Extraordinary Minister Holy Communion Question

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There is a spirital growth aspect for a person that serves as a EMHC which conservatives want to overlook. It cannot be found in any document, but it does exist. This spirituality benifts the church through these individual who understand the sacredness of their ministry. The document you quote is concerned about the causing confusion between the ordained and the laity. Althouogh a vital concern, I think it is overstated.
If it is an overstated concern, why did Rome bother issuing it in the first place?
I would guess that your definition of habitual would be at every mass including daily. Yes my parish does. We also distribute communion under both species, so it becomes a necessity with a single priest.
Is the distribution both species a necessity, a true necessity (which is one of the critiera set by R.S.? Cannot the priest intinct the Eucharist? As I metioned earlier in the article, it is an option always and everywhere.
 
Yes there lies the rub. I believe that having the laity more involved add to their own spiritual journey with Christ. Our lectors, EMHC, choirs, cantors are all ministries that build the community. Often these roles help to lead to greater involvment in other areas of the church. Because of the nature of these ministries, they also have a deeper understanding of the liturgy and of the Lord. Yes, much more than the 10 year old and even the 90 year old who has come to church their entire life.
But RS specifically stated that the role of EMCH was not intended as a way to increase laity involvement. Was Rome wrong to state that?
 
But RS specifically stated that the role of EMCH was not intended as a way to increase laity involvement. Was Rome wrong to state that?
The RS states that the Ministry is not to be used to increase the role of the Laity. I read this to mean if they are not necessicary, don’t have them for this purpose. The fact that they are necessary troubles many, since it points to the shortage of priest and deacons, but the fact that it does mean greater involvemement can be seen as the Lord providing for His Church through other means and as such a blessing.
 
Conservatives? What do conservatives have to do with following the rules?

Is this spirit you speak of the spirit of Vatican II?
Actually, FAB is correct. Though the term “conservative” has no place in the Church, it does tend to mean something specific that most of us understand. However, I’ve read something somewhere about this spiritual formation of EMHCs. But it applies to all of us, not just EMHCs. It’s about forming oneself to be mindful at all times what is taking place. Setting a good example is the opportunity that you are meeting. Perhaps God is not calling you to serve. Then you should set it aside and let it be. That way it will not disturb your peace.

There are many people that will not come to EMHCs, but enough that makes it last a long time. My back begins to hurt many times because of the posture taken to serve. My issue is that I feel called to become a deacon and in order to continue discerning I need to learn obedience without complaining. This is one of the things looked at within the process. Being arrogant will only lead one right out the door. I have no authority. I am but a lowly person with high hopes for an even lower place to serve. Lower because it’s the role of a servant. Deacons are by definition servants. Traditionalists would have permanent deacons put to rest. I however see it as an abuse to have ever rid the Church from them. Now that I know the history of the Church better I firmly believe this now. Our Eastern Orthodox brothers and sister, including those in communion with the Holy See of Rome never rid themselves from the office of Permanent Deacon. So, there is my justification. I am a real traditionalist, so traditional that I aspire to see a return to the traditions abandoned in at the end of the first millennium, or more like the first part of the second millennium.

Many priests were once married until then. Celibacy was not always mandatory. Deacons were present as permanent. St. Francis of Assisi was a deacon. St. Stephen, the first martyr was a deacon.
 
  1. Technically speaking you only have to go to confession if you are in a state of mortal sin. Now I go more often and I suspect you do too but if you receive communion in a state of venial sin…which let’s face it, is probably all of us…that is not wrong per current Church teaching…
FYI, the priestly blessing after the Penitential Rite is absolutive in nature, but not Sacramental. (GIRM 51)

What that means is that it does not absolve from Mortal Sin ( and thus Sacramentally restores the life of the soul), it DOES absolve one of venial sin, as the fact of reception of Holy Communion itself.

ewtn.com/library/Liturgy/zlitur88.htm

So if you go to Mass in the state of Grace, but with the stain of venial sin, it is absolved before and as you recieve. 👍

Sacramental confession of them is still beneficial as it allows the priest to address patterns of venial sin and recommend ways of avoiding them as well.
 
