Transcript Document

Guide for Extraordinary
Ministers of Holy
Communion
St. James The Apostle
Church
March 27, 2010
Deacon Jim
March 27, 2010
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The Constitution of Sacred Liturgy
The first document promulgated by the
Second Vatican Council, reaffirms that
Christ is always present in the Church,
especially in its liturgical celebrations.
Christ is present when the Church prays and
sings, in the proclamation of the Word, in the
person of the minister and especially present
under the Eucharistic elements.
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Liturgical Celebrations
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For the Catholic, the liturgical
gathering is of paramount
importance.
They are the summit toward which
the activity of the Church is
directed ; at the same time it is the
fount from which all the Church’s
power flows.
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Heart of the celebration.
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Eucharistic Prayer.
The consummation of the liturgy is
found in Holy Communion.
In the gathering, the breaking of
bread, in the eating and the
drinking the faithful are joined
together as members of Christ’s
mystical Body, sharing the one life
of the Spirit.
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When large numbers of the faithful are present
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The Presider will frequently need assistance in
distributing Holy Communion so that the Communion
Rite will not be unduly long.
Will regularly need this assistance when Communion
is given under both kinds, that form of Communion
that more clearly signifies the Eucharistic banquet.
Deacons and concelebrating priests assist as
ordinary ministers of Communion.
And instituted acolytes where available.
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Others
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Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion,
either formally commissioned for a given period
of time or temporarily deputed by the presider,
will frequently give this assistance.
You serve Christ who is present in the assembly
by ministering His Body and Blood to your sisters
and brothers.
Bring Communion to the sick, old age, or when
other causes prevented them from taking part in
the Mass.
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You are a Minister
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You are entrusted leaders in our
community here at St. James the Apostle
Parish.
Genuine ministry is about humble
service. The model for all ministry is
Christ the Lord who came to serve, not
to be served.
Must put aside personal agendas and
needs, prejudices and judgments in
order to serve the community and give
faithful testimony to Christ's presence in
the Eucharist.
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The Spirit of the Lord is upon
you.
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To be fully initiated members of the
community both male and female, of
sufficient age and maturity, and of
diverse ethnic background.
Those who serve in this public ministry of
the Church, faith must be supported by
visible signs.
Manifestation of the theological virtues of
faith, hope and charity.
Manifestation of the cardinal virtues of
prudence, fortitude and temperance.
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Questions
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Why have you agreed to serve as
a Extra Ordinary Minister of the
Holy Communion?
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What do you hope to gain in your
understanding of the theology and
function of the ministry?
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The sick and homebound
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If you bring Holy communion to the
sick or home bound you are to
comply with the prescribed parish
policies and the polices of the
Dioceses regarding volunteer
forms and background checks.
These requirements are in place
for the safety and protection of
both the sick person as well as the
minister.
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Training and ongoing formation
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Each parish should have in place a
continuous training program for those
who serve in this ministry.
Training should include: education,
formation and support at least once a
year or perhaps seasonally (i.e., Advent
and or/ Lent).
The Dioceses of St. Petersburg also
offers continuing formational experiences
for the EMHC on a regular basis.
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Length of Service
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The ministry and renewal of the term of
service is mutually agreed upon by the
individual and the parish.
Usually two years. This will allow both
the EMHC and the parish community to
benefit from this ministry.
Parish policy right now here at St. James
is that we need everyone who wants to
serve to be able to serve the needs of
the parish not their own.
Parishes may wish to limit a person’s
service to one liturgical ministry at any
given time.
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Procedures: Reverence and Attire
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EMHC should show reverence for the
Eucharist. That reverence is reflected in
their demeanor at Mass (full, active and
conscious participation at liturgy.
Remember the four ways Jesus is
present at Mass. Who can tell me what
they are?
Please see that your hands are clean.
No strong cologne, perfumes or
aftershave. If they remain on your hands
they can be transferred to the Eucharist.
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Your choice of attire.
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There is no dress code at St.
James, however, there are some
basic principles.
First, and most importantly, know
that you are a leader in our
community.
Dress in a way that conveys that
you are a leader and are coming to
serve.
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Simplicity, modesty and dignity
are your goal.
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Blue jeans, shorts, or T-shirts are
inappropriate.
Your clothing should never distract
from your ministry.
Most people in the assembly will
spend much energy looking at you.
Please do not distract by your
clothing.
