Presentation Transcript

1. The Eucharist constitutes the Church's entire spiritual wealth, that is, Christ himself, our Passover and Living Bread. (#3 Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the USA)

2. Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist Training at St. Theresa Church

3. Historical Development The Mass of the Roman Rite by Fr. Joseph Jungmann
4. Up until the 4th Century it was a rule, not merely an ideal that the faithful communicate at every Mass. Priests normally celebrated mass only on Sundays. The faithful communicated at the Sunday Eucharist and also took a sufficient supply of the sacred particles home with them for the week ahead. These early believers carefully preserved the consecrated bread, consumed a portion each day before eating their regular food and gave a particle to others.
5. St. Cyril, the Bishop of Jerusalem, issued an instruction on the Sunday after Easter in 348. He outlined the proper method for receiving our Lord. “When you approach (Communion) do not come with your hands outstretched or with your fingers open, but make your left hand a throne for the right one, which is to receive the King. With your hand hollowed receive the Body of Christ and answer Amen. . . . . After receiving the body of Christ, approach the chalice of His Blood. Do not stretch out your hands, but bow in an attitude of adoration and reverence and say Amen.”
6. The practice of lay persons touching, holding and distributing the consecrated bread has deep roots in our Catholic past. In fact we can maintain with good backing that such activities were more common than not throughout the first 8 or 9 centuries of the Church. St. Theodore of Mopsuestia (d. 428) offered this commentary: “Everyone stretches out his right hand to receive the Eucharist, which is given, and puts his left hand under it.” St. John of Damascus (d. 570) observed: “Making the figure of the cross with our hands, we receive the body of Christ crucified.” Finally, even as late as the 9th century, a sacramentary or altar book, contained a Communion scene showing the Eucharist placed in the hand of the communicant.
7. Change: Middle Ages In medieval days many Christians began to emphasize the divine aspects of the Eucharist and to stress the real, holy, tremendous, awesome presence of Christ our God in the sacrament. The host was, in a way, to be adored more than to be eaten. Our unworthiness in the face of this sublime gift led to less frequent reception of Communion, a greater distance between altar and pew, and more cautions surrounding the celebration of Mass. The laity were gradually eliminated from the liturgy, even from the “sacred places,” like the altar, which became reserved territories for clerics and in some cases for priests alone.
8. 20th Century – Everything Old is New Again In 1903, Pope Pious X declared, the “most important and indispensable source” of “the true Christian spirit” is the faithful’s “active participation in the most sacred mysteries and in the public and solemn prayer of the Church.” In 1943 Pope Pious XII issued an encyclical on “The Mystical Body of Christ. In it he explains that membership in this Church not only gives each Christian a unique dignity, it also binds us together with one another. Pope Pious viewed the Mass as giving special evidence “of our union among ourselves and with our divine Head, marvelous as it is and beyond all praise.”
9. Mediator Dei on the Sacred Liturgy In 1947, Pope Pious XII wrote the encyclical Mediator Dei. The following excerpt has particular relevance for any person who has been appointed as an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist: “By the waters of baptism, as by common right, Christians are made members of the mystical body of Christ the Priest, and by the ‘character’ which is imprinted on their souls they are appointed to give worship to God; thus they participate, according to their condition, in the priesthood of Christ.”
10. The 21st Century
11. When the size of the congregation requires it, ordinary ministers of the Eucharist may be assisted by extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. "Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should receive sufficient spiritual, theological and practical preparation to fulfill their role with knowledge and reverence." (#28)
12. Ecclesiae de Mysterio states, “The canonical discipline concerning extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion must be correctly applied so as to avoid generating confusion. The same discipline establishes that the ordinary minister of Holy Communion is the bishop, the priest and the deacon. . . . . . Extraordinary ministers may distribute Holy Communion at Eucharistic celebrations only when there are no ordained ministers present or when those ordained ministers present at a liturgical celebration are truly unable to distribute Holy Communion. They may also exercise this function at Eucharistic celebrations where there are particularly large numbers of faithful and which would be excessively prolonged because of an insufficient number of ordained ministers to distribute Holy Communion. This function is supplementary and extraordinary.
13. Who may be appointed as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion? 1. Men, women and young people who are judged by the pastor to be mature, sincere, and capable. 2. persons who are fully initiated (have received valid sacraments) and living their faith seriously. 3. and who are respected in the parish for strong Catholic lives.
14. Reverence for the Holy Eucharist"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." (#29)
15. Our Bishops in the United States have only these words about the proper decorum for a Eucharistic distributor: “It is of greatest importance that the minister avoid all rush and haste. His ministration of Communion should be done with dignity and reverence.”
16. Please remember to observe the Eucharistic fast.
17. What do I do at the Mass?
18. Only after the priest has received Holy Communion under both species do the extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist approach the altar.