Well, I have a difficult time understanding how an anonymous person in a chatroom can definitely say the EMHCs of my parish have a deeper understanding of the Lord than I or anyone else does. Especially considering how the clear Vatican guidelines on EMHCs are being disregarded by him. Perhaps this should serve as a warning to others about the temptations of performing clergy duties can bring on.
 
If it is an overstated concern, why did Rome bother issuing it in the first place?

Is the distribution both species a necessity, a true necessity (which is one of the critiera set by R.S.? Cannot the priest intinct the Eucharist? As I metioned earlier in the article, it is an option always and everywhere.
Since recieving from the cup is allowed and has been encourage, the necessity has been created by the Church. This becomes a mixed message. The good men of Rome are often out of touch with the real world. It’s one of the reason why the final decisions are left to the local ordinary.
 
FYI, my parish has 7 Masses for the Sunday obligation. ( I posted the list a bit earlier).

We have 973 registered families and yes, each Mass is packed. (Well the EF Mass and 8:00pm Masses is only about 1/2 full)

Our pastor hears confessions a half hour before every Mass (every day of the week. We have 2 daily Masses 9:00am and noon ) and for 3 additional hours every Saturday. There is always a line for confession.

There is one priest at our parish, as our associate was reassigned. He recieves assistance from retired priests at our 11:30am and 8:00pm Sunday Masses.

My pastor is a diocesan priest, but he came from Eastern Europe.

We use no EMHC’s.
So where do we move to get this luxury? I’d love that. I do believe you are correct about communion going much quicker and smoother with the rail. It works great at the Anglican use parish I mentioned. However, unless a parish is allowed or else to do this then its not just going to happen. But boy do I wish it would. I would serve in a different capacity.

There is something specific that you haven’t made clear. How many priests do you have to say the masses? Priests are limited to the number of times per day they are permitted to say the mass. Or did you not know this?🤷
 
Well, I have a difficult time understanding how an anonymous person in a chatroom can definitely say the EMHCs of my parish have a deeper understanding of the Lord than I or anyone else does. Especially considering how the clear Vatican guidelines on EMHCs are being disregarded by him. Perhaps this should serve as a warning to others about the temptations of performing clergy duties can bring on.
As I said through my own personal experiance, and my work in the Church. It is not the only way, but is is one way, and a way that works for many.
by the way, I’m not disregarding the guidlines, I understand fully what they say. I also understand the necessity as those very same documnents state.
 
Actually, FAB is correct. Though the term “conservative” has no place in the Church, it does tend to mean something specific that most of us understand.
What definition would that be? In this context it would appear to mean following the rules
However, I’ve read something somewhere about this spiritual formation of EMHCs. But it applies to all of us, not just EMHCs. It’s about forming oneself to be mindful at all times what is taking place. Setting a good example is the opportunity that you are meeting.
This is wonderful and I’m happy for you both. However, it does not necessarily mean you have the greatest understanding of the Lord among the laity in your parish.
Perhaps God is not calling you to serve. Then you should set it aside and let it be. That way it will not disturb your peace.
I’m quite peaceful thank you. I’m also fascinated at the insights into my fellow Catholics I’m gaining in this discussion.
I am a real traditionalist, so traditional that I aspire to see a return to the traditions abandoned in at the end of the first millennium, or more like the first part of the second millennium.

Many priests were once married until then. Celibacy was not always mandatory. Deacons were present as permanent. St. Francis of Assisi was a deacon. St. Stephen, the first martyr was a deacon.
Can I ask you about this? You describe yourself as a real traditionalist because you are in favour of married clergy?
 
Since recieving from the cup is allowed and has been encourage, the necessity has been created by the Church. This becomes a mixed message. The good men of Rome are often out of touch with the real world. It’s one of the reason why the final decisions are left to the local ordinary.
So you are saying receiving Holy Communion in both forms is a necessity?

By the good men of Rome do you mean the Pope?

Which final decisions are left to the ordinary?
 