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Responsibilities
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Arrive early. I would like to see you
arrive 15 minutes prior and let the
Captain of the Mass know that you
are there.
This is extremely important
because we need to know that
people are in place.
If you can not make it please call
someone, like your Captain. Get
their cell numbers.
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From the Assembly
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It is recommended that the EMHC sit with
the assembly. They do not need to be part of
the opening or closing processions. It is a
powerful sign of unity seeing them come
from the assembly and returning to it after
having served.
When the Cup is administered by an EMHC,
the cup is not to be left on the altar, please
bring it into the sacristy. Reception of the
Blood of Christ by the communicants is their
personal choice.
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Gesture before Receiving Communion
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The faithful are to make a sign of
reverence before receiving Communion.
The Bishop’s Conference of the United
Sates has determined that the faithful
should bow their head before receiving
under either or both kinds.
This gesture expresses our reverence
and honor to Christ who comes to us as
spiritual food.
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Giving the Bread
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In giving Communion, the minister
holds a host or a piece of the Eucharist
bread slightly above the vessel, looks
at the communicant and says in a clear
voice “The Body of Christ.”
The communicant responds:”Amen.”
The communicant can receive either in
the palm of the hand or on the tongue.
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Giving the Cup: “The Blood of Christ”
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The minister holds the cup up slightly and
says in a clear voice while looking at the
communicate: “The Blood of Christ.”
The minister gives the cup to the
communicant who takes it entirely into
his/her hands, drinks from it and returns it to
the minister.
The minister then wipes the rim of the cup
with the purificator, gives the cup a quarter
turn and offers it to the next communicant.
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Children receiving.
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Children are encouraged to receive
Communion under both kinds. As with
adults, they should be properly
instructed. Also they should take
direction from their parents about
receiving the Precious Blood from the
cup.
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Intinction
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Although described in the Norms for the
Distribution and Reception of Holy
Communion Under both Kinds in the
Dioceses of the United Sates of American,
the practice of receiving Communion by
“Intinction” is discouraged in the Diocese of
St. Petersburg.
This practice seems to stand in contrast with
Jesus’ command :”take and drink.”
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Accidents with the Eucharistic Bread
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The minister has several options. You may
bring the dropped host to the altar/ sacristy.
You may hold the host in the same hand as
the vessel. Never replace it in the vessel,
give to the next communicate, or
consumed by the EMHC at that time. After
distribution return to the altar or sacristy
where it may be consumed or dissolved in
a bowl of water, which is then poured into
the special sink(sacrarium).
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Accident with the Precious Blood
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The minister should cover the spillage with a
purificator, first asking the communicant to
proceed to another minister of the cup. Clean
up the space as best you can with the
purificator. After Mass the area should be
washed with a damp clean purificator. Clean
(damp) towels should be used if the area is
large. The cloths are rinsed then wrung into
the special sink. What’s the name of the sink?
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Purification of the Sacred Vessels
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After the distribution of Communion, any remaining
Eucharistic Bread or hosts are to be consumed or placed in the
tabernacle.
Any remaining Precious Blood should be consumed by the
Priest, Deacon and/or EMHC.
The reverence due to the Precious Blood demands that it be
fully consumed after Communion is completed and NEVER
be poured into the ground or the sacrarium.
Vessels are to be taken to the the side table or the sacristy
where they are cleansed.
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Ministry to the Sick and Homebound
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The EMHC becomes a vital link between
the parish community and the member
who is hospitalized or homebound.
Must be empathetic and compassionate.
It is important that they are sensitive to the
communicant’s needs, i.e., spiritual,
emotional, and material, as they may have
to inform the parish staff of the person
who is in need of sacramental anointing,
reconciliation or a pastor visit.
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Ministry to the Sick and Homebound
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NOTE: All EMHC to the sick and
homebound are to have level two
background screening, which includes
fingerprinting and they must complete
the “Safe Environment Program” for
EMHC to sick/homebound & Pastoral
Care Providers that is provided by the
Diocese.
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Don’t
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Don’t visit the sick or give out Communion
if you are sick.
Use a pyx to carry the Eucharist.
Don’t stay too long or take the role of a
counselor or confidant.
Don’t compete with a television or radio.
Politely ask is these can be turned off.
Don’t leave the consecrated host; return host
to the tabernacle immediately after your visit.
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Questions
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Finally
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Thanks for coming and thank you
for all that you do for St. James the
Apostle Parish. Your rewards will
be great in heaven, Have a Christ
filled day.
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