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Lovemyfaith
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Is there a length of time one can be an EMHC? Is it up to the pastor or are there set rules?
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Phemie
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If it’s done as it’s supposed to be, the pastor submits the names to the bishop who approves of the choices and appoints them as EMHCs for a specific period, but the pastor usually sets the limits of the appointment. We usually go for 2 years since it’s easier for everyone but the first time I was commissioned I received a personal letter from the bishop appointing me and explaining the limits of the ministry i.e. only in my parish & for a duration of 1 year.Is there a length of time one can be an EMHC? Is it up to the pastor or are there set rules?
In recent years at their commissioning we’ve presented each EMHC with a certificate that stated the duration of his/her ministry.
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Lovemyfaith
Guest
Wow that is pretty impressive getting a letter from the bishop. That doesn’t happen here, I think when you are asked by the pastor it is basically for the time you live in the parish. I didn’t know if there were any set rules about the ministry for all churches to follow.If it’s done as it’s supposed to be, the pastor submits the names to the bishop who approves of the choices and appoints them as EMHCs for a specific period, but the pastor usually sets the limits of the appointment. We usually go for 2 years since it’s easier for everyone but the first time I was commissioned I received a personal letter from the bishop appointing me and explaining the limits of the ministry i.e. only in my parish & for a duration of 1 year.
In recent years at their commissioning we’ve presented each EMHC with a certificate that stated the duration of his/her ministry.
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Phemie
Guest
I prepare the certificates for our EMHCs but they are sent to the bishop with the pastor’s letter submitting the names and each certificate is, in turn, signed by the bishop and sent back for presentation at the time of the commissioning.Wow that is pretty impressive getting a letter from the bishop. That doesn’t happen here, I think when you are asked by the pastor it is basically for the time you live in the parish. I didn’t know if there were any set rules about the ministry for all churches to follow.
Redemptionis Sacramentum addressed the question of duration this way:
[155.] In addition to the ordinary ministers there is the formally instituted acolyte, who by virtue of his institution is an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion even outside the celebration of Mass. If, moreover, reasons of real necessity prompt it, another lay member of Christ’s faithful may also be delegated by the diocesan Bishop, in accordance with the norm of law,[256] for one occasion or for a specified time, and an appropriate formula of blessing may be used for the occasion. This act of appointment, however, does not necessarily take a liturgical form, nor, if it does take a liturgical form, should it resemble sacred Ordination in any way. Finally, in special cases of an unforeseen nature, permission can be given for a single occasion by the Priest who presides at the celebration of the Eucharist.[257]
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Joe_Kelley
Guest
We are commissioned for one year, but it is automatically renewed unless some one acts to cancel it.
Our [diocesan] Director of Worship wanted us to replace everyone every two years. I was at the time struggling with 25 trying to do the work of 30 in doing homes, hospitals, etc. I told him it was a good theory. If he would get practical and give me 30 new ones I would gladly release the 25 at the end of two years - and they would be glad to have some time off.
There is an old story of two Irish ladies leaving mass on Mother’s Day. One commented, “Wasn’t that a fine homily the good man gave on motherhood today?” The other responded, “Yes, And I wish I knew as little about it as he does.” **
Our [diocesan] Director of Worship wanted us to replace everyone every two years. I was at the time struggling with 25 trying to do the work of 30 in doing homes, hospitals, etc. I told him it was a good theory. If he would get practical and give me 30 new ones I would gladly release the 25 at the end of two years - and they would be glad to have some time off.
There is an old story of two Irish ladies leaving mass on Mother’s Day. One commented, “Wasn’t that a fine homily the good man gave on motherhood today?” The other responded, “Yes, And I wish I knew as little about it as he does.” **
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Br.Rich_SFO
Guest
The Bishop sets the rules and it usually 2 years here.Is there a length of time one can be an EMHC? Is it up to the pastor or are there set rules?
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Joannm
Guest
In our diocese it is 3 years and is renewable.
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John_Lilburne
Guest
An instituted acolyte is an EMHC. In this case there is no time limit. Obviously an instituted acolyte can be ordained, and so stops being an acolyte. But church documents also highlight the permanent nature of this ministry:
“Lay people who possess the required qualities can be admitted permanently to the ministries of lector and acolyte.” Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 903.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1671: “Certain blessings have a lasting importance because they consecrate persons to God, or reserve objects and places for liturgical use. Among those blessings which are intended for persons - not to be confused with sacramental ordination - are the blessing of the abbott or abbess of a monastery, the consecration of virgins and widows, the rite of religious profession and the blessing of certain ministries of the Church (readers, acolytes, catechists, etc.).”
Ceremonial of Bishops, 790 “Unless they have already done so, candidates for ordination are to receive these ministries …”. So a man is not to be instituted as an acolyte a second time. He does not stop being an instituted acolyte for a while.
Code of Canon Law, canon Canon 230: “Lay men whose age and talents meet the requirements prescribed by decree of the Bishops’ Conference, can be given the stable ministry of lector and of acolyte …”.
“Lay people who possess the required qualities can be admitted permanently to the ministries of lector and acolyte.” Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 903.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1671: “Certain blessings have a lasting importance because they consecrate persons to God, or reserve objects and places for liturgical use. Among those blessings which are intended for persons - not to be confused with sacramental ordination - are the blessing of the abbott or abbess of a monastery, the consecration of virgins and widows, the rite of religious profession and the blessing of certain ministries of the Church (readers, acolytes, catechists, etc.).”
Ceremonial of Bishops, 790 “Unless they have already done so, candidates for ordination are to receive these ministries …”. So a man is not to be instituted as an acolyte a second time. He does not stop being an instituted acolyte for a while.
Code of Canon Law, canon Canon 230: “Lay men whose age and talents meet the requirements prescribed by decree of the Bishops’ Conference, can be given the stable ministry of lector and of acolyte …”.
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