Guidelines For

Extraordinary Ministers
of Communion

  

Immaculate Conception Parish

Dardenne Prairie, Missouri

 

As of August 2007

 

The Call to be a Minister of the Eucharist

 

Is there anything unique about the faith of a Eucharistic Minister, anything that makes your faith different from the faith of Catholics who are not Eucharistic Ministers? The answer is no. And yes! The faith of a Eucharistic Minister is the same faith shared by the whole church. The fact that one is a Eucharistic Minister does not change that. At the same time each person’s faith is unique as each one relates to God in their own unique, individual way. It is your own unique person and individual faith that you bring to your role as a Eucharistic Minister. It is vitally important for you, as a person, to be true to whom God has called you to be, and to be in touch with your own faith. And, as a Eucharistic Minister, it is also vitally important that you be in touch with the unique presence of the Risen Christ in your life, as well as in the life of others.

 

If a Eucharistic Minister has a special gift to bring to the world, perhaps it is that special awareness of the presence of Christ. It is the gift of bringing Christ’s presence to each one we meet, and of seeing Christ present in each person. It is obvious that we bring the presence of Christ to those who come forward to receive Communion. At that time, as we distribute the Body and Blood of Christ (which is the whole person of Christ), to those in our faith community, we truly are bringing Christ’s presence to them. But it is your call and duty, as a Christian, and especially as a Eucharistic Minister, to be aware of Christ’s presence, and to make Christ present, in every moment of your life.

 

In the letter to the Colossians we read, “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through him” (3:17).  These are important words for a Eucharistic Minister, whose spirituality is based on eucharistia, giving thanks.  We are called to give thanks in all circumstances – for our faith is fanned by the wind of thanks!  Faith depends on being a thankful, Eucharistic, person!  A Eucharistic faith - a thankful faith - seeks the blessing to be found in every time and circumstance of life, and thereby finds Christ present there. In this way you bring Christ’s presence to the world.

 

Your awareness of Christ’s presence is nurtured as you ponder your faith, as you ask questions, learn, study, discuss and grow in your faith. We encourage Eucharistic Ministers to seek out opportunities to grow in faith so that you might continue to grow in that spirituality of “Christ’s Presence”.

 

As a witness and a sign of “Eucharist”, you represent the local faith community, the parish, and the universal church. It is important that you are a Catholic in good standing with the church, and that you accept this call as a gift and an awesome opportunity to be of service. Being a Eucharistic Minister is humbling and beautiful. As Eucharistic Ministers we have the opportunity to serve the deep hunger of people to find the presence of Christ. This is our ministry and our privilege. The presence of the risen Christ which you bring, both in the sacrament and in yourself, is a presence characterized by a deeply spiritual, realistic love – a love that seeks the good of others – a love that never ends.

 

As a parish community we hope that you find life in this ministry. We hope to be of service as you seek to grow in your faith. We pray that you will always be able to share the gift of the presence of Christ. We thank you for answering the call to be a Eucharistic Minister, and if we can be of assistance to you in any way in your ministry, please let us know.

 

Procedures for Extraordinary Ministers of Communion

 

1.      In order to be regularly scheduled at Mass (after being commissioned) you will need to fill out a Liturgical Minister Information Form (usually on green paper) There you will indicate your Mass preferences. Every four months or so, a new ministry schedule is prepared. Your individual schedule is printed on a note card.  These cards are distributed after Mass. Please pick up your ministry schedule each time it is distributed and make a note of when you are scheduled to serve. IF you cannot serve at your scheduled time please call your Mass Captain or the Parish Office in advance of your scheduled date/mass. The Mass Captain will then assist you in looking for an extra minister before Mass.

 

2.      Your ministry is important and we ask that you dress appropriately. We would hope that everyone – not just our Liturgical Ministers - realizes this. However, we especially ask that all Ministers model proper and “holy attire” that expresses the dignity of our celebration. Dress should be neat, modest, and appropriate signifying the honor of the ministry you perform. Dress should be conservative, including skirt length and general style. Shorts and jeans are never acceptable. Remember that you are attending a sacred banquet. Whether you are scheduled to be a minister or not, each Sunday we would hope that your dress would reflect your appreciation of this holy gathering.  Generally it is our policy that, unless you are dressed appropriately, you should not volunteer to be a substitute. Occasionally we have to make exceptions to this requirement.

