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I have written this several times across several threads: I'm an EMC myself. I consider it the greatest honor possible to assist the ordained at mass. We have one Permanent Deacon and three Priests (Pastor, Associate Pastor, Retired Priest) for a parish of 2200+ families. We have four masses every Sunday (0730, 0900, 1030, and Noon) with 30 minutes between each for changeover. The Church nave itself accomodates ~800. At every Sunday mass there are two ordained (some combination of Priests and Deacon). Along with the ordained clergy there are 8 EMC Precious Blood Stations and at 0900 and 1030 mass, 4 EMC Precious Body stations. At 0730 and Noon, there are 2 Precious Body stations. It is IMPRACTICAL for us to limit the reception of both forms of Communion to the ordained alone. EMC's are a necessity, and the vast majority of them (I can't think of any time in the 30 years I've been part of the parish) that a lack of the utmost reverence for the awesome nature of the Body and Blood of the Lord has ever been displayed. I often find myself, when serving as EMC to be overcome by the awesome presence of that which I hold in my hand. It usually manifests itself physically in tears, or sharp pains in the palms of my hands. I mentioned this to be, what I consider the highest honor bestowed on a living layperson. I truly believe that. I feel the Church agrees.

I thank God for the the privelege granted to me, a lowly sinner, dust really, to Him who is, to serve in this capacity. I am VERY SERIOUS about this.

Peace be to you...

I often find myself, when serving as EMC to be overcome by the awesome presence of that which I hold in my hand. It usually manifests itself physically in tears, or sharp pains in the palms of my hands. I mentioned this to be, what I consider the highest honor bestowed on a living layperson. I truly believe that. I feel the Church agrees.

With all due respect, the honor and pleasure you get from being an EM is not a guarantee that God is honored or finds pleasure with it. In addition to the Tabernacle being cast aside or into another room, Communion under both species and other things, I believe the common use of EMs have also played a part in the loss of belief in the Real Presense in 70% of Catholics. Something which must offend Him greatly.

In the Traditional Mass just prior to the Consecration the priest will wash his fingers. In a few moments his fingers will touch Our Lord. From that moment on, he keeps the index finger and thumb on both of his hands joined together to keep even the smallest Particle safe with him.

Communicants receive on the tongue only. There is no risk of particles left on hands.

After Holy Communion, he returns to the Altar where he will scrape the paten over chalice, the server will pour water over his joined fingers so that any Particle will be washed into the chalice. He will then consume the water with any Particle(s) which may have remained between his fingers and/or the paten.

All of these acts demonstrate and reinforce the Real Presence. They clearly express our belief that Christ is present even in the smallest Particle and therefore all possible measures are taken to protect Him from every possible insult/injury.

I have not received Communion in the NO in a decade and have attended the NO only a few times in between (weddings, funerals.) IIRC, the EMs did not have to cleanse their fingers either before touching the Hosts or after distributing Communion. Obviously the faithful receiving in the hand aren't required to do anything before or after. What is one supposed to think of this? If one says the precautions taken at the Traditional Mass are obsessive or fanatical, than one can conclude that the lack of precautions with EMs and those who receive in the hand demonstrates an "Its no big deal" attitude with regard to the Holy Eucharist.

It is IMPRACTICAL for us to limit the reception of both forms of Communion to the ordained alone.

Why is impractical? Christ is present Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Host. There is no need for the faithful to take from the cup as well.

I consider it the greatest honor possible to assist the ordained at mass.

Yet you think its "impractical" for certain things to be granted exclusively to them. IMO, we should seek to honor the ordained rather than want to share in the honor which should go them alone. The best way one can honor the Ordained is to graciously accept that theirs is an elevated status - so much so that it would be an insult to want to share in their awesome privilages.