Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Handbook St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church Corpus Christi, Texas
What is Ministry? God calls people in different ways to serve Him. This has been going on since the beginning of time. But, being a minister involves commitment and sacrifice on the part of those who answer the call. Unfortunately, we live in a society that views commitment and sacrifice quite differently from what God expects from us. Our society teaches us that commitment and sacrifice are important only when it is convenient for us. As a result, we too often bring this understanding to the Church when we get involved in ministry. This applies to adults as well as our young people. In some instances, people like to attend only a certain Mass on the weekend for no other reason than because it is convenient for them. Those interested in being ministers need to understand that ministry requires them to be available to serve at all Masses. This is where commitment and sacrifice come in. Am I really committed to what God is calling me to do and am I willing to make sacrifices to be available to serve when I am needed as opposed to when it is convenient for me? Sometimes, we can only attend a certain Mass because of job obligations. Many people work on weekends and this prohibits them from being available for every Mass. This is an understandable situation. But, when too many people answer the call to ministry believing they can serve at only the Mass of their choosing, then they have entered without the proper understanding of what is expected of them. After reading this, we hope that each one of you will reevaluate your situation and look at your call to ministry in a different and more spiritual way. On behalf of all parishioners, Fr. Hanh, Deacon Bob, Deacon Paul, and the Liturgy Committee, we thank you for your service to our parish community. May God's Blessing be with you always. Basic Requirements for Extraordinary Ministers All Extraordinary Ministers shall be in good standing with the church. The basic requirements include the following Sacraments: Baptism Holy Communion Confirmation Marriage through the Catholic Church (if married) In addition, EM's should regularly attend weekly Mass and regularly participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. If an EM is not in a "state of Grace" to receive Communion, they should not serve as an EM for that Mass until they have received absolution through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 2
Introduction You are the body and members of Christ. If, then, you are Christ's Body and His members, it is your own mystery which you receive. It is to what you are that you reply, "Amen," and by replying subscribe. For you are told, "The Body of Christ," and you reply, "Amen." Be a member of the Body of Christ and let your "Amen" be true. - St. Augustine As Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion, we are first and foremost a member of the Body of Christ; one of the holy people of God. In Baptism, we were claimed by Christ as one of Christ s own and marked with the sign of the cross. Through the waters of Baptism, we died with Christ to all that was not of God and were cleansed of all that could separate us from God. In Confirmation, we were anointed with Chrism as one who shares in the priestly, prophetic and royal ministry of Jesus, the Anointed One, the Christ. In our life as Christians, we participate deeply in that ministry in many ways. Through our actions and relationships in our homes, in our places of work, in our parish and local community, we carry on the work of Jesus by trying to live as Christ lived and taught. However, the fullest and most central expression of our ministry as baptized Christians is our participation in the celebration of the Eucharist, first and foremost as a member of the worshipping assembly. As Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion, we are called to further service of the Body of Christ, the Church, as we share the gift of the Body and Blood of Christ with God s people. Like all ministry, this is a great honor and a great responsibility. We undertake it with the intention to grow in our devotion to the liturgy, to the Church that celebrates it, and, most importantly, to the Lord, through whom, with whom, and in whom we live and move and have our being. We have been called to a most beautiful ministry. Time taken to reflect on its meaning will deeply enrich our own awareness of the mystery of Christ and that of the people we serve. St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 3
Attire Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Handbook "Bodily demeanor (gestures, clothing) ought to convey the respect, solemnity and joy of the moment when Christ becomes our guest." CCC1387b Please remember that all liturgical ministries set an example for the assembly. Appropriate attire is required for all EM s. Shorts and tee shirts are not appropriate attire. Paragraph 29 of the Vatican II Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy says that all liturgical ministers should carry out their offices with the sincere piety and decorum demanded by so exalted a ministry and rightly expected of them by God s people Your ministry should be transparent, not drawing attention to yourself, nor distracting to those to whom you minister. Many times it is necessary to fill in unexpectedly, so please come to church dressed appropriately to serve the Body and Blood of Christ. Schedule The EM Coordinator publishes a schedule approximately every two months. The schedule is communicated mainly through e-mail and is also posted on the church web site and on the wall in the EM room. The schedule is created based on input from the EM s. Factors such as Mass preference are factored in as