What's it like to be a eucharistic minister?

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HeWillProvide said:
How is the schedule? The “training”? The ministering itself? etc.?
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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, as the title Eucharistic Minister applies to them. This is because only they can confect (cause to happen) the Eucharist, the Sacrament, if you will.

Now, to be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, one must be a practicing Catholic and properly trained for this duty. Furthermore, the person has to have a strong sense of the faith and realize that this ministry only comes into play if there is a genunine need.

In my parish, most of the Masses have one person scheduled once a month by rotation. However, at the 6PM Spanish-language Mass that I serve, there are only two of us and we alternate. This Mass is well attended and we have about 200 communicants. However, because we are only two EMHC, we only distribute under one species.

Just for clarification, both of us do not serve at the same time. We alternate. I help my pastor or my parochial vicar one week, the other one helps out the next.
 
FLNonny said:
It doesn’t hurt you at all to use the proper title.
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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.

It’s not “small stuff”; rather, we must do as the Church asks us to do. Redemptionis Sacramentum notes that:
[156.] This function is to be understood strictly according to the name by which it is known, that is to say, that of extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, and not “special minister of Holy Communion” nor “extraordinary minister of the Eucharist” nor “special minister of the Eucharist”, by which names the meaning of this function is unnecessarily and improperly broadened.
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An earlier document, Ecclesiae de Mysterio, written in 1997 (as a sort of foreshadowing of Redemptionis Sacramentum) also notes that:
  1. The non-ordained faithful may be generically designated “extraordinary ministers” when deputed by competent authority to discharge, solely by way of supply, those offices mentioned in Canon 230, 3(56) and in Canons 943 and 1112. Naturally, the concrete term may be applied to those to whom functions are canonically entrusted e.g. catechists, acolytes, lectors etc. Temporary deputation for liturgical purposes – mentioned in Canon 230, 2 – does not confer any special or permanent title on the non-ordained faithful.(57)
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It is unlawful for the non-ordained faithful to assume titles such as “pastor”, “chaplain”, “coordinator”, " moderator" or other such similar titles which can confuse their role and that of the Pastor, who is always a Bishop or Priest.(58)
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…1. The canonical discipline concerning extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion must be correctly applied so as to avoid generating confusion. The same discipline establishes that the ordinary minister of Holy Communion is the Bishop, the Priest and the the Deacon.(96) Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion are those instituted as acolytes and the faithful so deputed in accordance with Canon 230, 3.(97)
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I would suggest, with all due respect, that perhaps you should scratch out the incorrect title and put in its place “Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion”. It is the title that the Church specifically states that we should use.
 
Before getting up to distribute communion, every EMHC should fervently pray for the day that we have enough priests and deacons so that EMHCs wouldn’t be necessary in the first place.

Their training should educate them that the role of EMHCs is supposed to be a temporary, stop-gap measure in situations where there aren’t enough priests and deacons.
 
QUOTE
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. UNQUOTE

You are NOT a Eucharistic Minister and handing out cards bearing such a lie is not “small stuff”. I would destroy the cards you have. Frankly, I don’t know why you have calling cards anyway. It smacks somewhat of Pride (in the wrong sense of the word).
 
You are NOT a Eucharistic Minister and handing out cards bearing such a lie is not “small stuff”. I would destroy the cards you have. Frankly, I don’t know why you have calling cards anyway. It smacks somewhat of Pride (in the wrong sense of the word).
Thistle, does the word Pharicees mean anything to you? Calling cards let my missing elderly friends know I tried to see them (some will wait all day for a visit so it’s only polite to let them know they have not been intentionally ignored). The cards also provide my home phone number and the church phone number in case they have questions, worries or just want to talk. If you didn’t know it, many in nursing homes don’t have great memories; they need to have something tangible in their hands (such as a phone number). I have spent 2 years with people who are dying; pride has little to do with that, although I am thankful God saw fit to give me my wondrous “job.”
Perhaps you do not know the meaning of lie, but I suggest you look up both the word and the word pharicee. You appear angry, judgmental and downright hostile. It is best you not become a “Eucharistic Minister” (obviously phrased for your beneift). It is my hope you are simply very young, but it is obvious you are a very unhappy person. Happy people aren’t ugly toward others. I shall say a prayer for you in mass this morning, a mass being said for the 4 Catholics we lost last year. God bless you and all us sinners. I shall not respond to you again; unhappy, mean people ruin an otherwise beautiful day that God fit to bestow upon us.
 
thistle said:
You are NOT a Eucharistic Minister and handing out cards bearing such a lie is not “small stuff”. I would destroy the cards you have. Frankly, I don’t know why you have calling cards anyway. It smacks somewhat of Pride (in the wrong sense of the word).
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Isn’t this harsh? Most people wouldn’t know what an EMHC is. However, I wouldn’t continue to visit people who were not home, especially if they didn’t even bother to cancel this important appointment. If they can get out, church should be a priority, especially if they expect a volunteer to make a special trip to their home.

