Should I continue to be a Extraordinary minister

[quiet52]

post #51
from benedictgal

However, it must be remembered, as has been stated in numerous posts in this thread, that the term “extra-ordinary” minister is just that, for “extra-ordinary” purposes. If the number of communicants doesn’t justify our usage, then, we shouldn’t be employed.

Using us to “shorten” communion time isn’t legitimate. We are only to be used in occasions were the number of communicants is too great for the ordinary minister to handle by himself.

It seems you have ignored my post (#46). You are inappropriately using an English, rather than the Latin, meaning of “extraordinary.”

post #55
from Fludgecow101

The church says only in extreme emergencies are ministers allowed to give the Eucharist. Your hands are not consecrated and niether are the other ministers. No one should ever touch the Eucharist with their hands!Do you not realize that the Eucharist is Jesus Himself!!! Everywhere around the USA(and other countries i am sure) Eucharistic Ministers are being used to distribute Holy Communion only to save 2-10 minutes! if you mind waiting that long then i think you don’t even want to receive Jesus! The Eucharist is a gift from Jesus, let us not abuse it! Why after over 1900 years of receiving Him on our knees and on the tongue, do we have to start showing barely any reverance and respect towards our Savior. If you feel that God wants you to be a Eucharistic minister, then defiantly be one; just don’t misuse the opportunity to do works for God. God bless

The Church does not use the phrase “extreme emergencies” nor does she mean any such thing.
And yes, of course EMHCs realize that this is Jesus our Lord.
Please read my posts (#46 and #47).

 

[benedictgal]

It seems you have ignored my post (#46). You are inappropriately using an English, rather than the Latin, meaning of “extraordinary.”

The Church does not use the phrase “extreme emergencies” nor does she mean any such thing.
And yes, of course EMHCs realize that this is Jesus our Lord.
Please read my posts (#46 and #47).

Then perhaps you would take issue with what Cardinal Arinze noted in his explanation of the use of EMHCs:

Well, the question of Eucharistic minister – you mean the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, that is, those who will help the priest and the deacon when the priest and the deacon are not [sufficient] to give Holy Communion to the hundreds and hundreds and hundreds who are receiving Communion. That’s what we mean by Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Which means that if the priests and deacons are many and sufficient for those receiving Holy Communion, nobody else should dare to come near the altar and touch the sacred vessel to distribute Communion, because they were not ordained for that.

It’s very important to stress that, because some people do not understand the whole point of these Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Some people think that it is a power struggle for lay people to prove that what the priest can do, so can they. Which means if there are not many people to receive Communion – suppose there are three priests or two priests and one deacon and 100 people to receive Communion – then there is no need for even one single Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

Therefore, the extra-ordinary circumstance would have to be something completely out of the ordinary and overwhsleming.

 

[CreatioNova]

One of the EMHC in my church (not the one I go to the TLM at) is a woman. About 18 years ago, I used to work with her. At that time I was invited to her birthday party. In the wee hours of the morning a male stripper appeared and there was a lot of revellery ensued - although everyone gathered did keep their clothes on I must stress !!!

I havent seen this woman for donkeys years. Until recently, when I saw her on the alter in her role as an EMHC. The very first thought that came into my mind was that birthday party all those years ago.

I could not, and would not, EVER, receive the Body of Christ from ANYONE other than a priest.

 

[squirmy]

The EM’s in my parrish are not taught to be holy and reverent enough ,after all it is CHRIST ALMIGHTY they are delivering. One girl had on a skirt that barely touched the top of her legs. She should have been IMMEDIATELY yanked…it made me sick!! I was a homebound for awhile… takng Jesus to people in assisted living. The noise and movement in the room when I arrived was family reunion like…no one even near ready to recieve the Lord. The Great Almighty needs to be received knelling at the altar with a altar BOY assisting the priest just.like it was accomplished for 1900 yrs before it was turned into what it is today! Jan

 

[EasterJoy]

One of the EMHC in my church (not the one I go to the TLM at) is a woman. About 18 years ago, I used to work with her. At that time I was invited to her birthday party. In the wee hours of the morning a male stripper appeared and there was a lot of revellery ensued - although everyone gathered did keep their clothes on I must stress !!!

I havent seen this woman for donkeys years. Until recently, when I saw her on the alter in her role as an EMHC. The very first thought that came into my mind was that birthday party all those years ago.

I could not, and would not, EVER, receive the Body of Christ from ANYONE other than a priest.