much as possible. When you cannot serve at your scheduled Mass, it is your responsibility to schedule a substitute. The EM Coordinator maintains a Contact List with phone numbers and e-mail addresses to make finding a substitute easier. EM s should always come to Mass prepared to serve, even during Masses for which they are not scheduled. A suggested practice for all EM s upon arrival to Mass is to check with the other EM s to see if a substitute is required. The last thing we want as a ministry is to have the Celebrant or Deacons worrying about EM coverage before a Mass. Extraordinary Minister Reminders / Practices Reverence As Catholics, we have been taught since our earliest days to treat the presence of the Lord in the Eucharist with the utmost reverence. How we dress or walk or hold our bodies all convey a message about our sense of reverence. As Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion, we are teachers of reverence as well. The assembly watches as we approach the altar and handle the sacred, consecrated bread and wine. They learn much by our attitude of reverence. St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 4
Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion are called to honor the consecrated Body and Blood of Christ, and the anointed Body of Christ that is the Church. We owe our fellow worshippers and our fellow ministers at the liturgy that same reverence that is due Christ. How they serve is never as important as who they serve and who they are as they worship and serve. They are we are the Body of Christ, and we must treat one another with utmost respect at all times. Refrain from side conversations during Mass or other behavior that may convey a casual attitude during Mass. Extraordinary Ministers are seated at the front of the church and are in view of all of the parishioners. So, appropriate behavior throughout the Mass is key to exhibiting a complete understanding and respect for the Celebration of the Mass. Countenance The expression on our faces as we administer the Holy Communion is a very important part of our ministry. The communicants should be fully experiencing the depth and meaning of the Eucharist at this point in the Mass and our countenance should support that experience. This may seem trivial, but it is important. We should all present a pleasant smile as we administer the Holy Communion; revealing Christ s loving face to each communicant. Naming those who Come to Receive the Eucharist Our primary bond at the celebration of the Eucharist is our bond in the Lord Jesus. Everything else, even our name, is secondary. For this reason, Extraordinary Ministers are not to say the name of the individuals to whom they are ministering. The act of giving and receiving communion is an act of faith in the presence of Christ. The minister who says, The Body (Blood) of Christ, is making a statement of faith to which the communicant gives assent by saying, Amen. Nothing should dilute or diffuse that action. The practice of saying a person s name when ministering to him or to her comes from a desire to be hospitable and to recognize that we personally know the person. However, everyone who comes to the Lord s table is equal and equally welcome. Each should be treated with the same respect and hospitality. While naming a friend, family member or someone known may seem more hospitable to them, it may unintentionally make a person whose name is not said feel less welcome. St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 5
Preparation Before Mass 1. Arrive at least 15 minutes before Mass. 2. Sign in for your position on the sign in sheet in the EM room. The Deacon always serves in position #1. 3. Put on the EM robe and medallion. 4. Make sure the cups and purificators are on the credence table on the side of the Baptismal font at the front of the church. 5. If necessary, fill the carafe halfway with wine and place the carafe along with two ciboria (filled with unconsecrated host) on the credence table at the back of the church. 6. Make sure the key is in the tabernacle turned part way. 7. Decide where you will sit during Mass. If you want to sit with your family, make sure your family sits within the front 3 or 4 rows of the church. If not sitting with family, sit with other EM s. 8. Greet parishioners in the church foyer. Note: During this time, make sure that there is a sufficient number of EM s. It may be necessary to ask for the service of EM s not on the schedule. 9. Listen for the Celebrant to call the EM s, Lectors, and Altar Servers together for a brief prayer before Mass. 10. Line up at the back of the church and be prepared to process into the church after the Celebrant greets the parishioners and walks back to the foyer. The lineup order is as follows: a. Altar Servers b. Lectors c. Extraordinary Ministers d. Deacon e. Celebrant During the Mass 1. Process into the church with your hands in a prayerful position. 2. Bow when you reach the front of the church and proceed around the first row of inner pews to your seat. Be sure to leave enough room on the right side for the Lectors to sit. 3. Mass proceeds as normal for the EM s until the Sign of Peace. 4. At the Sign of Peace, limit sharing to a few people around you and proceed to the foot of the altar. Stand with your hands in a prayerful position at the foot of the altar until all EM s have arrived. All EM s bow to the altar together, then proceed to their positions. 5. Wait at your assigned position with your hands in a prayerful position. St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 6
