“May the saving mysteries they distribute lead them to the joys of eternal life”
(Book of Blessings).
Table of Contents
Welcome ......................................................................................................................... 2
Pre-requisites .................................................................................................................. 3
Dress Code ..................................................................................................................... 3
Some Church Rubrics Concerning Communion .............................................................. 4
Other Guidelines & Policies ............................................................................................. 5
Before the Mass .............................................................................................................. 5
During the Mass .............................................................................................................. 8
Handling Problems during Communion ......................................................................... 15
Use of the Mezzanine.................................................................................................... 16
Substitutions.................................................................................................................. 19
Schedule ....................................................................................................................... 20
Communication & Google Groups ................................................................................. 20
Lost & Found ................................................................................................................. 20
Emergencies ................................................................................................................. 20
Attachment 1: Vocabulary ............................................................................................. 21
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Welcome
Welcome to this important liturgical ministry. We are thankful that you
were inspired to become an Extraordinary Minister of Holy
Communion (EMHC). The purpose of this manual is to give you basic
information, procedures for distributing Communion, and other
policies and procedures for serving as an EMHC.
Pre-requisites
To become an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC), you must become certified
in the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM). Visit www.austindiocese.org/officesministries/offices/ethics-and-integrity-ministry-office for the application, workshop dates and for
more information.
Complete the one-time only and free Application for Ministry and Background Check. Click on
“EIM Application for Ministry and Background Check” under “EIM COMPLIANCE
REQUIREMENTS” to get started. Then, arrange to take the required Protecting God’s Children
EIM workshop. Click on “EIM Workshops” under “Quick Links” to start this workshop process. If
this is your first time, then take the Basic Workshop. If you have already done so, then you will
need to take the Refresher Workshop (or Basic Workshop) every three years. There is a full list
of workshops on the Diocesan website. You may also check the SJN Bulletin or call the SJN
Office for upcoming workshops at the parish. All liturgical ministers have 60 days from the
beginning of the new Mass Volunteer Schedule to complete these requirements before being
removed from service or 60 days after their EIM compliance status expires, whichever occurs
first. We value all of our volunteers and we hope that they can continue to serve at SJN.
However, we aim to protect the safety of vulnerable children and adults and to remain in
compliance with the Diocese’s EIM policies. We will gladly help anyone through the EIM
process and we hope that this requirement will not impede anyone from serving.
Secondly, you must be trained by this parish. This includes the reading of this manual and
attending a training. If you have studied, trained, and served elsewhere, you may be permitted
to undergo an abbreviated training that includes a review of this manual and consultation and
approval by the Liturgy Coordinator.
Dress Code
Please dress simply, modestly, and appropriately. A nice long-sleeve shirt with collar and khaki
or dress pants are most appropriate for men. For women, a knee-length or longer dress, skirt, or
pants would be appropriate, along with a top that does not have a revealing neckline. On special
occasions, it would be more appropriate to dress-up in a suit and tie for men and nicer outfit for
women. However, the focus should be on God, not on you. A bare midriff, plunging necklines,
tight clothing, colors far brighter than is customary for our community, blue jeans, shorts, and tshirts (even those with religious slogans or pictures) are inappropriate for Mass. This will ensure
1
the faithful can receive Holy Communion with dignity and without distraction.
1
Corinna Laughlin, Kenneth A. Riley, and Paul Turner. Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy
Communion: Second Edition. The Liturgical Ministry Series. (Chicago, IL: Liturgical Training Publications,
2013), 67-70.
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Some Church Rubrics Concerning Communion
1. In the absence of an instituted acolyte, lay ministers may be commissioned to serve at
the altar and to assist the priest and deacon. They may also be commissioned to
distribute Holy Communion as extraordinary ministers.2
2. EMHCs have a unique function to perform. Therefore, you should generally not serve in
other roles (Lector, Usher, etc.) at a particular liturgy if possible. It is understandable that
a lack of ministers or other emergency may arise, requiring you to serve in two positions.
However, because of the need for respecting the variety and integrity of each ministry,
minister should avoid any double duty.