The clergy are the ordinary ministers of the Eucharist, but not because they can be counted on to be of superior morals to everyone else. Some have even had a serious failure in the last two decades! One can hope not, but one would hope that everyone receiving Our Lord would be every bit as particular about the state of their souls as if they were ministers, as well.

PS Is there any chance you can let go of judging this woman based on poor judgement she exhibited (or, who knows, was just trying to be a “good sport” about) so long ago? Was she supposed to have confessed her contrition over that incident to you? After all, you apparently did not leave the party when the “stripper” showed up, even though the hour would seem to have been excuse enough. I know that associations cannot be helped sometimes, but would it be charitable of someone to associate your face with that party and to hold that against you, all these years later?

 

[CreatioNova]

The clergy are the ordinary ministers of the Eucharist, but not because they can be counted on to be of superior morals to everyone else. Some have even had a serious failure in the last two decades! One can hope not, but one would hope that everyone receiving Our Lord would be every bit as particular about the state of their souls as if they were ministers, as well.

PS Is there any chance you can let go of judging this woman based on poor judgement she exhibited (or, who knows, was just trying to be a “good sport” about) so long ago? Was she supposed to have confessed her contrition over that incident to you? After all, you apparently did not leave the party when the “stripper” showed up, even though the hour would seem to have been excuse enough. I know that associations cannot be helped sometimes, but would it be charitable of someone to associate your face with that party and to hold that against you, all these years later?

• I’m not judging her or anyone else. Because I express an opinion, does not mean I’m ‘‘judging’’ the woman herself. Only God can judge us.
• I left the party within minutes of the stripper arriving and heard the reports the next day.
• As I had not seen her for years and years, the way the mind works, I recalled, involuntarily, the last ‘‘memorable’’ issue our paths crossed on, that was that party.
  (within a week my work placement finished and I never saw her again until that Sunday on the alter)
• I couldnt care less who associated my face with that party, and no doubt theres loads of people with pictures of me enjoying myself, I have nothing to hide or be ashamed of.
• But then I DONT and WONT handle or administer the Body of Christ to anyone.

I personally believe that is the SOLE role of the ordained priest.

We are all sinners. But the priest is Ordained, and albeit he may sin worse than the next man, he is still ordained by God to minister and consecrate.

I’ll take my chances with the Priest every time, rather than a lay person who has done no more than attend a few classes.

This is just my opinion and I mean no offence to those actively involved as EMHC - I just dont agree with it - at all, and personally, will not receive from anyone other than an ordained Priest.

 

[EasterJoy]

• I’m not judging her or anyone else. Because I express an opinion, does not mean I’m ‘‘judging’’ the woman herself. Only God can judge us.
• I left the party within minutes of the stripper arriving and heard the reports the next day.
• As I had not seen her for years and years, the way the mind works, I recalled, involuntarily, the last ‘‘memorable’’ issue our paths crossed on, that was that party.
  (within a week my work placement finished and I never saw her again until that Sunday on the alter)
• I couldnt care less who associated my face with that party, and no doubt theres loads of people with pictures of me enjoying myself, I have nothing to hide or be ashamed of.
• But then I DONT and WONT handle or administer the Body of Christ to anyone.

I personally believe that is the SOLE role of the ordained priest.

We are all sinners. But the priest is Ordained, and albeit he may sin worse than the next man, he is still ordained by God to minister and consecrate.

I’ll take my chances with the Priest every time, rather than a lay person who has done no more than attend a few classes.

This is just my opinion and I mean no offence to those actively involved as EMHC - I just dont agree with it - at all, and personally, will not receive from anyone other than an ordained Priest.

As I said, what associations present themselves to the mind sometimes cannot be helped, even if what is allowed to stay is a choice.

I meant that stating your preference hardly requires dragging the moral past of any current EMHCs into it. The example you gave may not involve judgement on your part, but it certainly can imply judgement to your readers, particularly since you are relating hearsay about what is now ancient history. That is worth avoiding, wouldn’t you agree?

St. Francis called obedience the greatest poverty. We who are not ordained do not have the decision about who may and may not be a minister of the Eucharist, ordinary or otherwise. We are not the arbiters of canon law. I do not mean to imply that you may not try to receive Holy Communion from an ordinary minister of the Eucharist when that is possible, but only that we should not put our personal preferences before obedience. Should the two ever be in conflict, obedience must take precedence. Would you refuse to receive Our Lord entirely because only an EMHC was available to minister to you? I would hope not, wouldn’t you?

 

[CreatioNova]

Actually - I would refuse - be that on my head alone and God having mercy on my soul. I also do not feel I would be in any way disobedient in light of the flagrent abuses of the church using EMHC where there is absolutely no need what soever.

