CHANGES IN THE COMMUNION RITE FOR MASS COORDINATORS; Eucharistic Ministers; Presiders and Deacons (most changes on this page involve the Mass Coordinators)

At the Presentation of Gifts, Mass Coordinator will carry the tray with the empty cups (chalice on tray, too) to the altar when the gifts are carried from the assembly and presented at the altar. Place the tray with cups, chalice and purificators on the “tabernacle” side of the altar. Server takes the water pitcher, bowl and towel up at this time. Plates come up at the usual time and are placed on the altar in a stack. Do not separate plates.

The priest or deacon will carry out the co-mingling (pouring water into the flagon/pitcher) and then fill the cups.

An Altar Server will come up to take the empty wine pitcher back to the credence table.

The order of liturgical action: present gifts; co-mingle water/wine into pitcher; pour wine into cups; handwashing.

At the Sign of Peace, the Mass Coordinator comes forth, puts the plates on the altar on one stack and stands alongside the servers on the baptistery side. If a Mass Coordinator is serving as a Eucharistic Minister, the directives for Ems should be followed.

MC instruct the Eucharistic Ministers to come forward from the assembly at the Sign of Peace: ministers of the cup stand in the sanctuary in the area in front of the tabernacle; ministers of the plate stand in the sanctuary in the red-carpet area.

Hint: the cups are on the altar on the same side the ministers go to at the Sign of Peace

MC assign and instruct Ministers A, B (and C if no deacon is present) to come to the altar to receive Eucharist after the priest/deacon receive the Blood of Christ.

Instruct the remaining ministers to come forth at that same time and form the horseshoe.

The distribution to ministers is assisted by A, B, (C if no deacon) after they

receive their vessels from the priest and deacon if present.

After all ministers have received both species they come forward to the priest, and deacon if present, at the altar to receive their vessel. If a deacon is present, cup ministers should approach the deacon to receive their vessel. If no deacon is present, the priest will distribute both the cups and plates. EMs may need to extend your hand to receive the vessel you need as the priest takes that vessel from the altar. In general, those who approach from the “tabernacle” side will receive a cup; those from the “ambo” side will receive a plate. If you receive the wrong vessel, exchange them at the lower level.

As each EM receives their cup or plate, go immediately to their station and face the altar. When all ministers are in place, turn and distribute to the assembly. EXCEPTION: those serving the choir/cantor/instrumentalist and disabled, begin distribution when you step from the altar after receiving your vessel. Pair (cup/plate) stay together as you move about the assembly or to the music ministers.

Following Communion: all ministers return to the credence table and place your vessel on the table. The MC will cover the cups.

Ministers of the plate may put the remaining Body of Christ in the large bowl.

Precious Blood is consumed in the sacristy.