What's it like to be a eucharistic minister?

[I_Believe]

Hi,

Perhaps you should write to the Vatican or USCCB?
from the GIRM

I will pray for you to find peace, and acceptance of the fact that you do not make the rules.

Lux

Don’t forget to pray for all the Bishops who don’t accept the fact that they don’t make the rules. Especially the ones who joined non-catholics in the vicious attack on our Holy Father after he lifted the excommunications of the SSPX Bishops. And the ones who ignore and undermine the Summorum Pontificum.

Ever wonder why BXVI asked us to pray for him, as quoted in my signature ? And are you aware that JPII himself was not at ease over Communion in the Hand ? Seems BXVI agrees. As does Archbishop Ranjith. And many others in the Vatican.

So you see, it’s not just me thinking I know what is right or wrong.
I suppose we all have a choice. Dig our sources up from the lower ranks of the Hierarchy, or form our opinions by what we gather from the Bishop of Rome

Since I returned to the Church a little over 2 years ago, I’ve seen the Precious Blood spilled on the floor, and just this past week, at a noon Mass, I saw a EMHC drop the Host he received in his hand standing beside the Altar. So, depsite the repeated reports of these accidents, still nothing is done to prevent them.

Why ?

 

[Lux_et_Tenebrae]

So you see, it’s not just me thinking I know what is right or wrong.
I suppose we all have a choice. Dig our sources up from the lower ranks of the Hierarchy, or form our opinions by what we gather from the Bishop of Rome

…and the conferences of bishops. sorry I do not agree. Do you think the Holy Spirit was on vacation when these ministries were formed? Perhaps you would rather see Masses run into each other and choas in the parking lot? or the sick not offered Holy Communion?

Since I returned to the Church a little over 2 years ago, I’ve seen the Precious Blood spilled on the floor, and just this past week, at a noon Mass, I saw a EMHC drop the Host he received in his hand standing beside the Altar. So, depsite the repeated reports of these accidents, still nothing is done to prevent them.

…and I saw a priest drop a whole ciborium…accidents happen. A priest once told me that if Jesus was so concerned about this (speaking of the horror of Commmunion at a papal Mass–and it is the priests who are responsible for the sacrament) He would have chosen a different matter for Holy Communion.

I never left the Church…and I have seen accidents before and after V II.

Lux

 

[I_Believe]

…and the conferences of bishops. sorry I do not agree. Do you think the Holy Spirit was on vacation when these ministries were formed? Perhaps you would rather see Masses run into each other and choas in the parking lot? or the sick not offered Holy Communion?

I have no idea what you mean by Masses running into each other, and chaos in the parking lot. Unless you mean folks leaving one Mass as folks attending the next one are arriving. If so, I experience that every Sunday, and it’s no big deal.

…and I saw a priest drop a whole ciborium…accidents happen. A priest once told me that if Jesus was so concerned about this (speaking of the horror of Commmunion at a papal Mass–and it is the priests who are responsible for the sacrament) He would have chosen a different matter for Holy Communion.

Yes, accidents happen. So, knowing this, still nothing is done to minimize it.
"(speaking of the horror of Commmunion at a papal Mass–and it is the priests who are responsible for the sacrament) " ?
Totally lost me there. What is the horror ?

I never left the Church…and I have seen accidents before and after V II.

Lux

Would you agree that having two priests, or a priest and a deacon, giving Communion on the tongue to those kneeling at a Communion rail greatly reduces the chance of accidents, versus having six placing the Host in the hands of the laity ?

If so, isn’t the extra time it takes worth it ?

 

[Lux_et_Tenebrae]

I have no idea what you mean by Masses running into each other, and chaos in the parking lot. Unless you mean folks leaving one Mass as folks attending the next one are arriving. If so, I experience that every Sunday, and it’s no big deal.

If there are sufficient parking spaces to accommodate cars from 2 masses, I would agree. However, since this is not the case in large city parishes, the masses must get out in time to avoid chaos and late arrival for the following mass. I feel it is better to use EMHC than have people get in late because they couldn’t get in the lot or park. (or worse yet skip mass alltogether.)

