Joshua Bennett
To become a Eucharistic Minister, one must undergo training and be well-versed in spiritual, theological, and practical aspects. The training is conducted by parish clergy or District Dean in the absence of resident clergy. The curriculum may vary, but the focus is on competency, maturity, and readiness to handle the Eucharist with reverence. Eucharistic Ministers are lay people licensed to administer the consecrated elements during Mass or to the sick and homebound. They are guided by deacons or clergy and must follow specific protocols, including attire and handling of the Eucharist. Their role is essential to ensure a reverent and orderly distribution of Holy Communion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Training | Sufficient spiritual, theological, and practical preparation |
| Training conducted by parish clergy | |
| Training curriculum may be determined by clergy | |
| Safe Church certification | |
| Certificates and ID cards issued by the Office of Divine Worship | |
| Commissioned for a five-year term of service | |
| Must be fully initiated into the sacramental life of the Church | |
| Must be in a state of grace | |
| Must be a confirmed communicant in good standing in your parish | |
| Must be competent, mature, and ready | |
| Role | Assist in the distribution of Holy Communion |
| Administer the consecrated elements at a Celebration of Holy Eucharist | |
| Take the consecrated elements to members of the congregation who are sick or unable to be present | |
| Assist in the distribution of Holy Communion under both kinds | |
| Should not bless during the communion line | |
| Should not touch people when distributing communion | |
| Should bow when entering or leaving the sanctuary |
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What You'll Learn
Training requirements
Firstly, Eucharistic Ministers must be fully initiated into the sacramental life of the Church through the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. They should be in a state of grace, without any unconfessed mortal sins, and should demonstrate maturity, reverence, and respect for the Eucharist through their demeanor and attire.
Eucharistic Ministers should receive sufficient spiritual, theological, and practical preparation to fulfill their role. This includes understanding the proper form for distributing Holy Communion. The consecrated bread is offered with the words "The Body of Christ," and the consecrated wine with "The Blood of Christ." No other words should be added, and the formula should not be altered. Ministers should also be aware of the proper protocol for any mishaps, such as spilling the consecrated wine, and for the respectful treatment of any fallen Eucharistic bread.
In the Diocese of San Jose, there is no strict prohibition against lectors becoming Eucharistic Ministers, although it is not encouraged. Pastors may make exceptions for otherwise-qualified parishioners who have not yet received Confirmation. The Episcopal Diocese of Central New York licenses laypeople as Eucharistic Ministers, and training is conducted by parish clergy.
In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Eucharistic Ministers are commissioned for five-year terms of service and must renew their training and recommission after this period. They must also complete training and receive certificates and ID cards.
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Distribution of Holy Communion
The distribution of Holy Communion is a reverent and orderly process that requires sufficient preparation and knowledge on the part of the ministers involved. The number of ministers should be adequate to ensure a smooth and dignified celebration of the Eucharist.
Bishops, priests, and deacons are the ordinary ministers of Holy Communion and typically take the lead in distributing the Body and Blood of the Lord. When the congregation is large or when the bishop, priest, or deacon is incapacitated, other bishops, priests, or deacons may assist as ordinary ministers.
If there is a shortage of ordinary ministers, the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers, such as duly instituted acolytes or other faithful individuals who have been deputed for this purpose. These extraordinary ministers should receive proper spiritual, theological, and practical training to perform their duties with reverence.
During the distribution, ministers should demonstrate the utmost reverence in their demeanour, attire, and handling of the consecrated bread and wine. If there is any spillage, the area should be washed, and the water should be poured into the sacrarium. The proper form for distributing Holy Communion is to offer the consecrated bread with the words "The Body of Christ" and the consecrated wine with "The Blood of Christ." No other words or alterations should be added.
Extraordinary Ministers (EMs) should approach the front of the church and stand at the side aisles during the distribution. They wait for the priest and deacon to receive Communion first and then proceed to the centre, entering the sanctuary together on the right side of the altar. EMs should not cross in front of the altar and should always remember to bow when entering or leaving the sanctuary.
In addition, it is important to note that Communion ministers should encourage the faithful to receive Communion from the cup to more fully participate in the sacred rite. However, no one is required to do so. Communion ministers should also refrain from touching individuals during the distribution due to the presence of Eucharistic particles on their fingers. Blessings during the communion line are typically reserved for ordained ministers, and individuals seeking blessings should be directed to the priest or deacon.
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Conduct and attire
The conduct and attire of Eucharistic Ministers are crucial aspects of their ministry, reflecting their reverence for the Holy Eucharist. Ministers of Holy Communion should demonstrate the utmost respect through their demeanour, attire, and handling of consecrated bread and wine.