3. Our title as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion reminds us that we are not the
“ordinary” ministers. The bishops, priests, deacons are the ordinary ministers. We
exercise our ministry only when there are not a sufficient number of clergy available. On
rare occasion, we may have an additional priest or deacon who comes to serve at Mass,
sometimes on short notice. This means that you may not be able to serve, even if you
were scheduled. If this happens, please be patient, humble, and accept this as part of
being “extraordinary.” We will try to alert you all of concelebrants or additional deacons.
4. EMHCs may never receive Holy Communion like concelebrating priests do, which is
holding the Host in the hand during the Lamb of God and receiving together with the
celebrant. Nor may a minister self-communicate, meaning they pick up/take the chalice
or Host for themselves and consume it.3
5. “For Communion from the Chalice, it is desirable that there be generally two ministers of
the Precious Blood for each minister of the Body of Christ, lest the liturgical celebration
be unduly prolonged.”4
6. Each communicant can decide whether they would like to receive Communion on the
tongue or in the hand. In the United States, the norm is to receive Holy Communion
standing, but someone may also kneel to receive Communion. None of the faithful
should be denied Holy Communion because they have chosen to stand or kneel.5
7. Each communicant can decide to receive either or both the Body of Christ and Blood of
Christ. Even if they only receive under one species, they still fully and completely receive
the Body and Blood of Christ. Receiving under both species, however, directly shows the
full expression of Christ’s Body and Blood.6
8. Never change the formulas for giving Communion.
a. Changing the words “Body of Christ” and “Blood of Christ”
b. Adding personal names such as “Paul, the Body of Christ” or “The Body of
Christ, Paul”
2
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, General Instruction of the Roman Missal. Liturgy
Document Series 14 (Washington, D.C.), No. 100.
3
USCCB, no. 284.
4
Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the
United States of America (NDRHC), 28.
5
Laughlin, Rile, and Turner, 36; NDRHC, 41; USCCB, no. 160;
6
USCCB, no. 281.
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Other Guidelines & Policies
1. Please be respectful and charitable toward the people who come before you for
Communion. Avoid disregarding people based on past grievances, class, sex, age, race,
and religion. All who gather at the Lord’s Table are brothers and sisters in Christ. The
ministry of Communion is personable. Your attitude and actions reflect or represent the
parish and Church. Thus, it should be in line with her teachings.
2. Please remain reverent and welcoming in all your actions. This means that you should
walk at a reasonable pace, avoid frowning or other negative facial gestures, speak in a
professional tone of voice and volume, smile, etc. This will be evident in the way you
walk, hold your hands, genuflect, distribute the Body and Blood of Christ, talk to people,
etc.
3. In saying “The Body of Christ” or “The Blood of Christ,” speak to the person, not to the
Body of Christ, Cup of Precious Blood, or air. You are also waiting for a response from
the person, which is “Amen.”
4. In the Diocese of Austin, EMHCs are trained and commissioned for a two-year period as
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and/or for Visitation of the Sick. This is a
new norm established in August of 2013.
5. Communion is not the time for arguments, struggles, catechesis on who should receive
Communion, or other. If the person presents themselves for Communion, give them
Communion unless they have their arms crossed over their chests. It’s the parish’s job to
properly catechize them and inform them through worship aids or an instructive
announcement before Communion by the clergy.7
6. Although you should act reverently, be yourself in giving Communion and smile!8
Before the Mass
1. Arrive at least 20 minutes before the Mass. Go to the Sacristy. Sign-in on the Mass
Volunteer Sign-in Sheet in the Mass Volunteer binder on the counter.
2. Then ask the Sacristan to assign you a Communion Station position. He/she may let you
assign yourselves. In general, people should be rotated between being a Minister of the
Precious Blood and Body of Christ. We ask that you be flexible in your assignment. If
you have an allergy or medical condition that prevents you from serving in a certain
position, please let the Sacristan know so that he or she may assign you accordingly.
Please see an example chart below.
7
Ibid., 38.
in, Riley, and Turner, 37.
