Sarah Mitchell
A Eucharistic minister, also known as a communion steward, is a lay person who assists in the distribution of Holy Communion to the congregation of a Christian Church. In the Catholic Church, Eucharistic ministers are typically individuals who help priests give Holy Communion during Mass. They may also take the Eucharist to those who are homebound, sick, or in a hospital or nursing home. To become a Eucharistic minister, one must typically be a practicing Catholic who regularly attends Mass and is actively involved in their faith community. Training is also required and covers the theological significance of the Eucharist, emphasizing the real presence of Christ in the consecrated bread and wine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Role | Assist in the distribution of Holy Communion to the congregation of a Christian Church |
| Other Names | Communion steward, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM) |
| Who Can Be a Eucharistic Minister | A lay person (non-ordained) |
| Training | Training is required and focuses on the theological significance of the Eucharist. |
| Requirements | Must be a practicing Catholic, regularly attend Mass, and be actively involved in the church. Additional prerequisites may include attending Mass regularly for several months. |
| Responsibilities | Help priests give Holy Communion during Masses, take Holy Communion to the sick, homebound, or incarcerated |
| Number of Eucharistic Ministers | Should be a sufficient number to distribute Communion in a reverent and orderly manner |
| Behavior | Should show the greatest reverence for the Eucharist through their demeanor, attire, and handling of consecrated bread or wine |
| Blessing | Eucharistic ministers should not offer blessings to those who come forward with their arms crossed, but can say, "May Jesus be in your heart" or "Jesus loves you." |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding the role of a Eucharistic Minister
A Eucharistic minister, also known as a communion steward or Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM), is a non-ordained individual who assists in the distribution of Holy Communion to the congregation of a Christian Church. They are typically referred to as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, while bishops, priests, and deacons are referred to as Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
Eucharistic Ministers are trained to take the Eucharist to those who are homebound, in the hospital, in nursing homes, or incarcerated in prison. They may also assist in the distribution of Holy Communion during religious services, particularly in Roman Catholic and certain Anglican traditions. Eucharistic Ministers are expected to be pastorally sensitive, empathetic, and approachable.
To become a Eucharistic Minister, one must be a practicing Catholic who regularly attends Mass and is actively involved in their faith community. There may also be additional prerequisites, such as a requirement to attend Mass regularly for several months to demonstrate commitment. After completing the necessary training and obtaining approvals, a candidate will be eligible to serve as a Eucharistic Minister. It is important to note that the requirements and training duration can vary among churches and parishes.
During the distribution of Holy Communion, Eucharistic Ministers must show the utmost reverence in their demeanor, attire, and handling of the consecrated bread and wine. They should be aware that blessings are typically reserved for ordained ministers, and it is not appropriate for laypersons to make the sign of the cross or touch individuals during the communion line.
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Training and eligibility requirements
Firstly, Eucharistic Ministers are expected to be practicing Catholics who regularly attend Mass and are actively involved in their faith community. They should be in a state of grace, fully initiated into the sacramental life of the Church, and not prevented by law, such as being in a marriage not recognized by the Church. It is important to be pastorally sensitive, empathetic, and approachable when interacting with a diverse range of parishioners.
Secondly, Eucharistic Ministers must undergo training to understand the theological significance of the Eucharist and the real presence of Christ in the consecrated bread and wine. This training can vary in duration and content but typically includes spiritual, theological, and practical preparation. It is designed to prepare individuals to distribute the Eucharist with reverence and knowledge, following the guidance of the diocesan bishop.
Additionally, Eucharistic Ministers need to be commissioned for specific distribution capacities, such as at Mass, to the sick or homebound, or in hospitals and nursing homes. This commissioning is granted by the pastor or priest, who should be informed of the individual's interests and suitability for each ministry.
While the eligibility requirements may differ, some churches may require individuals to attend Mass regularly for several months before becoming Eucharistic Ministers to demonstrate their commitment to their faith community. It is always advisable to consult with church leaders and authorities for specific guidelines and requirements within your diocese or parish.
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Conduct during the distribution of Holy Communion
Before Distribution
As the Lamb of God or Agnus Dei is sung, EMs should proceed to the front of the church and stand at the side aisles. It is important not to cross in front of the altar but to stand at the front side aisle. The number of EMs required will depend on the size of the congregation and whether there are also ordained ministers present. Typically, one EM is needed if a deacon and priest are present, and two if there is no deacon. If there is a shortage of EMs, volunteers can come forward and stand at the front of the side aisle reverently. EMs should wait until the ordained ministers (priest and deacon) have received Communion. After they have received, EMs should proceed to the center, stopping at the steps leading to the sanctuary. All EMs should then bow together before the altar and enter the sanctuary together on the right side of the altar.
