“I thought it was much better when only the priest’s hands touched the host, communiion was by the mouth and an altar boy held a paten under the host when the priest placed the host on your tongue.”
Yes, I agree. There is less of a chance that the Blessed Sacrament is not consumed but used for other purposes.
As I just commented to Arrogant Bustard, some of us still recall a time, pre "EMHC", when communion was distributed by the priest. And back then, the Churches were packed at all the Masses - oftentimes, SRO. Amazing how we all survived, isn't it.
As you all know, I am a RC practicing my faith in a Maronite Catholic Church. Communion is by intinction, on the tongue and only distributed by the priest. Not long ago, I attended the Funeral Mass for a baby. There were so many who wanted to attend his funeral, that they had to move it to one of the larger RC parishes to accomodate everyone. The majority of attendees were Roman Catholics. Since this was a Maronite service, they made an announcement explaining to everyone that communion would be by intinction and only on the tongue. Despite a packed church, 3 priests + 1 deacon distributed the Holy Eucharist in 15 minutes.
I think the worse abuse of EMHCs I have ever seen was on a locally televised Sunday Mass (this is the RC Diocese of Albany). That particular Mass was ministered by a priest and assisting deacon. When it was time for communion, they sat down and 2 EMHCs stepped forward. There could not have been more than 20 people in attendance at that Mass. That is simply inexcusable!