8
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If you do not arrive in time before Mass and sign-in, the Sacristan may replace you with
another minister. We are trying to avoid this so that you can serve. On the other hand,
we are trying to avoid putting last minute, undue pressure on the Sacristan to find a
substitute. If you are running late, please notify the Sacristan by calling the Sacristy
phone line at 512.328.3220, ext. 134.
3. Take an EMHC pendant (the Communion-symbol) located on the wall by the fridge if in
the Holy Family Center (HFC) or on the adjacent wall near the sign-in binder.
4. Clean your hands. There is some hand sanitizing gel near the sign-in book or you may
wash your hands at the sink. If in the Church, please use the right side of the sink as the
left-hand side is the Sacrarium which is used for special purposes.
5. Secure a seat (at the end of an aisle is preferable). Please see the diagrams below for
where to sit in the Church or Holy Family Center. Please remain in your seats until it’s
time to gather to pray in the Sacristy. This will avoid loud conversations and distractions
occurring in the Sacristy. Use this time as extra prayer time.
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6. About 10 minutes before Mass, gather to pray in the Sacristy. We use prayer cards that
are located above the Sign-in book in the Church Sacristy or near the fridge in the HFC.
7. At 5 minutes before Mass, all preparations should be completed. No one should be in
the sanctuary practicing or preparing something. All the ministers should be seated and
ready to go!
During the Mass
Approaching the Altar & Receiving Communion: Holy Family Center
After everyone has received their vessels and the clergy descends the stage/sanctuary, you
may go to your Communion Stations.
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Communion Stations in the HFC
Approaching the Altar & Receiving Communion: Church
1. After the Sign of Peace, lineup in front of the sanctuary steps near the ambo. Ministers
of the Body of Christ line-up on the left side nearest the ambo. Ministers of the Precious
Blood should line-up toward the right side.
2. When the priest finishes receiving Communion,
ascend the steps toward the top on the gray line.
Once the priest, any concelebrants or deacons, and
the altar servers have received Communion, the
clergy will distribute the Blessed Sacrament to you.
a. When receiving the ciborium, we recommend
you hold it in your hand with your thumb inside
the handle. This will help you keep a firm grip
and control over the ciborium. If you receive
the chalice, hold it firmly in the center or at the
stem and with the other hand hold the
purificator. In general, both vessels should be held
comfortably at chest height.9
b. Once the minister of the Blood on the far right side
has received their Chalice, they should immediately
go communicate the altar servers. When crossing
in front of the altar, come to the middle of it and
make a slight head bow. The minister of the
9
Laughlin, Rile, and Turner, 35.
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Precious Blood who is the second furthest on the right side (now the last person
in line) should go give the Precious Blood to the ministers of the Body near the
ambo. The rest of the ministers should wait in their spots until the priest begins to
move toward his Communion station.
Communion Stations in the Church
Distributing Communion
1. How to move to your Communion station: If you are carrying the ciborium, cover the
top with your other hand while walking to help avoid it scattering to the ground if you slip
on the steps. If you have the chalice, walk with your purificator over the top of the chalice
to help avoid spilling it in case you fall. Some ministers have had trouble with the steps.
This also shows that you are carrying no ordinary food and drink. If you cross in front of
the altar, stop in front of it, make a simple bow/reverence and then continue walking.
2. Communion stations: In general, persons with the Precious Blood should stand a
reasonable distance (4-6 feet) away from the minister with the Body of Christ. This will
avoid a long line and “traffic jams.” Moreover, use your best judgment and discretion if
necessary. This means that if you see that a long line is forming and the minister
distribution the Body of Christ is impeded, move over a few steps to provide some
additional room for the other minister.