Yes, accidents happen. So, knowing this, still nothing is done to minimize it.

RS did address these problems, but still acknowledged the need for EMHC.

"(speaking of the horror of Commmunion at a papal Mass–and it is the priests who are responsible for the sacrament) " ?
Totally lost me there. What is the horror ?

At the 2002 mass, Priests were instructed to bring their own consecrated hosts for distribution. I was told of fragments all over, and large containers of broken hosts brought back to the parishes. A few EMHC were asked to stay after daily Mass each day, and it still took almost a week to consume all the fragments.

Would you agree that having two priests, or a priest and a deacon, giving Communion on the tongue to those kneeling at a Communion rail greatly reduces the chance of accidents, versus having six placing the Host in the hands of the laity ?

2 Communion stations is not enough, and I think the rail distribution takes longer than the procession (which I feel is also more reverant ) . And I have seen far more accidents with the tongue (communicants touch their lips or tongue to the fingers of the minister and the next host sticks for a few seconds and then falls), so no, I do not agree, even if the priests were available.

If so, isn’t the extra time it takes worth it ?

See above—there is no extra time—only time which leads to the irreverence of lateness at the next Mass.

Lux

 

[Newbie2]

People are slipping! Where’s the person jumping in to say being a Eucharistic Minister is exactly like being a deacon or a priest, because those are the only real Eucharistic Ministers. Ohhhhh, you meant Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion! That’s different, then!

Betsy

Here you go, Betsy. It didn’t take long for the EMHC police to surface. LOL

Some forumites are so predicatble…but lovable, anyway. :grouphug:

I am sorry to disagree with you but I think that only a priest or bishop can be an Eucharistic Minister. The priest and the deacon are also ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

But the term “Eucharistic minister” – despite not sounding odd to you – is inaccurate. .

With all due respect, the only ones who would know what it is like to be a Eucharistic Minister would be the priest and bishop,

We need to use the terminology that the Church has given us.
Please note what Redemptionis Sacramentum has to say:

You are NOT a Eucharistic Minister. The priest is the Eucharistic Minister.

You’re not a “LEM” you are an EMHC.

This thread really bugs me.

Bugs me too. Every single thread on EMHCs is stuffed with forumites getting upset at using the "wrong term ", especially this one when Betsy so tongue-in-cheekly pointed it out in the first couple of posts. I don’t understand the apparent NEED to derail each and every thread about distributing communion with ad nauseum corrections and documentations, etc.

Make a correction or statement…fine…but really, don’t we have more to say about the topic of the thread rather than endlessly correct terminology? Does everybody really have to add their two cents about the correct terminiolgy when it’s already been pointed out?? Especially when you don’t even address the OP’s topic??? Rant over.

Saw Apollo 13 last night. The LEM is the Lunar Excursion Module.

Anyway, to address the OP, it’s kinda scary, knowing how intimately associated you are with the Lord. Humbling. Yet serving as an EMHC (everyone happy? ) is also a fulfilling task.

As far as scheduling, it depends on the parish and how heavily it utilizes EMHCs. We have over 100 and everyone rotates.

 

[Sheeniac]

On a side note: Does anyone know if there is a set number of parishioners required to used an EMHC?

No, it is up to the priest. However, it appears that there is always someone up there.

I have no idea why.

 

[I_Believe]

If there are sufficient parking spaces to accommodate cars from 2 masses, I would agree. However, since this is not the case in large city parishes, the masses must get out in **time **to avoid chaos and late arrival for the following mass. I feel it is better to use EMHC than have people get in late because they couldn’t get in the lot or park. (or worse yet skip mass alltogether.)

2 Communion stations is not enough, and I think the rail distribution **takes longer **than the procession (which I feel is also more reverant ) . And I have seen far more accidents with the tongue (communicants touch their lips or tongue to the fingers of the minister and the next host sticks for a few seconds and then falls), so no, I do not agree, even if the priests were available.

See above—there is no extra time—only time which leads to the irreverence of lateness at the next Mass.

