St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
May 2012
Ministry Description
For
Extraordinary Ministers of Communion
Schedule: EMC is notified of assignment via e-mail notice. Click on link if unable to attend.
Checking in before Mass: Go to the Narthex when you arrive (preferably 15 minutes before Mass begins (no later than 10 minutes!) and report to the MC for station assignment; numbered yellow dots distribute Communion plates and red dots distribute Precious Blood chalices. Remain in the Narthex (or come back when you see the priest arrive) so that all can pray together and line up for the processional. Remember to keep noise level down – to not disturb a prayerful congregation.
Procession: Before Mass, assemble in Narthex for procession to altar. EMCs line up two by two and process behind the altar servers and before lectors, deacon(s) and priest. At the foot of the sanctuary steps, fan out to either side leaving room in center for first reader and priest. With the priest, ALL reverence the altar at the same time with a bow of the head. Ministers proceed to their seats.
Distribution of Holy Communion: After “Sign of Peace” all ministers proceed to their designated “Receive” stations. At altar be especially mindful to honor sacredness – no visiting, handshaking, etc. Sanitize hands – sanitizers are at both sides of the altar. MC or deacon will retrieve Ciborium from Tabernacle and bring to altar. Make room for and REVERENCE the Body of Christ as it is brought to the altar. With Precious Blood chalices, MC or deacon will follow priest as he distributes Communion to EMCs. “Red dot” ministers will receive chalices first, consume and then offer chalice to “yellow dot” ministers. A Purificator is given to each Blood of Christ minister; open fully and wipe both inside and outside of chalice lip before offering to another person. When each minister has received his/her vessel, proceed to assigned station. Be observant to offer both species to those needing special care; i.e. wheelchair or walker users. At Masses where pews have been reserved for those with special needs, “Chalice 3” follows priest to distribute there before moving to station.
When a communicant stops in front of you, raise host or place the chalice within his/her reach as you say ONLY the following words: “THE BODY OF CHRIST” or “THE BLOOD OF CHRIST”. Do not alter words, use additional phrases or say the names of those whom you know. The communicant should respond “AMEN” as an affirmation of belief in the Sacrament presented. If such affirmation is not given, minister is to say “AMEN” before serving.
Place the Host on the communicant’s hand or on the tongue firmly enough that they know they have possession of it, but not so firmly that it may break. Children and adults who approach minister with their arms crossed over their chest are expecting a blessing instead of Holy Communion.
When finished, see if your help is needed at another station. Remember to not stand too close to allow for adequate traffic flow. See that cantors, musicians and choir receive.
Intinction is not permitted in the Diocese of Santa Rosa. Intinction is the manner of receiving Holy Communion whereby a portion of the host is dipped into the Precious Blood. If someone comes to you with a host in hand, cover the chalice with your hand and gently remind the person to consume that host before drinking from the chalice. However, avoid a verbal argument. After explaining: “Our Bishop does not allow intinction...” please smile and invite them to see you after Mass if they have questions.
If someone informs you that additional communicants, who are unable to come forward or are in another location of the church, ask to follow them to that location. Under no circumstances are additional hosts be given that person to distribute. Simply say: “I will follow you and serve”. If anyone requests additional Body of Christ in a pyx, place host(s) in pyx before serving that person communion. If you are running low on hosts and still have many communicants in your line, you may break hosts to serve. You may also direct communicants to another station. Holy Communion is to be distributed only by a priest, a deacon or an EMC. All trained and certified EMCs will be commissioned on a yearly basis.
Accidents: If a host is dropped, immediately pick it up and place it under your plate, keeping it separated so that it may be consumed later. If for some reason a dropped host is wet or somehow soiled, it will require proper disposal; soaked in water until it dissolves and then poured down the sacrarium in the Sacristy.
If Precious Blood is spilled, immediately cover the spill with your purificator, soaking it up. The area may need extra cleaning with water. The purificator should then be wrung out only in the sacrarium and the water in the basin/bucket should also be poured slowly down the sacrarium. Please do not use the regular sink...you are disposing Christ’s Precious Blood.
Ignorance of the Holy Eucharist: Please be attentive during your sacred service. It is appropriate that we require everyone receiving Holy Communion only in the manner set forth by the Church. Do not allow anyone to take the Host from you; they may receive it, not take it. They may either open their mouth to receive on the tongue or hold their hands, one over the other, raised and open. Exercising good judgment, you may need to inquire whether or not someone is Catholic and/or if they have made 1st Communion. If not, they may receive a blessing. Unfortunately, it happens occasionally that people, even Catholics, try to walk off with the host for various reasons – some strange or even sinful purposes. Your attention can minimize such behavior and prevent a sacrilege.
Conclusion: EMCs with plates and chalices return to the credence table and place them on the corporal. DO NOT STACK THE PLATES; COVER CHALICES WITH PURIFICATORS. Ministers of the chalice consume what is left in the chalices, either at their station, or facing the Tabernacle, avoiding any appearance of “guzzling”. You may need to assist another EMC.
Return to your pew for the end of Mass. Immediately after the conclusion of the recessional hymn, the appointed EMCs return the vessels to the Sacristy for purification.
Purification after Mass: Only the priest, deacon or acolyte may purify the vessels. A vessel of water and an unused purificator should be placed on the credence table for the purification by the priest, deacon or acolyte. After purification, the inside and outside lips of the chalices are to be cleaned with a small amount of slightly soapy water that is then poured down regular sink. None of the vessels should be immersed in water but should be rinsed out with clean water after purification and then dried thoroughly before returning the vessels to the cabinets; priest’s plate and chalice are placed in appropriate cloth bags before storing (doors 10 & 11). Purificators and other cloths should be placed in the appropriate hamper in the closet after use (door 16).