3. Distributing the Body of Christ: Choir, Those Needing Assistants, the faithful, &
Ushers.
a. First, give Communion to the Choir. They should be lined-up first in the Nave’s
main aisle. Second, give Communion to those needing assistance who are
seated in the liturgical right-side transept and in the front of the Nave. Go to them
to give Communion. You should be followed by the minister with the Precious
Blood. Please see the seating charts for those designated seating areas. You
can probably identify them by their walkers, wheel chairs, canes, and over time,
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you’ll become familiar with these people. Third, give Communion to the
faithful. Go to your Communion station and begin distributing Communion.
b. When the person approaches you, raise the Host between your thumb and index
finger to their eye level, look the communicant in the eye, and say in a distinct
voice, “The Body of Christ.” Speak loudly enough so that the hard-of-hearing may
understand you and know when to give their response (“Amen”). Wait for the
communicant to respond “Amen” and
to
bow
before
the
Blessed
10
Sacrament. Then carefully, firmly,
and reverently place the Host on
their tongue. Try not to touch the
person’s tongue with your fingers. If
the person places their hands before
you, you should carefully and firmly
place the Host in the cup of their
hands. Be aware that the Host may
stick to your fingers. Be prepared to
use your thumb or other finger to
separate gently the Host from your
finger.
c. Watch the person to confirm that they have consumed the Host to avoid
profanation of the Blessed Sacrament.
d. If the person is short in height or has a physical disability, you may need to bend
down to their height. Be attentive to the needs of each communicant. Next, avoid
rushing or haste in distributing Holy Communion. The U.S. bishops have
declared that the administration of Communion should be done with dignity and
reverence.
e. The last people in line should the ushers. Try not to forget them!
4. The proper way for the person to receive the Body of Christ:
a. By the tongue: the person should step before you, respond “Amen” and bow,
open their mouth and extend their tongue, and receive the Consecrated Host.
b. By the hand: if the person is right-handed, they should place their right hand
under their left hand (opposite if left-handed), cup their hands with their fingers
together, receive Communion, and then use their right hand (opposite if lefthanded) to place the Host in their mouth. They should consume the Host before
you but they may begin to walk away. Again, be sure to verify that they have
received Communion. St. Cyril of Jerusalem described it as making your hand a
throne as befits one who is about to receive the King. 11
10
The norm for the US is that the communicant may stand or kneel to receive Communion and they
should bow their head before the Sacrament as a gesture of reverence (USCCB, no. 160).
11
The norm for the US is that the communicant may stand or kneel to receive Communion and they
should bow their head before the Sacrament as a gesture of reverence (USCCB, no. 160).
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5. Distributing the Blood of Christ:
a. First, give Communion to those needing assistance who are seated in the
liturgical right-side transept and in the front of the Nave. Go to them to give
Communion. You should be followed by the minister with the Precious Blood.
Please see the seating charts above for those designated seating areas. You can
probably identify them by their walkers, wheel chairs, canes, and over time, you’ll
become familiar with these people. Then go to your Communion station and
begin distributing Communion.
b. Let the person come before you. Extend and raise the chalice to the eye-level of
the person, and say in a distinct voice, “The Blood of Christ.” Allow the person to
bow and say, “Amen.” Then pass the chalice to them. Make sure they have firmly
gripped the cup before you let go! If you think the person, such as a child, cannot
adequately hold the chalice, hold onto it and help them drink from the chalice.
After the communicant drinks and returns the chalice to you, wipe the rim (inside
and outside) with your purificator. Turn the chalice a quarter turn clockwise. You
may also, but not necessarily, shift the position of the purificator with your fingers
(or turn the purificator over to another side) so that you have a clean spot to wipe
the next part of the chalice rim. Do so discretely. Repeat the same procedure for
the next person.
c. You may need to bend down or lower your body if the communicant is short in
stature (think of children, persons in wheel chairs, etc.). Moreover, avoid rushing
or haste in distributing Holy Communion. The U.S. bishops have declared that
the administration of Communion should be done with dignity and reverence.
In the HFC
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The following policy is tentative. When finalized, you will be notified of the
changes.
6. IF THEY COME UP FOR A BLESSING, SAY A PRAYER
INSTEAD. We have been researching and consulting with
Church rubrics, our pastor, the diocese, and now the
USCCB on whether extraordinary ministers may give
blessings and/or a prayer to those who present themselves
with their arms crossed. When this matter has been
resolved, a policy will be set for the diocese and our parish.
