Possible problem when acting as EMHC - just checking

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Mark1970

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Just checking on something that happened last night when I was acting as EMHC at Mass…may be being scrupulous so want to take a rain check. Last night I was an EMHC at the Saturday evening Mass, distributing the Precious Blood. Part way through a younger woman came for Communion, as the Chalice changed hands I noticed she was still holding the Host in her hand, it was still in her hand as she turned away to walk back to her seat. There was no way I could have been mistaken, the Host was still being held in her hand. As she was walking away from me, I think I saw her hand go up to her mouth, but I’m not sure, so can’t be 100% confident that she had consumed the Host. There were other people in line so I couldn’t do anything at the time and afterwards couldn’t remember exactly who it was. But ever since I’ve been left with the nagging thought that I should’ve done something at the time to make sure the Host had been consumed. Am I worrying too much?
 
Mark1970 said:
Just checking on something that happened last night when I was acting as EMHC at Mass…may be being scrupulous so want to take a rain check. Last night I was an EMHC at the Saturday evening Mass, distributing the Precious Blood. Part way through a younger woman came for Communion, as the Chalice changed hands I noticed she was still holding the Host in her hand, it was still in her hand as she turned away to walk back to her seat. There was no way I could have been mistaken, the Host was still being held in her hand. As she was walking away from me, I think I saw her hand go up to her mouth, but I’m not sure, so can’t be 100% confident that she had consumed the Host. There were other people in line so I couldn’t do anything at the time and afterwards couldn’t remember exactly who it was. But ever since I’ve been left with the nagging thought that I should’ve done something at the time to make sure the Host had been consumed. Am I worrying too much?
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This is a question for your pastor and not for us here on CAF. Ask your pastor how he wants his EMHCs to handle such situations.
 
1ke said:
This is a question for your pastor and not for us here on CAF. Ask your pastor how he wants his EMHCs to handle such situations.
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Exactly. It should be discussed with the Pastor. EMHC should be properly instructed in how to handle such situations.
 
1ke said:
This is a question for your pastor and not for us here on CAF. Ask your pastor how he wants his EMHCs to handle such situations.
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Your concern is appropriate in my opinion and speaks to a serious view of the Real Presence and your role as a lay minister!

1ke is correct that it is a matter for your pastor to decide. Some will tell EMs to confront, while most will say to do your best and simply report such observations to him.

God bless you.
 
I would say definitely talk to your priest if you have concerns. I wish more people took the sacraments so seriously.

However they may have had a reason. Some people have difficulty swallowing so it could be to do with that. I know my dad has been told he can use a bottle of water to help him swallow the Blessed Sacramentdie medical reasons. Could be something similar, but trying to be discreet. Just a thought, I could be completely wrong of course, wouldn’t be the first time.
 
I was at Mass behind some parishoners I know and they had their children and grandchildren with them at mass. I could tell that this younger family were not practicing Catholics by their demeanor and inability to participate in the Mass. When communion time came they ALL got up and went to communion! I hoped they went forward with arms folded and did not receive the Eucharist, however when I returned to my pew after receiving Our Lord, a teenaged boy was giggling and showing the host to another boy next to him. I tapped him on the shoulder and when he looked back at me, I held out my hand for the host which he sheepishly gave me. I was so shaken by this experience that I immediately consumed the host myself so as not to cause further upset. I am an EM for the parish members in a nearby nursing home. I told our deacon about this after Mass and he thanked me for taking action. he said I could have brought the consecrated host to him or Father after Mass where it would have been dissolved in water and put into the sink that is reserved for this purpose which empties out into the ground. I agree it would be best to discuss with your priest, however I never dreamed that something like this would happen. I assumed that the grandparents would have instructed their family members ahead of time, but perhaps they did not realize that their younger generation was not active in the Church. In any case, this is something that needs to be discussed ahead of time of course. meanwhile, we each do our best to reverence Our Lord in the Eucharist.
 
Whether we are willing to admit it or not we all know there is a solution to this particular abuse. Not only would Communion on the tongue nearly eliminate this issue but it would eliminate a third to a half of all the EMHCs.
 
baliano said:
Whether we are willing to admit it or not we all know there is a solution to this particular abuse. Not only would Communion on the tongue nearly eliminate this issue but it would eliminate a third to a half of all the EMHCs.
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I’m not sure how that computes?
 
seagal said:
I’m not sure how that computes?
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Distributing to Communicants on the tongue while kneeling is much faster. There have even been time and motion studies about this. I don’t know if it would eliminate half but it would certainly reduce the need significantly.

Of course, that’s a topic for another thread. 😉
 
I’m an EMHC in an independent living community. I spoke with the celebrating priest when I noticed people keeping the Host and eating it only as I got there with the Chalice. He explained about dry mouth and swallowing problems in the elderly, so to prevent the Host from being carried around until the Chalice got there, we provide water.
 
baliano said:
Whether we are willing to admit it or not we all know there is a solution to this particular abuse. Not only would Communion on the tongue nearly eliminate this issue but it would eliminate a third to a half of all the EMHCs.
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Your belief simply isn’t fact.
 
Corki said:
Distributing to Communicants on the tongue while kneeling is much faster. There have even been time and motion studies about this. I don’t know if it would eliminate half but it would certainly reduce the need significantly.

Of course, that’s a topic for another thread.
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Not necessarily.

I have time studied the distribution of communion (by analyzing video) and no, it’s not “much faster” as you suggest. It’s often slower depending on the individual doing the distributing and the different processes at different churches.

This is especially true is one wishes to receive under both species.
 
Corki said:
Distributing to Communicants on the tongue while kneeling is much faster. There have even been time and motion studies about this. I don’t know if it would eliminate half but it would certainly reduce the need significantly.

Of course, that’s a topic for another thread. 😉
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Since the decision to distribute or receive the eucharist by tongue or by hand is not based on the amount of time or difficulty of motion, I’m surprised that anyone would do studies on this. What would be the purpose? 🤷 But you’re right, another topic, another thread.
 
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