Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist
Has there been any recent change as to who can be an Extraordinary Ministery of the Eucharist? I know there is a particular order but I cant remember what it is. I know of a parish (the priests are of a certain order) that has 4 priests, albeit 2 of them aged, about 6 men that are brothers, about 5 sisters that teach in the school and 2 deacons. Is there a need for EME's at this parish? They have about 40 of them. I have seen teen boys wearing jeans, and tennis shoes that are "eucharistic ministers" go help to distribute communion. Also at a their school, they want to have the older children also become "eucharistic ministers" so that the students can get more involved. Is this considered an abuse? Thank you for your reply.
QUESTION from Michael on November 5, 2003
ANSWER by Mr. Jacob Slavek on November 10, 2003
|
Dear Michael, It's hard to say for sure without knowing how large your parish is, but it sounds to me like you don't need any extraordinary ministers at all, presuming that all six ordinary ministers live at the parish. I don't expect that all priests attend all Masses on the weekend, but they could make an appearance at Communion. They can arrive at church, say about a half hour after Mass starts and wait and pray in the sacristy until they are needed, and when done, leave. They all should be attending weekday Masses also so there shouldn't be a problem then. Religious brothers and sisters do not have any greater obligation by law to assist than does the laity, but I would choose them since their vocation many times in ministry anyway. Mr. Slavek |