 

3.      On a day you are scheduled, try to arrive no later than 10 minutes (15 minutes preferred) before Mass is to begin.  Check in with the Mass Captain at the information desk in the gathering space.  It is important that you sign in.  When you sign in you will be assigned a station and given a cross.  Please sign in what “position” you will be taking. For Example “L3” means you are on the left side of the sanctuary in the third position. “R6” means you are on the right side of the sanctuary in the sixth position. (A “floor plan” of the sanctuary is available at the desk) If possible, sit on the side on which you will be ministering.  If you are substituting for someone, please note that to the Captain. 

 

4.      You will receive a cross on a WHITE cord if you are to be a minister of the Body of Christ, or a cross on a RED cord if you are to be a minister of the Precious Blood.

 

5.      Five minutes before Mass begins, the Mass Captain checks the sign in sheet to see that we have the appropriate number of Eucharistic Ministers. If additional ministers are still needed, the Mass captain will come into church and down the center aisle, holding up the remaining crosses. If you are attending Mass, and not scheduled, but able to help, please come forward and take a cross. It is also helpful if you check in with the Mass Captain before Mass, even if you are not scheduled to see if additional help is needed.

 

6.      At Mass, you will proceed to the sanctuary at the Fraction Rite (This is when we sing the Lamb of God).  Line up around the sides of the sanctuary (on the side on which you will serve) standing on the floor level. The Ministers should try to line up in order according to station number. When you line up PLEASE leave some space in between each of you. By leaving space between you, the congregation is better able to see the altar and the action at the altar. (We tried this and it works!)

 

7.      When the priest picks up the cup come up the steps and arrange yourselves in a “semi-circle” around the back of the altar.  Communion will then be distributed to the ministers. As the priest or deacon comes to you, be sure to make the sign of reverence (a bow) and then you will receive the Body or the Blood of Christ. The priests or deacon will then hand you a dish or a cup as determined by the color of the cord of your cross. After receiving from the cup, ministers of the cup should proceed to offer the cup to the other Eucharistic Ministers who are standing to either side.

 

8.      After the ministers of communion have all received, you will proceed to your station, leaving the sanctuary at the same time as the priest(s) and deacon(s).

 

9.      Altar Servers do not receive communion at the same time as the Eucharistic Ministers – they will remain on the floor level and receive with the congregation.

 

10. As you distribute communion, wait for each person to bow and then achieve eye contact with each communicant.  Say “The Body of Christ” or “The Blood of Christ” while holding up the host or cup.  Look directly at each person. The exchange between the Eucharistic Minister and the communicant involves interpersonal contact – both verbal and nonverbal. Be aware of what is happening here! As you say “The Body of Christ” or “The Blood of Christ” know that it is a statement of deep faith. Be present to your brother or sister in Christ as they respond in faith. Your attitude and attentiveness here matters deeply. As a minister of the Eucharist you have the privilege, the opportunity and the responsibility to share in the preaching, teaching and leading aspects of the church!

 

11. Position the host or the cup in an inviting manner.  Allow time for them to bow and to respond “Amen”.  Do not let the communicant rush you.  If the communicant does not respond, “Amen” it is suggested that YOU say, “Amen” on their behalf.

 

12.  If you are a minister of the cup, open up the purificator and wrap it around your fingers in such a way that it is easy to wipe the rim of the cup. Offer the cup to each person. Let that person hold the cup completely. Do not “hold on to it” while they drink. (An exception might be someone who seems “shaky” or someone younger that we feel might need the help.) After they drink, wipe the rim of the cup thoroughly.  Use the purificator, wiping both the outside and the inside of the cup along the rim. Then rotate the cup a quarter turn before presenting it to the next person. Try to use a new space on the purificator as you wipe the cup each time, turning and moving the purificator after each wipe.  Continue to wipe the rim and rotate the cup a quarter turn each time you present the cup.

