Calling All "EMs" - Resign!

In a previous post, I wrote how I stopped receiving Holy Communion in the hand about five years ago. I also receive Holy Communion only from a priest or deacon. And around the same time, I also stopped being a Eucharistic Minister, more properly known as "Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion."  “Extraordinary” is the key term because “the ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are the Bishop, the Priest and the Deacon ("Redemptionis Sacramentum," Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 2004 (154)).”

Just as receiving Holy Communion in the hand is an abuse of an exception to the norm, so is the regular use of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

Circumstances for assistance of the distribution of Holy Communion must indeed be "extraordinary:”

When the size of the congregation or the incapacity of the bishop, priest, or deacon requires it, the celebrant may be assisted by other bishops, priests, or deacons. If such ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are not present, "the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, i.e., duly instituted acolytes or even other faithful who have been deputed for this purpose. In case of necessity, the priest may also depute suitable faithful for this single occasion (emphasis added) (GIRM 162).

And from “Redemptionis Sacramentum,"

Indeed, the extraordinary minister of Holy Communion may administer Communion only when the Priest and Deacon are lacking, when the Priest is prevented by weakness or advanced age or some other genuine reason, or when the number of faithful coming to Communion is so great that the very celebration of Mass would be unduly prolonged.[259]This, however, is to be understood in such a way that a brief prolongation, considering the circumstances and culture of the place, is not at all a sufficient reason.

Finally:

To touch the sacred species and to distribute them with their own hands is a privilege of the ordained, one which indicates an active participation in the ministry of the Eucharist." ~Pope St. John Paul II, "Dominicae Cenae"

No one with unconsecrated hands has any business touching our Blessed Lord under the appearance of unleavened bread.  The tremendous reverence given by a priest during the consecration is evidence alone.  Do we then really believe in the Real Presence if we ourselves are touching the consecrated host the during reception or distribution of Holy Communion?

What if there is always a single priest with a large congregation you may ask?  What is the rush?  Is the use of laity then simply to move things along for the sake of time?

I remember as Extraordinary Ministry of Holy Communion feeling privileged and honored to serve this ministry.  I was often in awe as my fellow parishioners came to me to receive.  But you know what, that was a feeling. Our Catholic faith is not based on “feelings” – this is Protestantism. Our faith is based on challenging our intellect. This is the basis to Our Lord for instructing the Apostles to not tell anyone of the miracles he performed.  “Who do you say that I am?” This question requires each of us to respond intellectually.

I was recently asked to be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at a local Catholic hospital.  The abuse I speak of here does not apply in this circumstance.  However, I still do not feel it proper for me to do so.  Again, I have no business to be touching a consecrated host with my unconsecrated hands.  Priests and deacons need to be encouraged to serve the sick at home and at hospitals.