1. After exchanging the Sign of Peace with those seated closest to you, Extraordinary Ministers (except 1B and 4B) approach the Blessed Mother side of the sanctuary and move into place.  See diagram below.

2. EM-1B goes to the tabernacle.  Push the gate open, turn the key to open the door to the tabernacle, stop and genuflect, remove the ciborium, shut the doors to the tabernacle, shut the gate, proceed  to the altar with the ciborium and wait by the step for a clear direction from the priest.  Once you have delivered the ciborium, move into position beside the altar with your heels against the side of the step to the ambo.

3. At the same time, 4B goes to the credence shelf by St. Joseph to retrieve the stack of bowls.  4B should process around the front of the altar to the Blessed Mother side and keeping the bowls stacked, wait by the step for a clear direction from the priest.  Once the bowls have been delivered, move into position with the other ministers beside the altar. 

4. After the priest receives communion, all EMs will step forward together to receive the consecrated bread.  After all have received, Cup Ministers retain their positions while the Bowl Ministers (1B, 4B, 5B) step back to allow room for the Cup Ministers to receive the cups from the celebrant.  7C will usually receive first and then waits while the others receive.  6C receives and communicates 5B.  In this same fashion, 3C receives and communicates 4B.  Likewise, 2C receives and communicates 1B.  Once all have received from the cup, Cup Ministers step back to allow space for the Bowl Ministers to come forward and receive their bowls from the celebrant.  Ministers then move to their assigned stations on the step across the front of the altar.  All ministers should stand on the step – with the exception of the 4B minister and the Priest who will be on the floor in the main aisle and 7C who is stationed by the Cantor Stand.  See diagrams for placement of ministers and communion stations. 

 

 

 

5. When distributing Communion, speak to the communicant.  Hold up the consecrated bread or the cup and, looking the person in the eye, say, “The body of Christ,”  “The blood of Christ.”  Wait for the response: “Amen.”  Firmly place the consecrated host in the outstretched palm or on the tongue of the person – allowing each communicant the opportunity to indicate the manner of receiving.  If the communicant does not respond “Amen”, the EM should answer aloud for them.  When placing the consecrated host in a person’s hands, do not rush.  When the cup is returned, carefully wipe the rim (inside and out) with the purificator, turn the cup slightly before offering it to the next person, and then raise your eyes to welcome the next communicant.

6. After Communion, Cup Ministers consume any precious blood that may be left while at their stations, then return to the sacristy.  It is not necessary for the cup ministers to purify the cups.  Please place them on the counter with the purificator so they can be purified by a priest.  Bowl Ministers return to the side of the altar with their bowls.  If the celebrant has returned to the altar, wait by the step for a clear direction.  If he has not returned, place your bowl on the corporal and move where you belong – dependant upon your assignment:  5B enters the sacristy after returning the bowl to the priest/altar and joins the other ministers.  1B and 4B wait by the altar for the bowls to be emptied.  As a rule, it is not necessary to empty or stack the bowls for the celebrant.  When the celebrant is ready, he will hand the ciborium to 1B who returns the ciborium to the tabernacle .  4B waits for the emptied bowls and removes them to the sacristy. When returning the ciborium to the tabernacle, place the ciborium in the tabernacle, genuflect, close the tabernacle door, leave the key in the tabernacle, swing the gate closed and join the other EMs along the front.

7. Once 4B has removed the bowls to the sacristy, all EMs return directly from the sacristy to the sanctuary and face the altar, (the timing should be such that 1B joins them from the tabernacle), they bow and return to their seats in the assembly.

 

When there is an additional priest - all ministers come forward to serve at the time of the sign of peace.  They move into position as usual and receive communion in the normal fashion.  When vessels are distributed, the person serving in the 4B role moves into the sacristy and waits for the Communion Rite to come to a close.  At the end of the distribution, 4B steps back out and serves in the function assigned – waiting by the altar to remove the emptied bowls to the sacristy.  So – 4B is the first minister to adjust.  This will be the norm at any Mass where you hear of an additional priest joining us.  In the event of 2 additional priests, 5B will be the next to step out during distribution.  Following the logic here – 1B steps out when 3 priests visit - leaving only cup ministers.  If 3 priests are visiting,   1B, like 4B, will need to come forward in the normal fashion in order to fulfill the other duties assigned to that position: retrieve the ciborium from the tabernacle and return it after the distribution of communion.  During distribution – wait in the sacristy.  Sometimes I know about company ahead of time and sometimes we all find out together in the vestibule as everyone lines up for the procession.  When I know – I will let you know.  Otherwise – you will need to think on your feet.

Because a deacon serves as an ordinary minister of the cup – it would fall to 6C to be the first to adjust when a deacon visits.  Since there are no additional duties associated with the 6C position, the minister may remain with the assembly for the entire Communion Rite.