From a reader…
In our parish we have a woman who is a Eucharistic minister at some masses. Whenever she does not serve, she will get out of the pew and cross over so she can receive from the presider only. If she were a regular parishioner, I would not notice. It happens all the time. But as a recognized Eucharistic minister, do you feel she is doing a disservice by acting hypocritically by not feeling reception by a minister is “good enough”? And should I bring it to our pastor’s attention?
First, let’s say “priest” or “celebrant” and not “presider”. Next, we say “Extraordinary (not Ordinary) Minister of Communion (not Eucharist).” Terms have meanings.
Nowadays, many parishes have Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Properly, these EMHCs should be male instituted acolytes. In a pinch, any members of the lay faithful, of either sex at the discretion of the local bishop, can substitute for male instituted acolytes.
Back to the point of the question: This female Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion receives only from the priest?
This female Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion crosses lines in order to ensure that she is receiving Our Lord in Holy Communion from the priest who offers the Holy Sacrifice, and that, therefore, makes her (somehow) a hypocrite?
I can’t understand how that would be so.
Should you point this out to your pastor?
Were I the pastor to whom this is pointed out, my response would probably be something along the lines of,
“Perhaps, my child, if you focused more on preparing your soul to receive your Sovereign Lord and Majesty as you approach the Communion rail, you wouldn’t notice the habits of others. Could that do your soul more good than looking about to spy out what others are doing?”
Moderation queue is ON.
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