Frequently Asked Questions by

Communion Ministers

1.     What is necessary to become a Communion Minister?

The Pastoral Team recommends individuals for Liturgical Ministries. Each minister has a great responsibility to act in a way that reflects the faith, hope and love of the same community. All who take on Liturgical Ministry should continually grow in their personal devotion to the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

2.     How do I know when I am serving?

Schedules are prepared approximately every three months. The list is emailed to those who have given us their email address and copies for the others are available to be picked up in the vestibule of the church.  If you are unable to be present at the Liturgy that you are scheduled as a Minister, please get a replacement unless otherwise instructed, for example Christmas or Easter.  If you are unable to get a replacement please call the office. The Ministry List is posted on the parish website (www.motherteresaparish.com) and there is always a copy of the list on the bulletin board near where we gather for prayer. Please note that if there is a visiting Bishop or Priest the last person on the list should step down. If there are two visiting Bishops or Priests then the last two step down.  The same is true when the Deacon is not scheduled for the Liturgy yet is present.

3.     How do I dress for this Ministry?

There is no special vestment for this ministry.  However, keeping in mind the dignity of the occasion, appropriate attire should always be worn.

4.     When should I arrive if I am scheduled for this Ministry?

Ministers of Communion should arrive at least ten minutes before Mass is scheduled to begin, so that they can participate in the prayer with the presider and other ministers before the celebration begins.  A replacement will be found for any Ministers not present by ten minutes before Mass time.

5.     Where should Communion Ministers sit?

Following the prayer Communion Ministers should be seated in the front half of the Church with their families.

6.     When do the Communion Ministers go up to serve?

After exchanging the sign of peace with those near, the ministers leave their places in the assembly, proceed to the steps of the sanctuary, bow in unison to the altar, and then proceed up the steps into the sanctuary. The minister listed at the top of the schedule (unless the Deacon is present) for a particular Mass is responsible for taking the ciboria from the tabernacle to the altar and for returning them to the tabernacle after Communion. Take the covers off both of the ciboria and leave them on the side of the tabernacle table.  Then close (not lock) the tabernacle door.

7.     Where do Communion Ministers stand when distributing?   

The Presider is the one who leads the way down to distribute the Blessed Sacrament, please watch where he goes and fill the other serving places. The center two need to stand at the foot of the stairs to prevent congestion with the other servers.  Those with the Cup need to stand back as far as possible to help the line flow smoothly. On the Choir side it is difficult because there is not a lot of room.

8.     When do I return to my seat?

After communion, the Communion Ministers remain standing in the sanctuary to the side of the altar while the deacon or minister responsible, returns the ciboria to the tabernacle, genuflects or bows after closing the tabernacle door, places the key to the tabernacle on the altar.  The Communion ministers then proceed down the sanctuary steps. They then turn around, bow in unison to the altar and return to their seats in the assembly.

9.     Who is responsible for cleaning the vessels?

Following Mass when the presider and servers have left the sanctuary ALL the Ministers of Communion go to the sacristy to purify the chalice and ciboria.  The Bread particles are placed in the chalice and some water is added, and then consumed.  The chalice or ciboria are thoroughly washed and then wiped with the purificator or drying towel.  It is the responsibility of all the Communion Ministers to take care that the purifying is done and that the chalice is set up for the next Mass and anything else is put away.