Apologies if this topic has been already covered. I attended a mass today in a different parish to my local. It turned out that the priest was not available and the parishioners were conducting the service themselves, something they do regularly I discovered. My question. Is there a set format for this type of service? We all recited the "I confess", the liturgy of the word was read, a lady read the gospel, and read a brief homily. Another lady whilst holding the eucharist, and standing at the alter, read the prayer "this is the lamb of God.... happy are we who are called to his supper." This is the first time I have attended this kind of service and with all the abuses of liturgy was a little curious. Thanks in advance for all your replies.
BC, As my training toward the Diaconate has progressed, I have been depended on to conduct Communion Services, especially at a nursing home when no priest/deacon is available. It is almost identical to what I would do as a Deacon, except I cannot give a blessing since I haven't been ordained. Here's a general overview. In lieu of a Deacon, a Deacon candidate can lead a Communion Service. If necessary, the Bishop can give permission for an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist to lead a Communion Service. Obviously, this cannot include the Offertory and Eucharistic prayer because it is not the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Enough consecrated hosts must be reserved in the Tabernacle so that all may receive who are able. Opening Hymn Penitential Rite Gloria (optional) Collect Readings Reflection (technically, only the ordained give homilies) Creed Prayers of the Faithful Our Father Agnus Dei Behold the Lamb of God... Distribution of Holy Communion (only the Sacred Host) Prayer after Communion Dismissal Prayer (Since I can't give the Blessing I simply pray: May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen) Closing Hymn Safe in the Refuge of the Immaculate Heart!
Border Collie, One more quick comment. In my own limited experience, I am unaware of any female extraordinary minister of the Eucharist being allowed to conduct a Communion Service, at least in my diocese. Safe in the Refuge of the Immaculate Heart!
France 24 news channel had a report about a woman conducting such a service in Portugal. They were all excited about this because they saw it as a step on the road to the Catholic Church ordaining women.
In Singapore, this happens for a week every year when all the diocesan priests attend a retreat together with our Bishop. Monday evening mass through Friday evening mass, if I recall correctly. Unfortunately I have seen female EHMCs doing it, even when a male EHMC is present.
There was a man present here also, although I don't know if he was a EHMC or not, he introduced the liturgy, did the penitential rite, and creed.
Hi Border Collie, old friend. I have not noticed a post from you for a long time. Hope you are keeping well and happy, and looking forward the Christmas. I hope you can find a Church with a real Priest. I would be very uncomfortable with women running things in the Sacramental area. Sorry and no offense to more modern type Catholics, I still believe only men should be involved with the sacred things.
I am a female Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. When our Priest is away, and if our Deacon is not available, I perform the Communion Service at our Parish. I follow the format as outlined by Mario above.
You're a woman of great faith, Shae. I'm sure you do a marvelous job. Safe in the Flames of the Sacred Heart!
Thank you for your kind words Mario. It is much appreciated. I am a very traditional old school Catholic and I have no wish to see women become Deacons or Priests. I have read a number of posts on this topic and just thought I would clarify that I am simply helping my parish Priest out on the odd occasion when no one else is available, but never, ever, for a Sunday service. He always makes sure we have a Priest for the Sunday Masses.
Hi Julia, it's nice to be missed sometimes! I rarely read much here anymore, I discovered sadly it was robbing my peace. The Church I attended was in another country, where priests are very scarce indeed. Hope you have a peaceful Christmas. BC