As I said through my own personal experiance, and my work in the Church. It is not the only way, but is is one way, and a way that works for many.
by the way, I’m not disregarding the guidlines, I understand fully what they say. I also understand the necessity as those very same documnents state.
I’m sure you’ve had a wonderful personal experience as an EMHC. God bless you for that. However, my dear friend, I doubt you know how well every member of your parish understands the Lord. Nor do you know the understanding level of any other parish. You may have a saint in your midst. Having such zeal for the Lord and carrying out a duty for the parish is one thing, but thinking your understanding is automatically higher than the non-EMHCs is another.
 
What definition would that be? In this context it would appear to mean following the rules

The term “orthodox” is the real meaning for following the rules.

This is wonderful and I’m happy for you both. However, it does not necessarily mean you have the greatest understanding of the Lord among the laity in your parish.

I totally agree. You have to read what I said specifically. It means that we, especially should be trying to be humble, not that it is limited to us. That is your spin on my words. The most holy/humble people I know are not clergy or religious or in some cases necessarily Catholic, but they are Christian by example. I get the feeling with your posts that you would have a conniption fit over my last statement. But then again you were probably never Protestant like me. If I’m wrong just say so but state what you believe then to clarify for us.

I’m quite peaceful thank you. I’m also fascinated at the insights into my fellow Catholics I’m gaining in this discussion.

That’s wonderful. I’m unsure what you mean though in the second part.

Can I ask you about this? You describe yourself as a real traditionalist because you are in favour of married clergy?I’m being factious, or do you not know of joking at odd times. A married priesthood would not cause me to stumble if that’s what you mean. Celibacy is specisfic vocation that is separate from the priesthood. But after being Protestant 32 years of my 49 years I certainly have solid arguments defending celibacy. Being a member of a very large Protestant family I can tell you first hand the problems that can occur with married clergy. We have many married clergy in our family. I was well on my way towards becoming one of them. In fact, according to our faith I am considered one by the elders in the congregation in which I baptized my oldest son. I have horror stories about the problems with illicit affairs, divorces, and all sorts of other perversions. That said, I was also a Catholic seminarian as well. That and a dollar will get you a cup of coffee at McDonalds. Being in favor verses support are two separate issues. I would support the Church if they reinstituted the specific vocation of married men to the priesthood. I certainly do not mean that we should jump on it at all cost. Just like I would support a move in that direction I already support the specific vocation of permanent deacons - married or celibate. Hope that clarifies.
 
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PbloPicasso:
What’s your definition of “conservative” then?

FAB said EMHCs gain a greater understanding of the Lord than non-EMHCs. Is this your experience too?

I’m gaining new insights into how some of my fellow Catholics think. It’s very interesting.

Sorry, I didn’t catch the humor.

If favor and support are two different things, then do you favor a married priesthood?
 
What’s your definition of “conservative” then?

FAB said EMHCs gain a greater understanding of the Lord than non-EMHCs. Is this your experience too?

I’m gaining new insights into how some of my fellow Catholics think. It’s very interesting.

Sorry, I didn’t catch the humor.

If favor and support are two different things, then do you favor a married priesthood?
Of course. We all already do. Are you Catholic? Then you support a married priesthood. It’s pretty simple. Now, I know you’ll ask me why. But you’ve already admitted to ignorance of the eastern rites. A thousand years ago the western Church also had a married priesthood. At one time it was not universally mandated. There were pockets of mandated celibate priests. And none of us here are truly disposed to speak properly on this subject dealing with the western church. But go on the eastern Catholic forum of CAF and try to say what you just said to me. I’ve admitted all the way through that I would prefer to transfer to the eastern or Byzantine Catholic Church. So this should not surprise anyone, assuming they know anything about the differences and my reasons for it.
 
Of course. We all already do. Are you Catholic? Then you support a married priesthood. It’s pretty simple. Now, I know you’ll ask me why. But you’ve already admitted to ignorance of the eastern rites. A thousand years ago the western Church also had a married priesthood. At one time it was not universally mandated. There were pockets of mandated celibate priests. And none of us here are truly disposed to speak properly on this subject dealing with the western church. But go on the eastern Catholic forum of CAF and try to say what you just said to me. I’ve admitted all the way through that I would prefer to transfer to the eastern or Byzantine Catholic Church. So this should not surprise anyone, assuming they know anything about the differences and my reasons for it.
My apologies. I assumed we were discussing the Roman Rite/Latin Church. You are correct, I know virtually nothing about the Eastern Rites. I know some are in schism and some are not, that’s about it. At this time I’m not interested in learning about them, but if that changes I’ll be happy to chat with you in their forum.

