From the Pastor’s Desk::

Vatican Council II in the 1960’s brought back two important ministries from the ancient past, Permanent Deacons and Extra Ordinary Eucharistic Ministers.  These were not just invented in the 1960’s but were a part of the ancient church.  The Churches of the East maintained the Permanent Diaconate throughout history, which can be conferred on married men.  They are ordained to assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, especially in the Eucharist, in the distribution of Holy Communion, in assisting at and blessing marriages, in the proclamation of the Gospel and preaching, in presiding over funerals, and in dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity.  Deacons may be placed in parishes without a resident pastor to oversee the parish and minister to the needs of the people, allowing for a priest to come to the parish once or twice a month.  (ministry outside the box)

Up until the 4th century it was a rule, not merely an ideal that the faithful communicate at every Mass.  Believers understood clearly that the action of all receiving the Lord’s Body and Blood formed an integral and natural part of every Eucharistic celebration.  It is also evident from history that laypersons ordinarily received the Lord directly into their hands for the first 9 centuries.  History of Sacraments comes from the writings of Justin Martyr, St. Ambrose and St. Augustine.  It was during the 1100-1500 that the laity were gradually eliminated from the liturgy, even from the “sacred places” like the sanctuary, which became reserved territories for the Ordained alone.  The priest alone stood at the altar, laity brought offerings before mass, singing done by a special choir, general intercessions disappeared, the celebrant said the Eucharistic prayer in Latin quietly, facing away from the people.  Much of the liturgy took place in silence or in a language less understood by the people.

Vatican II allowed bishops to commission Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion to assist the pastor in the distribution of Holy Communion at Liturgies, to the homebound, in nursing homes and hospitals when the number of those receiving the Eucharist is great.  These ministers are an extension of the priest, who is an extension of the bishop.  All are spiritually tied to the bishop who is the spiritual father of the diocese.  The question I close with, would you be willing to become an Extra Ordinary Eucharistic Minister?