Directives for Eucharistic Ministers

In order to encourage greater participation from the community we will no longer have the team format. This is effective Saturday, September 6, 2003.

Sign up procedure:

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS (EM) will sign-up and mark their position on a team chart posted behind the kiosk in the gathering area of the church. Each EM will take a cross to wear during Mass. After Mass, each EM will replace the cross in the back of church. Just before the pre-Mass greeting, the head usher will check the EM chart. If more EM's are required, the usher wil announce the need for additional EM's. After Mass, an usher should erase the marks on the chart to have it ready fo the next Mass. There will be a sign posted above the team sign-up chart indicating the number of EM's needed at each Mass.

Distribution Procedure:

At the beginning of the 'Our Father', when lining up in the back of church for procession, Ministers of the CUP will line up on the left side (as you face the Altar), Ministers of the BREAD on the right. Procession to the altar will begin immediately after the Greeting of Peace. Upon reaching the sactuary those who signed up for MInister of the CUP will line up on the lectionary side standing behind the Altar. The Ministers of the BREAD will line up on the choir side standing behind the Altar.

The TEAM LEADER, or first EM on the LEFT (CUP) side facing the altar should process to the side table an pick up the four (4) communion cups and linens and bring them to the altar. Place the communion cups and linens on the altar to the RIGHT of the Celebrant. Proceed to POUR the consecrated wine into the communion cups. The cups with the BEADED RINGS on them (2) are used for the FRONT stations and should contain more wine than the other 2 used for the side stations.

The first EM on the RIGHT (BREAD) side, will proceed to the side table to gather the small ciboria. After placing the ciboria on the altar to the LEFT of the Celebrant, get in line with the other Ministers of the BREAD on the choir side of the sanctuary. The LECTOR will fill the ciboria with the consecrated bread.

Reception of the Eucharist:

The priest/deacon will give you the Eucharist, which you will hold up with one hand placing your other hand underneath (as you would normally do to recieve the Eucharist).Do not consume your host immediately after receiving it from the Celebrant. AFTER the Celebrant has consummed his host, you may then consume yours.

The priest/deacon will give a communion cup and linen to the four (4) EM's on his RIGHT who assigned themselves to the CUP. After receiving the wine they in turn should cross over to the choir side of the sanctuary and offer the Precious Blood to the BREAD EM's saying: "Blood of Christ". Wiping the communion cup and turning 1/4 turn , move to the next EM, until all have had a chance to take the wine. Return to your position on the LEFT side of the sanctuary.

Distribution of the Eucharist to the community:

Ministers of the CUP will go to the position they assigned themselves. Ministers of the CUP who have selected front stations should make sure they have a cup with a beaded ring on the stem. These cups contain a larger quantity of wine than those without the rings. Ministers of the BREAD will get a ciboria from the altar and proceed to the station they selected.

Minister's of the BREAD may assist in another line if their line ends and it is noted that another line is long. Stand near the pew closest to the line you intend to serve. Do not stand on the steps next to the original EM because it causes traffic congestion.

EM's, please remember which station you assigned yourself so there is less confusion when everyone approaches their station.

Following distribution:

Minister's of the BREAD bring your ciboria to the altar. If you are the TEAM LEADER, stay at the altar until you remove the empty wine decanter and ciboria to the side table. If you are not the TEAM LEADER (who assists the Lector) return to your seat after you bring your ciboria to the altar.

Minister's of the CUP return your cup to the side table when your line ends. Leave any unconsumed wine in the cup, it will be consummed after Mass during clean up. Return to your seat.

Clean up:

After Mass, all team EM's are responsible to help clean up. Take all the vessels from the side table and take them to the sacristy behind the altar. Consume all wine. Purify and cleanse all cups and ciboria.

Further instructions are listed in the sacristy.

As a Minister of the Eucharist you are privileged to be performing a very valuable service to the St. Irenaeus community. Your ministry is greatly appreciated. May God bless you and yours.