Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers
Mr. Slavek,
QUESTION from Pam on March 10, 2004
I have recently read a book titled "Get Us Out Of Here" by Maria Simma. It has helped me greatly in remembering to pray for the poor souls in purgatory, but in the book Maria talks quite frequently about abuses of the Eucharist. I have been a Eucharistic minister for many years in our parish and have been quite uncomfortable continuing after reading this book. From what I could find on the subject, it appears to me that Pope John Paul II has allowed Extraordianry ministers for that purpose 'extraordinary' times. We have them at every Mass, even our early Mass where only 50 or so are in attendance. Is this an abuse or am I misunderstanding his allowance? Also, after reading this book I have decided to receive Holy Communion on the tongue and this has become quite special for me, but also somewhat different as I was brought up with communion in the hand. Many communion ministers seem taken aback by this and I have almost lost the host from my tongue. I am somewhat concerned to receive this way as I do not want to let the host fall on the ground. Any answers or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
ANSWER by Mr. Jacob L. Slavek on March 17, 2004
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Dear Pam, I think that in many of these cases there is an abuse, especially at daily Mass with so few people. I myself as a general rule always receive on the tongue, but I am a tall man so if the minister is short and is standing on the same level as I am then I think it would be better to receive in the hand since there is no paten. It would be better to be sure that the Host doesn't fall, especially if the minister is not accustomed to placing the host on the tongue. If the minister is a priest then I always receive on the tongue no matter his height. Mr. Slavek |