I recently posted on Facebook about my experience at Mass Sunday, when 15 EMHCs presented themselves to serve. A friend responded: "Ask yourself hot this affects your walk with Jesus. Let it go, my friend, you will be happier!"
Or in other words, just pay no attention. Or perhaps, go along to get along.
But can I do that? Did Jesus let it go, when he found money changers in the temple?
The rubrics--including those issued by my own archdiocese--stipulate that the EMHCs (let us not overlook the Extraordinary in their title) are to serve only when the priest is unable, or when there are so many receiving that the distribution would take too long. Unfortunately, the rubrics neither stipulate nor suggest a means by which "too long" may be judged or defined. They are quite clear, however, that the use of EMHCs is not to be made routine at every Mass.
The rubrics also state that the use of the EMHCs is at the discretion of the celebrant. However, I know a priest who tried to limit the service at his own Masses, not eliminating their use, but reducing the number, and the EMHCs raised a noisy complaint with the pastor. Apparently, the service of EMHCs is considered by those who serve as an entitlement!
So I pray, and consider. I do not think I can simply ignore this abuse. And if I do, what sort of steward am I?
Update: Article here on one priest's decision to cease using EMHCs. How very sad that it must be seen as an act requiring courage!
Yes, always report abuses. I attended a Mass of THREE PEOPLE in the congregation and of course, there was an EMHC with the chalice. Ridic...she was one of the three.
ReplyDeleteIf we all reported, things would change.
And, if possible, move to real parishes without clericalized laity gone wild...........
The Ash Wednesday Mass I went to featured a deacon that took a seat because there were so many EM's. That, and a priest that refused communion to someone because they had the audacity to kneel. Report it? No way. No one in my diocese cares. We've tried and gotten no response at all.
ReplyDeleteMark, I hear you, but if no one complains, then nothing changes. If people complain when things are wrong--not just you, but everyone who cares--you may be surprised to see how things change, and soon.
ReplyDelete