What if …

…someone does not make a sign of reverence (a bow) before receiving?

It really is difficult to address this at the time of distributing communion.  We must be pastoral in our actions.   As a parish, we will continue to catechize (teach) proper reverence for the Blessed Sacrament, and we need to continue to be patient with those who don’t seem to know the proper procedures for receiving communion.

..someone does not consume the host right away?

We do need to make sure that the host is consumed immediately by the communicant. This does not happen often, but occasionally someone will not consume the host and will just walk away with it.  If this happens, we need to gently address the communicant. Sometimes you will not be able to say anything to them. This is a difficult situation, but must be handled pastorally.  Sometimes those who come forward for communion are not fully aware of proper procedures, but we must never be judgmental or harsh.  We do the best we can to be welcoming, and yet also be aware of the possibility of irreverence.  

…a communicant or I spill the Precious Blood?

Place your purificator over the spill.  Go directly to the sacristy and get an additional purificator from the drawer.  Return and continue distributing communion if you are still needed. Then, after Mass take additional purificators to the area and soak up all the Precious Blood.  Take these purificators to the sacristy and rinse them well in the sacrarium.  Wring them out and hang on drying rack.

…a consecrated host falls to the floor?

If the communicant does not pick it up, you should pick it up. Hold it separately and when you return to the credence table area, consume it yourself or if it is soiled give it to the priest. They will dissolve it in water and pour it down the sacrarium. 

…I see I am running out of Hosts?

If there are only a few people in line you might break the hosts in half as you distribute or go to another minister and ask for additional hosts if they seem to have enough.

…a person does not hold up their hands nor open their mouth to receive the Body of Christ?

Continue to hold the Host in front of them and maintain eye contact – they will eventually respond.

…a child approaches and you are not sure if they are old enough?

Ask a nearby parent, or the child, if they have made their First Communion.

…I drop the purificator?

It’s usually acceptable to just pick it up and use it but if you are in doubt as to whether it is soiled you can ask a server to go and get you another one.  Purificators are located in the Work Sacristy – first top drawer on right side of Sacred Vessels.

…I am sick?

It’s best not to distribute communion if you are sick. Please let other Ministers of Communion know not to expect you.