The Church of the Holy Family

GUIDELINES FOR EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS FOR THE CELEBRATION OF SUNDAY EUCHARIST AT THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY 

Preparation:  Our gathering as the People of God each week draws together all of our experiences of God’s goodness to us.  During the week, pray fervently that our ministry at Sunday Eucharist may always be done in the power of the Spirit and in praise of God. 

ü      Arrive in the sacristy 15 minutes before the appointed hour of worship dressed appropriately for the celebration. 

ü      Sign in on the sheet in the sacristy and then take your seat in the front pew. 

ü      The chief Minister for the celebration is designated on the schedule with a “c” and takes care of the set up details. 

-         Prepare the gifts of bread and wine.  Place them on the offertory table at the break in the pews just off the main aisle to the left.

-         The sacred vessels (the Priest Chalice and 2 cups) and a purificator for each should be placed on the back altar.

-         Put the key in front of the tabernacle.

-         If there is no Altar Server, set out the materials for the washing of the hands.

-         Ask two people to bring up the gifts.  If possible, consider asking the person/s requesting the Mass to do this.

-         Light the appropriate candles immediately before Mass.

-         The collection baskets are placed in the back of the church.

-         Bulletins are placed in the front pew immediately before Mass.

-         Sit in the front pew. 

Liturgy of the Eucharist: If no Altar Server is present, an Extraordinary Minister comes to the sanctuary to assist the presider.  

At the conclusion of the Eucharistic Prayer, all stand in place for the Lord’s Prayer and  the Greeting of Peace.  As the Lamb of God is prayed, the Extraordinary Ministers approach the altar and take their places around the presider standing with backs  against the altar  They receive Communion under both forms. They receive a ciborium or cup from the priest and proceed to their assigned stations. 

DO NOT USE A  PERSON’S NAME WHEN DISTRIBUTING HOLY COMMUNION.    

When finished, return the ciborium to the back altar.  The cups are left on the side table after the Precious Blood has been consumed.

Remember to  consume the remaining Precious Blood either at the altar or at the table.     Do not  drink from the cup while walking or in the middle of the sanctuary.

Recessional:  The presider departs the sanctuary and recesses to one of the doors of the church.

ü      The Extraordinary Ministers take the sacred vessels from the altar and side table.

ü      Assist in cleaning the vessels and returning them to the proper location.

ü      Purificators are placed on the rack in the sacristy.

ü      Remove the key from the tabernacle and place it in the safe.

ü      All candles are extinguished.

ü      Lock the safe. 

Please remember:  A captain (“c”) is assigned for each Mass.  The captain is responsible for being sure that everything is in place.  The captain can ask the other Ministers to assist in the duties.

Revised July 4, 2006

Last modified: 01/11/10