Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Coordinator of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Angele Saulnier-Nicholson
joeandangele@ns.sympatico.ca
893-0260


For an up-to-date schedule, please scroll down to the bottom of this page.


Eucharistic Workshop ~ Eucharistic Awareness


At the last supper Jesus took bread, blessed it and broke it and gave it to his disciples. He also blessed a cup of wine and gave it to them. "This is my body," "This is my blood, do this in memory of me." ~Gospel of John

"The wonders of the mass are as many as there are stars in the heavens and grains of sand on the seashores of the world. The graces, blessings and favors granted to those who assist at this Divine Sacrifice are beyond comprehension. The mass is the greatest wonder in the world. There is nothing on earth equal to it and there is nothing in heaven greater than it." ~St. Bonaventure



Seven Facets of the Eucharistic Mystery:

~ The Eucharist is a sacrament
~ The Eucharist is s participation in the sacrifice of Christ
~ The Eucharist is an act of Thanksgiving
~ The Eucharist is an experience of communion
~ The Eucharist is a sacred meal
~ The Eucharist is an experience of the real presence of Christ
"There is no more intense way of experiencing Jesus presence than receiving him in Holy Communion. This is Jesus sacramentally present." Archbishop Tom Collins (Toronto)

~ The Eucharist is an invitation to Mission


Theological Reflection on the Eucharist

Each of the gospels ends with a description of the appearances of the risen Lord to his disciples. Although Jesus has now returned to the Father and no longer appears in risen glory amongst us; in the Eucharist he comes to us less dramatically, but just as real, as he did to the first disciples after his resurrection. On Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection and each time we celebrate the Eucharist, we meet the risen Lord. In chapter 24 of the Gospel of Luke, the risen Lord appears to the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus comes up to them quietly. This is so typical of Our Lord, in our lives and in the Eucharist he gently invites us. Jesus comes into our midst as a friend, inviting us to recognize him freely, but not overwhelming us. What could be more insignificant in appearance (so easily missed) than the host, which seems to be no more than a tiny wafer of ritual bread. Yet it is the Lord! ~Attributed to Archbishop Tom Collins


Four Fold Biblical Structure of the Liturgy of the Eucharist
I. Take ~ e.g. procession of gifts
II. Bless ~ e.g. Eucharistic prayer
III. Break ~ e.g. fraction rite (mingling of body and blood of Christ)
IV. Give ~ e.g. Reception of communion
These four verbs structure our worship.


Preparation for the Mass
~ St. John of the Augustinian Order was accustomed to rise early in the morning in order to satisfy his eager desire to celebrate mass as soon as possible. no enlightened Christian would fail to hear mass if they only knew what it was.

~ some say, "I don't get anything out of mass." The obvious question then is, "What are you putting into your preparation for mass?" The most important way to do that is by living as faithful disciples of Jesus. Pray in silence to grow in virtue and holiness. Prepare to hear the word of God by reflecting on the upcoming readings.
*Those publicly engaged in the action of the mass need to prepare spiritually, so that whatever they do is done with loving devotion; whether it is reading, serving on the altar, extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, etc.

~ To hold a ministry in the Church we must be a person of good repute, living decent life, on the journey to holiness. Yet none of us are worthy - "Lord I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and i will be healed." With God's initiative we are healed and thus, we thank you for making us worthy." On our own we are not worthy, but God's grace makes us worthy.

"The person who has been appointed to be an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion is necessarily to be duly instructed and should distinguish himself or by his Christian life, faith, and morals. Cultivate devotion to the Holy Eucharist and show oneself as an example to the other faithful by their piety and reverence for this most holy Sacrament." Immensae Cariatis, 1973



Participation in the Mass
~Participation means engaged attentiveness. As the readings are proclaimed, you could silently in your heart say the prayer of the young Samuel: "Speak Lord, your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10)

~ The most fundamental way in which each of us participates is by consciously bringing to the celebration of the Eucharist our baptismal sharing in the priesthood of Jesus, day by day.

~ When I show compassion and generosity throughout the week, I am enhancing my deep participation at Sunday mass.

~ We should not only hear the mass, but we should offer it with the priest.

~ All of us participate at mass, in the particular way of sharing in Christ's priesthood to which God has called us. The common sharing in the priesthood of Christ and the ordained sharing in the priesthood of Christ are complementary.