Lux
 
HeWillProvide said:
How is the schedule? The “training”? The ministering itself? etc.?
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More importantly what are the qualifications—from ON CERTAIN QUESTIONS REGARDING THE COLLABORATION OF THE NON-ORDAINEDFAITHFUL IN
Article 13
Necessary Selection and Adequate Formation
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Should it become necessary to provide for “supplementary” assistance in any of the cases mentioned above, the competent Authority is bound to select lay faithful of sound doctrine and exemplary moral life. Catholics who do not live worthy lives or who do not enjoy good reputations or whose family situations do not conform to the teaching of the Church may not be admitted to the exercise of such functions. In addition, those chosen should possess that level of formation necessary for the discharge of the responsibilities entrusted to them.
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In accordance with the norms of particular law, they should perfect their knowledge particularly by attending, in so far as possible, those formation courses organized for them by the competent ecclesiastical Authority in the particular Churches,112 in environments other than that of the Seminary, as this is reserved solely for those preparing for the priest hood.113 Great care must be exercised so that these courses conform absolutely to the teaching of the ecclesiastical Magisterium and they must be imbued with a true spirituality.
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If a person is not married in the Church, they should not apply. (unfortunately this happens all too often)

Lux
 
FLNonny said:
You are NOT a Eucharistic Minister and handing out cards bearing such a lie is not “small stuff”. I would destroy the cards you have. Frankly, I don’t know why you have calling cards anyway. It smacks somewhat of Pride (in the wrong sense of the word).
Thistle, does the word Pharicees mean anything to you? Calling cards let my missing elderly friends know I tried to see them (some will wait all day for a visit so it’s only polite to let them know they have not been intentionally ignored). The cards also provide my home phone number and the church phone number in case they have questions, worries or just want to talk. If you didn’t know it, many in nursing homes don’t have great memories; they need to have something tangible in their hands (such as a phone number). I have spent 2 years with people who are dying; pride has little to do with that, although I am thankful God saw fit to give me my wondrous “job.”
Perhaps you do not know the meaning of lie, but I suggest you look up both the word and the word pharicee. You appear angry, judgmental and downright hostile. It is best you not become a “Eucharistic Minister” (obviously phrased for your beneift). It is my hope you are simply very young, but it is obvious you are a very unhappy person. Happy people aren’t ugly toward others. I shall say a prayer for you in mass this morning, a mass being said for the 4 Catholics we lost last year. God bless you and all us sinners. I shall not respond to you again; unhappy, mean people ruin an otherwise beautiful day that God fit to bestow upon us.
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A Eucharistic Minister is, by definition a priest or bishop.
The people in this thread have made you aware of this fact.
If you continue calling yourself a “Eucharistic Minister” with full knowledge that you are not, you are lying.

Leaving a card which says “Eucharistic Minister” is the equivalent of saying “I am an ordained priest of the Catholic Church who is able to confect the Eucharist”

Please simply discontinue using these cards and buy or make new ones with your proper title.
 
Lux_et_Tenebrae said:
Isn’t this harsh? Most people wouldn’t know what an EMHC is. However, I wouldn’t continue to visit people who were not home, especially if they didn’t even bother to cancel this important appointment. If they can get out, church should be a priority, especially if they expect a volunteer to make a special trip to their home.

Lux
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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.
 