Lux

So, at least we agree that Time is the issue. And that is what I think is so sad. Our precious time has become so important that changing the Mass times is unthinkable.

I understand the problems that our priest shortage has caused. And I understand accidents can happen if no one but priests and deacons distribute Communion. And yes, I do accept that the Church allows EMHC.

I also understand that the Church also allows the laity to choose to receive on the tongue from a priest only, if he/she chooses.

I just find the importance placed on our time troubling. An extra 10-15 minutes of our time, to me, seems such a small cross to bear considering the Cross Jesus Christ endured for our salvation.

I had to work late last night, and so I didn’t awake in time to go to the TLM today. I’ll be going to one of the late afternoon OF Masses, both of which have about the same number of laity in attendence as the TLM I usually go to, about 300 or less. I’ll make note of the time it takes to distribute Communion today, with the EMHC, and next Sunday I will note the time it takes at the TLM with a deacon and priest using the Communion rail. I’m guessing I’ll find there is less than 10 minutes difference, probably closer to 5.

Anyhow, call me scrupulous or whatever. But there is in fact two different mindsets among the laity today. Two different worldviews. Two different forms of the Liturgy. Two choices on how we can receive. In a way, a contradiction of the word Catholic.

Trent took care of that for a very long time, but now, we find ourselves right back to the days before the Council at Trent. Anti-Catholicism as strong as ever. And not just regional, but even within the same cities, each parish doing it their way, with whatever novelties deemed permitted to be incorporated in the OF.

I suppose that is just the way it’s going to be until VIII.

 

[IrishDude45]

(I don’t mean to hijack this thread, if someone could just answer my question, people can ignore it from here on out)

I am a traditionalist Roman Catholic. It is my personal belief that I should only receive Holy Communion from the hands of the priest. I have had to by pass many EM’s to get to the priest’s line. It dosen’t cause any disruption but I wonder if you, as a EM, are offended when people do this. I get odd looks.

Thanks!

Pax Vobiscum

 

[Methodi]

It doesn’t hurt you at all to use the proper title.

You are correct, but in all honesty the topic does not come up often; however, my calling cards (so my friends will know I tried to visit them) have the title “Eucharistic Minister” printed on them and I will use all 300 of them to save money. Sweating the small stuff seems rather silly when bringing communion to the Catholic faithful (and the sick Catholic faithful) is really why I am there. If you ask the aged and dying what they prefer to call me, they will tell you “Nancy.” They could care less about pomp and circumstance. But I shall take note of my official title for future card-printing.Keep your cards & use them up, around where I come from , we call them Eucharist ministers also. Your right, don`t sweat the small stuff, You are doing a wonderful thing!

 

[Lux_et_Tenebrae]

(I don’t mean to hijack this thread, if someone could just answer my question, people can ignore it from here on out)

I am a traditionalist Roman Catholic. It is my personal belief that I should only receive Holy Communion from the hands of the priest. I have had to by pass many EM’s to get to the priest’s line. It dosen’t cause any disruption but I wonder if you, as a EM, are offended when people do this. I get odd looks.
Thanks!

Pax Vobiscum

That is a legitimate question— I’m glad there are not too many people who feel as you do or it would certainly cause a big disruption. Since we are instructed to act in community, and not draw attention to ourselves, I do feel that this is quite inappropriate behavior. To me it looks very foolish—it is about Jesus, not the vehicle.

Lux

 

[Lux_et_Tenebrae]

So, at least we agree that Time is the issue. And that is what I think is so sad. Our precious time has become so important that changing the Mass times is unthinkable.

It is very thinkable, but also impossible. Our Masses run until 2:15, and baptisms start at 2:30. More evening Masses? people can’t or won’t come then, so they would just skip Mass, if a mass was removed from the schedule. Do you think a pastor feels that the preference of a very few should put an undue burden on the rest of the congregation?

I also understand that the Church also allows the laity to choose to receive on the tongue from a priest only, if he/she chooses.

…on the tongue—there is no mention anywhere of “from s priest only”

I had to work late last night, and so I didn’t awake in time to go to the TLM today.

