How do I address bad EMHC habits at other churches?

[Apryl]

I am proud to say that I am a ‘Roamin’ Catholic, and as such, I often attend mass at churches other than my own.

It can be a beautiful experience, and it also reinforces the idea that ours is a universal church.

However, I attended mass at another church recently, and was actually distracted by the poor practices of the EMHCs at this church.

… and this was not the first time I noticed these things at this particular church.

The big deal is the use of the chalice. Ok, not the ‘use’, but the way the EMHC handles it.

I realize that the chalice is a safe instrument, and I really don’t worry about getting anything from it, but … I’m human, and I do become bothered when what I think of as normal practices are not followed.

I am not, under normal circumstances, afraid of the chalice, and I also know I do not have to drink from it - There is another discussion on this on this forum.

But the EMHC would take the chalice from the communicant, and wipe it, every so gently, around the OUTSIDE of the chalice - even going the full circumference, and never wiped the INSIDE of the lip.

I’m not suggesting dipping into the cup, but the lip of the cup is where the mouth of the person before will rest. It’s cold and flu season.

Then, I didn’t see them turn the cup. Not a quarter turn, not a half turn… it was just wiped, like they were afraid of wiping it off.

Should I mention this to the priest? Should I mention this to the person who I think has been responsible for the EMHCs?

I am only a lay person myself, and I’m still learning about the church and the practices. I have been wrong before in things I thought were inappropriate. But when I went through instruction to become an EMHC, and when I repeated that instruction some 2 years later, I was told to wipe the lip, and to turn the chalice, because it’s just ‘nicer’ that way.

I don’t want to walk up to the chalice in this church, see the person before me receive and the cup not ‘properly’ wiped, and then walk away. I think that would be very disturbing to more than just me. I also usually drink from the chalice… and I know me: I’ll forget ‘eww… I just remembered where I am’.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Last year after my third cold, I realized that I was probably catching these colds by receiving from the cup. So, I told myself that I would refrain from receiving from the cup, during the cold and flu season.

I broke my promise and received from the cup, a week ago, and the next day came down with a sore throat which blossomed into a cold.

I should’ve known better, because the week before, I happened to see the deacon cleaning the cups after Mass. He poured water into the cups, drank the water, and wiped them out. He then returned the cups to the cupboard where they are stored.

In other words, these cups are not cleaned with soap and hot water and being they were used for the Mass the night before, probably hold a host of germs.

So, no more will I receive from the cup.

My immune system is just too weak and having asthma doesn’t help.

Jim

 

[Newbie2]

In other words, these cups are not cleaned with soap and hot water and being they were used for the Mass the night before, probably hold a host of germs.

Jim

Ewwwwwww. That’s just plain nasty, not to mention disrespectful to both our Lord and his people. Yuck.

 

[passus]

I think that you might lack the “standing” to bring up this problem and actually see change effected with regard to the distribution of Communion at a church where you are only a visitor and not a regular parishioner.

Yes, this is gross and no, they shouldn’t be doing it, but it isn’t exactly your place to say that.

 

[zab]

I think that you might lack the “standing” to bring up this problem and actually see change effected with regard to the distribution of Communion at a church where you are only a visitor and not a regular parishioner.

Yes, this is gross and no, they shouldn’t be doing it, but it isn’t exactly your place to say that.

I agree.

 

[happymommy]

maybe send a letter saying that you had visited the Church and even knowing that you are not a member, thought it was best to point out that the cup was not getting wiped properly during Mass and that you are concerned about keeping the Church family as healthy as possible. Then go on and say how much you enjoyed the service and that you will be back again.

 

[Apryl]

maybe send a letter saying that you had visited the Church and even knowing that you are not a member, thought it was best to point out that the cup was not getting wiped properly during Mass and that you are concerned about keeping the Church family as healthy as possible. Then go on and say how much you enjoyed the service and that you will be back again.

But to whom do I send the letter?

Do I send it to the pastor, or the Pastoral Aid (or whatever the title of the person who works closely with the people on liturgy)?

I happen to have a personal relationship with both… I don’t know that it matters.

I realize that it’s NOT my place… but I can’t, with a clear conscience, see something so wrong, and at least not tap someone on the shoulder. Perhaps the pastor nor his staff is aware this is happening?

The church has poor attendance, and low membership. If it will bring in one more parishoner, or keep one more from leaving, it’s got a need.

Right?

 

[EasterJoy]

But to whom do I send the letter?

Do I send it to the pastor, or the Pastoral Aid (or whatever the title of the person who works closely with the people on liturgy)?

I happen to have a personal relationship with both… I don’t know that it matters.

I realize that it’s NOT my place… but I can’t, with a clear conscience, see something so wrong, and at least not tap someone on the shoulder. Perhaps the pastor nor his staff is aware this is happening?

The church has poor attendance, and low membership. If it will bring in one more parishoner, or keep one more from leaving, it’s got a need.

Right?

I wouldn’t write a letter on something like this. If you have a personal relationship with the pastor, then you can bring it up with him during some conversation, sure. Just mention it, though, as something that bothers you, perhaps just after mentioning the laundry list of things you like about his parish. Don’t go into it at length unless he asks you to say more, and if nothing happens, don’t pursue it.

If you didn’t know him or someone else who does a considerable amount of work in that parish, though, I’d agree with Passus. One of the disadvantages of being a “Roamin’” Catholic is that you don’t make enough of a contribution at the parishes you visit to be welcomed to put your two cents in about their practices when there hasn’t been an explicit solicitation of your opinion.

As for wiping and turning the cup, it is not just “nicer”. It is actually more sanitary. I would add that moving the purifier along so that not all swipes go to the same spot on the cloth is probably a good idea, too.

 

[Apryl]

Thank you all for your feedback.

I’ll follow the suggestions. I won’t put it in a letter (too formal), and I will mention it during casual conversation.

If nothing happens, oh, well… sad, but oh, well.

Thank you.

(I’m sure that others have similiar concerns… I can’t be the only one! )