Eucharistic Minister
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Eucharistic Ministers (Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion) are in service to the Lord - an instrument by which the Most Blessed Sacrament or the Most Holy Blood is brought to the communicant.
The Eucharistic Minister takes a place in a long line of disciples who enjoyed the company of Jesus, listened to his word, wondered about his commands, cared for his people, and did what he asked. If we participate fully, consciously, and actively in the liturgy, we cannot fail to be transformed, and do our part to transform the world we live in. As an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, you are called to do just that, and to help others do the same.
For all who serve we were reminded to keep in mind that we are just instruments in this blessed role.
The focus is on the Sacred gifts we are serving.
We must take the utmost care in how we treat these most precious gifts which are transformed from simple bread and wine
to Jesus’ very Body and Blood treating them always with deep reverence.Our Lady of Comfort Ministry visits and brings Communion to those unable to come to Church. Learn more about this Ministry here: Our Lady of Comfort Ministry
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- Parish Guidelines for Serving
- I wish to Become a Eucharistic Minister
- The Role of the Eucharistic Minister (video)
- Safe Environment Training
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GUIDELINES FOR SERVICE AS A EUCHARISTIC MINISTER
Download Guidelines
These guidelines are in line with the norms for Distribution of Holy Communion in the Dioceses of the United States. The purpose of these points is to facilitate an intimate moment between the communicant and their Lord, as well as to ensure that Jesus, who is utterly vulnerable in the Holy Eucharist, is protected.For all who serve we were reminded to keep in mind that we are just instruments in this blessed role.
The focus is on the Sacred gifts we are serving.
We must take the utmost care in how we treat these most precious gifts which are transformed from simple bread and wine
to Jesus’ very Body and Blood treating them always with deep reverence.
Preparation Before Mass:
Always arrive 15 minutes early to the Mass at which you are serving to prepare your own heart for what you are going to do. After you sign in and go to your seat, take time to pray to quiet your heart and mind.- If you are serving at St. Agnes, make sure you check in with the Mass Captain for this particular Mass.
- If you are serving at St. Athanasius, sign in for the station you wish to serve at on the sign in diagramed sheet at the Haverhill St. entrance on the right hand side table (as you are facing the altar) before you go down the aisle.
Preparing for Communion:
- Approach the sanctuary as the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) begins.
- Bow to the altar, then sanitize your hands (sanitizing need only be done once)
- Line up behind the altar at St. Agnes with the two cup ministers standing to the far left (as you face Woburn St.) and at St. Athanasius stand to the left of the altar (as you face the tabernacle) with the two cup ministers standing closest to the pews.
- The priest or deacon will go to the tabernacle for the ciborium. Wait for the priest or deacon to bring the bowl or the cup to you with the purificator.
- Lectors will stay at their station, and a Eucharistic Minister will approach them for Communion
- Music Ministers will line up in the front of the altar for Communion - before the assembly receives - they will not enter into the Sanctuary
- Everyone goes to their station TOGETHER - There are two bowl ministers serving in the center aisle with the other two ministers in front of the first pews on either side. When we resume serving the Precious Blood, the cup ministers should stand at least halfway down from the bowl ministers going towards the side aisle.
Distribution of the Eucharist:
- When distributing the Eucharist hold up the host slightly elevated and say only these words, “The Body of Christ”. Cup ministers say, “The Blood of Christ”. These are the only words we use.
- The focus should always be on what we are serving: the Body or Precious Blood, and not on making eye contact with the communicants.
- Communicants have the right to receive the host in their hand or on their tongue.
- Intinction or dipping of the host into the Precious Blood is not permitted. Keep in mind that Jesus invited us to “Take and eat” and to take and drink (not dip).
What If’s During Distribution?
- Person approaches with crossed arms - it is appropriate to say, “May God bless you and keep you.” - without any accompanying sign of the cross
- If in doubt as to whether a child is old enough to receive, ask the adult accompanying them.
- If someone comes up and doesn’t seem to know what to do, ask them if they are Catholic and/or prepared to receive Communion.
- Pay attention to be sure the person actually consumes the host right there. If they refuse to consume it there, take it back and either consume it yourself or hold it aside and give it to the priest after.
After Communion:
- Sacred vessels all go back to the altar.
- Consume whatever may remain of the Blood of Christ and return Chalice to the Altar (if you can not consume remaining, give to clergy for consumption)
- Once your sacred vessel is placed on the altar, go back to your seat for your own prayer time. It is not necessary to remain in the sanctuary until the deacon or priest returns all the hosts to the tabernacle.
When Mass is done:
- After the final hymn, Eucharistic Ministers are asked to wash the purified vessels with soap and return them to their proper spots in the sacristy. If there is a sacristan or Mass Captain present, they will fill this role, but check to be sure this is the case.
You are all so very much appreciated by God and all of the people you serve in this ministry. May God continue to bless you all, always.
For questions or more clarity on these directives:
Eucharistic Ministry Team, Co-Leaders
Michelle Urann - murannh7@gmail.com
Nancy MacAllister - nancymacallister@yahoo.comFr. Bobby - FrBobby@ChristTheKingReading.org
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To start serving as a Eucharistic Minister, please send in this online registration: Join this Ministry
The Volunteer Pastoral Ministries Coordinator, Rosemarie DeLacy, will gladly answer any questions, 781-944-0490, ext 230
Eucharistic Ministers are scheduled for Sunday Masses using Ministry Scheduler Pro. Please review our Ministry Scheduling page for more information.
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This is a recording of the virtual workshop, "Preparing to Serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion," presented August 25, 2022, by Liturgical Training Publications.
Workshop Themes: 1) Called to serve 2) Theology and History 3) Spiritual preparations 4) Closing reflections
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We are committed to doing our part to ensure a safe environment for all.
For the Eucharistic Minister this involves Protecting God's Children awareness training for the prevention of abuse; and an annual submission of a CORI form, and a "Volunteer Application" on file with the Parish Office, and having your personal copy of the "Volunteer Code of Conduct."
Please thoroughly review these at our Safe Environment Page