Weekly Message from Father Gase

My Dear Parishioners,

I thought I would bring you all up to speed regarding some liturgical items at our parish. When the Sunday obligation was reinstated in our diocese at the beginning of June we were given the opportunity to resume the distribution of Precious Blood of Christ at Mass. I elected to not have the Precious Blood distributed at our parish. After some prayerful discernment I have elected to continue only distributing Holy Communion under the form of bread. The distribution of the Precious Blood has always been a rather risky practice...germs can and will be transmitted during cold/flu season and too often have I seen it spilled. Bearing this in mind, it's important to remember the Church's teaching on the Eucharist: Christ's Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity is completely and 100% present under the species of both bread and wine! That being said, if you happen to have gluten intolerance we do have low gluten hosts available. Please contact me at the parish office and we can figure out how to best make this happen.

I have also given some thought to the way Holy Communion is distributed at our parish. When I arrived last summer everyone was lined up around the sanctuary and I "walked the circle." It was a rather disorienting ordeal for me! Bringing back the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion has been very helpful! What does the Church teach about EMHC's? Here's a nice little synopsis from the USCCB web site:

In every celebration of the Eucharist, there should be a sufficient number of ministers of Holy Communion so that it may be distributed in a reverent and orderly manner. Bishops, priests and deacons distribute Holy Communion in virtue of their office as ordinary ministers of the Body and Blood of the Lord. (1) When the size of the congregation or the incapacity of the bishop, priest, or deacon requires it, the celebrant may be assisted by other bishops, priests, or deacons. If such ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are not present, "the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, i.e., duly instituted acolytes or even other faithful who have been deputed for this purpose. In case of necessity, the priest may also depute suitable faithful for this single occasion (GIRM 162)."

Long story short, I've decided to continue the practice we currently have in place. Distribution of Communion goes rather smoothly as it is; I do not see a need to add additional Communion distributors at our Masses.

I hope all this makes sense. Have a great week!

Father Gase