Note: Memorize the response to the Invitation to Communion: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed. 6. The Celebrant will first serve the Deacon the Sacred Body of Christ and the Most Precious Blood. Then, the Celebrant will serve the Sacred Body of Christ to the EM s starting at position 3. Bow with your hands in a prayerful position to show reverence to the Sacred Body of Christ before receiving it. The Deacon will follow behind the Celebrant serving the Most Precious Blood. Again, bow in reverence before receiving it. 7. The Celebrant and the Deacon will hand out the ciboria and cups & purificators to the EM s. 8. After the Celebrant and the Deacon begin to walk to their positions to serve the Holy Communion, the EM s walk to their assigned positions at the foot of the altar. Note that the EM at position #4 will serve the Altar Servers the Most Precious Blood first, then proceed to their assigned position. 9. The EM s serving the Sacred Body of Christ shall hold the Host up reverently and offer it to each communicant by saying and only saying, The Body of Christ. After the communicant acknowledges that the offering is indeed the Body of Christ by proclaiming, Amen, the EM administers the Sacred Body of Christ either in the communicant s hand or on their tongue. Note: For those communicants proceeding with their arms crossed across their chest, the EM serving the Sacred Body of Christ shall motion their right hand toward the communicant s head and offer the blessing, Bless you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. EM's, however, are not to make the sign of the cross while administering this blessing. Only ordained ministers have earned that privilege. Note: If during the administering of the Body of Christ, a piece is dropped to the floor, the EM should retain a calm demeanor and simply pick up the Body of Christ and consume it. DO NOT PANIC AND DO NOT EMBARRASS THE COMMUNICANT. 10. The EM s serving the Most Precious Blood shall hold the cup up reverently and offer it to each communicant by saying and only saying, The Blood of Christ. After the communicant acknowledges that the offering is indeed the Blood of Christ by proclaiming, Amen, the EM offers the cup to the communicant. After drinking, the communicant will hand the cup back to the EM. The EM will wipe the cup with the purificator and turn it slightly before offering it to the next communicant. Note: A lesser known, but very important role of the EM is to ensure that the Body of Christ that is administered is consumed. Ensure that no one carries the Body of Christ back to their seats. If a communicant refuses to consume it, kindly ask them to return it to you and then consume it. St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 7
11. For EM s serving the Most Precious Blood, when your cup is fully consumed, proceed back to the altar and leave the cup and purificator on the corporal at the center of the altar, then proceed back to your original position at the side of the altar. Wait with your hands in a prayerful position while the Communion continues. Note: For EM s serving the Most Precious Blood, if your cup is not fully consumed after all parishioners have received Communion, DO NOT consume the remaining Most Precious Blood. Place the cup and purificator on the corporal at the center of the altar. The Deacon or Celebrant will consume the remaining Most Precious Blood. Note: If any of the Most Precious Blood is spilled on the floor, retain a calm demeanor. DO NOT PANIC AND DO NOT EMBARRASS THE COMMUNICANT. If the spill is small, the purificator may be all you need to clean the spill. If it is a large spill, go to the Sacristy for a large towel or cloth to cover the spill. Continue distributing the Most Precious Blood away from the spill. After the Liturgy, get a cold wet cloth and carefully scrub the spill area. The cloths and towels used to soak up the spill should be placed with the purificators under the sacrarium in the Sacristy. Consult with the Celebrant or the Deacon to ensure the spill is properly addressed. 12. The first ministers to finish administering the Body of Christ and the Precious Blood will go to the back of the church and serve those who cannot come forward. The ushers will escort you to these people. Walk reverently and together, not one behind the other. DO NOT leave your partner who is still serving others. 13. The Celebrant or the Deacon will consolidate the ciboria and place them into the tabernacle. After the ciboria are placed in the tabernacle, the Celebrant (or the Deacon) will kneel at which point all EM s should bow. 14. Proceed back to the foot of the altar. When all EM s are at the foot of the altar, all EM s bow together and proceed back to your seats. 15. After the closing prayer, as the Celebrant and the Deacon proceed to the foot of the altar, all EM s should also proceed to the foot of the altar and wait with hands in a prayerful position. 16. The Celebrant will bow at which point all others shall bow and turn around proceeding out of the church with hands in a prayerful position. After the Mass 1. When reaching the foyer, all EM s that served the Blood of Christ during Mass (Positions 2, 4, 6, and 7) should open the church doors and stay and greet the parishioners as they leave the church. 2. The EM s that served the Body of Christ during Mass (Positions 3 and 5) should return to the Sanctuary to retrieve the Celebrant s chalice, ciboria, cups and purificators and bring them to the Sacristy. 3. Prepare the Celebrant s chalice, ciboria, cups and purificators for the next Mass. St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 8