If you’ve read my posts you’ll know I’m a returning catholic and still struggling to find my way and enormously grateful to the wonderful people here, yourself included, who have encouraged me and prayed for me.

I’m currently trying to disect a lot of what turned me off the church in the first place - lots of things - and the EMHC is also in there - I remember them being introduced and how I felt at the time, and all these years later I still feel the same way.

The church has accepted these people and their use as the norm, to be use at every service, regardless of the need. ***To me ***this is utterly wrong - I have never personally, at the time I stopped going to church, or since returning to church, EVER been at a service Sooooooooooo huge that the priests and deacons present could not cope with, and yet, even when there was a handful of people there, up popped the EMHCs to do their thing.

For ***me *** it’s an absolute no no.

 

[EasterJoy]

Actually - I would refuse - be that on my head alone and God having mercy on my soul. I also do not feel I would be in any way disobedient in light of the flagrent abuses of the church using EMHC where there is absolutely no need what soever.

If you’ve read my posts you’ll know I’m a returning catholic and still struggling to find my way and enormously grateful to the wonderful people here, yourself included, who have encouraged me and prayed for me.

I’m currently trying to disect a lot of what turned me off the church in the first place - lots of things - and the EMHC is also in there - I remember them being introduced and how I felt at the time, and all these years later I still feel the same way.

The church has accepted these people and their use as the norm, to be use at every service, regardless of the need. ***To me ***this is utterly wrong - I have never personally, at the time I stopped going to church, or since returning to church, EVER been at a service Sooooooooooo huge that the priests and deacons present could not cope with, and yet, even when there was a handful of people there, up popped the EMHCs to do their thing.

For ***me *** it’s an absolute no no.

There are saints who have gone that way, but be VERY careful and retrospective about considering yourself more faithful than the Church. There are women out there right now claiming they have successfully attempted ordaination to the priesthood who are adamant that they are only following the demands of their consciences. I think it is safe to say that the ongoing struggle that is formation of conscience is a struggle for all of us. May God have mercy on us all in our blindness!

I left and came back, too. Hang in there. Surely, if we perservere and strive honestly for obedience, we do not need to be anxious about God being willing make up the difference.

 

[benedictgal]

At a few parishes down here, the use of EMHCs are employed even when there are only about 40 people at Daily Mass. Yes, we go during our lunch hour, but, the numbers aren’t sufficient to justify using one.

At the Cathedral, an EMHC is used; however, she administers the chalice, while the celebrant distributes the Body of Christ.

A friend of mine, who served as EMHC for today’s Mass, gets upset every time I bring this up. I told her that the pastors need to realize that the idea isn’t to move them in and move them out quickly. There has to be a legitimate reason.

What is just as irksome to see is using an EMHC when a priest is in the pews. He should be the one distributing Holy Communion, not the EMHC.

 

[CreatioNova]

…be VERY careful and retrospective about considering yourself more faithful than the Church.

Not in a million years would I consider myself more faithful than the Church, nor honestly more faithful than the next man/woman. I actually consider myself the lowest of the low. I have not kept the resolutions I promised to myself and God. I have not attend Mass daily like I resolved to. I have not gone to confession weekly like I resolved to. I have not kept up reading the Hours like I started. I have sworn, lost my temper, been lazy, lost opportunities to do good when I did nothing … the list is endless. But every morning I awake to a new day, and the best I can do is keep plugging away trying to be a tiny little bit better than I was yesterday, and when I fail, look to God in His infinite mercy to have pity on me and not laugh, and give me a helping hand. So no, never would I consider myself more faithful than the Church.

BUT - I see nothing wrong with calling out an abuse when I see one, as it appears to me. And to me, the use of EMHCs is an uncorrected abuse, allowed to run riot by local priests and bishops for what I believe is to be their own convenience. To get through the Mass maybe 5 minutes quicker.

That is why, whenever possible, I skip my local church and attend a beautiful TLM in the next parish.

 

[CreatioNova]

At a few parishes down here, the use of EMHCs are employed even when there are only about 40 people at Daily Mass. Yes, we go during our lunch hour, but, the numbers aren’t sufficient to justify using one.

Egg Zakerly My issue in a nutshell.

 

[Richard_1]

Then perhaps you would take issue with what Cardinal Arinze noted in his explanation of the use of EMHCs:

Therefore, the extra-ordinary circumstance would have to be something completely out of the ordinary and overwhsleming.

