Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Guide

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Guide St. Theresa Catholic Community Austin, Texas Introduction As the various ministries of the church d...
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Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Guide

St. Theresa Catholic Community Austin, Texas

Introduction As the various ministries of the church developed over the centuries, the ministry of distributing the body of Christ and ensuring its secure reservation became the responsibility of the clergy. Until the 1970's (except in the most dire circumstances), only a bishop, priest or deacon could minister the Eucharist. Bishops, priests and deacons are "ordinary" ministers of communion, meaning that the ministry of communion is considered a usual, intrinsic part of their role in the church. In 1965, Pope Paul VI began to grant permission for others to minister communion in very specific circumstances. At first certain religious sisters and brothers were granted permission to distribute communion in the chapels of their religious houses when a priest or deacon was unavailable. Soon individual bishops were asking for such permission for lay people in their dioceses, and national bishops' conferences were asking permission for their countries. In 1973, in a document called Immensae Caritatis (Latin for "boundless charity"), Paul VI approved giving each bishop the authority to mandate religious sisters and brothers and laity to administer communion so that "access to communion may be made easier, so that by sharing more fully in the effects of the sacrifice of the Mass, the faithful may more willingly and intensely give themselves to God and to the good of the church and all humanity." Because the ministry was not considered an ordinary, intrinsic part of these religious and lay ministers' roles, they were sometimes called "extraordinary" ministers of communion. Administration Pastor: Associate Pastor: Director of Liturgy and Music: Liturgy Assistant: EM Coordinator:

Monsignor Bill Brooks Reverend Vincent Thanh Nguyen, C.Ss.R. Daniel Girardot Linda Howard Steve Burtzel

EM Leadership Team Roster EM Coordinator: Steve Burtzel

[email protected]

512-231-1784

EM Scheduling Coordinators: Mass All Sa 5pm Su 7:30am Su 9am Su 11am Su 5pm

Scheduler Mike Wier Andreas Widodo Charlie Plesums Teresa Nguyen Jesse Eckelkamp Greg Behrens

Email [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Phone 512-771-4623 512-249-1683 512-349-0740 512-502-0169 512-346-6487 512-657-7232

EM Training Coordinator: Cheryl Orth

[email protected]

512-450-1270

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EM Mass Captains: Mass Sa 5pm Su 7:30am Su 9am Su 11am Su 5pm

Captain Linda Boenig Karen Powell Leah Foster Elizabeth Walker Sarah Frankenfeld

Email [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Phone 512-373-3006 512-206-0763 512-346-7782 512-345-7811 512-453-8534

Call to Ministry: Diana Olmstead

[email protected]

512-633-5626

Important Words to Know Since an EM may be asked to help the priest or deacon, they are expected to learn names for various ministers, places, and objects used during the Mass. Celebrant - The priest or bishop who presides over the celebration of Mass. Sometimes another priest or priests concelebrate the Mass. An altar server's main job is to assist the celebrant. Deacon - The deacon, if present, assists the priest by reading the gospel, helps prepare the gifts on the altar, and helps distribute communion. See illustration 1.

Illustration I: Priest (front right), Deacon (middle) and Altar Servers during introductory rite Page 3 10/9/2010

Lector - Usually a lay person, reads the first and second readings. Cantor - Leads the singing of the responsorial psalms and hymns. Places to Know Sanctuary - This is the large central space in the church building in which most or all parts of the Mass take place. The altar and pews are inside the sanctuary. Narthex - This is the part of the church building that you walk through to get to the sanctuary (similar to a lobby) Tabernacle - The tabernacle is used to reserve the Holy Eucharist (consecrated hosts), and is in the side chapel on the left of the sanctuary. The tabernacle looks somewhat like a gold safe on a stone pedestal. See illustration 2.

Illustration 2: Tabernacle

Holy Objects to Know Sacramentary (Roman Missal) - The large book that contains most of the prayers the priest and deacon read at Mass. The Crucifer uses this book when assisting the priest for the opening and closing prayer. See illustration 3.