Well, why didn’t you set your alarm? Is sleep more important than receiving from a priest?

I’m guessing I’ll find there is less than 10 minutes difference, probably closer to 5.

Maybe at your parish, but not at mine, and we do not have a deacon, so it will be even longer—I’m guessing 15-20 minutes, which would send us into the next Mass.

Maybe you should research the Church as it evolved in the time you were away, and perhaps you might understand the necessity of EMHC. The tlm can do it this way because there is not much call for it. Most people prefer the Mass in the vernacular, and realize the necessity for EMHC.

Lux

 

[agapewolf]

Probably a bit harsh but that poster is laughing at and making light of something serious and they either don’t seem to understand that or don’t care.
Most, if not all, EMHC’s know they are not Eucharistic Ministers but they like the grandiose sound of it. I** know because I have a friend** who is an EMHC and he thinks that way, even to the extent that he thinks he can give the last rites to anyone in an emergency. I’ve talked till I’m blue in the face and showed him docs relating to what EMHC’s can and cannot do but he won’t listen. This is what I mean by Pride in the wrong sense. The earlier poster’s comments come across like that.

Because you know ONE person who has bad pride about their job, then you “should know” that “most, if not all,” EMHC’s do?

This is absolutely ridiculous and demeaning. I grew up hearing the term Eucharistic minister and understood it to mean “a person that distributes communion”. Since then, I now understand the proper term and use it, however, when I did do the job, I didn’t think the term was “Grandiose”. This is proposterous. If anything the full term EMHC sounds “grandiose”.

I did NOT see anyone laughing or making light of anything.

 

[IrishDude45]

Lux et Tenebrae,
Thank you for your response. I hope you know however, that people who believe as I do never do it to draw attention to themselves. The same way kneeling and receiving on the tongue is not done to draw attention to myself. It is done out of reverence for our Eucharistic Lord. Yes it is about Jesus, but it is also very much about the “vehicle”. Inappropriate? Foolish? What is inappropriate and foolish is forcing people to receive from non-priests when a priest is available.

“Because out of reverence towards this sacrament, nothing touches it, but what is consecrated; hence the corporal and the chalice are consecrated, and likewise the priest’s hands, for touching this sacrament.” - St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, III, Q. 82, Art. 13

Pax tecum

 

[Lux_et_Tenebrae]

“Because out of reverence towards this sacrament, nothing touches it, but what is consecrated; hence the corporal and the chalice are consecrated, and likewise the priest’s hands, for touching this sacrament.” - St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, III, Q. 82, Art. 13

As with the scriptures, this was written for the time—there were enough priests—today this is not the case.

Jesus did entrust His Sacraments to His Bride the Church, and made Her pronouncements binding, but you do as you choose.

from the USCCB-postures

In addition to serving as a vehicle for the prayer of beings composed of body and spirit, the postures and gestures in which we engage at Mass have another very important function. The Church sees in these common postures and gestures both a symbol of the unity of those who have come together to worship and a means of fostering that unity. We are not free to change these postures to suit our own individual piety, for the Church makes it clear that our unity of posture and gesture is an expression of our participation in the one Body formed by the baptized with Christ, our head. When we stand, kneel, sit, bow and sign ourselves in common action, we given unambiguous witness that we are indeed the Body of Christ, united in heart, mind and spirit.

Email us at bcl@usccb.org
Secretariat for Divine Worship | 3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington DC 20017-1194 | (202) 541-3060 © USCCB. All rights reserved.

I don’t think this would encourage line jumping because you do not wish to receive from a valid minister.

Lux

 

[I_Believe]

…on the tongue—there is no mention anywhere of “from s priest only”

Well, why didn’t you set your alarm? Is sleep more important than receiving from a priest?

Lux

I didn’t say one could only receive on the tongue from a priest only. I said we have a choice.

And as far as the bolded part, your scales are showing.

Judging by the way you replied to Irishdude 45’s question, and now mine, it’s quite evident you are full of yourself.

