Q: Hello Father. Perhaps you have already addressed this question, but I cannot find it in my saved files. But when dealing with the consecrated Hosts out of the tabernacle what is the legislative rules governing who should be allowed to obtain the Blessed Hosts for the purpose of giving communion to the sick and home bound? I assume a priest, deacon and EME, but some question if the EME should be allowed to perform this. Thank you for your help. Happy Holidays Father.
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A: The revised translation of Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery is now in force in the United States. It repeats a rubric that has been in place of decades.
When a lay minister conducts a communion service at church, #30 says “the minister approaches the place where the Eucharist is reserved, takes the vessel or ciborium containing the Body of the Lord, places it on the altar, and genuflects.” Then all recite the Lord’s Prayer before communion.
The same book has the ritual that ministers are to use when bringing communion to the sick. It doesn’t describe how lay ministers obtain the hosts, but clearly they have the competency to take it from the tabernacle themselves. It would be responsible for them to let the pastor know when they do this.
A blessed Advent to you.