Ordinary Minister Distributing Cup Instead of Host

  • Thread starter Thread starter John_W
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
J

John_W

Guest
The deacons (and sometimes Priest) at my parish sometimes distribute the consecrated wine instead of the Host. Lay ministers distribute the host instead. I know Jesus is equally present under both forms; but this bothers me since the deacons/priest then distribute to only a fraction of people they would otherwise. Do I have a reason to be troubled? Thanks
 
The deacon is the minister of the cup. If a deacon is on the altar during Mass, he will distribute the Precious Blood,if it is made available to the people.

Peace,
Linda
 
At my church, there are enough people at each mass that several Eucharistic Ministers are used. The Priest “rotates” during the distribution. ERRR Maybe that isn’t the proper word. Each weekend, when the “schedule” is set up, each minister is assigned a spot. And each weekend the priest stands in a different spot, with either the host or the wine.

When I was going through the RCIA, the priest we had then, Fr. Harry, took us on a “tour” of the church. On the alter, in a spot no one could see, except those close to the alter, is a number. That number stands for one of the positions. The alter is on a raised section of the church. I don’t know exactly what it’s called. But it holds the alter, the lectern, the baptismal font and the like. So, it is over the rest of the church.
 
You are right - that is not the right term - It is Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion but can be abbreviated using EMHC since that is a rather big mouthful.

And, by the way, it is Altar, not alter;)
 
Redemptionis Sacramentum does not differentiate between them but does have some specific things to say about utilizing EMHC’s.
[158.] Indeed, the extraordinary minister of Holy Communion may administer Communion only when the Priest and Deacon are lacking, when the Priest is prevented by weakness or advanced age or some other genuine reason, or when the number of faithful coming to Communion is so great that the very celebration of Mass would be unduly prolonged.[259] This, however, **is to be understood in such a way that a brief prolongation, considering the circumstances and culture of the place, is not at all a sufficient reason. **
Click to expand...
.
 
Christy Beth:
At my church, there are enough people at each mass that several Eucharistic Ministers are used. The Priest “rotates” during the distribution. ERRR Maybe that isn’t the proper word. Each weekend, when the “schedule” is set up, each minister is assigned a spot. And each weekend the priest stands in a different spot, with either the host or the wine.

When I was going through the RCIA, the priest we had then, Fr. Harry, took us on a “tour” of the church. On the alter, in a spot no one could see, except those close to the alter, is a number. That number stands for one of the positions. The alter is on a raised section of the church. I don’t know exactly what it’s called. But it holds the alter, the lectern, the baptismal font and the like. So, it is over the rest of the church.
Click to expand...
The area that you speak of would be called the “Sanctuary area”, it would in times past be the area behind the Altar Rail. The main celebrant should not distribute the Blood of Christ and allow others to distribute the Body of Christ. Priests may either when con-celebrating or being just present at Holy Communion may assist in the distribution of either, as would Deacons.
 
In my parish, the priest celebrant always distributes the Host.

The deacon distributes either the Host or the Chalice.

The extraordinary ministers, who are used habitually, distribute both also.

I don’t see in the GIRM where it tells who should do what, but I’m sure Canon Law or somewhere, it’s laid down.

Pax Christi. <><
 
in my very orthodox novus ordo parish, the priest and deacon are present at almost every Mass and they both distribute the Host. EM’s always distribute the Blood. If the deacon isn’t at Mass, the priest distributes the Host to everyone - EM’s never distribute the Host. I think it works pretty well.
 
I guess my church is pretty odd then. The EMHC’s distribute both. I think it’s partly due to the fact that we have only one priest, and no deacons. There are something like 900 families in my church, and 4 masses. I think part of the reason it is done this way is due to the time factor. Of course, having seen it done no other way, I thought it was acceptable like that. I guess I’ll have to ask my priest.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top