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FAQ - Extraordinary
Minister of Holy Communion
Q. May Ministers bless children who are too young to receive Holy Communion?
A. Any Christian may impart a blessing on another by means of their Baptism. However,
a presbytrate (sign of the cross) is reserved for the ordained (bishops, priests, deacons).
Q. What happens if I do not return the Availability form?
A. About two weeks are allowed for returning the form to the Parish Office. If it is not returned, its assumed that you are unavailable for the period.
Q. How do I know what station to go to with the Communion Hosts or Precious Blood?
A. Usually the Celebrant or Deacon will direct you. If he does not, observe where your fellow ministers are going and decide. For all Masses except the 9:30, there are nine ministers assigned. As a general guideline, four with the wine go to the confessionals (stand with your back to the confessional to allow Parishioners to easily pass by), two with Communion to the Aberdeen side, two with Communion to the alley side, one with Communion to the back altar. At the 9:30, an additional two ministers should position themselves beneath the choir loft in the center aisle.
If you receive the large gold ciborium, go to the center aisle station next to the Celebrant. When you finish and communion is still being distributed in the center aisle, help there if there are less than four distributors (two on each side of the aisle). For those going to the Midland side, the Communion (first) and then the Precious Blood should first be given to any handicapped persons in the Midland or Center front pews.
Q. When do I go to the altar?
A. You should go to the altar when the priests consumes the host, and stand on the first step of the altar behind the Celebrant.
Q. What if I am unable to do an assignment?
A. You need to find a substitute, using the Minister Name & Address list attached to the Minister Schedule.
Q. How many assignments will I get in a period?
A. Generally, if you are available for all or most of the period and have no preferences, you will typically receive 3-5 assignments, which includes the nursing home and a private home. For Christmas or the summer, this could be higher because less people are available.
Q. What do I do at Wayne Nursing if the person is not in their room?
A. Ask a staff member for help in locating and identifying the person.
Q. What do I do at Wayne Nursing or Bryn Mawr hospital if someone (staff member, visiting relative) asks to receive Communion?
A. You should use your own good judgment. You are free to give Communion to Catholic family members in the room even if this means breaking a host apart. Giving Communion to staff members is discouraged.
Q. What do I do at Wayne Nursing if a patient is asleep, or is physically unable to or cares not to receive?
A. It is OK to err on the side of caution and not give them Communion.
Q. What do I do if I run out of Hosts?
A. First, request some from the minister next to you. If both run out, or the minister is running low, go to the center aisle station where the large gold ciborium is being used and get some.
Q. What do I do if I drop a host or spill the Precious Blood?
A. For the host, pick it up, consume it and continue distribution. For the Precious Blood, clean it up using the Purificator; if this is not possible, cover the spill with the Purificator, and return to the Sacristy to request help from the Sacristan.
Q. If I notice an insufficient number of Ministers at a Mass, can I go up to assist?
A. Absolutely! The 5pm, 8am, 11:30am have nine ministers scheduled, while the 9:30 has 11.
Q. Is there anything I have to do if I exchange a private home visit with another minister?
A. You should call Ruth Trainer (610-688-0586). She updates the home routes each week and mails them to the ministers who are scheduled.
Q. Will I be assigned to Bryn Mawr Hospital?
A. We will be going to the Hospital every tenth week, which started in November. At the moment, a fixed set of ministers will be providing coverage. If you would like to do this, please contact Sister Elizabeth (610-688-4584).
Q. What should I do with the Ciborium or Cup when I’m finished?
A. For the Ciborium, put it on the back altar.
For the Cup, return to the Sacristy and, if empty, place it on the vestment case for the priest to purify. If not empty:
Q. What things should I be aware of when doing a Nursing Home, Private Home or Hospital visit?
A.