Excerpts from “GUIDELINES FOR EXTRAORDINARY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS”
Prepared by the Office for Liturgy
Diocese of Orange 1999
GUIDELINES FOR EXTRAORDINARY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
INTRODUCTION
The Office for Liturgy has prepared the following guidelines for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at Sunday Mass, as well as at other Eucharistic celebrations..
Holy Communion has a more complete form as a sign when it is received under both kinds. For in this manner of reception a fuller light shines on the sign of the eucharistic banquet. Moreover, there is a clearer expression of that will by which the new and everlasting covenant is ratified in the blood of the Lord and of the relationship of the eucharistic banquet to the eschatological banquet in the Father's kingdom. (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, n 240.)
So that this "fuller light" may fall upon the import of Christ's words at the Last Supper in the eucharistic prayer, and for the sake of the faithful's greater participation in the mystery, Communion under both kinds is to be desired in all celebrations of the Mass, although this is not possible in all cases. For in the sacred rite, "the sign of the eucharistic meal stands out more explicitly', and the act of drinking the consecrated wine, the Blood of Christ, stre Normal">
34. If the sick person can only receive Eucharist under the form of wine, a container of consecrated Wine may be brought from the Sunday or weekday celebration of the Eucharist. It is to be placed in a properly covered container and kept in the tabernacle until the minister is able to take it to the sick person. If any of the Precious Blood remains after the Communion Service, the minister is to consume what remains and properly purify the vessel.
35. Those who care for the sick or family members may also participate in the Communion Service and receive Communion even if they have already received Communion for that day.
36. Priests with pastoral responsibilities should also see to it that the sick who are confined to home or health care institutions have the Sacrament of Fenance available. Ministers to the sick should routinel
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