Eucharistic Ministers come forward from the assembly immediately at the Sign of Peace: ministers of the cup stand in the sanctuary in the area in front of the tabernacle; ministers of the plate stand in the sanctuary in the red-carpet area.
Hint: Cups are placed on the “tabernacle” side of the altar; Ems for the cup go to this side.
Ministers A, B, (and C if no deacon is present) come to the altar on the ambo side to receive Eucharist after the priest/deacon receive the Blood of Christ. All other Ems come at the same time without hesitating into the sanctuary and form the horseshoe.
After the priest and deacon receive:
When a deacon is present, the priest and deacon will give the Body of Christ and Blood of Christ to A and B first—priest handing the plate to A when both have received the Body of Christ. The deacon will give the Blood of Christ—deacon handing the cup to B.
Minister A can hold the plate in one hand when taking the Blood of Christ or place it on the edge of the altar.
Priest and deacon will continue to serve that same side
of horseshoe.
A,B proceed to the opposite side of horseshoe to assist with distributing the Eucharist to the remaining ministers.
When no deacon is present, priest will give Body of
Christ to A, B, C, giving the plate to A when finished. Then, taking a cup from the altar, will give
the Blood of Christ to A, B, C, giving the cup to B. Then, taking another cup from the altar, gives to C who assists
him in distributing to Ems on ambo side of horseshoe.
A, B proceed to opposite side of horseshoe to assist with
distributing the Eucharist to the remaining ministers. Then, A and B distributes Eucharist to
servers and MC before going to station.
After Ems have received, he/she goes to the altar to receive their vessel. If a deacon is present, he will hand the cups to Ems. Without a deacon, priest will give the plates and cups to ministers. When you receive your vessel, go immediately to your station and face the altar. When the priest/deacon have finished giving the vessels, they will come to their station. All turn and begin distributing Eucharist to the assembly.
EXCEPTION: those
serving the choir/cantor/instrumentalist and disabled begin distributing
Eucharist directed by the usher and music director/minister. When distributing Eucharist within the
assembly to those who cannot come forward, please stay together as
ministers. Even if the minister of the
Body of Christ knows that someone does not take the Precious Blood, do not move
from them until it is offered and your partner continues on with you to the
next person.
No changes following Communion. Go to the credence table and place your vessels on the table to be cared for by the MC. Remember to check “your neighbor” if there is a need to exchange vessels. Help may be needed to consume any consecrated elements; check in the weekday sacristy.
SIGNING IN: Because of the need to have sufficient ministers to distribute both the Body and Blood of Christ, Mass Coordinators may need to assign stations.
DISTRIBUTING TO REMAINING MINISTERS: Ministers A,B,C who assist with distribution of the Eucharist to remaining ministers may come from ANY station or mix of stations. All should have an opportunity to assist the priest/deacon.