Recently, Fr. Deo and I met with our Extraordinary Ministers of Communion. I’d like to share some of what was discussed, especially concerning the reverence and respect due the Eucharist.
First of all, did you know that the people who help distribute the Precious Body and Blood of Christ at Mass are called extraordinary Ministers of Communion (EM’s)?
That’s because the ordinary Ministers of Communion are the ordained – bishops, priests, and deacons. Lay people are needed to help them because there are not enough ordained ministers to serve at every station at every Mass.
The Eucharist is truly a gift. The word eucharist is derived from the Greek and it means “thanksgiving.” And indeed, we should constantly be giving thanks for this great gift. It is the gift of Jesus giving us His own Body and Blood. These are not mere words! It is not a symbol. This is one of the cornerstones of our faith.
This is what we call the Real Presence – Jesus coming to us Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.
When we go to Communion, we actually receive Jesus Himself!
Jesus becomes one with us! And we should make every effort to become what we receive.
What does that mean? Jesus wants us to be more like Him: loving, forgiving, compassionate, patient, caring, serving, etc. Do we stop to reflect on that? We should!
When we enter the church for Mass do we take the time to think about the fact that we are entering the house of God? Do we act as such? As we go through the Communion line, which is actually a Eucharistic procession, are we preparing ourselves to receive our Lord? Are we meditating on what is about to happen to us?
Do we receive Communion reverently and with respect?
The US Catholic Bishops teach that all Catholics should receive Communion in the same prescribed manner.
- As you approach the minister, he or she shows you the Host and says: “The Body of Christ.”
- At that point, you should bow your head and say: “Amen.”
- The Amen is our affirmation that we do believe that this is the Body of Christ.
- If we receive on the hand, we should properly hold out our hands. It has been said that our hands should be outstretched like a throne – for we are about to welcome our King. One hand should be placed upon the other, palms upward so we can reverently, and safely, transfer the Host to our mouth for immediate consumption.
- If you receive on the tongue, extend your tongue enough to ensure that the Host doesn’t slip from your mouth.
- As you return to your pew, take the time to reflect on what just happened to you. Reflect on the fact that you have received Christ! How can you remain the same?
The Eucharist is very powerful – but only if we allow it to be! Only if we are open to letting the graces offered propel us to change. If we live our lives truly believing, that we should become what we receive, how can we ever be the same?
You may notice that our EM’s are now offering an extra layer of reverence at Mass by staying in the sanctuary until the Blessed Sacrament is reposed in the tabernacle.
Why not consider what extra layer of reverence you might offer to the Eucharist? This would be in addition to what you should already be doing – genuflecting toward the tabernacle when you enter and leave church or bowing when you pass in front of the tabernacle, and also by observing the one-hour Eucharistic
fast before receiving Communion.
Our EM’s and clergy would like to offer two Cups with the Precious Blood at each Mass.
To do this we need more EM’s. Why don’t you consider joining this ministry? Scheduling is flexible and training is easy.
Don’t think you are not worthy of this awesome ministry – because who among us is? Contact me at the Parish Office for more information or to volunteer.
Jim Madura
Parishioner & St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Pastoral Minister
Parishioners’ Corner is a dedicated space for parishioners. All are invited to share their thoughts about the parish merger and building the new reality of SEOTT.
In addition, we invite parishioner thoughts about a journey of faith, a moment of grace, a prayer intention, or a reflection on the readings.
Send your thoughts (anonymously if you wish) to the Rectory office.
You can voice your opinions or concerns by sending them to the Parish Council (PPC) email box – parishcouncil@setparish.org.
Or simply let one of the PPC members know your suggestions when you see them around the parish.