Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Formation: Hospitality

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Formation Workshop

Qualities of an Extraordinary Minister

Persons whose good qualities… recommend them…

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“Welcoming the stranger, so that the stranger is no longer strange”

Jana Reiss, Flunking Sainthood

A mutually enriching encounter

A part of the culture, rather than a job

Meeting people where they are

Hospitality

Placing yourself at the service of others

Directed towardscommunion

Being theBody of Christ

Personal encounter

Being theBody of Christ

Would you understand the body of Christ? Hear the Apostle saying to the faithful: ‘You are the body and members of Christ.’ If, then, you are Christ’s body and his members, it is your own mystery which you receive. It is to what you are that you reply ‘Amen,’ and by replying subscribe. For you are told, ‘The Body of Christ,’ and you reply, ‘Amen.’ Be a member of the body of Christ and let your ‘Amen’ be true.

St Augustine

– Carefully giving each person undivided attention

– Speaking to the person in front of you

– Carrying out your role calmly, confidently and with careful concern

Personal encounter

– Looking beyond differences and judgements

– Showing interest in, and care towards others

– Carrying out our ministry with the reverence and warmth

Placing yourself at the service of others

– Participating in the ritual climax of the Mass

– United through our sharing in the Eucharist

– Focusing on communal action; our communion with Christ and each other

Directed towardscommunion

Personal Challenge

Ministering Communion at Mass

The Rite of Peace– Ministers participate

in the rite- This is the ritual focus- Part of the assembly- Model participation

– Ministers move once they have shared a sign of peace with those around them

The Fraction– Ministers of

Communion stand back in the sanctuary

– The focus is on the Priest breaking bread at the altar

– Ministers approach the altar once the priest receives communion

The Distribution of Communion– Maintain a sense of

reverence

– Convey a sense of warmth and welcome

– Take note of those requiring assistance

After Communion– Vessels are returned to the credence table

- Remaining hosts returned to altar first– Ministers return to their seats– Altar Servers clear the altar

- Ministers assist at the altar and tabernacle only if required

– Ministers are asked to help clean and put away vessels after Mass

Communion Stations

Altar

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