In terms of attire, while standards may vary among parishes, the general principle is that Communion ministers "should show the greatest reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist by their ... attire". This means that ministers should dress appropriately and respectfully for their sacred role. Although specific dress codes may differ, the underlying principle is that ministers' clothing choices reflect the solemnity and significance of the Eucharist.
Ministers should also exhibit dignified and respectful demeanour during the distribution of Communion. They should be mindful of their posture, gestures, and facial expressions, ensuring that they convey reverence and devotion. This includes bowing when entering or leaving the sanctuary and genuflecting or bowing as a sign of reverence for the Holy Eucharist.
In addition to their conduct and attire, Eucharistic Ministers must also be mindful of the proper procedures for handling consecrated bread and wine. For instance, if the Eucharistic bread or any particle of it falls, the minister should pick it up reverently. Similarly, if consecrated wine is spilled from the chalice, the affected area should be washed, and the water poured into the sacrarium. These actions demonstrate the minister's respect for the sacred elements.
Eucharistic Ministers should also be aware of their role during the communion line. While blessings during this time have become a custom, only ordained ministers have the authority to offer formal blessings. Eucharistic Ministers should refrain from touching individuals and instead offer phrases such as, "May Jesus be in your heart" or "Jesus loves you." Their conduct during this time should be guided by reverence and hospitality, reflecting the welcoming spirit of Jesus.
Overall, the conduct and attire of Eucharistic Ministers play a vital role in upholding the sanctity of the Eucharist and creating a reverent atmosphere during the distribution of Communion. Their appearance, demeanour, and adherence to proper procedures all contribute to their ministry's solemnity and significance.
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Certificates and ID cards
Pastors or those who coordinate Minister of Eucharist in their parishes should request certificates and ID cards for individuals who have completed the initial training. This should be done in writing on parish letterhead. These requests can be sent to the Office of Divine Worship and should contain the names of the individuals, the training location, and the program attended. All certificates and ID cards will be mailed from the Office for Divine Worship. Please allow seven working days for delivery. Certificates and ID cards can be issued in English, Spanish, or Polish. Parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago are divided into three-year terms or cycles of service, from A to C, with corresponding parishes or institutions.
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Blessings during communion
The training for Catholic Eucharistic ministers involves sufficient spiritual, theological, and practical preparation to fulfil their role with knowledge and reverence. Eucharistic ministers are ordained to assist in the distribution of Holy Communion and must be fully initiated into the sacramental life of the Church. This includes having received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist, as well as being in a state of grace.
Now, regarding blessings during communion, there are a few things to note. Firstly, blessings during the communion line have become a custom, but the Church officially only gives the authority to ordained ministers to offer blessings. If someone comes forward to a Eucharistic minister with their arms crossed, they may say, "May Jesus be in your heart" or "Jesus loves you". Eucharistic ministers are instructed not to physically touch those who come forward for a blessing, as there may be particles of the Eucharist on their fingers. Additionally, making the sign of the cross or extending a hand for blessing are not appropriate for laypersons in this context, as they denote a formal blessing.
In some parishes, those who are unable to receive the Eucharist are invited to join the communion procession and receive a blessing from extraordinary ministers. However, the practice of blessings during communion is not universally accepted, and some dioceses discourage it. The general introduction to the Book of Blessings acknowledges that laypersons may give certain blessings by virtue of their universal priesthood, but it also states that extraordinary ministers cannot give a liturgical blessing to those who do not receive Holy Communion.
It is important to note that the authorization to bestow blessings is at the discretion of the Church, and there are instances where laypeople may be deputed to give blessings by the local bishop. These blessings are not based on the principle of "having authority over another" but are instead related to their special office, such as parents blessing their children.
Overall, while blessings during communion may be a custom in some parishes, it is important to respect the guidelines and authority of the Church regarding blessings. Eucharistic ministers should follow the instructions provided by their respective dioceses and pastors to ensure that blessings are given appropriately and in accordance with Church teachings.
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Frequently asked questions
A Eucharistic Minister is a lay person authorised to administer the consecrated elements at a Celebration of Holy Eucharist. They act under the direction of a deacon or member of the clergy.
Training is conducted by parish clergy and includes spiritual, theological, and practical preparation. Eucharistic Ministers should be fully initiated into the sacramental life of the Church, having received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.
Training is ongoing, with sessions occurring throughout the year. Eucharistic Ministers are commissioned for a five-year term of service, after which they must renew their training and be recommissioned.
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