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Mary Ellen Hatfield wrote: |
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Hi, guys —
- What is the protocol if the Precious Body is dropped on the floor by a Eucharistic Minister?
Mary Ellen
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| { What is the protocol if the Precious Body is dropped on the floor by a Eucharistic Minister? } |
Eric replied:
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Mary Ellen,
If it can be consumed, it should be; if not, the priest should be alerted. He should know what to do; typically, it is reverently placed in a dish of water and left in a safe place to dissolve until the "accidents" of bread are no longer present.
Eric
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Mary Ellen replied:
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Eric,
Thank you very much for this prompt response. Let me go a little further into the incident as maybe the protocol will change.
One of my Eucharistic ministers was taking the host from the ciborium to the congregant, in this case, a young boy, and for whatever reason it fell to the floor. She picked it up and proceeded to give it to the young man. Personally, I think she should have made one of three choices:
- pick it up and consume it herself.
- Pick it up and reverently hold onto it until after Communion and then take it back to the sacristy and put it in the small bowl of water to dissolve.
- After everyone has received the Eucharist, ask the priest what he wants her to do.
I have seen him consume it himself. I certainly don’t feel that what she did was proper.
Please advise.
God bless you all.
Peace,
Mary Ellen |
Eric replied:
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Mary Ellen,
Number 1.) is out of the question, as it is self-communication and only the priest can do that.
Number 3.) is probably the best option but I'm not sure what your objection is to what she did: [she picked it up and proceeded to give it to the young man].
Sacramentally, there is no issue with it.
Maybe from a human standpoint, it was not prudent.
Eric |
Mary Ellen replied:
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Thank you.
This answers my question.
I suppose my view on what she did was just my opinion: dropping the Host on the floor, picking it up and giving the Host to the person.
- I’m guessing the “5 second rule” applies here as well?
I will talk to our priest and get his final say.
I appreciate your time and information.
Peace
Mary Ellen
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