Eucharistic Ministers

[Lovemyfaith]

Your perspective is an interesting one. I find the practice of having available priests assist with Communion uplifting and exemplary. My experience is limited to the United States, but in parishes with multiple priests assigned, I have often seen this done. I think it speaks volumes about the sacred nature of the Sacrament and the importance of the role of the priest in bringing Christ to His people.
It’s the reverse practice that I find disturbing. I am presently in a parish with three priests (pastor, parochial vicar, and senior priest in residence) and two permanent deacons. It is not uncommon to have seven or eight EMHCs assist the celebrant with Communion and then, moments later, to leave the church and see the other priest and one of the deacons outside to greet and chat with the parishoners. We have been clearly instructed numerous times that EMHCs are to be used only when ordinary ministers are not available.

At our parish mission last night, two visiting priests celebrated Mass (they will be giving the mission). Our pastor was on the Altar and our Associate Pastor was in the Sacristy. When it was time for Holy Communion, only one of the visiting priests distributed, with the usual 5 ORDINARY (as it would seem to be here) Ministers of Holy Communion. The other priests returned to their seats.

 

[GregoryPalamas]

TNT, that’s not funny. And making jokes about the liturgy is disrespectful.

Catholig

I don’t think it’s funny eithrr but I sadly think he has a point. I pray that the Eastern Catholics never succumb to the Extraordinary Minister craze.

CDL

 

[GregoryPalamas]

At our parish mission last night, two visiting priests celebrated Mass (they will be giving the mission). Our pastor was on the Altar and our Associate Pastor was in the Sacristy. When it was time for Holy Communion, only one of the visiting priests distributed, with the usual 5 ORDINARY (as it would seem to be here) Ministers of Holy Communion. The other priests returned to their seats.

Thank God my priest would never abandon his flock like that.

CDL

 

[Servulus]

When it was time for Holy Communion, only one of the visiting priests distributed, with the usual 5 ORDINARY (as it would seem to be here) Ministers of Holy Communion.

It is a sad situation indeed. Nearly ten years ago, we were given specific directives regarding this liturgical procedure. The INSTRUCTION ON CERTAIN QUESTIONS REGARDING THE COLLABORATION OF THE NON-ORDAINED FAITHFUL IN THE SACRED MINISTRY OF THE PRIEST, issued by the Holy Father in August of 1997, points out that:

“certain practices are to be avoided and eliminated where such have emerged in particular Churches”

including

"the habitual use of extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion at Mass thus arbitrarily extending the concept of ‘a great number of the faithful’ "

To ignore this admonition is bad enough. But then …

The other priests returned to their seats.

…the disobedience is made more egregious when we also ignore this portion of the instruction:

“Extraordinary ministers may distribute Holy Communion at eucharistic celebrations only when there are no ordained ministers present or when those ordained ministers present at a liturgical celebration are truly unable to distribute Holy Communion”

Pray for priests.

 

[RRPAULS]

I think we ought to do away with Extraordinary Ministers (That is, during Mass) and have the priest do it himself. Afterall, we could all take the oppurtunity to spend a little more time on our knees.

 

[Tish]

At our parish mission last night, two visiting priests celebrated Mass (they will be giving the mission). Our pastor was on the Altar and our Associate Pastor was in the Sacristy. When it was time for Holy Communion, only one of the visiting priests distributed, with the usual 5 ORDINARY (as it would seem to be here) Ministers of Holy Communion. The other priests returned to their seats.

Now this is an abuse and should charitably be brought to the attendtion of your pastor. You may quote Redemtionis Sacramentum. paragraph 157, in which it states, “The practice of those Priests is reprobated who, even though present at the celebration, abstain from distributing Communion and hand this functin over to laypersons.” How sad this is to have happened. It is also the function of the extraordinary minister to not excercise his function when sacred ministers are available for distribution of Communion.

 

[Michael038]

Having returned to the Church about 10 months ago; I’ve had my misgivings about receiving Holy Communion from the lay Eucharistic Ministers in our parish. I will change aisle sides to go to a priest when I can. However, when I have no choice (like when I’m singing in the choir and a lay person is designated to give that section of people Communion sometimes) I do accept the Communion from the lay person. There is always a lay person giving wine from the chalice. I’m thinking it’s okay since the wafers and chalice have undergone transubstantiation; become the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. But I will still go to the priest whevever it is possible. Rosalie

if people choose to receive from the priest instead thats ok with me as an EMHC but it’s still the same Eucharist reguardless of who you receive it from.

 

[Lovemyfaith]

if people choose to receive from the priest instead thats ok with me as an EMHC but it’s still the same Eucharist reguardless of who you receive it from.