Illustration 3: Sacramentary

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Lectionary - The book which contains the readings read by the Lector, beacon or priest at the Ambo. Book of the Gospels - The book (with a decorative golden cover) which contains the gospel readings read by the priest or deacon. Altar Cloth - This is the tablecloth for the main altar. It is usually white but also comes in liturgical colors. Ambo (pulpit) - This is the place where the readings are done and the Gospel proclaimed, and the homily given. Paschal Candle - Used from Easter Vigil through Pentecost Sunday, commemorates the Risen Christ among us. It remains next to the baptistery the rest of the year. Credence Shelf - A small shelf on the back wall for the Sacramentary and chalice (until transferred to the altar after the Prayers of the Faithful). The unconsecrated wine, water and finger towel also are kept on the right side (ie: choir side) shelf (illustration 4). The chalices (communion cups) and ciboria are put on a similar shelf on the left side during mass (illustration 5).

Illustration 4: Right credence shelf with sacramentary, chalice, cruet, lavabo and finger towel

Illustration 5: Left credence shelf with ciboria and cups with purificators

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Cruet - The pitcher-like vessels containing the water and wine. They are kept on the credence shelf. See illustrations 4 and 6.

Illustration 6: Cruet, Lavabo, Finger towel

Processional Cross - The cross mounted on a long pole that is carried at the head of the procession. It is kept in a stand at the back left side (as you are facing the altar) of the altar (near the ambo).

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Vestments Alb - long white garment which can be used by all liturgical ministers. Cincture - This is a long cord (like a belt) used for fastening some albs at the waist. The cincture is usually white or the liturgical color of the day (e.g. green for ordinary time). Liturgical Color - During the changing seasons of the church year, the church uses different colors as a visible sign of the season. Green: Ordinary time Violet: Advent and Lent White: Easter and Christmas seasons, most feasts of Jesus and Mary Red: Passion Sunday, Good Friday, Pentecost and feasts of martyrs Rose and Gold are used less frequently Altar Vessels Chalice - The large cup, usually gold or silver, (illustration 8) used at Mass to hold wine that becomes the Blood of Christ. The special chalice the celebrant uses at the altar is called the priest's chalice.

Illustration 8: Chalice

Paten - A round metal plate which holds the host used by the celebrant during Mass. Ciborium – (plural Ciboria) special bowl that contains hosts. See illustration 5.

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Illustration 9: Large ciborium

Large Ciborium - The special bowl (illustration 9) that contains all the hosts that will be consecrated for Communion. The Large Host is often placed on top. Flagon - This is a carafe-like vessel used to hold the wine that will be consecrated at Mass for the Communion of the people. Communion Cups - The smaller chalices used for the people's Communion from the cup. They are usually kept at the left hand credence shelf and brought to the altar before the preparation of the gifts to be filled from the flagon. Corporal - A white linen cloth on which are placed the vessels containing the bread and wine during Mass. Unfolded, it is placed on top of the altar cloth. Purificator - A small white cloth used to clean the chalice and paten after Communion. Finger Towel - A folded rectangular white cloth resembling a purificator but much narrower, it is used by the priest to dry his fingers after they are washed during the preparation of the gifts. Thurible - Is the metal container extended from a chain in which charcoal and incense are burned for liturgical ceremonies. See illustration 10. It has a lid that can be raised. It is sometimes called a censer. This is carried by the server in the right hand.

(Incense) Boat - A small metal container that holds the incense to be put into the thurible. It has a cover and comes with a spoon. It is carried in the left hand. Aspergillum - Also called a holy water sprinkler, it is a perforated metal ball or tube on a handle that holds the holy water used by the priest to sprinkle the faithful or articles to be blessed. Cross-bearers may find it helpful to learn the following more advanced terms as well: Stole - A long cloth "scarf' of the same color and style of the chasuble. A priest wears it around his neck, letting it hang down in front. A deacon wears it over his left shoulder and fastened it at his right side like a sash. This is a symbol of Holy Orders.

