Procedures

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1. After the Lamb of God and as the priest receives from the Chalice, extraordinary ministers approach the altar and line across the front of the sanctuary on the main floor at the step.  See diagram below.

2. With the EMs remaining close to the step, the priest will approach each EM with the consecrated bread.   As he begins his approach, the EMs bow together.  Once all have received, Cup Ministers retain their forward positions while the Bowl Ministers (3B, 4B, 5B) step back to allow room for the Cup Ministers to receive the cups from the celebrant.  6C receives the Precious Blood and then communicates 5B.  In this same fashion, 2C receives and then communicates 4B.  Likewise, 1C receives and communicates 3B.  Once all have received from the cup, Cup Ministers move back to allow space for the Bowl Ministers to come forward and receive their vessels 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.  See diagrams for placement of ministers and communion stations.  Please note the changes in numbering, placement and vessel assignment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. 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 recipient – 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 an open purificator), rotate the cup slightly, move to a clean spot on your purificator and then raise your eyes to welcome the next communicant.

4. After Communion, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion who assist in the distribution of the Precious Blood consume at their stations any remaining Precious Blood contained in the cup.  When the cup is empty (either through distribution or through your consumption of the remains), bring the cup and purificator to the credence table on the St. Joseph side of the sanctuary and place the cup on the table with the purificator beside it - not in it or over it.  Return directly to your seat in the assembly - being mindful of the traffic flow of the procession.  As you step down to the main floor, please turn and bow to the altar before returning to your seat.  

5. After distribution, Bowl Ministers return to the St. Joseph’s side of the altar with their bowls.  Please step up to the altar and place your bowl on the corporal - close to the ciborium.  If the priest has returned to the altar, he may receive the bowls from you.  Once the bowl has been returned, move to the credence table by St. Joseph and purify your fingers in the ablution cup.  From there, you may move directly to your seat in the assembly – being mindful of the traffic flow of the procession.  As you step down to the main floor, please turn and bow to the altar before returning to your seat.  Should you find yourself still in the sanctuary space as the ciborium is returned to the tabernacle, you are asked to cease any movement and turn your attention in that direction.  As the priest genuflects, you bow.  Then, return to your seat as described above.

 

 

·      Should you need to replenish the hosts in your bowl, move from your station to the altar and place your vessel on the corporal.  Remove the lid from the ciborium and place it on the corporal beside the ciborium.  Replenish the hosts in your bowl by reaching directly into the ciborium and retrieving a tasteful amount – please do not lift the ciborium in order to tip, pour or shovel the consecrated hosts into your bowl.  When you have what you need, replace the lid and leave the ciborium on the altar.  Return to your station and resume distribution.

 

·      When there is an additional priest - 4B is the first minister to adjust – you will not be needed to serve at Mass when there is an additional priest.  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.  Following the logic here – 3B steps out when 3 priests visit - leaving only cup ministers – who will also step out should additional priests or deacons join the celebration.

 

·      Because a deacon serves as an ordinary minister of the cup – it would fall to 2C to be the first to adjust when a deacon visits.  The assigned EM will not need to serve and can remain with the assembly for the entire Communion Rite.  Likewise – with additional Ordinary Ministers present, the cup ministers forego serving.

·      In most cases, your Mass Coordinators will inform you of any necessary changes at check-in time. 

 

Please take note of the following

 

• the placement of the communion stations has remained the same but the numbering/assignment has changed – look closely at the new format and layout so you are confident of your role and position.

• There is no longer a need to enter the sacristy following distribution.   Consequently, you will no longer be moving back to your seats as a group.  You may return to your pew by whichever route is the easiest for you once you are finished with distribution and have returned your vessel to the appropriate place – following the directions stated above.