FLNonny said:
I am confused by some of the posts. I am an Eucharistic minister who refrains from using the “extrodinary…” term since it sounds odd to me. I give communion to the elderly at a nursing home each week and LOVE my “job.” I get more from my friends than they from me. Not one of my friends facing death has seemed fearful. They say their rosary prayers and seem to be ready to go. They have all lived long good lives (with the usual ups and downs) and each believes Heaven is a wonderful destination. In my diocese, someone has to recommend a person for this volunteer vocation (I apparently received 3 recommendations and 2 yrs later still don’t know who recommended me). The priest then considered me (without my knowledge) and the bishop later approved me after I underwent 3 hours of training. After having spent years visiting my father in a nursing home and having just become a Catholic in 2005 (with some great training), I feel confident I am capable of fulfilling my duties to these elderly Catholics. Each year I must undergo a Saturday of additional training with other Eucharistic ministers and once yearly we all meet as a group w/ the priest to discuss and questions or concerns. I recommend this “job” to anyone who LOVES not only his/her faith, but people! And I agree that nobody (especially those going into nursing homes) should take on this duty unless s/he plans to spend many years in the capacity. There are too many people who will befriend you and rely on you for you to cease your Catholic duty quickly.
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I think you’re called an “extraordinary” minister because EHMCs are only supposed to be used in rare/unique occasions and are not normative. That’s why Tridentine Masses are also called the “Extraordinary” Form of the Latin Rite as opposed to the “Ordinary” Form - because the New Mass is normative.
 
HeWillProvide said:
How is the schedule? The “training”? The ministering itself? etc.?
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I love it. I have been an LEM for a little over a year now, and I am really happy. Yesterday, I was lead LEM for the 3rd time (they coordinate it on the day of the schedule). Fortunately, I only had one time (the 2nd time) where there were 2 or 3 people who didn’t show up and no one came up to substitute. 😦 One of the most important parts, the main aisle, was not filled, so I went to get the Consecrated Hosts from the Tabernacle, and then I filled in the main aisle. My mom, fortunately, was right next to where I was supposed to be, so I didn’t have to worry about that. She just did two spots (it works out because they are so close).

As for training, I had a night of history of LEMs with Father, and then he sent in the letter of approval for the Bishop to approve so I could become commissioned. He said that I should get a phone call from the LEM coordinator about training, but I never did. It was ok though, because my mom and aunt had been LEMs for about a year before I got commissioned. I’ve never had a problem. 👍

The schedule varies. The scheduler (someone in the Parish Office) never puts people in the same spot. My mom sometimes complains about where she is put because my first name starts with C. and hers is J. (our last name is the same still) so I usually get the prime spots.:rolleyes: I’m being sarcastic, of course. I don’t mind where I serve. I just love to serve Jesus, literally and figuratively. 👍
 
thistle said:
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.
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Words matter. If I write “go to” versus “goto” in a line of code, the results will be very different. How much more careful should we be in dealing with holy matters?

Sadly, I hear week after week, priests asking the “Eucharistic ministers” to “come to the altar to receive their pyx”.

If the person responding is really concerned about the cost of 300 cards, she might want to consider visiting vistaprint.com. She can get new cards for free or very low cost.

Paul
 
CarmeliteGirl25 said:
Another person trying to start a fight… I’m not taking the bait.

What in the world is so bad about saying LEM? I’m a Lay Eucharistic Minister!
🤷
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I’m not up for fighting with you, but I will answer your question.

It is simply incorrect. For example, I’m Caucasian. Would it be correct to say, “I’m a black, white person”? No, because the first part contradicts the second. In the same sense, according to Catholic theology a Eucharistic minister is by definition, not laity.

There is nothing wrong or offensive about the correct title. Why not use it? Again, not picking a fight, but I am asking a sincere question.

Paul
 
T700 said:
I’m not up for fighting with you, but I will answer your question.

It is simply incorrect. For example, I’m Caucasian. Would it be correct to say, “I’m a black, white person”? No, because the first part contradicts the second. In the same sense, according to Catholic theology a Eucharistic minister is by definition, not laity.

There is nothing wrong or offensive about the correct title. Why not use it? Again, not picking a fight, but I am asking a sincere question.

Paul
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Because we use LEM at my Church. I grew up with the phrase LEM. I am not describing myself as a Eucharistic Minister (that is a priest or deacon), but a Lay Eucharistic Minister, which is what I am. I belong to the Laity. I use EMHC and LEM interchangeably, but I see nothing wrong with the latter.
 
T700 said:
I’m not up for fighting with you, but I will answer your question.

It is simply incorrect. For example, I’m Caucasian. Would it be correct to say, “I’m a black, white person”? No, because the first part contradicts the second. In the same sense, according to Catholic theology a Eucharistic minister is by definition, not laity.

There is nothing wrong or offensive about the correct title. Why not use it? Again, not picking a fight, but I am asking a sincere question.

Paul
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I’m sorry, I don’t feel like getting into this right now. Please forgive me.😊
 
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