This article is taken from a Supplement to Apropos magazine.

What follows is the text of a letter sent from the Apostolic Nuncio to Cardinal Hume on September 22, 1987. We suspect that a similar letter has been sent to all Bishops' conferences. It appears to have remained a closely guarded secret.

Your Eminence,

       The Congregation for the Sacraments has asked the Apostolic Nunciature to bring to your attention the following communication regarding the 'extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist'.

       One of the most special forms of participation of the faithful laity in the liturgical activity of the Church is surely the faculty granted to them to distribute Holy Communion as 'extraordinary ministers'. (cfr. Can. 230, par.3; 910, par.2)

       This faculty has been the means of real help to both the celebrant and the faithful, when a large number of people want to receive Holy Communion. But, unfortunately, in some cases it has led to serious abuses, either because the extraordinary nature of this faculty has been overlooked, or because the faculty itself has been considered as a kind of prize to some good lay people in recognition of their collaboration.

       The abuses may occur in the following situations:

       If the 'extraordinary ministers' of the Eucharist distribute Holy Communion, together with the celebrant, when the number of communicants does not constitute a case of necessity;

       If the 'extraordinary ministers' of the Eucharist distribute Holy Communion, together with the celebrant, to a large number of communicants, when there are other 'ordinary ministers' available, even if the latter are not taking part in the celebration;

       If the 'extraordinary ministers' distribute Holy Communion to themselves and to the faithful, while the 'ordinary ministers' — celebrant and concelebrants — remain inactive.

       Having received many complaints about such abuses from all over the world, the Congregation for the Sacraments has asked the Pontifical Commission for the Authentic Interpretation of the Code of Canon Law for the exact interpretation of Code of Canon Law 910, par.2, and Canon 230, par.3, which refer precisely to the 'extraordinary ministry' of the Eucharist. The question was formulated as follows:

       "Utrum minister extraordinarius Sacrae Communionis ad normam cann. 910, par. 2, et 230, par. 3, deputatus suum munus suppletorium exercere possit etiam cum praesentes sint in ecclesia, etsi ad celebrationem eucharisticam non participantes, ministri ordinari qui non sint quoque modo impediti."

       The answer given by the aforesaid Pontifical Commission in its Plenary session of February 20, 1987, was: Negative.

       This authentic interpretation was approved by the Holy Father on June 15, 1987, and the Congregation for the Sacraments was entrusted to communicate it to the Episcopal Conferences throughout the world.

       As we can see, the answer of the Pontifical Commission shows clearly that, in the presence of 'ordinary ministers of the Eucharist' — (bishops, priests, deacons — cfr. Can. 910, par.1), whether they are taking part in the celebration or not, provided they are sufficient in number and not engaged in other ministries, it is not permitted to the extraordinary ministers to distribute Holy Communion, either to themselves or to others.

       In order to put an end to the abuses that may be taking place in this country, and to prevent others from taking place, the Congregation for the Sacraments has charged this Apostolic Nunciature to communicate the above mentioned 'authentic interpretation' to you, and, through you, to all the other members of Your Episcopal Conference.

       Finally, the Holy See begs all the bishops to follow this matter with vigilant care, so that the clarification contained in this present communication may no longer be evaded, but may contribute to restore the exact observance of the liturgical discipline on an issue of such importance.

Msgr. Rino Passigato

Return to
Table of Contents