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Habitual use of E.E. M's Kristin Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Question:

Dear Mr. Slavek,

Years ago I was asked to be an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister by our priest. I understood that I would help distribute to the Homebound, however, that has never happened. Our parish habitually uses EEM's to distribute the Eucharist at the Mass in addition to the priest. We are a small rural church with approx. 60 people in attendance each week and our priest is not needed to rush off for another Mass elsewhere. I see no reason whatsoever that EEM's are needed. Our hands are not consecrated...WHY is this being done? It's bothering me so much that I'm wondering whether I should continue going to Mass. It seems an insult to the True Presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist. I have decided I will no longer participate in the habit. My question to you is why. Is this one of the signs of the United States breaking off with Rome?
Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OMSM(r), DALC, LTh, DD, CDCP

Dear Kristen:

Mr. Slavek has retired as host of this forum after an incredible 17 years of faithful and excellent service in this apostolate.

You are correct that in a small parish, or even a larger one, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are to be used only if necessary and on a temporary basis. One priest can easily distribute the Eucharist to 400 people or more and this Extraordinary Ministers are not needed in that situation. The Eucharist under the species of Blood need not be distributed in that case since the body and blood is in each species.

It has long been an abuse to use Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, who are not installed acolytes, as if they are ordinary. In part, this has been done to "give parishioners an opportunity to participate in Holy Mass." Parishioners do have a role in the Holy Mass — in the pews.

From the General Instructions on the Roman Missal:

In every celebration of the Eucharist, there should be a sufficient number of ministers of Holy Communion so that it may be distributed in a reverent and orderly manner. Bishops, priests and deacons distribute Holy Communion in virtue of their office as ordinary ministers of the Body and Blood of the Lord. (1) 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., duly instituted acolytes or even other faithful who have been deputed for this purpose. In case of necessity, the priest may also depute suitable faithful for this single occasion (GIRM 162)."

  1. Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds for the Dioceses of the United States of America [NDRHC] (August, 2002), no. 26 and cf. GIRM no. 162 and NRHC, no. 28

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2010

If your priest is not following these directives, I suggest asking him about it is a polite and respectful inquiry. If he has no interest in following these directives and has no reasonable reason to do what he is doing, you are within your rights under Canon Law to approach your bishops. The letter to the bishop must be polite, respectful, and business-like. Do not accuse, but inform him of your concerns.

I hope this helps.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary
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.