 

13. Children who come forward for communion: It is difficult to tell with children around 5 or 6 years old if they have made their first communion or not. We instruct the parents of this age child to have them come forward with arms crossed if they are not receiving communion. If you are unsure, just ask them, or their parents, if the child has made their First Communion. It is permissible for you to bless a child by putting your hand on their head and saying “God Bless You”, but do not make the Sign of the Cross on their forehead. 

 

14. When there are no more communicants in your line PLEASE look to see if there is still is a line somewhere else, even if this means walking around to the other side of the sanctuary. If you are able to help at that station, please do so.  If your cup is empty, or if you are finished and cannot help out another station, go to the Credence Table. If you are distributing from the cup and some of the Precious Blood remains, please do not drink while you are walking back to the Credence Table. If you have seen this, you know how irreverent it looks. Also be aware that others, particularly our music ministers, may still need to receive from the cup, so do not consume what remains until you check with the music ministers.

 

15. Distributing Communion to our Music Ministers: Generally, if you are one of the first ones back to the credence table you would be the one to look toward the choir or other music ministers to see if they still need communion.  A choir leader (Peg, Vic, Jan, Lauren, etc.) may provide the count. Mass captains have the overall responsibility for ensure that choir members are offered communion.  Positions R9 and R10 will generally assist the mass captain. 

 

 

That minister serving the choir should stand nearby and wait for the music ministers to finish. That way all the other hosts can be placed in the tabernacle. If there is still Precious Blood available one or two ministers of the cup should wait for the Music Ministers, so they can consume what is remaining. If the Music Ministers don’t drink it all, you can always drink it yourself, but it is only “polite” to share the cup with the choir.

 

Please DO NOT try to distribute communion to our music ministers while they are singing or playing. Please just stand and wait for them in the area between the piano and the tabernacle.  DO NOT go “into” the music area at all at any time. This causes confusion. The music ministers will come to you …just wait until they are ready. The only exception would be IF the one playing the piano or organ indicates to you that they wish to receive as they are playing. Normally this is discouraged.

 

Sometimes the music will continue until the Eucharistic Ministers and the Priest are seated. The two to three Eucharistic Ministers waiting to give communion to the music ministers may still be standing there. This is fine.  The music ministers are instructed as to how long to play. Again, do not approach them - they will come to you when they are ready to receive.

 

Always use a dish in giving communion to music ministers and any communicant.

 

16. After distribution of Holy Communion to the entire congregation and the choir, ministers of the cup should move to the area near the credence table (behind the large cross and in front of our Eucharistic Shrine).  There they should consume the remainder of the Precious Blood, asking others to help as needed.  Then, pour a small amount of water in the chalice and consume the final small portion of the Precious Blood.  (Note: There will be two pitchers of water on the Credence Table – one at each end.)  You will then place your cup on the tray. Never wipe out the chalice or place the purificator inside.  Always place the purificator next to the cup on the tray. 

 

17. If you are ministering the Body of Christ and have finished, come to the Credence Table and continue to hold the communion dish with the remaining hosts until the deacon or priest arrives.  The Priest, Deacon, or sometimes the Mass Captain will consolidate the hosts by putting the remaining Hosts from your dish into the one large dish.  NOTE: Normally only the Priest, Deacon or, at times, the Mass Captain should consolidate the hosts into the one large dish, and this is only done at the Credence Table over a corporal.

 

18. After you place your sacred vessel on the Credence Table, remove your cross and put it in the basket on the Credence Table. Then step back to allow other ministers to approach the table as needed. NOTE: If you place the cross inside the basket and drape the ribbon or cord over the outside edge the cords will not become tangled.

 

Instead of Eucharistic Ministers waiting by the credence table until everyone is done, Ministers that finish before Father and/or the Deacon could return to their pew upon completing their responsibility.  The last few Ministers that arrive at the table at the same time as Father, the Deacon and/or the Mass Captain could remain at the table out of respect.  This would provide less congestion at the credence table.  It would also allow the Deacon or Mass Captain to most reverently expedite the final step of placing consecrated hosts in the tabernacle. 