After the Saturday 5:00pm, Sunday 9:00am and Sunday 11:30 am Masses: - Fill the ciboria with the hosts. This normally takes two packages per ciborium. - Fill the carafe about halfway with wine. - Prepare the Celebrant s chalice by first placing a purificator over it, then placing the paten on top of the purificator, then place a new large unconsecrated host on the paten, finally, place the pall over the unconsecrated host (See page 17) - It is not necessary to rinse or wash the cups after these Masses. Simply place the used purificators in the bowl under the sacrarium, and replace them with clean purificators. - Place the Celebrant s chalice and the cups and purificators on the credence table at the side of the altar behind the Celebrant s chair. - Place the ciboria and the carafe on the table at the back of the church. After the Sunday 6:00pm Mass: - Place the used purificators in the bowl under the sacrarium - Gently rinse the interior of the Celebrant s chalice, cups, and ciboria with water and pour the water into the sacrarium (the sink on the right side with the cover) - After rinsing, wash each item gently with soap and your fingers and pour this water into the sink (At this point, it is not necessary to use the sacrarium for pouring out the soapy water) - Dry each item and put them away in the cabinets above the sacrarium - Use the towel to dry the sacrarium and close the lid - DO NOT fill the ciboria with unconsecrated hosts. The hosts will become stale if they sit out until the Saturday 5:00pm Mass. St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 9
Appendix St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 10
Extraordinary Minister Position Diagram Position Method of Communion Special Duties C = Celebrant Sacred Body of Christ D = Deacon Sacred Body of Christ Move toward Pastor at Altar Receive Body and Blood Serve all EM's the Precious Blood Return Chalice to Altar 2 Most Precious Blood 3 Sacred Body of Christ After Mass Sacristy Duties 4 Most Precious Blood Serve Altar Servers first 5 Sacred Body of Christ After Mass Sacristy Duties 6 Most Precious Blood 7 Most Precious Blood Tabernacle 3 Credence Table D C Altar 5 2 4 6 7 Ambo 7 D 3 4 6 C 5 2 St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 11
Glossary Chalice - The cup-shaped vessel or goblet used at Mass to contain the Precious Blood. For centuries it was made of precious material; if it was not of gold, the interior of the cup was gold-plated. Since the Second Vatican Council, chalices may be of other materials. A chalice is consecrated with holy chrism by a bishop. Ciborium - A covered container used to hold the consecrated small Hosts. It is similar to a chalice but covered and larger, used for small Communion hosts of the faithful. It is made of various precious metals, and the interior is commonly gold or goldplated. Corporal - A square white linen cloth on which the Host and Chalice are placed during Mass. It is also used under the monstrance at Benediction or under the Blessed Sacrament at any time. Credence - A small table at one side of the altar. On it are usually placed the cruets, basin, and finger towel. The chalice, paten, and corporal used in the Mass may also be placed there until the Offertory of the Mass. Cruet (Carafe) - One of two small bottles or vessels to contain the water and wine used at the Consecration of the Mass. They are presented as offerings of the faithful at the Offertory. The cruets are also used for a priest's ablution after the Offertory and the ablution of the chalice after Communion. Host - The consecrated Bread of the Eucharist considered as the sacrifice of the Body of Christ. The word is also used of the round wafers used for consecration. Pall - It is a square cloth, usually seven by seven inches, with a cardboard or plastic stiffener. It is called a pall because it has the same function as a funeral pall. Paten - A saucer like dish of the same material as the chalice--gold-plated and consecrated by a bishop or his delegate with holy chrism. It must be large enough to cover the chalice. On it rests the bread to be consecrated, and later on the Sacred Host. Purificator - A small piece of white linen, marked with a cross in the center, used by the Priest in the celebration of Mass. It is folded in three layers and used by the priest to purify his fingers and the chalice and paten after Holy Communion. Sacrarium (Piscina) - An excavation or basin, provided with a drain directly to the earth, for the disposal of water that has been used for some sacred purpose and is no longer needed. The name is also given to the baptismal font or cistern. A sacrarium, synonymous with piscina, receives the water from the washing of the sacred vessels and linens. It is generally located in the sacristy of a church. St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 12
Sacristy - A room of the church. The sacristy affords storage for sacred vessels, vestments, and other articles needed for liturgical use. The sacrarium is usually located there. Tabernacle - A cupboard or box-like receptacle for the exclusive reservation of the Blessed Sacrament. In early Christian times, the sacred species was reserved in the home because of possible persecution. Later, dove shaped tabernacles were suspended by chains before the altar. Now, tabernacles may be round or rectangular and made of wood, stone, or metal. They may be covered with a veil and lined with precious metal or silk, with a corporal beneath the ciboria or other sacred vessels. According to the directive of the Holy See, since the Second Vatican Council, tabernacles are always solid and inviolable and located in the middle of the main altar or on a side altar, but always in a truly prominent place. Credence table at back of church Credence table on left side of altar St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 13
Chalice Ciborium Corporal Cruet (Carafe) St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 14
Pall Paten Purificators Sacrarium Tabernacle St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 15
Extraordinary Minister Medallion Small Unconsecrated Hosts for Ciboria Large Unconsecrated Host for Celebrant Chalice Wine St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 16
