An alter server is still a layperson (on the other hand the Anglican minister is also probably a layman, but that’s a different discussion), which would make him an extraordinary minister of communion (if Anglican’s have such a concept). So I’m getting that you’re objecting to the use of many EMHC as opposed to the concept.
I know that canonically there’s no difference, but to my mind there’s a huge difference between an acolyte (a minor order) or layperson
assisting the priest with the second species at his side, compared with EMHCs scattered throughout the church distributing communion. And where are the deacons when we need them? Why not reform the rubrics to state that communion in the second species should only be when a deacon or other priest is present to assist with distribution? There’s nothing wrong with reception in only one species, it was in fact the only way until the OF came about.
Should incense be mandatory for the EF Low Mass as well? Why should the EF have the option and the OF not have the same option?
I wasn’t addressing the EF. Given that there’s no EF Mass available within reasonable driving distance to me, and given that the last time I attended a Mass according to the 1962 Missal was when I was a child, I don’t feel qualified to comment intelligently on what the EF should or shouldn’t have.
That simply not true. The rubrics are clear in how to use EMsHC. Some chose to ignore the rubrics but it’s not due to the design of the rubrics.
I did say “Others like how do communion, are indeed due to looseness in the rubrics, or at least, people interpreting them very, very loosely, such as the regular use of extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion.”. One such looseness is whether to receive standing, or kneeling, or on the tongue or in the hand, or in one or both species. For EMHC, the rubrics are clear, people’s interpretations are indeed very loose:
“162. The priest may be assisted in the distribution of Communion by other priests who happen to be present. If such priests are not present and there is a very large number of communicants, the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, i.e., duly instituted acolytes or even other faithful who have been deputed for this purpose.[97] In case of necessity, the priest may depute suitable faithful for this single occasion.[98]” (General Instructions for the Roman Missal).
I suspect that “large number” is rather loosely interpreted, given that I see EMHCs used whether the Mass is attended by a dozen or so people, or by hundreds. And again as above the rubrics could be improved to specify circumstances for communion in both species (i.e. when there are sufficient ordinary ministers of Holy Communion on hand to assist).
In any case my basic point is that there’s nothing fundamentally wrong or un-sacred about the OF Mass. It’s the execution that leaves a lot to be desired in far too many cases, and I’ve heard of abuses in the EF form too when it was the OF (before the reform of the Missal).