I understand this, and will go to the EMHC when the priest is backed up, but when I read *Redemtionis Sacramentum. paragraph 157, in which it states, “The practice of those Priests is reprobated who, even though present at the celebration, abstain from distributing Communion and hand this function over to laypersons.” *I know there are rules in place. It just makes me wonder when I see the pastor and another priest on the Altar and hear the other priest not 10 feet away in the Sacristy. We have two of the EMHC’s go to the BACK of the church (I guess to keep things moving).
I have so much respect for the men who are called to serve as priests, and I don’t feel that I could approach them to question the Mass. If I had a better understanding of the rules of distributing Holy Communion, I guess I could try to approach someone on the liturgy committee. It is such a perfect faith to me, it bothers me when something that would seem so easy to follow just wasn’t.

 

[Michael038]

I understand this, and will go to the EMHC when the priest is backed up, but when I read *Redemtionis Sacramentum. paragraph 157, in which it states, “The practice of those Priests is reprobated who, even though present at the celebration, abstain from distributing Communion and hand this function over to laypersons.” *I know there are rules in place. It just makes me wonder when I see the pastor and another priest on the Altar and hear the other priest not 10 feet away in the Sacristy. We have two of the EMHC’s go to the BACK of the church (I guess to keep things moving).
I have so much respect for the men who are called to serve as priests, and I don’t feel that I could approach them to question the Mass. If I had a better understanding of the rules of distributing Holy Communion, I guess I could try to approach someone on the liturgy committee. It is such a perfect faith to me, it bothers me when something that would seem so easy to follow just wasn’t.

The Priests should always be distributing the Eucharist, the EMHC’s are only there to help with the overflow. There should never be a Priest sitting back while an EMHC is distributing if this is going on in your parish you should address it asap. In our Church that does not happen.

 

[RosalieM]

Yesterday I had no choice in the matter and had to take Communion from a Eucharistic minister because I was in choir and he had been assigned to that section. When I attend Mass without being in choir, I go to the priest for my Communion. However, I’m maintaining that transubstantiation has taken place before distribution by the priest who is saying mass. Therefore, although it may not be preferable to me to take Communion from the Eucharistic minister, I am still receiving the Body of Christ. The essential Truth is there. I heard our Pope is going to try and reconcile differences in our Church. Perhaps they are differences like what we are discussing here. I hope so.

 

[Tish]

although it may not be preferable to me to take Communion from the Eucharistic minister, I am still receiving the Body of Christ. The essential Truth is there.

When a priest receives Holy Orders an idellible mark is left on his soul and his hands are consecrated for the express purpose of handling our Lord and Savior in the Blessed Sacrament. For this reason, Extraoridnary Ministers are to handle our Lord in very very very rare instances . It is Jesus and therefore only the ordained should handle Him. Paragraph 151 of Redemtionis Sacramentum states, "Only out of true necessity is there to be recourse to the assistance of extraordianry ministers in the celebration of the Liturgy. Such recourse is not intended for the sake of a fuller participation of the laity but rather, by its very nature, is supplementary and provisional. And paragraph 154 states, "the only minister who can confect the Sacrament of the Eucharist in persona Christi is a validly ordained Priest.

 

[RosalieM]

If it’s unavoidable, receiving Communion from a Eucharistic minister doesn’t invalidate receiving the sacrament of Communion for the recipient who has no choice in the matter, whether or not the parish is wrong in having too many of Eucharistic ministers. (does it?)

 

[Marauder]

If it’s unavoidable, receiving Communion from a Eucharistic minister doesn’t invalidate receiving the sacrament of Communion for the recipient who has no choice in the matter, whether or not the parish is wrong in having too many of Eucharistic ministers. (does it?)

If you receive from an EMHC you are receiving the same exact Eucharist that you would receive from a priest (as long as the priest was the one that performed the Eucharistic celebration.)

The only difference is if you are not receiving and trying to get a blessing. An EMHC is not supposed to be giving blessings reserved to priests and/or deacons and it is hotly debatted whether EMHCs should be giving ANY type of blessing.

 

[Tish]

If it’s unavoidable, receiving Communion from a Eucharistic minister doesn’t invalidate receiving the sacrament of Communion for the recipient who has no choice in the matter, whether or not the parish is wrong in having too many of Eucharistic ministers. (does it?)

It most certainly would not invalidate the Communion but the point is that we all need to be educated about what the Church teaches and follow Her teachings and not try to justify our behavior because we wish things were the way we want them to be. If receiveing from an extraordinary minister is unavoidable then we should be sure to increase our prayers for vocations to the priest- hood and ask God’s forgiveness for sins commited against the Most Blessed Sacrament. If our parish is wrong in having too many EM’s then it is the duty of the EM not to serve in this capacity per the teachings of the 2004 instruction Redemtionis Sacramentum.

 

[Paceshock]

In the past, both my wife and I were asked to be Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers at our parish. We declined. We were flattered that our pastor thought us worthy to be so intimately involved at Mass but we declined nonetheless. We believe that the word “extraordinary” is widely abused. In our parish we have three full-time priests in residence, a seminarian and at least one visiting priest who celebrates Mass regularly. At each and every Mass there are at least six Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers distributing Holy Communion in both forms. Where is the extraordinary NEED for lay people to distribute Holy Communion when so many ordained, and almost ordained, men are available? Are we more concerned with speed rather than need? Personally, I am disappointed when a lay person gives me Holy Communion (not in the reception itself, just the lack of priestly involvement).