All of our ministers will be notified of what the outcome is.
We will also inform and catechize the parishioners about the
new policy.
It is current diocesan policy that ministers may not give a Trinitarian blessing, meaning
that you cannot say, “May God bless you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit.”
For now, please do the following when someone presents themselves as pictured
above.
Place your hand upon their shoulder and say, “May God bless you. Amen.”
When you’ve finished distributing Communion: Church
When finished with the Body of Christ, you may need to do one of the following:
1. Move toward the Main Aisle and take your place at one of the alternate positions for
larger Masses. Please see the diagram below. If the stations are already filled, then do
what is indicated in #2 below.
2. Take your ciborium back to the left side of the altar. If a deacon or priest is not present,
please wait until they have arrived before leaving the Blessed Sacrament alone. If you
cross in front of the altar, remember to bow. Place your pendant on the left side of the
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Credence Table. You may then wait beside the Credence Table or in the back part of the
sanctuary until the Blessed Sacrament is reposed. However, do not stand in front of the
Credence Table. While at the Credence Table when the Blessed Sacrament is reposed,
for the sake of unity and uniformity, we ask that everyone make a simple bow rather than
genuflecting.
3. When you’ve finished distributing the Blood of Christ, lay the purificator over the chalice
and walk toward the Credence Table. Remember to bow in front of the altar if necessary.
Consume the rest of the Precious Blood. If a large quantity remains, you may ask
another minister to help you consume it. Place your medallion on the left side of the
Credence Table. You may then wait beside the Credence Table or in the back part of the
sanctuary until the Blessed Sacrament is reposed. However, do not stand in front of the
Credence Table. While at the Credence Table when the Blessed Sacrament is reposed,
for the sake of unity and uniformity, we ask that everyone make a simple bow rather than
genuflecting.
If you have a little of the Precious Blood left in your chalice while still distributing Communion,
you may ask the last communicant to consume all of it.
If you are distributing Communion and you finish distributing all of the Precious Blood while
there are still people in line to receive, lay the purificator over the chalice to indicate that it has
all been consumed. You may need to tell the next person in line that you have no more of the
Precious Blood. Return to the credence table and do as instructed above.
Once everyone is done distributing Communion, everyone returns their vessels and acts as
described above.
When you’ve finished distributing Communion: HFC
If you are at the front of the Holy Family Center near the stage/sanctuary, the Body of Christ
ministers go toward the middle and help the clergy with Communion. The Chalice Ministers
return to the Credence Table. Please see the picture below for a visual demonstration.
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Handling Problems During Communion
1. Confusion by the communicant: Sometimes the
person does not know what to do and so you need to
be directive!
a. If the person does not respond Amen, say
“Amen” to help direct them and respond for
them.
b. If they don’t present themselves in the proper
way, direct them on what to do. For instance,
say, “Please open your hand.” “Please extend
your tongue.”
c. Sometimes people will try to take Communion
from you, both by the mouth and hand. This is why they need to have made the
proper physical gestures before you give them Communion. It avoids this
problem. If it happens, direct the communicant on what to do and then extend
your hand to give them Communion. Moreover, the laity RECEIVES Communion,
not take it. Only a priest may “take” Communion from you.
2. If you drop the Consecrated Host, gracefully pick it up and consume it! If you have a
major problem with this, then keep the Host in your hand until you can give it to another
minister or clergyman to consume. You might hold the dropped host in the palm of your
hand that you are using to hold the ciborium. If the Host is seriously soiled (i.e., fallen
from someone’s mouth, fallen on a wet or very dirty floor), place it in the special glass
container on the Credence Table. It will be reverently disposed of after Mass. Water will
be placed in the vessel so that it can dissolve the Host until it can be poured down the
Sacrarium. Please let the sacristan and clergy know you did this.