Benedictgal is 100% right on this one. God Bless

 

[Richard_1]

highlighting is mine.

I’ve mentioned this previously in related threads.

Many people are confused between the English meaning of the word “extraordinary” and the Latin meaning.

The service of the lay people serving in the role (of extraordinary minister of Holy Communion) has nothing to do with the English meaning of the word extraordinary (“remarkable” or “unusual”). It is OKAY to ROUTINELY use extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion of they are needed. It can be a matter of routine necessity.

None of us lay faithful are to be judges as to whether this is a “necessity” – it’s a pastoral decision, to be determined by the pastor, his bishop and the Pope. When a parish routinely distributes both the Body and the Blood of Christ, for example, and there is no clergy besides the celebrant, he will need the extra hands to help distribute Holy Communion.

Duly-commissioned lay people are “extraordinary” using the Latin definition – OUTSIDE (“extra”) THE ORDAINED (“ordinary”). Only the Priest confecting the Eucharist during the Mass can be called a “Eucharistic Minister.” Only bishops, priests and deacons may be called “ordinary ministers” or “sacred ministers”.

The lay people are not substituting for the priest, they are not pretend priests, they are not egotists – they are serving in a legitimate lay ministerial role.

vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20040423_redemptionis-sacramentum_en.html#Chapter%20VII

The Latin “extraordinary” and the English “extraordinary” mean virtualy the same thing. Documents flat out say “or when there are an extroardinary number of faithful present.” This practice first began in third world countries where there would be literaly thousands of faithful and one Priest. I cant remember the last time I saw thousands of faithful at a normal Mass in the U.S…
When the Pope said Mass in Yankee stadium there were no extraordinary ministers. not one. Please do not think me as rude. I just have strong feelings about this one. If there is going to be Liturgical abuses just please do not let them have anything to do with the Eucharist. God Bless you very much.

 

[EasterJoy]

When the Pope said Mass in Yankee stadium there were no extraordinary ministers. not one.

With all due respect, how is this relevant? The Holy Father probably has a bit less difficulty rounding up all the priests and deacons he could possibly hope to use when he says a Mass at Yankee Stadium than our pastors do on a typical weekend.

Not in a million years would I consider myself more faithful than the Church, nor honestly more faithful than the next man/woman. I actually consider myself the lowest of the low. I have not kept the resolutions I promised to myself and God. I have not attend Mass daily like I resolved to. I have not gone to confession weekly like I resolved to. I have not kept up reading the Hours like I started. I have sworn, lost my temper, been lazy, lost opportunities to do good when I did nothing … the list is endless. But every morning I awake to a new day, and the best I can do is keep plugging away trying to be a tiny little bit better than I was yesterday, and when I fail, look to God in His infinite mercy to have pity on me and not laugh, and give me a helping hand. So no, never would I consider myself more faithful than the Church.

BUT - I see nothing wrong with calling out an abuse when I see one, as it appears to me. And to me, the use of EMHCs is an uncorrected abuse, allowed to run riot by local priests and bishops for what I believe is to be their own convenience. To get through the Mass maybe 5 minutes quicker.

That is why, whenever possible, I skip my local church and attend a beautiful TLM in the next parish.

Certainly, if you feel you must refrain from receiving Holy Communion, you are free to do that.

Archbishop Vlazny of Portland recently had this to say: “A bishop is the chief shepherd, the chief catechist, and the chief liturgist in the diocese. It is his responsibility to define sacramental integrity. His teachings may be challenged, but when they are clearly in union with those of the Bishop of Rome and the other members of the college of bishops, it is more than likely that the challenger is way off base.”

If he tells our pastor to use fewer or no EMHC, that is what will happen at our parish. In the meantime, those in our parish who serve as EMHC are very concientious and reverent. When there are priests or deacons present, the policy is that the EMHC are replaced with the ordinary ministers of the Eucharist. That is good enough for me.

 

[Charles_A_Rose]

I am a member of a very small parish less than 150 people at mass on Sunday and have been a Extra. minister for only a few months now. I recently learned from a parishioner of another parish that priests are the only ones who should be giving communion to the congregation unless there are many parishoners in attendance and another minister would be needed to help because of time or if a priest is not feeling well.

I’m just wondering if I should quit doing it? I don’t believe that I am worthy to be doing such a ministry but I also realize that even if I decide not to do it then somebody else will most likely be asked to do it.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Charles_A_Rose]

One of the EMHC in my church (not the one I go to the TLM at) is a woman. About 18 years ago, I used to work with her. At that time I was invited to her birthday party. In the wee hours of the morning a male stripper appeared and there was a lot of revellery ensued - although everyone gathered did keep their clothes on I must stress !!!