~ Those who preside should not usurp the functions of any other minister, nor should they over delegate presidential functions to others.


Celebration of the Mass

Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist:

Liturgy is the source and summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; it is also the fount from which all her power flows." Sacrosanctum Concilium #10


The Eucharist is the action of God. We become part of something that is greater than we are, and which takes us back through time to the death and the resurrection of Jesus and forward to the Second Coming.

The mass is the mystery of the Incarnation, with all its infinite merits represented in our time. The same sacrifice on Calvary that took place 2000 years ago, is made present again on altars around the world. For God who is outside of time, pierces through every age and makes the same reality present.
It is not an imitation or a memory of the Last Supper or Calvary, but it is identically the same sacrifice made present in a sacramental way. We do not receive "Blessed Bread"[/]i or "Holy Bread," rather the Lord Jesus himself, body, blood, soul and divinity. We should instruct our children concerning the real presence of the Lord.
By receiving communion, I profess I accept the while faith of the Catholic Church. Only those who are catholic Christians receive communion in the Catholic Church, others are welcome to join us in prayer. Those who do not receive communion for whatever reason may come forward for a prayer/blessing, or they may wish to remain seated.

"The mass is nothing less than the same sacrifice of Calvary renewed on the altar, and that every mass brings to people the same benefits." St. Thomas Aquinas

"When the priest pronounces the words of consecration, the Incarnate Word has obliged Himself to come into their hands under the sacramental species." St. Alphonsus

"What a sublime dignity is that of the priest, in whose hands Christ once more becomes present." St. Augustine



Some roles at the celebration of the Eucharist:

Disciple, priest, deacon, reader, server, extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, musician, minister of hospitality, catechist and the sacristan’s work is done before and after mass. Each of these persons will use symbols in celebrating liturgy. It is not only the material elements used at mass, but our use of them that is so symbolic. Faith grows when it is well expressed in celebration.

In human life, signs and symbols occupy an important place. As a being at once body and spirit, humanity expresses and perceives spiritual realities through physical signs and symbols. As a social being, we need signs and symbols to communicate with others through language, gesture and action. The same holds true for our relationship with God.” Catechism of Catholic Church #1146



Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist (old term Eucharistic minister)

”Imitate what you touch.” (Old ordination prayer)
When we handle the blessed Sacrament, we need to do so with an intense awareness of the real presence of our Lord, an awareness arising out of a spirit of recollected prayer. The genuflections, the reverent pace, the careful handling of the Eucharist – none of these things are needed by God. They are needed by us, for we easily miss the awesome reality of our Eucharistic Lord, so dulled in our consciousness. At the heart of each should be the words of St. Thomas,
”My Lord and my God” (John 20:28)

What a privilege it is to distribute the Body and Blood of Christ to his disciples. A person who assists the priest in this mission needs to approach it with a spirit of profound reverence.

~ The priest is the ordinary minister of communion and the GIRM #162 states, when other priests are not present at mass, that extraordinary ministers may assist in ministering communion.

~ When a priest or deacon is present, they are the ordinary ministers of communion. Note that the deacon is the ordinary minister of the cup (GIRM #182)

~ Ordinary minister is the priest because the priest is the one who confects the Eucharist and brings us the Eucharist.

Sign up: Please come and sign up at least 10 minutes before Mass at the sign up sheet, which will be available in the sacristy.

~ During the liturgy, the altar is the primary architectural symbol of Christ and should be reverenced as such (GIRM #298).

~ GIRM #122 prescribes a bow to the altar. This can be done as you cross in front of the altar or enter the sanctuary. Even the priest and deacon are prescribed to bow towards the altar while reciting the preparatory prayer before proclaiming the gospel (GIRM #132).

Washing of hands:

~ Cleaning hands is not called for by E.M.C (“washing” of hands is not part of the ritual for lay ministers of communion) – if you have a cold, please do not serve; if you need to wash your hands, use the washroom or the hand sanitizer in the vestry before mass. One should come to church with clean hands and fingernails.

~ GIRM #162 and NDR #38 states E.M.C. ”approach the altar after the priest receives communion.”

~ Presider will distribute communion hosts from his one large ciborium to the other smaller ones. The GIRM states the priest or deacon is to do this.

