MinEuch

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

Eucharistic ministers are directly responsible for the reverent handling and distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ. By their actions and demeanor they model the solemn re-spect of the whole community for the Real Presence of Christ in our Eucharistic celebration.

QUALIFICATIONS Eucharistic ministers (EMs) should

  • have a deep devotion to the Eucharist
  • be able to observe and respond to needs as part of a team
  • be flexible and accommodating
  • be willing/able to distribute either the Body or the Blood of Christ and to take any station

OVERVIEW

  • Six ministers will be assigned for the 5:00 PM Saturday liturgy and the 8:30 am Sunday liturgy.
  • Ten ministers will be assigned for the 11:00 am Sunday liturgy
  • The ministers, priest, and deacon/acolyte will distribute communion.
  • No assignments or stations will be preassigned. Four ministers will be given assignments by the Liturgy Coordinator when they check in:
    • Two ministers may be needed to carry up the gifts. (GIFT BEARERS)
    • Two ministers will pour the Precious Blood from the large pitcher into the small cups in preparation for distribution of Communion and place these cups with purificators on the altar. (MINISTERS of the PRECIOUS BLOOD)
  • All ministers will distribute the Body and Blood of Christ.
  • The last three ministers to return their vessels to the side table after the assembly has received communion will carry the sacred vessels to the chapel.
  • All ministers will return to the chapel after Mass to consume the remaining elements.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1 Check in with the Liturgy Coordinator (LC) at least 5 minutes before Mass begins. Be sure to let the LC know if you are substituting for someone. At this time the LC will give you your assignment.

2 If you are a GIFT BEARER

Go to the back of the church during the collection. When the money basket has been prepared, gift bearers become part of the procession in this order:

  • SERVERS WITH CANDLES
  • BASKET WITH MONEY
  • BREAD AND WINE

Carry the gifts up the altar steps and around the back of the altar table, one on each side. Facing the assembly, place the gifts in the middle of the altar.

Descend the altar steps and return to your place without bowing.

3 Immediately after the Sign of Peace all EMs come from their seats, walk up the altar steps, and stand in the sanctuary.

MINISTERS of the PRECIOUS BLOOD:

One carries the tray of cups to the altar table and fills them. The other assists by placing the cups and purificators at the two sides of the altar. Do not walk in front of the altar table. (At the same time the deacon/acolyte is dividing the sacred bread among the four plates.) When finished return the tray to the side table and take your place on the pulpit side of the altar.

4 After the Precious Blood has been poured and the sacred bread has been divided the “Lamb of God” will conclude.

5 The presider invites us to share in communion with the words “This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, happy are we who are called to his supper.” All say “Lord I am not worthy to receive you, only say the word and I shall be healed.”

6 The presider consumes first the Body of Christ and then the Precious Blood; then gives the Body and Blood to the deacon/acolyte.

7 The presider distributes the Body of Christ and the deacon/acolyte distributes the Precious Blood to the EMs and servers. Remain in your place; the presider or deacon/acolyte will come to you.

8 As soon as each EM has received, (do not wait until all EMs have received) they take up a vessel and go to a station by the most direct path. Those on the choir side go down the steps to two stations on the choir side. Those on the pulpit side go down the front or side steps to the stations on that side. (SEE DIAGRAM).

9 After all EMs have received, the presider and deacon/go to their stations to distribute communion to the assembly.

10 After the assembly has been served Eucharist the presider and deacon/acolyte hand their vessels to an EM. All EMs take their vessels to the side table and leave them on the top shelf. All except the last three EMs return immediately to their place in the assembly.

11 The deacon/acolyte takes the chalice from the altar and brings it to the side table. Then the last three EMs remove the vessels to the chapel.

12 After liturgy all EMs go to the daily chapel to consume the remaining Eucharistic elements and return the sacred vessels to the sacristy. Consume all the Precious Blood and all the freshly consecrated sacred bread. If there are any white communion wafers left over they may be placed in a clean communion plate (not in the ciborium) and returned to the tabernacle. This should be done in reverent silence.

13 If there is too much, you may open the door and quietly invite anyone to come in and help you. Maintain a reverent and respectful demeanor.

Next page