 

19. If you remain at the Credence table, step back and wait until the remaining hosts are placed in the tabernacle.  After the priest/ deacon closes the door of the Tabernacle, he will come down the steps and either bow or genuflect. Ministers will BOW with him then return to seats. 

 

 

 

Glossary

 

Vesting Sacristy

The room off of the gathering area where the priests, deacons and servers vest for mass.

 

Sanctuary

The area in our church that is up several steps where the altar, ambo and presider chairs are located.

 

Work Sacristy

The room behind the Eucharistic Shrine where communion vessels are purified, washed and stored.

 

Paten or Communion Dish

A dish where the hosts are placed for distribution.

 

Credence Table

A work table at the back of the sanctuary platform where items used during the liturgy are kept.

 

Purificator

The white cloth used to clean or wipe the cup during the distribution of the Blood of Christ.

 

Sacrarium

A special sink in the work sacristy where remains rinse directly into the ground.

Questions and Concerns

 

What if …

 

…someone does not make a sign of reverence (a bow) before receiving?

It really is difficult to address this at the time of distributing communion. We must be pastoral in our actions. As a parish, we will continue to catechize (teach) proper reverence for the Blessed Sacrament, and we need to continue to be patient with those who don’t seem to know the proper procedures for receiving communion.

 

..someone does not consume the host right away?

We do need to make sure that the host is consumed immediately by the communicant. This does not happen often, but occasionally someone will not consume the host, but will just walk away with it. If this happens, we need to gently address the communicant. Sometimes you will not be able to say anything to them. This is a difficult situation, but must be handled pastorally. Sometimes those who come forward for communion are not fully aware of proper procedures, but we must never be judgmental or harsh. We do the best we can to be welcoming, and yet also be aware of the possibility of irreverence.  

 

…a communicant or I spill the Precious Blood?

Place your purificator over the spill. Go directly to the sacristy and get an additional purificator from the drawer. Return and continue distributing communion if you are still needed. Then, after Mass take additional purificators to the area and soak up all the Precious Blood. Take these purificators to the sacristy and rinse them well in the sacrarium. Wring them out and hang on drying rack.

 

…a consecrated host falls to the floor?

If the communicant does not pick it up, you should pick it up. Hold it separately and when you return to the credence table area, consume it yourself OR if it is soiled give it to the priest, deacon or mass captain. They will dissolve it in water and pour it down the sacrarium.

 

…I see a person take a drink from the cup and then allow the Precious Blood to flow back into the cup?

Cover the cup with the purificator, go to the work sacristy, rinse and pour the diluted Precious Blood into the sacrarium.

 

…I see I am running out of Hosts?

If there are only a few people in line you might break the hosts in half as you distribute OR go to another minister and ask for additional hosts if they seem to have enough.

 

…a person does not hold up their hands nor open their mouth to receive the Body of Christ?

Continue to hold the Host in front of them and maintain eye contact – they will eventually respond.

 

…a child approaches and you are not sure if they are old enough?

Ask a nearby parent, or the child, if they have made their First Communion.

 

…a communicant attempts to dip the Host in the Precious Blood?

Place the purificator over the cup while gently pulling it away. Then politely tell them that they need to consume the host first.  If there are further problems, ask them to please talk to one of our priests after Mass.

 

…a disabled or elderly person has shaky hands and I fear he or she may spill the Precious Blood?

Continue to hold the cup and assist them. Sometimes we must tip the cup slightly just to touch the communicant’s lips with the Precious Blood.

 

…I drop the purificator?

It’s usually acceptable to just pick it up and use it but if you are in doubt as to whether it is soiled you can ask a server to go and get you another one.  Purificators are located in the Work Sacristy – first top drawer on right side of room as you enter.

 

…I am sick?

It’s best not to distribute communion if you are sick. Please let the Mass Captain know not to expect you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for serving your parish family in this ministry!