~ Lay ministers are not to self communicate (NDR #136). Priest of deacon is to hand an open purificator with each chalice.

Distribution of the Eucharist

~ People should line up with the minister distributing communion and choose to receive either in the mouth or in the hands (make a throne with your hands).

The GIRM also states communicants are to do a sign of reverence before they receive (#160). E.g. Discreet head bow

~ How to receive: throne with hands, not grasping the host, consume immediately, in front of the minister. Reception in the mouth – open mouth and partially stick out tongue, until it touches your lip. Give host by over or under technique. Be sure not to get their saliva on your fingers. If it is not clear on how they want to receive, wait until they signal it more clearly: hand, mouth or blessing.
Allow the person to come to you, look at them with warmth, take your time. Reverently elevate the host to chest height and show the Eucharist. Say, “Body of Christ” and then give the communicate time to respond with ”Amen”. Then place the host gently but firmly in their palm.

~ When receiving the Body of Christ in the hand, communicates are not to reach out and take it from the ministers with their fingers (GIRM #160); they are to receive it in the palm. Then the person receiving should consume, or small side step and consume and not eat on the run.

~ Question: Do you believe this is the body of Christ? A-men: Yes, I believe.

~ Reverently elevate and say ”Blood of Christ” (#286), person is to respond with Amen (#286).

~ Always wipe the chalice with a different part of the purificator after consumption, then rotate chalice to a new area for the next person. Take back the chalice at the center of the stem.

~ Focus on the person as you ask the question, do not turn away or look elsewhere. The act of giving and receiving at communion is a very personal and humanizing event.

~ Blessings are not in the GIRM, but it is a common practice to help people who cannot receive the Eucharist feel included and part of our celebration. How to give blessings for non-Catholics, or for Catholics who are unable to receive, for a variety of reasons. Explain blessing, is not communion. Laity can bless; difference between ministerial and common priesthood blessing: constitutive.
Make the blessings descreet, so as not to draw attention to the person, make it look very normal.

~ Intinction is no longer permitted in Canada. There are hygiene concerns, but mainly the Eucharist is not something one takes, rather the Eucharist is a gift received. since sacraments are supposed to symbolize what they mean, self-service, cafeteria-style communion just will not do. Intinction changes the humble action of receiving God’s gifts into taking what is rightfully mine. The communicant always receives, Eucharist is pure gift.

~ ”If only a few hosts are needed, it is acceptable to break the hosts in two.”

~ If a minister needs more hosts, then they also go to the altar, not picking hosts from another’s ciborium in the middle of the aisle. There will be a ciborium with hosts available at the altar.

~ No pouring of precious blood after the consecration, if someone is low on precious blood and you have more, simply exchange chalices.

~ Discreetly consume extra precious blood at the station you are located at. If you are unable, place the purificator over the top of the cup. Please do not crumble the purificator into the cup. If all the precious blood cannot be consumed by one person, please see if others would help and if not, please let the priest or deacon know.

~ Never pour consecrated wine down the drain (Code of Cannon Law #1367).

~ If E.M.C. detect particles remaining on their fingers after the sharing of communion, they may be cleansed by wiping a purificator. Extra purificators should be on the credence table for this purpose.

~ The preside will make sure that those who take communion to the sick are distributed communion to take their respective places.

~ Unconsumed hosts are brought and placed at the center of the altar on the corporal (a piece of white cloth on which the Presider placed the ciboria and chalices). One of the extraordinary ministers of communion will be asked to return the hosts to the tabernacle. Afterwards, return to your seats.

~ Do not refuse a person the Eucharist. Bishops job, through Pastors to discuss privately with them. Privately after mass, see the priest if you have a concern.

~ Distinction between consuming and purifying: We consume any consecrated elements that remain after communion, however we purify the vessels after mass (GIRM #163/182). Note how to purify sacred vessels at the credence table (279).

”Those who handle the Eucharist should always do so reverently, in an unhurried manner, without a lot of distracting commotion. It should always be evident that they are profoundly aware that they are handling not bread and wine, but the Body and Blood of Christ.” Archbishop Tom Collins (Diocese of Toronto)



Miscellaneous Points

Who can become an E.M.C.?
Most adult Catholics (16 and over) who have been confirmed and are trying to live their faith can become and E.M.C. One would be expected to live according to the laws of the Church. Regular Sunday mass, respect for people of every kind, willingness to serve and respect for Church teachings are all important. Doubts are normal and obstacles can be overcome, if we are willing to serve. Taking on this responsibility brings great blessings.