3. If you spill the Precious Blood, use your purificator to soak up the spill that sometimes
splashes into different areas. Then take your chalice and soiled purificator to the
credence table. Put the wet/soiled purificator inside the chalice. There, pick up an extra
purificator and take it back to the site of the spill and lay the purificator over the area.
This will signify to people not to step over the area. See what to do for cleanup below.
After Mass, get a basin of water with a damp cloth or small towel. Wipe down/clean the
area where the Precious Blood spilled. Then rinse the cloth in the sacrarium and pour
down any of the liquid in the basin down the sacrarium as well. Afterwards, place the
cloth or towel in the bin for soiled towels to be properly washed by the Linen Ministry. As
for the purificators that were used to soak-up and lay over the spill, rinse and squeeze
them in the sacrarium, and then place them in the bin for purificators. They will be
properly washed a second time by the Linen Ministry. This should be done by the
sacristan but since they are usually busy after Mass, we ask that you help them or take
care of this yourself.
If the communicant spills the Precious Blood on himself or herself, hand them the
purificator, and gently encourage them to wipe their chin or garment. If possible, use a
clean part of the purificator for the rest of Mass. If not, go get another purificator from the
credence table and then return to giving Communion. Leave your soiled purificator in
another chalice or in the lavabo/wash basin used by the priest to cleanse his hands.
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4. People not consuming the Host: Confirm that the person has consumed the Blessed
Sacrament. Some people may try to save it, desecrate it, use it in satanic rituals,
children may not know/remember what to do, and so on. If you see that the person did
not consume the Host, reverently but firmly ask the person to consume it immediately. If
the person walks away, pause giving Communion, approach the person and ask that
they consume it before you. If they refuse, please ask for the Host back and consume it
yourself. If the person refuses to cooperate, alert an usher to speak with the person and
deal with the situation. Then return to your Communion station. Please be as reverent
and discrete as possible. Often the minister with the Precious Blood is in a better
position to catch such errors.12
5. Intinction- the consecrated host is dipped
into the chalice, and the priest then
administers Holy Communion under both
forms at the same time on the tongue only. It
is allowed in the Roman Catholic Church but
it is not often used in the U.S. Only a bishop
or priest may do this. It is never permitted for
a deacon, instituted acolyte, or Extraordinary
Minister of Holy Communion to distribute
Communion in this manner. Nor should the
communicant dip the host into the chalice
and receive for him or herself.13
If someone approaches holding the host, the best practice is to “cover the chalice with
the purificator, and say gently, ‘please consume your Host and then you can receive
from the chalice.’” You may also try to talk to that person after Mass to discuss the
situation and teach them about the proper ways of receiving Holy Communion.
6. Doubts about the eligibility to receive Holy Communion: While Christ wishes to feed
everyone with his Body and Blood, not everyone is ready to receive him. Generally you
should give anyone Communion who presents themselves. The bishop (diocese) or
priest will direct us not to give Communion to a particular person when needed. If a child
approaches who seems either too young or unprepared, you may ask the parent, “Does
he or she receive Communion?” The parent will answer and usually help the child to
assume the proper form. If you suspect the person is non-Catholic, you can ask, “Are
you Catholic and wish to receive?” If they say no, say a small prayer for them as
described above.
Use of the Mezzanine
Everyone should line up around the Sanctuary steps. We’ll just have a long line. As soon as you
receive your vessels of Communion, proceed to the elevator. Ministers of the Precious Blood
should walk with their purificators covering their chalices.
An usher will be waiting for you with the elevator ready to go. About nine people fit in the
elevator (the limit is really the weight). Those giving Communion on the West-Side Transept will
give Communion to the Choir first. See the picture below for positions. The usher will direct the
12
13
Ibid., 37, 44; Code of Canon Law, no. 1367.
Laughlin, Riley, and Turner 43; USCCB no. 287.
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Choir to come to you. When finished, cross through the Choir Loft to distribute Communion to
the West-Side Mezzanine. Go up toward the windows. See the pictures below for your
positions. Ushers will guide those in the lowest pews to come up through the center aisle for
Communion first.
