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Re:- Use of Paten in Distributing Eucharist Steven Monday, August 1, 2005

Question:

I have hust read with interest Frank's questions regarding handling of the Blessed Sacrament during distribution, and would like to add a few additional pieces of information and some thoughts. I serve as an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist in my parish, and have encountered "first hand" some of the issues mentioned.

1. The communion plate or paten has largely fallen into disuse, I believe as a result of the majority of communicants now receiving the Host in their hands. Here, it would be awkward to use, and also the hands practically prevent any particles from falling to the floor. When receiving by mouth, a plate would be useful, although it is rarely provided (I have seen some priests hold the ciborium under the chin of a communicant, especially if this is of the shallow "bowl" variety, but this too is awkward). Perhaps there is a case for the return of the ancient "houselling cloth" which was held between the minister and communicant (usually by two servers) to catch particles.
2. A small covered bowl of water should be provided near the tabernacle to facilitate washing of fingers after ministering communion (I always use this if I have been distibuting Hosts, although I'm not sure how many ministers do - perhaps catechesis should be better). This is periodically emptied into the sacrarium.
3. Some priests (noticbly our pastor) lie to use a very large Host at Mass and break this into pieces, some of which are distibuted to the people: while the symbolism is laudable, there is a tendency to produce crumbs which increases the risk of accidents.
4. Sometimes when receiving the Blessed Sacrament by hand (when I am not myself ministering), I find particles adhere to my hand. I will do my best to consume these, and also try to keep the foreinge and thumb of my right hand joined (like the priest at a Tridentine Mass) and purify these as I take the holy water on leaving the church. (Maybe there is something to be said for the Anglican custom of licking the host from the left hand when reciving, although I always feel this looks indecorous).

Pax Christi.
Steven

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Steven,

Thank you for the extra information.

Mr. Slavek
Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers.

(b) There is no such Mass called the Novus Ordo. The Current Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000, or the Oridinary Form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass is the Roman Missal of 1962, or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Please refrain from using the term, Novus Ordo. Thanks.

(c) The titles of Acolyte and Lector belong exclusively to the Installed Offices of Acolyte and Lector, who are men (only) appointed by the Bishop. These roles performed by others are Altar Servers and Readers, respectively.