Use of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

[Lux_et_Tenebrae]

Hi Lux,

Frankly, I have already let it go. Let’s just say this isn’t the first run-in with the coordinator and his wife (they co-coordinate(?) the ministry). I’ve been much more civil in my past dealings, too…it’s just frustrating when you can’t even appeal to rubrics or common sense; IMO, they are drunk with power and not really open to discussion. My frustration just comes to the surface every once in a while when the abuses are more blatant.

Oh, I know the type. It is very hard to remain focused and charitable around them…and so sad when we look at their role model…obedient unto death.

On a side but related note, I’m in my early 30’s, and am one of the youngest sacristans I know of (I learned the trade from my dearly departed dad who was our parish’s senior sacristan for 35 years, and by reading Church documents), so I get a mix of reactions whenever I respectfully bring to light proper procedure; from acceptance riding the coat tails of dad’s reputation to dismissal based on age or perceived experience. Human nature and psychology can’t be discounted.

God bless you in your work…the Church could certainly use more like you.

Have you ever appealed to the EMHC to voluntarily step down when there is an unscheduled OM visiting?

On the topic of getting around non-confrontational pastors, I take the role of EMHC very seriously, and reverence to the Eucharist is a very high priority. A few in our parish attempt to self intinct the host. I once caught a drop of the Precious Blood on the Purificator, and really felt as if I had been slapped. I discussed this with my pastor, mentioning that I cover the chalice and say we are not permitted to receive in that manner. He became very adament that I not refuse the Chalice even under those circumstances. This led to severe tension between the Pastor and me, and I rarely serve since then. In hindsight (always 20/20), I would not have mentioned it, and respectfully acted as I felt I was instructed by RS. I did feel this was a more serious matter, definitely spelled out, and not a less specific instruction left to the coordinator or Pastor’s judgement.
RS

1. The communicant must not be permitted to intinct the host himself in the chalice, nor to receive the intincted host in the hand. As for the host to be used for the intinction, it should be made of valid matter, also consecrated; it is altogether forbidden to use non-consecrated bread or other matter.

Lux

 

[kinderbueno]

Have you ever appealed to the EMHC to voluntarily step down when there is an unscheduled OM visiting?

On the topic of getting around non-confrontational pastors, I take the role of EMHC very seriously, and reverence to the Eucharist is a very high priority. A few in our parish attempt to self intinct the host. I once caught a drop of the Precious Blood on the Purificator, and really felt as if I had been slapped. I discussed this with my pastor, mentioning that I cover the chalice and say we are not permitted to receive in that manner. He became very adament that I not refuse the Chalice even under those circumstances. This led to severe tension between the Pastor and me, and I rarely serve since then. In hindsight (always 20/20), I would not have mentioned it, and respectfully acted as I felt I was instructed by RS. I did feel this was a more serious matter, definitely spelled out, and not a less specific instruction left to the coordinator or Pastor’s judgement.

Lux

Wow, I guess maybe our pastors suffer instead from ***selective ***non-confrontation! I know it has been instructed in our parish that self-intinction is a no-no to our EMHC corps, so thankfully, that’s pretty much a non-issue.

Speaking to your question about appealing to the EMHC individually, like I said before, being the “youngin” sacristan, I get mixed reactions. Funny enough the coordinators make it a point to be at almost EVERY MASS, so even if I get through to some, they find a way to undo it.

Anyway, I think we’ve pretty much exhausted this topic, unless others have more to offer! Maybe I’ll start a new thread ranting about poor catechesis for those placed in positions of authority!

Thanks again for your thoughts and citations.

IMO, the adding of too many EMHCs diminishes the importance (I think GRAVITY was the word I like to use) of the Sacrament. I just want to find a way to appeal to those who don’t seem to get it where they are in a position where they SHOULD.

God bless, -Mike