What does an E.M.C. do?
Help give communion at mass, take communion to those who are sick, or housebound and offer a witness to the community by their service.

Nervous?
It is natural to be slightly nervous about being an extraordinary minister of communion, for we are being entrusted with the mysteries of God. Some points to consider are standing comfortably with your feet slightly apart and shoulders relaxed. Take a few slow, deep breaths. Look at the person receiving communion and focus on their meeting with the Lord, not on yourself. Say a quick prayer for confidence.

Drop a host of chalice
Calmly bend down and pick it up. Either consume immediately, or set it apart in the ciborium and consume at the credence table. If you drop the chalice, calmly pick up the chalice and place the purificator over top of the precious blood. Then go get more purificators to absorb the consecrated species. Leave a corporal over the spot until after mass, when it can be properly cleaned.

Are they old enough?
If in doubt, look at the parent for reassurance, otherwise read the signs. Children who hold their hands out confidently and with respect have surely been prepared for communion, while those who look around and are unsure are probably too young or have not been prepared for first communion.

If you are sick
Use your common sense, ask a fellow minister to take your place.

Can I give communion elsewhere?
If you have been commissioned by the parish, then you may give communion at other locations, e.g. manor, hospital, prison, etc.

Can I receive communion at the protestant churches?
Our understandings of communion are different and we would be giving a false sign of communion or even unity if we received at a non-Catholic church. E.M.C. must be especially cognizant that they are not to receive communion outside of the Catholic Church.

Somebody came up for communion who is not a Catholic.
Non-Catholics who come forward should cross one or both of their arms over their chest, indicating that they wish to have a blessing. A few may forget this, or assume we recognize them, thus offer the blessing. Generally, though communion should be given to everyone who follows Catholic customs and comes reverently to receive with the sign of faith. If you know that someone who is not Catholic is receiving on a regular basis, speak to the priest.

My relatives were brought up Catholic, but left for another religion. Can they come to communion when they are visiting home?
They are welcome to come to church and pray with us, but no, they cannot receive communion. They can pray for a spiritual communion. They should respect the tenets of their new religion and respect the Catholic teachings that only Catholics who believe in the real presence should consume.

Can I bless?
Yes, we can all pray blessings on others, e.g. mother blessing her children at night with the sign of the cross on the forehead. The blessing of a lay person and a priest is different in nature, for a priest’s blessing is constitutive in nature, for he blesses in the person of Christ: however all the baptized can bless by virtue of our priesthood in Christ.
We say: May God bless you.

What should I wear?
Clothing that is comfortable, professional, practical and non-controversial. Come empty-handed to the altar, leaving bags, missals, etc. with a friend or family member.

Should I use people’s names?
Since we address people in baptism, confirmation and other sacraments by name, it is not inappropriate, but it is also not recommended. We also want to avoid offending those who no one knows. A gentle, pleasant and welcoming facial expression seems very appropriate at communion, but not a grin.

Where do I sit?
It is recommended that you sit closer to the altar as to avoid confusion regarding the availability of E.M.C.


Extraordinary Minister of Communion Coordinator

~ Responsible for typing the schedule with the appropriate number of E.M.C. for a given mass.

~ Before the Coordinator does the schedule, please let s/he know your preferences for mass and the time you are going to be away from the parish, especially if you are going to be away during winter or summer months.

~ If for some reason you cannot be there for the Mass you are assigned to, please find a replacement.

Three signs and sources of unity – shared faith, shared Eucharist and shared ministry, belong together.

Nothing on this earth, nothing in heaven itself, gives more glory to God and obtains more benefits for us than a single mass. “Even God could do nothing holier, better, or greater than the mass.” St. Alphonsus[/]b



Abbreviations:

E.M.C. ~ Extraordinary Minister of Communion

GIRM ~ General Instructions on Roman Liturgy

Sacrosantum Concilium ~ Docement on Liturgy from Second Vatican Council

N.D.R. ~ Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion under Both Kinds in the Diocese of the United States of America, (Washington, D.C. 2002).



Please click on the link below, for an up-to-date schedule, for our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

 

E.M.C. Schedule as of September 2011

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