During Distribution
EMs should show the utmost reverence in their demeanor, attire, and handling of the consecrated bread and wine. They should not touch those receiving Communion due to the particles of the Eucharist that may be on their fingers. If someone comes forward with their arms crossed, EMs can say, "May Jesus be in your heart" or "Jesus loves you," but they should not make the sign of the cross as this denotes a formal blessing, which is not appropriate for a layperson in this context. Blessings are reserved for ordained ministers, and those seeking a blessing should be directed to the priest or deacon.
After Distribution
Any remaining consecrated hosts should be reserved in a ciborium or vessel and properly consumed later. Burying hosts or consecrated Eucharistic bread is strictly forbidden. If there are any mishaps, such as spilling the consecrated wine, EMs should follow the guidance of the diocesan bishop in their conduct and actions.
It is important to note that the specific guidelines for Eucharistic Ministers may vary among different churches and denominations, so it is always advisable to consult with church leaders and authorities for specific instructions and requirements.
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The different types of Eucharistic Ministers
There are two types of Eucharistic Ministers, also known as communion stewards: ordained (ordinary) ministers and extraordinary ministers.
Ordained ministers are the ones who would ordinarily assist in the distribution of Holy Communion. They are the bishop, priest, or deacon. In the Catholic Church, only an ordained priest can validly consecrate the Eucharist.
Extraordinary ministers are Catholic laypersons who assist in the distribution of Holy Communion, either during the Mass or afterward, such as to housebound persons, those in the hospital, or the incarcerated. They are also known as Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMs). They are deputed for this function due to the shortage of ordained ministers and the large numbers of communicants. They should receive sufficient spiritual, theological, and practical preparation to fulfill their role with knowledge and reverence.
Extraordinary ministers should only administer communion when the priest and deacon are lacking, when the priest is prevented by weakness, advanced age, or some other reason, or when the number of faithful coming to communion is so great that the celebration of Mass would be unduly prolonged. They should follow the guidance of the diocesan bishop in all matters.
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The importance of Eucharistic Ministers in the Catholic Church
Eucharistic ministers, also known as communion stewards or Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEM), are individuals who play a crucial role in the Catholic Church by assisting with the distribution of the Eucharist (Holy Communion) during religious services, such as Mass. They are typically laypersons who are not ordained ministers but are specially trained to aid in this important sacrament.
In addition to their role during Mass, Eucharistic Ministers also play a vital role in bringing the Eucharist to those who are unable to attend religious services. This includes the sick, homebound, hospitalized, and incarcerated. Eucharistic Ministers ensure that these individuals can still participate in the central sacrament of the Catholic faith, even when they cannot be physically present at Mass. This aspect of their ministry is incredibly important as it allows for the inclusion and spiritual care of those who may be unable to attend church due to illness, infirmity, or other circumstances.
Eucharistic Ministers are also responsible for understanding and upholding the theological significance of the Eucharist. Their training emphasizes the real presence of Christ in the consecrated bread and wine. As such, they are expected to show the utmost reverence in their demeanor, attire, and handling of the Eucharist during distribution. This aspect of their role is crucial in maintaining the sanctity and solemnity of the sacrament.
Furthermore, Eucharistic Ministers are expected to be pastorally sensitive, empathetic, and approachable. They interact with a diverse range of parishioners and must be able to provide spiritual guidance and support when needed. This aspect of their ministry enhances the overall liturgical experience and fosters a sense of community within the parish. In conclusion, Eucharistic Ministers hold a significant place in the Catholic Church. Their role extends beyond the mere distribution of Holy Communion; they are ambassadors of Christ's love, bringing the sacrament to those in need and enriching the spiritual life of the parish community.
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Frequently asked questions
A Eucharistic Minister, also known as a communion steward or Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM), is a lay person who assists the priest in distributing Holy Communion to the congregation of a Christian Church.
The requirements to become a Eucharistic Minister vary depending on the diocesan guidelines. However, generally, individuals are expected to be practicing Catholics who regularly attend Mass and are actively involved in their faith community. They must also undergo training to prepare them for their role.
Eucharistic Ministers help priests distribute Holy Communion during Mass and to those who are sick, homebound, or in hospitals and nursing homes. They are also responsible for ensuring a smooth and reverent distribution of Holy Communion, showing the utmost respect for the Eucharist through their demeanor and how they handle the consecrated bread and wine.
