Extraordinary Ministers of Communion
— Miscellaneous Questions
The universal norms governing the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
(EMHC) are given in two documents:
In addition, for Communion under both Species, U.S. particular law, approved
by Rome, is given in:
- Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both
Kinds in the Dioceses of the United States of America (NDRHCBK)
Fraction of the Wine
The wine should be poured into chalices at the offertory, not at the
fraction (during the Agnus Dei).
RS 105. If one chalice is not sufficient for Communion to be distributed
under both kinds to the Priest concelebrants or Christ's faithful,
there is no reason why the Priest celebrant should not use several chalices.
For it is to be remembered that all Priests in celebrating Holy Mass
are bound to receive Communion under both kinds. It is praiseworthy,
by reason of the sign value, to use a main chalice of larger dimensions,
together with smaller chalices.
106. However, the pouring of the Blood of Christ after the consecration
from one vessel to another is completely to be avoided, lest anything
should happen that would be to the detriment of so great a mystery. Never
to be used for containing the Blood of the Lord are flagons, bowls, or
other vessels that are not fully in accord with the established norms.
Use of Extraordinary Ministers of Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may be used when the number
of Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (bishops, priests and deacons)
is inadequate.
GIRM 162. The priest may be assisted in the distribution of Communion
by other priests who happen to be present. If such priests are not present
and there is a very large number of communicants, the priest may call
upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, e.g., duly instituted acolytes
or even other faithful who have been deputed for this purpose. In case
of necessity, the priest may depute suitable faithful for this single
occasion.
RS 88 Only when there is a necessity may extraordinary ministers assist
the Priest celebrant in accordance with the norm of law.
Extraordinary Ministers of Communion Coming Forward
The Extraordinary Ministers should not come forward until the main celebrant
has received both Species, which marks the end of the Eucharistic Sacrifice.
GIRM 162 (continued) ... These ministers should not approach the altar before
the priest has received Communion, and they are always to receive from
the hands of the priest celebrant the vessel containing either species
of the Most Holy Eucharist for distribution to the faithful.
Retrieving and Reposing the Sacrament
Since retrieving the Sacrament before Communion and reposing It after
Communion is the task of the Ordinary Minister (bishop, priest or deacon),
it would fall to him unless impeded, as in the case of infirmity or some
other necessity, or to other Ordinary Ministers (concelebrants and deacons),
before it would be legitimate for EMCs to do it.
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