it’s only if you get “floaties” or backwash that it becomes a problem.You did fine. You don’t have to second guess yourself or the communicants.
He(She?) joined in 2004 - its possible that s/he’s since converted to Catholicism and hasn’t changed his profile.
You didn’t mess up. Anyone who approaches in public is to be given the Eucharist, that is the rule. If she were not supposed to receive she should not have been allowed to APPROACH by whatever adult was responsible for her.
it’s only if you get “floaties” or backwash that it becomes a problem.I would assume this, although it’s routinely done in one of the churches we attend often. I find it humorous and sad at the same time, and brings to mind how I feel the overuse of extraordinary ministers serves to blur the line between the priest and the layman. I’m quite sure you don’t need an extraordinary minister (does anyone really use that term in real life?) for *every *Mass, regardless of attendance.
Don’t worry. We all mess up at one time or another. God is big enough to straighten out our honest mistakes.
What do you think you did wrong?
I doubt you messed up my friend. Most children are very good at crossing their arms to let you know. I doubt she would have come to the cup if she couldn’t. I am an EM as well and I know when you first start doing it, it can be overwhelming. I made a few mistakes as well.
If you read through her brief history of posts, she came into the Church at Easter 2005, so all is good! (except she should update her profile!
)This is true. However, the whole “arms across your chest” thing (makes you look like a dead body, if you ask me!
) has caused confusion and akwardness. The priest or deacon can give a blessing, but a layman cannot. So, when I act as EMHC, my reaction depends on where I am stationed: Generally, if I am distributing the Precious Blood, few come to me for a blessing. They usually receive that in the line for the Host. However, when I am distributing the Body of Christ, if I am stationed next to the priest and someone comes in my line in that ridiculous “blessing posture”, I tap the priest on the shoulder and he gives the blessing. If I am away from the priest, I put my hand on the persons shoulder and say “God Bless You”. It’s my personal wish for that person. I am not distributing it for the Church. I do not adopt a special posture for it, and it seems to satisfy.I would suggest that if this has happened to you more than once (feeling like you messed up) then you may wish to talk to someone about some refresher training to make sure you know how to handle ambiguous situations like this. Even do some role playing so you ask all the questions you might have regarding how to handle a certain situation.