What is proper for an EMHC bread minister?

[nortex]

What is the proper procedure for a EMHC bread minister to follow when a child or non-receiving church member comes forward during the distribution of Communion. They are asked to place their hands over their chest and form an “X” with their arms and the minister will give a blessing. We are asked to not make the sign of the cross on their forehead because we could contaminate the remaining hosts with the thumb and only an ordained minister may bless them by making a sign of the cross over them. At a previous parish I attended, the pastor said we could place our right hand on their shoulder and bless them by saying “Receive the Lord Jesus in your heart.” Church rubrics are not clear on this subject and for that reason I have avoided volunteering as a bread minister and have limited my services to cup minister only.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

First, let’s clarify that you are not a “bread minister.” You are offering Jesus Christ under the form of the consecrated host. If you need to distinguish between offering the host and offering the consecrated wine, say that you are offering Communion “from the plate.”

As to blessings, there is no need to touch anyone or make any gestures. When I do this, I just say “May God bless you.”