19. Ordinary Ministers of Communion Extraordinary Ministers of Communion YOU Priest Deacon Bishop Remember: Only 4 Ministers of Communion are utilized on a regular basis If the Deacon and/or more that one priest (the Ordinary Ministers of Communion) is/are present, the number of Extraordinary Ministers is reduced. The priority is for the Ordinary Ministers of Communion to distribute the Eucharist.
20. Line up in front of the step before the altar. Wait until all are together. (Be patient, the others will follow.) Bow together and then go up the step to stand in front of the altar. Face the celebrant, your back to the congregation.
21. The priest gives the Sacred Body to each of the extraordinary ministers
22. He will then offer the chalice, the Precious Blood, to each extraordinary minister.
23. Remember: You do not have to receive the Eucharist from the chalice, especially if you are ill. If you choose not to receive, cross your arms over your chest, indicating you do not wish to receive.
24. When all extraordinary ministers have received Communion, the priest offers each minister a vessel of distribution from the altar. GIRM 162 (cont.) ... These ministers should not approach the altar before the priest has received Communion, and they are always to receive from the hands of the priest celebrant the vessel containing either species of the Most Holy Eucharist for distribution to the faithful.
25. The two ministers closest to the sacristy will be given a chalice and they will go to the C1 and C2 positions in the front of the church, at the head but slightly to the outside of the side aisles. C2 C1
26. The remaining minister will be given a ciborium (the Sacred Host container) and will stand in the center of the sanctuary, alongside the priest.
27. Exception: 10:30 Mass The Extraordinary Minister of the Body goes to the choir loft first to distribute Communion there and then returns to the sanctuary via an outside aisle. Do not cross in front of the Minister of the Cup, go behind.
28. Positions of the Ministers of the Cup and the Ministers of the Host C = Minister of the Cup H=Minister of the Host. Priest is usually in H2 position
29. Body of Christ When administering the Body of Christ, extraordinary ministers hold the sacred vessel in their left hand (opposite for left-handed persons), and taking the host in their right hand... hold it for the communicant to see ...and say: "The Body of Christ." to which the communicant replies: "Amen." Sensitive to the wishes of the communicant, the minister places the Body of  Christ in the communicant’s hand or on the tongue. (#41)
30. The Blood of Christ When administering the Precious Blood, hold the cup for the communicant to see, and say: "The Blood of Christ." to which the communicant replies "Amen." and taking the cup, drinks some of the Precious Blood. The extraordinary minister then wipes the lip of the cup with the purificator, and turns the cup one quarter turn before the next communicant.
31. Good to Know The Extraordinary Minister should be careful not to wipe the chalice in a manner where the purificator is dipped into the Precious Blood. Intinction is not customary in the United States and is not permitted.
32. In case of mishap: You drop the host Remain calm. It was no one’s fault. Be gracious to the communicant; If a particle falls, pick it up. Do not give it to anyone – go and place it on the altar on the paten (gold plate) and Father will consume it; Continue to distribute the Eucharist; If you accidentally drop the host on someone’s body, stop, relax and ask him/her to pick it up off their clothesor out of their clothing and to consume it.
33. In case of mishap: The Precious Blood Spills Remain calm. It was no one’s fault. Be gracious to the communicant; If the spill is on the floor, wipe the spot with the purificator (the white cloth you use to wipe the chalice) and then cover the spot with that cloth. After Mass, the area is to be washed and the water poured into the sacrarium. If the precious blood spills on someone or someone’s clothing, hand them the purificator and let them wipe the spot. Ask them to keep the purificator on the spot and Father will take care of it after Mass
34. The Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist MAY NOT/ DOES NOTbless those who come to Communion with their arms crossed over their chest.
35. After Communion If there is a large amount of Precious Blood remaining in the chalice Father may ask for assistance in consuming it. (Generally the remaining Precious Blood is consumed at your Communion station)
36. After Communion All Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist go into the sanctuary. The ciborium and the chalices are given to Father or placed on the corporal on the altar. The Minister of the Body of Christ washes his/her hands at the credence table.
37. After Communion The Chalice is placed on the altar with the purificator over the top of the chalice
38. After Communion All three ministers come out of the sanctuary together. Go to the center, front of the altar and bow together. Return to your seat in the congregation and pray your prayer of thanksgiving.
39. Practical Hints Take your time. Take particular care for the disabled. Meet their needs, not yours. Make eye contact with the communicant. Do not say the communicant’s name when distributing communion.
40. Practical Hints If the person receiving is taller than you, turn your hand with the 4 fingers up and thumb down. If the person receiving is the same height or shorter than you, turn your hand with the 4 fingers down and the thumb up.
41. Helpful suggestion: When the communicant is tall, hold your hand this way. When the communicant is shorter, hold your hand this way.
