-
February 19, 2019Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
by Fr. Joseph Evinger
The greatest sacrament of all is the Holy Eucharist, Jesus’ life offered to and for us. Catholics are asked to receive Holy Communion often with reverence and awe at such a great mystery. The ordinary ministers of this sacrament are bishops, priests, and deacons. No one else is allowed to administer this sacrament without the express permission of the diocesan bishop.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops states the following:
”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 (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 162)."”
At the three parishes where I serve as pastor there have been extraordinary minsters of Holy Communion (EMHC) for some time. Before one can be an extraordinary minister one must be deputed for the purpose, meaning, that one must have approval by the pastor who recommends the name to the bishop of the diocese. If the bishop approves of the person then he or she is commissioned for a three (3) year term during a public celebration of the Sacred Liturgy.
It is my understanding that this has not been done for some time at any of the three parishes where I serve.
On Sunday February 24 th at St. Paul’s in Halliday and St. Joseph’s in Twin Buttes within the context of Mass I will be commissioning those men and women whom I have chosen to help in the distribution of the Precious Blood when there are no other ordinary ministers (bishop, priest, or deacon) to help distribute this great sacrament to our brothers and sisters. After February 24 th only those who have been commissioned will be allowed to serve as extraordinary ministers.
At St. Joseph’s in Killdeer I plan to commission the extraordinary ministers at a later date once I have received permission from Bishop Kagan and the appropriate training has taken place. Those who serve in this capacity may continue to do so at this time.
If for any reason extraordinary minsters choose to no longer take part in this ministry let me know.
Thank you all for your love of the Holy Eucharist and your willingness to bring our Lord to your brothers and sisters.