“CHANGES….”

(Extraordinary Ministers)

Many of you are already aware there are changes Father Eduino would like in the way we serve at the altar. Generally, our “rubrics” for the Mass come from the Vatican and are contained in what we call the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM). It is important to remember, however, that bishops, as well as pastors, have some degree of leeway with respect to certain elements within the GIRM.

When we encounter elements that a bishop or pastor has chosen to do differently, for valid pastoral reasons and within the guides provided in the GIRM, we need to understand that these are simply different, not better, nor worse, nor right nor wrong, only different.

We also need to know that if, during Liturgy or whenever, he redirects us in something different from what we’re used to, DO NOT take it personally NOR as criticism, and please don’t be embarrassed by it. It is simply his desire for us to have the best liturgy we can in the way he directs and leads it. It’s okay to ask or get clarification from Father Ed, even during Liturgy. I know many of you have seen him and me “coordinating” from time to time during Mass and while we are on the altar.

That all said, here are some of the adjustments of which I am aware.

• Book(s): if there is a deacon, we will continue to use the Book of the Gospels and the deacon will carry it in, laying it flat on the altar (no stand). If there is no deacon, one of the lectors will process with the Lectionary (the big red book from which you read) and place it on the Ambo.

• Cleansing of the sacred vessels is to occur at the sink in the Vestry (not the flower room or at the Credence Table). After the procession out, go to the Sanctuary as you always would to “tidy up,” but do the cleansing in the Vestry.

• The presentation of the gifts occurs BEFORE the collection, and the preparation of the gifts occurs DURING the collection(s). He would like our Book of Intercessions brought forward with the gifts, that it might be on the altar during our Eucharistic Prayer. When you, before Mass, are arranging for gift bearers make sure they and the usher(s) know this so that the book can be placed on the table in the aisle along with the bread and wine.

• The order of communion is only slightly changed. He will still communicate himself first, then the deacon (if there is one), and then present the Sacred Body to the Extraordinary Ministers. He wants the deacon, who is the Ordinary Minister of the Cup anyway, to present the Sacred Blood to the Extraordinary Ministers.

• Announcements are presented AFTER the Closing Prayer, and BEFORE the Final Blessing and Dismissal.

There may be other things of which you are aware that I’ve overlooked, or something might arise weeks ahead. If so, please, let’s coordinate with one another. And very importantly, help one another to incorporate these changes if another should forget or not receive this notice.

I cannot say strongly enough as to how valuable your ministry is to God in our Sacred Liturgy. None of us are “error free,” and we all simply do the best we can. I’m certain God is very pleased with the job you do.

We will have a “ministers’ day of prayer” at some point, as we have had with Father Ben, and we can use that time for further development. Until then, however, let’s make the adjustments, raise the questions with Father Ed or me, and let’s keep talking to one another about things we might learn through individual experiences to assist our fellow ministers.

Good Lord Almighty, you all have no idea how important I think you all are.

Peace and love,

Deacon Emmett

May-June 2008 Lector and Extraordinary Minister Schedule