Eucharistic Minister Instructions

Preparations

First thing we ask, please arrive at least 15 minutes before the liturgy is scheduled to begin. You should check in with the Sacristan, for they may have some special instruction; and they also want to know you are at mass. Father would like to have you wait in the entry so we can pray together before Mass. As a Special minister you are to wear proper dignified lay apparel.

When to approach the altar

We are to approach the altar just after the sign of peace. There will be 5 ministers unless there is a Deacon on the altar, then there will be 4. The Minister that distributes communion will stand on the right side of the group. When every one is in front of altar, bow to pay reverence. Then the minister on the left will lead you to the left side of the altar in front of the chairs close to the back wall, stay on the floor level, you will remain there until after the priest receives communion. Remain standing, and then the one next to the wall will lead you up to the altar and stand in a row behind the altar, like we always have. Men do not let the ladies go up first, go in the order you were standing in. Father will give the Body to (#1) who is the minister of the Body, and the Blood to (#1). Then Father will give the Body to every one, and intern (#1) will give the blood to the rest of the Ministers. When (#1) gets to (#5) they will give the Chalice to this person, Father will hand the Ciborium to (#1) and they will distribute the body with the Priest. The people with the blood should lead down the front of the altar and then go to the side where they are to stand.

Where to stand to Minister the Blood

The ministers of the cup will lead Father and the minister of the body down the steps, then take your position. One person on the floor by each corner of the altar and one in front of the Organ, and the other next to the chairs for the altar servers, The first 2 down go to the chairs and organ, the second 2 stands on the floor by the steps.

How to Minister the Bread

Hold the host a little above the ciborium facing the communicant. As each communicant comes before you, Have eye contact and hold the host up and say THE BODY OF CHRIST, the communicant will respond by saying AMEN, give communion in a manner which is both reverent and hospitable. There will be times when communicant will come foreword giving no indication of how they wish to receive communion until after they say AMEN and they either hold out their hands or open mouths. The minister need to be alert to the desire of each communicant and be ready to place the consecrated bread on the tongue, if hands are not extended. You may Bless the children by extending your hand or putting your hand on their head and saying May God Bless you. Also we need to give communion to the disabled and also the musicians.

How to Minister the Cup

As those who desire to receive from the cup come forward, have eye contact and offer them the cup, saying THE BODY OF CHRIST, as they respond AMEN they will take the cup in their hands and drink from it. Hold the cup at the rim and base leaving the center free for communicant to grasp. Always let go of cup completely, unless the communicant cannot easily hold it. When the cup is handed back to you wipe the inside and outside of the cup well with the purificator and rotate the cup a quarter turn after each communicant. If you are out of blood, cover the chalice with the purificator and wait until everyone has received communion before returning to the credence table.

Where to put Vessels After Communion.

If you are the minister of the blood return the Chalice to the credence table. If a small amount of blood is left you may consume it or you may cover it with the purificator. If a large amount is left, cover it and leave it at the table. Do not put purificator down in cup when done just cover the cup with it.

If you are the minister of the body return the consecrated bread and crumbs in the ciborium and into the tabernacle, Genuflect, close and lock the tabernacle, put the key by the stand and return to your place.

All Ministers are to come to the credence table after mass to consume left over Body and Blood of Christ. The Minister of the Body will go to the tabernacle and get the Body to distribute to the other Ministers.

The Sacristan will take care of the Sacred Vessels.