So save you keystrokes ace.

 

[Lux_et_Tenebrae]

I didn’t say one could only receive on the tongue from a priest only. I said we have a choice.

And as far as the bolded part, your scales are showing.

Judging by the way you replied to Irishdude 45’s question, and now mine, it’s quite evident you are full of yourself.

So save you keystrokes ace.

No, you are upset because YOUR scales are showing, with how you perceive YOUR church. EMHC are a valid ministry, but you don’t like it. Again you have a choice, but you haven’t shown that EMHC are not needed. …but respect for valid authority is.

I am not full of myself----I am full of Catholic teaching. Can you say the same?

Lux

 

[benedictgal]

You are correct, but in all honesty the topic does not come up often; however, my calling cards (so my friends will know I tried to visit them) have the title “Eucharistic Minister” printed on them and I will use all 300 of them to save money. Sweating the small stuff seems rather silly when bringing communion to the Catholic faithful (and the sick Catholic faithful) is really why I am there. If you ask the aged and dying what they prefer to call me, they will tell you “Nancy.” They could care less about pomp and circumstance. But I shall take note of my official title for future card-printing.

Keep your cards & use them up, around where I come from , we call them Eucharist ministers also. Your right, don`t sweat the small stuff, You are doing a wonderful thing!

Using the correct title is not 'sweating the small stuff". We must use the correct terminology that the Church asks us to use. It is not about pomp and circumstance. My father is an EMHC and he takes care of 30 senior citizens every Sunday at the local retirement home. He does not have a business card with his name and ministry imprinted, but, the elderly know who he is and are grateful for his service.

I believe that you hjave made this point in another post on possibly another thread. The problem is that this is a misrepresentation of the ministry you perform. You are not a Eucharistic Minister. That ministry is reserved solely for the priest and bishop because they are the only ones who can confect (cause to happen) the sacrament/. The ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are the bishop, priest and the deacon (by virtue of his ordination, since he cannot confect the sacrament).

What we are are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. We function in an extraordinary capacity and should only be used if there is a genuine and legitimate need. What you may want to do (and I suggested this when you posted your original post in another thread) is to scratch off the incorrect title and replace it with Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

 

[Brendan]

I am a traditionalist Roman Catholic. It is my personal belief that I should only receive Holy Communion from the hands of the priest. I have had to by pass many EM’s to get to the priest’s line. It dosen’t cause any disruption but I wonder if you, as a EM, are offended when people do this. I get odd looks.

Irishdude,

I would not worry too much about it. You are correct, there is a decided difference between recieving from a priest and from a lay person.

The priest at Mass is in persona Christi, in other words, he IS Christ.

If Christ Himself was at Mass distributing Holy Communion, and I was next to Him as an EMHC, would I be surprized in the slightest if almost everyone went to Him instead of me, no way!

I would expect it. And that is exactly what happens at every Mass, the priest is the person of Christ.

So if an EMHC gets their nose out of joint because you are the the priest’s line instead of their, simply pray that they learn and accept the Church’s teaching on the Minsterial Priesthood.

That’s all you really can (and should) do.

 

[I_Believe]

Irishdude,

I would not worry too much about it. You are correct, there is a decided difference between recieving from a priest and from a lay person.

The priest at Mass is in persona Christi, in other words, he IS Christ.

If Christ Himself was at Mass distributing Holy Communion, and I was next to Him as an EMHC, would I be surprized in the slightest if almost everyone went to Him instead of me, no way!

I would expect it. And that is exactly what happens at every Mass, the priest is the person of Christ.

So if an EMHC gets their nose out of joint because you are the the priest’s line instead of their, simply pray that they learn and accept the Church’s teaching on the Minsterial Priesthood.

That’s all you really can (and should) do.

Exactly. Sound advice.

 

[Lux_et_Tenebrae]

Exactly. Sound advice.

Maybe, but you still have not shown that EMHC are not a valid ministry, and needed in the church today, or that you accept the authority of the Church in forming this ministry.

(what you have shown is that you resort to insult when you cannot disprove a point)

Lux