Allow me to re-phrase…do you favor a married priesthood in today’s Roman Catholic Church?
 
My apologies. I assumed we were discussing the Roman Rite/Latin Church. You are correct, I know virtually nothing about the Eastern Rites. I know some are in schism and some are not, that’s about it. At this time I’m not interested in learning about them, but if that changes I’ll be happy to chat with you in their forum.

Allow me to re-phrase…do you favor a married priesthood in today’s Roman Catholic Church?
I do believe the holy father wants us to learn about each other though. Unity will only occur when we have enough charity to try to know each other. As far as the Latin rite returning to a married priesthood, I’m open if the holy father declares it acceptable once again. If our current clergy were honest about their celibate vocations that should not produce a problem for any of them. Bishops are always required to be celibate even in the Eastern Orthodox Church. I used to get upset defending celibacy too using really misguided things I was taught. But now I understand vocations better than back then. Wives will certainly cause a lot of problems. My wife gets jealous with me just talking to some women - even on here. So I avoid exposing my emotions and avoid playing into the hands of women playing unsuspecting fools like myself. She had a lot of problems with me becoming a Protestant clergy. But now she supports me, for the first time, in becoming a really ordained deacon, which is even more than a protestant preacher of any kind (no offense to my Protestant friends). I wish the Church would allow ordained permanent deacons to participate in the TLM. That would be an awesome experience. BTW: I say my rosary in Latin. I am traditional, but not to the point of SSPX or other similar groups. My dad was like that, which in contrast to my anti-Catholic mother led me down the road of deep confusion. My mother’s death opened the door for me to return to Catholicism. Unfortunately, my dad never got to see me return.😦
 
Since recieving from the cup is allowed and has been encourage, the necessity has been created by the Church. This becomes a mixed message. The good men of Rome are often out of touch with the real world. It’s one of the reason why the final decisions are left to the local ordinary.
With regard to the section in bold, perhaps the opposite is quite true regarding various practices in the Church today.
 
So you are saying receiving Holy Communion in both forms is a necessity?

By the good men of Rome do you mean the Pope?

Which final decisions are left to the ordinary?
The pope is certainly a good man, but the are many councils and departments made up of Cardinals, Bishops, Theologians and priest. Many voices are heard before any document is issued. These voice go from traditional and concervative to liberal and progressive. As in civil politics it is often the ones in middle that swing decisions. We believe that any decision is ultimated guided by the Holy Spirit.

These same good men are the ones who on the one hand tell us that the fullness of the Eucharist is experianced under both species, with the perfered method by the cup although intiction is allowed. They invisioned a priest giving out the precious body and a deacon the precious blood, the ideal situation. The problem is that the ideal exist in very few places. All diocses are suffering from a shortage of both preist and deacons.

The local ordianary is responsible for the sheperding of the people in his diocese. He not a yes man to the Pope and has the authority to make decisions that effect his people, The first part of the Cannon explains the authority and that for pastoral reasons he can give dispinsation to any part.
 
I’m sure you’ve had a wonderful personal experience as an EMHC. God bless you for that. However, my dear friend, I doubt you know how well every member of your parish understands the Lord. Nor do you know the understanding level of any other parish. You may have a saint in your midst. Having such zeal for the Lord and carrying out a duty for the parish is one thing, but thinking your understanding is automatically higher than the non-EMHCs is another.
I never said EMHC automatically have a higher understanding, but that it does provide a path to know the Lord better. Any path that leads to a higher understanding and personal spiritality is a good thing and each person finds there own paths. Eliminating EMHC would take that path away for many, which is on of the reasons I disagree with a priest decision to take them out of his parish.
We are in the buisness to bring people to Christ and we need all the tools we can get.
 
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