Eucharistic Ministers

Eucharistic Ministry….What does it involve?

Father Tom has expressed how our mass is a celebration, a weekly and daily celebration.  As a Eucharistic Minister you become the hands of Christ sharing His body and blood, the one nourishment that we all need to get through our day and our week.  Your voice, as you say the precious reminder, “The body of Christ or the blood of Christ”, echoes in our hearts and reminds us of the sacrifice and the strength we receive from Jesus.

We ask that you please arrive 15 to 20 minutes early before the masses you are serving and sign in so the Acolyte can better prepare all aspects of mass.  The sign in book is in the Working Sacristy.  As you approach the Tabernacle, you may use the door to the left and the book is located on the counter.   Since the Acolyte may be involved with many mass preparations, this book helps she/he to know which ministers are present.  It is the acolytes responsibility to find ministers; Lector or Eucharistic, at least 10 minutes before mass.

A chart of the Eucharistic Minister positions is also located beside the sign in book and on the bulletin board.  Feel free to sign in whichever location you would like; the Celebrant is Position 1 and if there is a Deacon, Position 2, both with Christ’s body.  You may sit wherever you like in the pews, however, it is helpful for the procession of Eucharistic ministers, if you sit somewhat close to the front of the church.

Once the procession of parishioners has concluded, you may carry the Body and Blood back to the table, following the lead of other Eucharistic Ministers.  Any extra hosts are combined and placed in the Tabernacle, however the Precious Blood of Christ must be consumed.  If you feel there is too much for yourself, please feel free to ask another minister for assistance.  You may call on the Acolyte or the Deacon if one is present.   The acolyte will then carry on with their responsibilities of clearing and cleaning the items used.  At this point you may return to your seat proceeding with whatever the congregation is doing…if they are standing then please stand; sitting, sit; kneeling, kneel.

Although you may commit to only one mass each month, or one day during the week, please know that at any mass you attend with St. James, our Acolytes may need your help.  Another minister may have had an event occur and now they are unable to attend.  We ask if you would please let the Acolyte for that mass know of your presence and willingness to help.

If you are interested in becoming a Eucharistic Minister please contact me at adykes.stjamesparish@gmail.com or through the Parish Center at 375-5887. We have many Eucharistic Ministers who mentor anyone who is interested….they become your partner, guide and friend.