The Archdiocese of Baltimore has released new guidelines and procedures for Mass and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMCs). These changes are being made across the diocese and will begin being implemented at St. Athanasius/St Rose starting with this weekend’s Masses.
1. The purification of vessels (chalice and ciboria) can now ONLY be done by an instituted acolyte, a deacon, or a priest. This rule will not affect what we do at St Athanasius/St Rose – we already have purification of vessels done by the priest or deacon.
2. Those distributing Communion at mass will no longer give blessings to those who come up in the Communion line but are not receiving the Eucharist. Instead, they will be given the following greeting: “Receive the Lord Jesus in your heart.”
3. Communion Services will no be longer done by a deacon or lay person in the absence of a priest. If a priest is absent for mass, parishioners will be directed to attend mass at a neighboring parish. This rule applies to both weekday and Sunday masses.
4. Extraordinary Ministers of the Communion who bring the Eucharist to the sick or aging, if there is host leftover, may not consume the Eucharist (e.g. the Extraordinary Minister may not self communicate). Leftover Eucharist must be brought back to the church and placed in the tabernacle.
5. Lastly, all current Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist will receive new training from the archdiocese and parish later this fall. Stay tuned for more information!
New Guidelines for Mass and Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist