Why can't Eucharistic Ministers Place host on tounge correctly?

  • Thread starter Thread starter dizzy_dave
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
D

dizzy_dave

Guest
Has anyone else had this problem:
Why do Eucharistic Ministers have such a difficult time correctly placing a Host on the tounge? I do not have this problem with priests or people who have been Eucharistic Ministers for a long time. Some act like they are afraid to do it, I or they almost aways drop it because it is not placed on the tounge properly, I don’t know why it is such a problem. I recieve this way because I think it is more reverant and besides I am always holding my 1 year old who can’t walk yet.
I thought about bringing this up to the priest but I’m not sure if I should, it’s just a matter of time before the Host is dropped.
 
They are afraid they are going to touch your tongue, or get something from your mouth on them. They need practice.
 
Sometimes it’s almost as if they try to toss it in, sometimes I wish on the tounge was THE ONLY WAY. When I had my First communion in 1980 I think I was the only one in my class to take Holy Communion this way, now hardly anyone does it that way.
 
I am a Eucharist minister at our parrish. I see this as a result of poor training. I had trouble with this also until i watched the priest on EWTN. The technique i saw them using works much better. They use a " hand over the host technique " the same way you would use to put a quarter in a vending machine. Most Eucharist minsters i have observed use a " hand under the host technique". I believe atleast part of the problem is communicants do not give a big enough target. Sometimes it is like trying to stick a quarter in a slot. This is made especialy hard if the "target " is still moving !! As a eucharist minister and the communicant receives on the tongue i try very hard to keep my fingures out of your mouth. As a communicant on the tongue you can be especially helpful if you give a big target and come to a complete stop.And bring it to the pastors attention if it is a issue. It wont get solved if they are not aware there is a problem
 
It’s not just a matter of some ministers who do not know how to place the Host correctly on the tongue, it is also a matter of some communicants who do not know how to receive the Host correctly on the tongue. Some do not open their mouths wide enough or do not extend their tongue to receive the Host. Some retract their tongues and close their mouths too quickly.

Of course, this is not the usual situation. Most communicants who receive on the tongue are careful when receiving, just as most ministers on the Holy Eucharist, both Ordinary and Extraordinary, are competent when serving in this ministry.
 
I have a way to solve this - I sit on the side where the priest will be giving the Eucharist…
 
I would not receive from a Extraordinary Minister under any circumstance.
 
40.png
cursillo:
I am a Eucharist minister at our parrish.
Click to expand...
No, you’re not, unless you’re a priest. If you’re a layman, then you are an “Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.” You cannot be a minister of the Sacrament of the Eucharist because you are not a priest.
 
A few weeks ago a Eucharistic Minister almost put the host up my nose. :eek:

A question: This same Eucharistic Minister actually snapped the host in two before attempting to give it to me. Is this even allowed???
 
40.png
Lorrie:
…A question: This same Eucharistic Minister actually snapped the host in two before attempting to give it to me. Is this even allowed???
Click to expand...
It is allowed when necessary, such as if the number of whole Hosts is insufficient for the number of communicants still waiting to receive the Eucharist.
 
Joseph Bilodeau:
It is allowed when necessary, such as if the number of whole Hosts is insufficient for the number of communicants still waiting to receive the Eucharist.
Click to expand...
But he placed both parts on my tongue (after the attempt of nose insertion…lol).
 
40.png
dizzy_dave:
Sometimes it’s almost as if they try to toss it in, sometimes I wish on the tounge was THE ONLY WAY. When I had my First communion in 1980 I think I was the only one in my class to take Holy Communion this way, now hardly anyone does it that way.
Click to expand...
If this were the case I believe that many EMHC’s would quit.
 
Has anyone else had this problem:
Why do Eucharistic Ministers have such a difficult time correctly placing a Host on the tounge?
Click to expand...
Practice makes perfect, and EM’s just don’t have must practice in giving communion on the tongue.

The practice isn’t that obscure and archaic yet, but its getting there. I would guess that in a generation the majority of those who continue to receive on the tongue will be those suffering with Parkinsons’ and similar disorders, and perhaps a few converts from Episcopalianism whose I believe receive in that way.
 
40.png
Pug:
Why do you believe this?
Click to expand...
From the many I have talked to. Many don’t do this for the right reasons to begin with. Many do not like placing the Host in peoples mouths. I believe the greatest gift is carrying the Eucharist to the ill and sick. But most EMHC do not want to do this because it’s not a very public ministry.
 
40.png
Kielbasi:
I would guess that in a generation the majority of those who continue to receive on the tongue will be those suffering with Parkinsons’
Click to expand...
Never fear, people in the US who speak a different language (say, from below our southern border) receive on the tongue. There are still plenty of them out there.

Is receiving on the hand an English-speaking phenomenon, does anyone know for sure?
 
I believe the greatest gift is carrying the Eucharist to the ill and sick. But most EMHC do not want to do this because it’s not a very public ministry.
Click to expand...
Its just more work to go to folks’ homes. EM’s at mass are presumably going to be attending the same mass anyhow, so its a lot less of a commitment.
 
I’ve solved this too; from the priest I receive only on the tongue. Anyone else, only in the hand.
I try to aim for the priest always.
 
Br. Rich SFO:
I believe the greatest gift is carrying the Eucharist to the ill and sick. But most EMHC do not want to do this
Click to expand...
Yes, at our parish it is difficult to find people to go the local hospitals every day. It is the most awesomest wonderful thing to be privileged to do! More people should try it, even if they think they would be no good at talking to strangers or are intimidated by carrying Jesus. Now, if only some of you listening are in my parish and will join up!

Let’s pray for all our EMHC.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top