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Meanwhile, the East-Side Mezzanine Ministers will go directly to the East-Side Mezzanine after
exiting the elevator and begin Communion.
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After you’ve given Communion, Ministers of the Chalice should consume the Precious Blood
before moving. Then the ministers should proceed down the stairs closest to you. Be careful as
some people may be exiting down the stairs with you after Communion. You’ll probably be the
last ones completing Communion. The clergy should wait for you before reposing the Blessed
Sacrament.
The purpose of using the elevator to reach the Mezzanine is to avoid spilling the Blessed
Sacrament down the stairs. Only those ministers who are willing, able, and dressed with
appropriate shoes should be in the Mezzanine!
Using the Mezzanine for the Life Teen Sunday Mass
On Sundays at 5:30 p.m., one of the Ministers of the Body of Christ on the right-side Transept
(closest to the parking lot) will first go give only the Body of Christ to the Life Teen Band. Come
to the Mezzanine using the stairs. Come into the Choir Loft toward the center. The band will
come toward you for Communion. Afterwards, come down the stairs and move to the right-side
Transept. Join the other ministers in giving Communion to the faithful.
Communion in the Chapel
Ministers may sit anywhere near the front. Please stand as indicated.
Substitutions
In the event that you are unable to serve as scheduled, please contact a trained EMHC from our
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion Substitute Call & E-mail List or e-mail the group at
[email protected] in advance. Paul Juarez does receive copies of e-mails sent
to the Google Group. Subsequently, e-mail Paul Juarez at [email protected] with the name
of the replacement once identified. If it is the night before or hours before your scheduled Mass,
please call a person rather than using e-mail to find a substitute. If something occurs minutes
before Mass or if you were not able to find a sub, please also call the sacristan in the Sacristy at
512.328.3220, ext. 134.
The Call List is comprised of those people who have volunteered to be listed on it. It will be emailed to everyone as updated and soon after your first training. This list will also be available in
the Mass Sign-in Sheets notebook.
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Schedule
We ask that everyone on the schedule remain faithful to it. We understand that emergencies,
vacation, work, or other circumstances prevent one from serving as scheduled. Unless those
circumstances arise, we ask that you make every effort to serve at Mass as scheduled. The
schedule can be found online as a PDF at www.sjnaustin.org/mass (address will change with
new website design) and entitled as the Liturgical Minister Schedule 2013-2014. It will be
updated as needed online.
Communication & Google Groups
The Liturgy Coordinator sends regular e-mail notices to the group that includes special
instructions, notices, substitute requests, volunteer requests, etc. All EMHCs are part of the SJN
EMHC Google Group upon joining the ministry. To communicate with the group, send an e-mail
to [email protected] (in the “To” box of your e-mail client program). If
someone is NOT part of the group, please contact the Liturgy Coordinator to be added. Please
also feel free to contact him with any questions, concerns, or suggestions at:
Paul A. Juàrez
Liturgy Coordinator
512.328.3220, ext. 107
[email protected]
Lost & Found
A Lost & Found box will be located in the Sacristy. If you find something left behind, place it in
this box. It will be checked on Tuesdays and taken to the parish secretary’s office Lost & Found
drawer for safekeeping and collection.
Emergencies
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Mass Cancelations: Mass cancellations will be publicized by e-mails to parishioners, on
our website, and on Facebook and Twitter.
First Aid Kit- this is located in the Sacristy in a cabinet marked “First Aid.” There is an
AED defibrillator in the First Aid drawer of the Usher Room.
Phone- if necessary, please call 911 using your cell phone or the phone in the Sacristy.
Dial “9” to get an outside line.
Disruptions- if something minor occurs that causes the Mass to be interrupted or
distraction, please pause. Let the ushers, sacristan, or other personnel take care of the
situation. Then pause and resume proclaiming the Word. For example, if the deacon
fainted and falls to the ground, let others carry him from the Mass to another location to
be treated. Once he has left, pause a moment and then continue with the Mass as
normal.
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Attachment 1: Vocabulary14
14
Laughlin, Riley, and Turner, 67-70.
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