The ordinary ministers of the Eucharist are the bishops, priests and deacons of the Church. However, it is permissible to commission lay people as extraordinary ministers, giving them the responsibility of distributing Holy Communion at Mass, and taking it to the sick and housebound. All Eucharistic ministers must be properly commissioned by the parish priest before exercising this ministry and may do so only with his authority. It is also a requirement of the Archdiocese of Birmingham that, in future, Eucharistic ministers are checked by the Criminal Records Bureau to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable adults. More information on this will follow very shortly.

The rotas for readers and ministers are organised by Paul and Kathryn Kallay. If, for some reason, your name does not appear on the rota, please inform them as soon as possible. Also, if you are unable to fulfil your responsibility at any time, please find a replacement yourself and inform Lucia at the parish office (Tel. 253277).

It is important that Eucharistic ministers arrive at Mass in good time. During the singing or saying of the Agnus Dei/Lamb of God they make their way reverently to the step(s) leading up to the sanctuary. They genuflect as the priest genuflects before he shows the sacred host to the people and invites them to Holy Communion. As the bell rings, during the priest’s communion, the ministers take their places either side of the altar, where Holy Communion is brought to them. The ciborium (container for the sacred hosts) or chalice (container for the Precious Blood) and purficator (towel for wiping the chalice) will be delivered into their hands. They do not take these things themselves from the altar. Holy Communion is given first to the altar servers. If four chalices are used, one chalice assistant should only give communion to the last server so that a chalice accompanies the priest as he takes his place at the foot of the steps. The minister giving the host should first show it to the communicant with the words "The Body of Christ". When the communicant responds Amen it is placed either into the hand or upon the tongue, taking care to ensure that it is reverently consumed. The minister giving the chalice shows it first to the communicant with the words, "The Blood of Christ", and delivers it into their hands as they respond "Amen". The chalice should be carefully wiped after each communicant has received. A form of blessing may be given to non-communicants by the minister giving communion from the ciborium, but never by the chalice assistants. Nor is the host to be used for this blessing. This is reserved to priests alone. It is sufficient to simply lay a hand on the non-communicant’s shoulder and say something like "The Lord Jesus bless and keep you always".

It may be necessary to take Holy Communion to elderly parishioners in their seats, in which case a chalice assistant follows the priest to where the person is sitting. Upon returning to the sanctuary, the Precious Blood is consumed from the chalice before it is returned to the credence table at the side, along with the purificator. It is no longer permissible for Eucharistic ministers or altar servers to purify the sacred vessels. This is done by a priest or deacons, either immediately, or at a convenient time in the sacristy when Mass is ended. Ministers should wash their hands in the lavabo bowl provided (in Bicester, in the Blessed Sacrament chapel and at Ambrosden, at the credence table). They should then return to their seats, bowing to the altar at the foot of the step(s) before they do so.

Individual instruction will be given to those taking Holy Communion to the sick and housebound, as required. The rite to be used will also be provided in booklet form.

Thank you for your willingness to undertake this important ministry.