistic Minister. The whole thing has this sort of silly middle-aged women type feel to it.
However you don’t get to decide whether to use their services at Mass or not. The bishop sets the tone, and the priest implements the policy. If people who disapprove of Eucharisitic Ministers start insisting on receiving communion from a priest then Mass will turn into a vehicle for political posturing instead of a dignified service. There is also the danger of creating a superstitious attitude that it is better or luckier to receive from the hands of the priest.

I don’t know what the exact rules are for Eucharistic Ministers replacing hosts in the taberancle, but you’ve got to ask yourself if you are really going to achieve anything by kicking up a fuss over the issue.

 

[Mordocai]

Well I have a question! Liturgical documents would be of great help.

I was asked my the hospital chaplain to be an EMHC to the patients. This doesn’t make me comfortable for a few reasons
1.) I dont feel called to do it necessarily (that ministry)
2.) Can lay people do it in the hospital when there is a priest in residence?
3.) I didn’t think commissioning for EMHC in a hospital works that way where the Priest simply invites you and at some point installs you. I’ve heard something about the Bishop havening to be involved?

So, I was supposed to start volunteering on Fridays soon, but now I’m not sure. One lady told me to just be honest with the Priest, and I’m friends with him and he’s been saying “If you don’t feel comfortable, let us know” so he’d for sure understand.

Help!

Does this mean I don’t volunteer at all? Used to feel called to helping out, but not anymore (certainly not necessarily as an EMHC) and does that mean I shouldn’t volunteer? Thanks guys!

God Bless, Mary Keep
Mordocai

 

[LeahInancsi]

The whole thing has this sort of silly middle-aged women type feel to it.

I beg your pardon. What is that supposed to mean?

 

[LeahInancsi]

Okay, People. What circumstances do you consider extraordinary?

How many communicants to priest/deacon?
Etc., etc.?

Please be very specific.

 

[ShowerOfRoses]

I have a question about all of this, but before I ask I just want to say I mean this with no sarcasm or attitude whatsoever. Sorry if I sound ignorant to any of you, but I’m honestly wondering: if there is such a problem with EMHC’s, then why doesn’t the Vatican just send a notice to the US Bishops? Again, I’m sorry if I sound sarcastic or ignorant, but I’m truly curious.

 

[Michael038]

Well I have a question! Liturgical documents would be of great help.

I was asked my the hospital chaplain to be an EMHC to the patients. This doesn’t make me comfortable for a few reasons
1.) I dont feel called to do it necessarily (that ministry)
2.) Can lay people do it in the hospital when there is a priest in residence?
3.) I didn’t think commissioning for EMHC in a hospital works that way where the Priest simply invites you and at some point installs you. I’ve heard something about the Bishop havening to be involved?

So, I was supposed to start volunteering on Fridays soon, but now I’m not sure. One lady told me to just be honest with the Priest, and I’m friends with him and he’s been saying “If you don’t feel comfortable, let us know” so he’d for sure understand.

Help!

Does this mean I don’t volunteer at all? Used to feel called to helping out, but not anymore (certainly not necessarily as an EMHC) and does that mean I shouldn’t volunteer? Thanks guys!

God Bless, Mary Keep
Mordocai

first off i’m an emhc and there is nothing wrong with being one as long as we arent overused. i would suggest that if you are so strongly against becomming an emhc ask your priest how else you may help out. i’m sure as you said he would understand and i know there are other needs those patients have that would be very appreciated.

 

[Sir_Knight]

Well I have a question! Liturgical documents would be of great help.

I was asked my the hospital chaplain to be an EMHC to the patients. This doesn’t make me comfortable for a few reasons
1.) I dont feel called to do it necessarily (that ministry)

We are all called to minister Christ to people in different ways. Imagine how you wold feel if you wanted to receive our Lord but there was nobody to bring Him to you. By taking up this role, you are helping to minimize it from that happening to others. OF course, if you don’t feel comfortable doing it, then you shouldn’t do it but first ask yourself why you don’t feel comfortable.

2.) Can lay people do it in the hospital when there is a priest in residence?

Yes. Besides distributing communion, a priest might be needed to hear confessions – something only a priest can do. You can’t help him with that task but you CAN help him with the distribution of communion.

3.) I didn’t think commissioning for EMHC in a hospital works that way where the Priest simply invites you and at some point installs you. I’ve heard something about the Bishop havening to be involved?

The bishop CAN deligate that authority to his priests.

So, I was supposed to start volunteering on Fridays soon, but now I’m not sure. One lady told me to just be honest with the Priest, and I’m friends with him and he’s been saying “If you don’t feel comfortable, let us know” so he’d for sure understand.

Help!

Does this mean I don’t volunteer at all? Used to feel called to helping out, but not anymore (certainly not necessarily as an EMHC) and does that mean I shouldn’t volunteer? Thanks guys!

God Bless, Mary Keep
Mordocai

Remember this, Christ said that someone who gives even a cup of water for His sake will not go without their reward. Imagine how much more important it is to Jesus when we bring eternal food to someone who hungers for it.

 

[LilyM]

I think you are right not to become a Eucharistic Minister. The whole thing has this sort of silly middle-aged women type feel to it.

Not around here sir! Many age groups and both genders represented among our EMsHC. No particular preponderance of middle-aged women.

I don’t know what the exact rules are for Eucharistic Ministers replacing hosts in the taberancle, but you’ve got to ask yourself if you are really going to achieve anything by kicking up a fuss over the issue.

A fairly sensible attitude, as is that of the poster who rightly pointed out that it is in fact up to the pastor at each parish to determine the need and desirabilty of EMsHC.

Politely bring up the issue with your pastor if you feel so strongly that you must, it’s your right to do so. But unless and until you’re the one up there wearing the chasuble and having to distribute communion to however many hundreds of people each Sunday, don’t presume you know better than he does. I’m sure it isn’t easy in the best of circumstances.

 

[Marian_Carroll]

**REMINDER:

As this is the Liturgy & Sacraments Forum, posters are free to agree or disagree with the institution of EMHCs, but posts that label these as “an abuse” or otherwise disparage the function in terms of blatant disrespect are unacceptable.

Those preferring the TLM and church practice prior to Vatican II are welcome to include their remarks in an appropriate thread here: forums.catholic-questions.org/forumdisplay.php?f=102**

Thank you for your cooperation.

 

[LeahInancsi]

Okay, People. What circumstances do you consider extraordinary?

How many communicants to priest/deacon?
Etc., etc.?

Please be very specific.

Can someone address my questions?