Preparation of the Celebrant Chalice 1. Place the purificator over the chalice 2. Place the paten over the purificator St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 17
3. Place the unconsecrated host onto the paten 4. Place the pall over the unconsecrated host St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 18
Extraordinary Ministry Prayers Blessed are you, God of all creation I thank you for calling me to serve your holy people. May I see you in them. May they see you in me. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen. God of Love and Mercy With reverence and humility I approach the Eucharist and this ministry. Grant me the grace To help others encounter you in this sacrament. I ask this through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Jesus, bless the hands you have chosen as your tools. Jesus, always keep us aware and in awe of our sacred mission. Jesus, make us worthy of this great ministry we have humbly accepted. Jesus, send us out into the world to distribute your love. Amen. St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 19
Excerpts from the Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Holy Communion 5. While the heart of the celebration of the Eucharist is the Eucharistic Prayer, the consummation of the Mass is found in Holy Communion, whereby the people purchased for the Father by his beloved Son eat and drink the Body and Blood of Christ. They are thereby joined together as members of Christ's mystical Body, sharing the one life of the Spirit. In the great sacrament of the altar, they are joined to Christ Jesus and to one another. It was also Christ's will that this sacrament be received as the soul's spiritual food to sustain and build up those who live with his life, as he said, "He who eats me, he also shall live because of me" (Jn 6:57). This sacrament is also to be a remedy to free us from our daily defects and to keep us from mortal sin. It was Christ's will, moreover, that this sacrament be a pledge of our future glory and our everlasting happiness and, likewise, a symbol of that one body of which He is the head (cf. Lk 22:19 and 1 Cor 11:3). He willed that we, as members of this body should be united to it by firm bonds of faith, hope and love, so that we might all say the same thing, and that there might be no dissensions among us (cf. 1 Cor 1:10). As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour. A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible (canon 916). A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all. Christ Himself Is Present in the Eucharistic Species 8. Christ is "truly, really, and substantially contained" in Holy Communion. His presence is not momentary nor simply signified, but wholly and permanently real under each of the consecrated species of bread and wine. Holy Communion as an Act of Faith 14. The act of Communion, therefore, is also an act of faith. For when the minister says, "The Body of Christ" or "The Blood of Christ," the communicant's "Amen" is a profession in the presence of the saving Christ, body and blood, soul and divinity, who now gives life to the believer. St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 20
Holy Communion Under Both Kinds 17. From the first days of the Church's celebration of the Eucharist, Holy Communion consisted of the reception of both species in fulfillment of the Lord's command to "take and eat... take and drink." The distribution of Holy Communion to the faithful under both kinds was thus the norm for more than a millennium of Catholic liturgical practice. 18. The practice of Holy Communion under both kinds at Mass continued until the late eleventh century, when the custom of distributing the Eucharist to the faithful under the form of bread alone began to grow. By the twelfth century theologians such as Peter Cantor speak of Communion under one kind as a "custom" of the Church. This practice spread until the Council of Constance in 1415 decreed that Holy Communion under the form of bread alone would be distributed to the faithful. 19. In 1963, the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council authorized the extension of the faculty for Holy Communion under both kinds in Sacrosanctum Concilium: Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 28. When the size of the congregation or the incapacity of the bishop, priest, or deacon requires it, the celebrant may be assisted by other bishops, priests, or deacons. If such ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are not present, "the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, i.e., formally instituted acolytes or even some of the faithful who have been commissioned according to the prescribed rite. In case of necessity, the priest may also commission suitable members of the faithful for the occasion." Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should receive sufficient spiritual, theological, and practical preparation to fulfill their role with knowledge and reverence. When recourse is had to Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, especially in the distribution of Holy Communion under both kinds, their number should not be increased beyond what is required for the orderly and reverent distribution of the Body and Blood of the Lord. In all matters such Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should follow the guidance of the diocesan bishop. Reverence 29. All ministers of Holy Communion should show the greatest reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist by their demeanor, their attire, and the manner in which they handle the consecrated bread or wine. Should there be any mishap--as when, for example, the consecrated wine is spilled from the chalice--then the affected "area... should be washed and the water poured into the sacrarium." St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 21