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Chasuble -The chasuble is the sleeveless vestment, slipped over the head and hanging down from the shoulders and covering the stole and the alb. It is the proper Mass vestment of the priest and its color varies according to the feast. Dalmatic - The dalmatic is a loose-fitting robe with open sides and wide sleeves worn by the deacon. It takes its color from the liturgical feast. Cope - A cape-like vestment that is put over the shoulders and hangs to the ankles, it is open in the front and clasped at the neck. Benediction Veil-The priest will wear this in procession and Benediction and other services. They can be in any of the liturgical colors. Monstrance - Is a large ornate vessel used to hold the Blessed Sacrament for Benediction and Eucharistic processions. Lunette - A thin, circular receptacle, having a glass face that hold the Consecrated Host used at Benediction. It slides into the monstrance on a track. Actions to Know There are many symbolic actions used during the Mass that are important to be able to do reverently at the correct time. Small sign of the cross - Before the gospel we make the small sign of the cross. With the right hand in a fist with the thumb extended on top - use the thumb to trace the sign of the cross on your forehead, lips and heart. Genuflection - Whenever passing in front of the tabernacle (except when holding something large/heavy like the processional cross), we genuflect, which is an ancient sign of deep respect. Bows - As with genuflection, bows also show respect, and can be profound (deep, from the waist) or simpler (head bow). When carrying objects, a head bow (in place of a profound bow) can be used to avoid dropping/spilling what you are carrying. Profound bows are normally made when: • one passes in front of the altar • at the elevation during the consecration • During the creed ("by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born") Simple bows (slow nod of head) are made: • when you approach or leave the celebrant • when Father, Son and Holy Spirit are named together • at the name of the saint for the day (except Sunday) • in place of a profound bow, in order to avoid dropping something Walking/Processing - Don't rush. A steady pace, allows the people in the procession to move in unison and stay together. Unless you are holding something, your hands should be folded. When going up stairs be careful to lift your legs high enough so that you don't trip.

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Procedures for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Arrival at Church A. B. C. D. E.

Arrive at least 20 minutes before mass is scheduled to begin. Check your name off the schedule and put on your cross. Check you position and placement at altar. Wash hands with soap and water. Check for hand sanitizer and use it if needed Maintain a quiet environment in the sacristy and please do not linger. Speech in the sacristy is amplified into the Blessed Sacrament Chapel (similar to a “megaphone” effect). Be aware that anything you say will be heard by those praying. F. Proceed to pews reserved for EMs and pray for God’s peace and for the presence of Christ to be communicated throughout your ministry today. Note: The LHM will replace any EM who has not arrived 10 minutes before Mass begins. That EM will be marked as a no show (N/S).

Reception of Communion A. COMMUNION: All EMs proceed to the altar as soon as the priest’s hands touch the cup after he receives the Blessed Sacrament. All EMs move to the altar to their appropriate position – PLEASE give the priest plenty of room. Heels should be on the edge of the tile if you are a cup minister. B. After the Priest (and Deacon if present) has received Communion (both species), he will serve Communion to the EMs and distribute the ciboria and chalices to the respective EMs. C. After all have their vessels, the priest usually bows toward the center of the group and we all bow with him at this same time. The priest will lead us down the altar. Proceed to your designated position. Distribution of the Eucharist Look people in the eyes. Let your expression convey warmth and care. Speak in a clear and loving voice. Don’t be afraid if your hand touches theirs. Embody the transforming, healing and nurturing presence of God to even the least of your brothers and sisters. Be the body and blood of Christ to all. A. Host Ministers 1. The only words used are “The Body of Christ.” Give communicant time to respond “Amen.” Please be aware of the theological significance of these words. We do not add a person’s name, since you are already naming them and acknowledging them as members of the Body of Christ. Thank you for following church teaching on this. 2. Communicants may receive the host in the hand or on the tongue. 3. Should a child or adult approach with hands folded, the EM may give a simple verbal blessing (“May God Bless You”). Please do not touch the person or make the sign of the cross with a hand gesture. There are many reasons for this, but if you need more information, call the EM coordinator. B. Chalice Ministers 1. The only words used are “The Blood of Christ.” Give communicant time to respond “Amen.” Please be aware of the theological significance of these words. We do not add a person’s name, since you are already naming them and Page 10 10/9/2010

