Q: My bishop is in the process of allowing sacristans and extra-ordinary Minister of Holy Communion who are trained by my office to purify vessels used for Holy Communion in the sacristy after Mass. The clergy have cited the need to have others available to do the purification since they need to travel to multiple parishes on the weekends.
I’ve reviewed your book, Let Us Pray. I’m wondering if you are aware of any other written guidelines regarding the proper way to purify. I’ve observed the way some of our priests do it and question just how elaborate (vs. thorough) it really needs to be.
Thank you for your insights and wisdom.
BTW, I’m looking forward to your new book about candidates in the OCIA, coming out this fall.
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A: I didn’t know a bishop had authority to assign that task to extraordinary ministers. The Norms for Distribution under Both Kinds in the US limit the duty to instituted acolytes, deacons and priests. https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/the-mass/norms-for-holy-communion-under-both-kinds
Take a look at the closing chapter of my book Eucharistic Reservation. I point out how little the missal says about these procedures. It simply is not as concerned about the smallest crumbs and droplets as many Catholics are.
If your guidelines are consistent with the GIRM, you should be fine.
Thanks for your comments about my new book, Full Communion with Us, to be published in September 2025.