Cardinal Ratzinger said, "The minister of Holy Communion must refuse to distribute it."

RenewAmerica.us ^ | July 6, 2004 | Barbara Kralis

[drstevej]

***What is a "LAY MINISTER"?***

I think he left the "p" off pLAY MINISTER

[pgyanke]

One thing that I think is missed in these discussions is that each bishop is head of his own ministry. That ministry can prosper or fail (Revelation and the lamp posts).

There isn't a heirarchy of authority from the Pope down. He is the Bishop of Rome but still just a bishop in terms of heirarchy. He can't order other bishops around but he can chastise them publicly for not conforming to the Church.

Apparently our American bishops are choosing scism.

[Diva]

The operative word there is "must."

Yes, and in civil law must is the strongest term you can use. It didn't say "may" or "could" or "is permitted," it said must.

[Diva]

Eucharistic Minister, narses. Lay ministers, as opposed to ordained ministers.

It is my understanding that the Vatican has recently clarified (restated) these terms through the Congregation for Devine Worship in Redemptionis Sacramentum. What I think folks have been referring to as EEM (Extraodinary Eucharistic Ministers) lay ministers, should be referred to as Extraodinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Deacons, whether transitional or permanent, should be referred to as Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Sinkspur), and, only a priest should be called an Ordinary Minister of the Eucharist.

[Diva]

So, when Card. Ratzinger states"The minister of Holy Communion must refuse to distribute it"It sounds as though he is specifically referring to lay or Extraodinary Ministers of Holy Communion and to transitional and permanent deacons as Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

[sinkspur]

Whatever they're called this week, laymen who distribute the Eucharist will not refuse anyone our parish without the permission of the pastor.

[Diva]

Whatever they're called this week, laymen who distribute the Eucharist will not refuse anyone our parish without the permission of the pastor.

It isn't "whatever they have been called this week," it is what they have always been called. Words mean specific things especially in the Catholic Church. I fear some of our Cardinals and Bishops have been lax in their education. I pray the Vatican will continue to restate what must be restated for clarification.

[al_c]

Pray for the American RCC.

[sinkspur]

it is what they have always been called

"Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion" is a new term. So is designating a deacon as an Ordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

If it takes a while for the terms to catch on, don't be surprised.

[Diva]

I truly think you are wrong about this Sinkspur. But I will check again.

[Arthur McGowan]

Whoever is distributing Communion is a minister of Communion, whether he is an ordinary or extraordinary minister. The priest and deacon are the ordinary ministers of Communion.

[Diva]

"Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion" is a new term.

Nope, it isn't new. Canon 230, Sec 3

[sinkspur]

OK. You can have the last word.

[Diva]

Can. 230 §1 Lay men whose age and talents meet the requirements prescribed by decree of the Episcopal Conference, can be given the stable ministry of lector and of acolyte, through the prescribed liturgical rite. This conferral of ministry does not, however, give them a right to sustenance or remuneration from the Church. §2 Lay people can receive a temporary assignment to the role of lector in liturgical actions. Likewise, all lay people can exercise the roles of commentator, cantor or other such, in accordance with the law. §3 Where the needs of the Church require and ministers are not available, lay people, even though they are not lectors or acolytes, can supply certain of their functions, that is, exercise the ministry of the word, preside over liturgical prayers, confer baptism and distribute Holy Communion, in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Well, darn I don't see the term in here but it was certainly in use as far back as 1998 as it appears in the Policy and Procedures for Extrordinary Ministers of Holy Communion from the Archdiocese of Dubuque. So, its certainly not a few weeks or months old.

However, it doesn't matter really how old it is. When the Vatican clarifies that's it. And, I am very sure every Cardinal and Bishop is fully aware of Redemptionis Sacramentum. Every priest should be aware of it as well and should immediately make any changes that may be needed.

[broadsword]

They are NOT "lay ministers" deacon, they are laymen performing a function. Extraordinary Eucharistic ministers are clearly and specifically NOT "lay ministers". To use that misleading protestant title is wrong.

Protestant is as protestant does.

[ninenot]

Thanks for the homework.

Rome has been very clear on this "minister" stuff, just as they have been very clear about NOT allowing the title "Chaplain" for nuns or non-ordained laity who work in hospitals.

I'm perfectly happy being called the church organist or choir director, or the 'curmudgeon near the pipe organ...'

They all fit.

But not "minister of music." Sounds a little too Commissar-inspired for me.

[narses]

"Aren't you SSPX anyway?"

No Deacon, I am Catholic, Roman Catholic, you know, no meat on Friday, no sex outside of the marital relationship, the Seven Holy Sacraments CATHOLIC. But you knew that, didn't you?

[sinkspur]

You go to an SSPX chapel, though, don't you?

[Tuco Ramirez]

I doubt you believe in the Eucharist as understood by Catholics, anyway. If you believe Christ is present in the Eucharist, ANYONE should be allowed to protect It from desecration...