2. 3.

acknowledging them as members of the Body of Christ. Thank you for following church teaching on this. Hand the chalice to the communicant. Carefully wipe the rim of the chalice with your purificator. Make a one-quarter turn of the chalice and present the chalice to the next communicant.

C. Special Circumstances 1. 2. 3.

4.

5.

If you run out of hosts, approach another minister or priest and transfer some hosts to your ciborium. Be careful not to drop any hosts when transferring. It is permissible to break hosts into smaller pieces if necessary. If you run out of the Precious Blood, cover the chalice with your purificator and step back slightly. If you drop a host, pick it up and keep separate from the others (in the palm of you hand under the ciborium). When you return to the altar place the dropped host along with your ciborium on the corporal and inform the priest or deacon the host had dropped on the floor. If some of the Precious Blood spills or drips on the floor, cover the area with your purificator, return to altar, place chalice on corporal, and inform the priest immediately. Take the priest’s ciboria/chalice and continue to serve at his station. When the priest has completed purifying the area, he may return to you and take back his position. If so, obtain a new purificator from the gray box on the credence shelf. Take your chalice from the altar and return to your station. If the communicant attempts to intinct (dip) the host into your chalice, simply place the purificator over the chalice, smile, and ask, “Would you like to receive the Blood of Christ?” If the answer is yes, say, (with a smile) “Please receive the Body of Christ that is in your hand.” Then offer them the chalice as usual. If they become insistent, permit the communicant to do so with your purificator serving as a paten underneath the chalice and their mouth.

After Communion A. B.

C.

D.

Host ministers return to the altar (no earlier than priest or deacon), place their ciboria on one of the corporals and step back (remain on altar). The priest or deacon will combine the hosts into one or two ciboria and then hand the empty ciboria back to the host ministers. Proceed to the sacristy and leave the empty ciboria on the counter next to the sink. Take off your cross and return to your pew. Do not clean any vessels until they have been purified by the priest or deacon. Cup ministers will remain in their position until the entire congregation has received communion. Upon completion, proceed to the bottom of the altar. Consume any remaining Precious Blood (as a group) and return to the sacristy. Place your purificator in the “Soiled Linens” drawer. Take off your cross and return to your pew. Do not clean any vessels until they have been purified by the priest or deacon. After the ciboria and chalices have been purified by the deacon or priest, the LHM and LCM wash the chalices with soap and water. Water is sufficient for others. Store any ciboria or chalices not required for the next Mass in proper places. Return tabernacle key to appropriate cabinet and lock cabinet with stored ciboria and chalices. Thank you for your service to our parish. Page 11 10/9/2010

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Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion General Information A.

Division of Duties 1. Eucharistic Ministers 2. Lead Host Minister (LHM) / Lead Cup Minister (LCM)

B.

Scheduling See Attachment

C.

Dress Code See Attachment

D.

Term of Service 1. After training, the Pastor recommends and the Bishop approves our service as an EM in St. Theresa’s Parish. Service is not transferrable to other parishes. The term of service is for a period of three (3) years. 2. Based upon your active participation and performance and with the Pastor’s approval, this term of service may be extended or renewed.

E.

Dual Ministry Church rules on ministry state that persons should not serve in more than one ministry at any Mass, except in emergencies. Please inform the EM Coordinator if you are involved in other ministries which might create difficulties.

F.

Spiritual Formation / Renewal 1. Periodic renewal training will held to maintain a high level of service. 2. Spiritual formation sessions / “days of recollection” will also be offered to increase our own spiritual growth and commitment to the Eucharist. 3. Personal prayer and spiritual reading are also highly recommended.

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