KOLO-”You will grant me, I am sure, that women are absolutely forbidden to be ordained. The Councils are uniform in this. I am sure you will agree that sub deacons are in fact ordained, as the canons provide and yet, sub deacons “...have no right to a place in the Diaconicum, nor to touch the Lord’s vessels.” Canon XXI Council of Laodicea, “...must not give the Bread, nor bless the Cup” Canon XXV Council of Laodicea, and most tellingly when one understands the lay out of a church in those days (and to this day in Orthodox, Monophysite and Oriental Orthodox Churches), “Women may not go to the altar.” Canon XLIV Council of Laodicea””
I agree with you on this,Kolo. It’s another thing that needs to be addressed.
FYI..From INAESTIMABILE DONUM
Instruction Concerning Worship Of The Eucharistic Mystery
Prepared by the Sacred Congregation for the Sacraments and Divine Worship
Approved and Confirmed by His Holiness Pope John Paul II 17 April 1980
http://www.ewtn.com/library/PAPALDOC/JP2INAES.HTM
Excerpt
“”18. There are, of course, various roles that women can perform in the liturgical assembly: these include reading the Word of God and proclaiming the intentions of the Prayer of the Faithful. Women are not, however, permitted to act as altar servers.[27]””
“Women are not, however, permitted to act as altar servers.”
I have seen them sitting next to the priest, like altar boys do/did, bringing water and wine to the priest as altar boys do/did and of course, carrying the chalice and or a ciborium and handing out communion. From what I can see, +JPII notwithstanding, Eucharettes are an order or two above mere altar boys.