I think the over use of Extraordinary Ministers lends to other abuses at Mass - talking before and after Mass while others are still in prayer - leaving early - lack of decent attire, etc. The more we secularize Mass the more we invite what is less than holy and respectful.

I understand that in some circumstances lay people are needed to help distribute Communion to home-bound parishioners but our priests each have beautiful new cars and are able to visit the home-bound who can not get to Mass on Sunday. Again, is it convenience or need?

I remember as a child, not only did priests only distribute Communion but we knelt at a railing and Mass was no longer than it is today! I would love to have the alter railing returned and the ability to kneel for reception of Holy Communion. We are receiving our God. We should and must be more respectful when receiving Him.

 

[baltobetsy]

In the past, both my wife and I were asked to be Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers at our parish. We declined.

Good for you. I hope that you gave this explanation to your priest when you declined so he didn’t assume you had some other reason.

Betsy

 

[Sixtus]

Paceshock said:

Where is the extraordinary NEED for lay people to distribute Holy Communion when so many ordained, and almost ordained, men are available?

You are well blessed to have so many ordained ministers.

In our neck of the woods, we have three ordained ministers one of whom is ill and one is over 70-years old, covering an area of more than 2000-square miles

But I agree that when ordained Ministers are available, Vat 2 should not be used as an excuse to allow abuses not intended by Vat 2 to happen. Priests to be fair are trying very hard to please everyone. That we know is impossible.

I cringe when I see laity touching the Sacred Host, but who am I to judge? I chose not to. I think that apart from taking the Sacrament to the sick, there is no justification except under very exceptional circumstances. But Priests argue that folk leave early now as they cannot be bothered to wait until lengthy Communion is over. I do not have the answer. It needs a lot of prayer

 

[JoeyWarren]

I cringe when I see laity touching the Sacred Host, but who am I to judge? I chose not to.

Do you not realize that your cringing is the subconscious if not conscious manifestation of your judging judgement?

I think that apart from taking the Sacrament to the sick, there is no justification except under very exceptional circumstances.

You failed to mention the homebound and the imprisoned. I hope your church does have a prison ministry. Homebound includes not only the sick, but the physically disabled and the elderly that don’t have a way to mass, and those that are in nursing homes. I am going to use a very old saying to get the point across.

What is good for the goose for the gander and vice versa.

WHAT IS GOOD FOR THE IMPRISONED, SICK, AND HOMEBOUND IS GOOD FOR THE THOSE THAT ATTEND MASS.

But Priests argue that folk leave early now as they cannot be bothered to wait until lengthy Communion is over. I do not have the answer. It needs a lot of prayer

The world is changing. The Priest are doing what they think is in the best interest of the Parish as a whole and still be within the confines of the Church’s teaching. Your opinions and mind count for nought. Did you know that it takes about 5 times longer to take the Host into the hand then it does the mouth?

I cringe when I see laity touching the Sacred Host

Why cringe? Do you think the Host is being defiled? If so, then we have a major problem. 95% or better of U.S. Catholics take the Host into the hand instead of the directly into the Mouth. So by your mentality and belief, you should be wretching by the end of the Communion with all those people touching the Blessed Host with their Hands.

We have 400 people at our Mass. We have only one Priest. My wife and I are 2 out of 10 of the 400 that take the Host directly into the mouth.

And what about Parishes that don’t have a Priest or when a subsitute Priest failed to show up? The Senior Laity steps up to the plate and leads the Mass in areas that can be lead and authorized to do so. In this case the EM is very much needed.

The EM has been approved by both the Priest and has been the Blessing of the Bishop of the Diocese. Since you must abide by whatever your Bishop says then your opinion is null and void just as mine would be if I had a Bishop that did not believe in EMs.

As for a shortage of Priests? The shortage is relative to the area. The Vatican is doing a poor job in the area of Human Resources and Manpower.

Here are a few statistics:

0.157057 per 1,000 people => United States
0.882829 per 1,000 people => Italy
1.24328 per 1,000 people => Ireland

Italy has 5 times more per capita then the US
Ireland has

Ireland has 8 times more per capita then the US

Source nationmaster.com/graph/rel_cat_tot_pri_percap-catholic-total-priests-per-capita

If the Vatican truely cared about the masses that are under it’s care, then more effort should be made in the redistribution of Priests to even out the per capita statsitics.

Good Day.

 

[JoeyWarren]

P.S. I and my wife are Extraordinary Ministers. We are very much needed. I also take the Consecrated Host to the Imprisoned once a month.

 

[lak611]

And what about Parishes that don’t have a Priest or when a subsitute Priest failed to show up? The Senior Laity steps up to the plate and leads the Mass in areas that can be lead and authorized to do so. In this case the EM is very much needed.

I hope you are referring to a Communion service, not a Mass. Without a priest, there can be no Mass, since there is no consecration.