42. Practical Hint When giving communion in the hand, place the host firmly in the palm of the communicant’s hand.
43. Practical Hints In most cases the Extraordinary Minister of the Cup hands the chalice to the communicant. There are times when it is prudent to keep your hand on the chalice to be sure it does not fall out of the recipients hands. Such cases might include children, the elderly and certain handicapped individuals.
44. Practical Hint When you are a Minister of the Cup, and no one is receiving from your station, this lull provides the perfect opportunity for prayer.
45. Practical Hints Your physical appearance should convey your respect for your ministry and reverence for Our Lord. Be well groomed. Dress comfortably but nicely. You are not trying to draw attention to yourself by either dressing for a fashion show, a night club, or the ball park. Professional business attire is appropriate, coat and tie or sport shirt (collared, such as a polo) for men; dress, skirt, dress slacks with modest top for women. What Should I Wear? Something neat, modest, clean. (Something that would make Mom happy – Fr. Jim’s #1 Commandment!) What Not to Wear
46. Practical Hints Please Dress “Happily Married” for Your Ministry
47. Practical Hints Please arrive at the church at least 15 minutes before the scheduled Mass to both check in, and prepare yourself interiorly for your ministry.
48. If you are asked by the celebrant to go to the tabernacle: Approach the tabernacle with great respect. Use the key beside the tabernacle to open it. Make an act of reverence (genuflect on your right knee or if unable, a deep bow.)
49. If you are asked by the celebrant to go to the tabernacle: Before you close the tabernacle genuflect or bow again. Close the door and lock the tabernacle. Place the key next to the tabernacle. (Please keep in mind that the tabernacle is where our Lord is reposed; it is not a closet)
50. Now What Do I Do? Visit our parish office or call to have Bernadette Archer, our parish secretary, put your name on our Extraordinary Minister schedule. She will ask you at which Mass you prefer to serve.
51. Extraordinary Minister Schedule If you know in the month prior that you will be unavailable on a particular weekend to serve, please let Bernadette know before she prepares the schedule. She is always happy to work with you.
52. You are responsible to find a substitute if you are on the schedule and are unable to fulfill your duties. A list of extraordinary ministers and their phone numbers can be found on your schedule.
53. Only in cases of extreme need is it allowed for one to serve in more than one ministry per Mass.
54. If you no longer want to or are no longer able to serve as an extraordinary minister at St. Theresa, please call the office to inform us.
55. It is highly encouraged by our diocese that all those serving in ministry receive Youth Protection Training Updated on 08/17/2011 Schedule of Youth Protection Training Diocese of Birmingham Page 1 Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama Schedule of Youth Protection Training All information is subject to change – Please check back frequently 1. We update this document within hours of a new workshop being scheduled. This is the most up-to-date schedule available 2. Anyone who has a reasonable chance of being alone with an unrelated child is required to attend Youth Protection 1 3. Youth Protection 2 is for those who run programs or facilities or are in charge of other adults 4. Workshops are for clergy, religious, employees, faculty and volunteers 5. Attendees are expected to arrive on time and remain for the entire workshop. No credit for those who do not attend the whole workshop 6. You must pre-register by contacting the host! Those who fail to preregister may discover time changes, cancellations or lack of supplies 7. Contact us with questions or to host a workshop: youthministry@bhmdiocese.org at (205) 838-8301. Youth Protection 1 – Must be age 18 or older to attend Date Time Location Room Registration Deadline Host (Registration Contact) Always Leave Name & Contact Number 2011 TH Aug 18 6:00-8:00 PM Prince of Peace, Birmingham Deasy Hall MO Aug 15 205-822-9125 ext 23 FRI Aug 19 7:00-10:00 PM Resurrection, Clanton (IN SPANISH ONLY) TBA TH Aug 18 205-776-7161 WE Aug 24 6:00-8:00 PM Our Lady of the Valley, Fort Payne Parish Hall MO Aug 22 256-845-4774 FRI Aug 26 6:00-9:00 PM Holy Cross, Albertville (IN SPANISH ONLY) TBA TH Aug 25 205-776-7161 MO Aug 29 6:00-8:00 PM St. Joseph, Florence School Cafeteria TH Aug 25 256-766-1923 SAT Sep 3 9:00AM-12:00PM Prince of Peace, Hoover (IN SPANISH ONLY) TBA FRI Sep 2 205-776-7161 TU Sep 6 5:30-7:30 PM Sacred Heart School, Cullman School Cafeteria MO Sep 5 256-734-4563 TH Sep 8 6:00 – 8:00 PM St. John the Baptist School, Madison School Cafeteria MO Sep 5 256-722-0722 Cafeteria FRI Sep 9 205-836-5385 See www.bhmdiocese.org For a Youth Protection Training Schedule
56. Thank you for serving the people of God in our Church!