I havent seen this woman for donkeys years. Until recently, when I saw her on the alter in her role as an EMHC. The very first thought that came into my mind was that birthday party all those years ago.

I could not, and would not, EVER, receive the Body of Christ from ANYONE other than a priest.

 

[Charles_A_Rose]

Dear CreatioNova,
Please do not stop being a Eucharistic Minister. I agree with you that there are peole who shoud not be giving out the Body and Blood of Christ. How many people do you actually believe that it is the Real Presence of God? I am not judging, but at my parish, and it is a known fact, that one person SHOULD NOT be in this ministry because of his life style–I am not the one to judge, but God is. CreatioNova, some people just like to be seen as if it were a show. If people only knew that is the real Body and Blood of Christ. I see people going to Communion shaking hands as they walk down the aisle. They are approaching the Real Presence. There are people who wear shorts to mass which is so disresptful. Do you mean they can’t be dressed properly for at least 45 minutes for mass. Look what suffering Jesus went through and they can’t even suffer for 45 minutes. I blame this on the priests. It is up to them to tell them NOT to wear shorts, but CreatioNova, they are afraid if they do that, them they will loose members and that is also saying they will lose money. It is not right. Sometimes, when the person knows he or she is scheduled to be the minisiter at that mass, they still wear shorts. I was previousy in the seminary and to be honest with you, the priests do not listen to their bishops and the bishops do not listen to the pope–they do their own thing which is not right. The one woman dropped the host and gave it to the person. Now, had she gone to classes, you are suppose to put that host on the altar and she should have gotten a purificator and wiped that spot up. There could still be particles remaining. I will never understand the Catholic Church. In all Christian Charity, all priests go through the same training at the seminary, but you can go for advice, and each has a different answer. What I have done is to place my trust in Jesus and not man. I was reading where the present pope wants the people to receive Communion on the tongue and to kneel. Now, how many priests are going to resort to his wishes? This is what I mean, they do not listen to authority. Not to be judging, but to be sharing, our pastor takes more vacations than anyone I ever met. If he were to have a full-time job in a factory, do you think he would be entitled to all of those vocations. I leave all of hese matters in the hands of God because I find it myself useles talking to those in authority who are determined to to their own thing." May the Divine Mercy shower His mercies and graces upon you, and, yes, continue to be a minister. God bless you!

 

[Charles_A_Rose]

Dear CreatioNova,
Please do not stop being a Eucharistic Minister. I agree with you that there are peole who shoud not be giving out the Body and Blood of Christ. How many people do you actually believe that it is the Real Presence of God? I am not judging, but at my parish, and it is a known fact, that one person SHOULD NOT be in this ministry because of his life style–I am not the one to judge, but God is. CreatioNova, some people just like to be seen as if it were a show. If people only knew that is the real Body and Blood of Christ. I see people going to Communion shaking hands as they walk down the aisle. They are approaching the Real Presence. There are people who wear shorts to mass which is so disresptful. Do you mean they can’t be dressed properly for at least 45 minutes for mass. Look what suffering Jesus went through and they can’t even suffer for 45 minutes. I blame this on the priests. It is up to them to tell them NOT to wear shorts, but CreatioNova, they are afraid if they do that, them they will loose members and that is also saying they will lose money. It is not right. Sometimes, when the person knows he or she is scheduled to be the minisiter at that mass, they still wear shorts. I was previousy in the seminary and to be honest with you, the priests do not listen to their bishops and the bishops do not listen to the pope–they do their own thing which is not right. The one woman dropped the host and gave it to the person. Now, had she gone to classes, you are suppose to put that host on the altar and she should have gotten a purificator and wiped that spot up. There could still be particles remaining. I will never understand the Catholic Church. In all Christian Charity, all priests go through the same training at the seminary, but you can go for advice, and each has a different answer. What I have done is to place my trust in Jesus and not man. I was reading where the present pope wants the people to receive Communion on the tongue and to kneel. Now, how many priests are going to resort to his wishes? This is what I mean, they do not listen to authority. Not to be judging, but to be sharing, our pastor takes more vacations than anyone I ever met. If he were to have a full-time job in a factory, do you think he would be entitled to all of those vocations. I leave all of hese matters in the hands of God because I find it myself useles talking to those in authority who are determined to to their own thing." May the Divine Mercy shower His mercies and graces upon you, and, yes, continue to be a minister. God bless you!