Question from JCS on 9/25/2007: 
Last weekend, I attended Mass at a local parish. The Extraordinary Ministers approached the altar before the celebrant received Communion and the pastor gave announcements after Communion, but did not assist with communion. I e-mailed the parish and asked why they did it this way.
The reply I received from the pastor stated "Eucharistic Ministers follow a practice that is quite common in catholic parishes today. They surround the altar at the time of the "Lamb of God" so as to be in position to distribute communion. It is a very practical method... I am unaware of any theological significances."
"I choose to let the eucharistic ministers (even though they are technically "extraordinary ministers") to take care of this particular need, even though I should rightfully distribute communion at any Mass even when I am not the celebrant. They are a big help to me and there is no need for me to do what they are capable of doing. It is a fraction of a liturgical norm, yes, but I don't lose sleep over it and neither should you. However, when we are shorthanded with eucharistic ministers occasionally I will come out. I do not fear any diminuation of my priestly authority or prerogative in allowing eucharistic minister to do what an ordinary minister has a right to do by virtue of his ordination, considering that distribution of communion is not essential to priesthood nor his exclusive right. If that were the case deacons would never have been allowed to distribute this many centuries."
Is Father allowed to do things "his way"?
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 9/28/2007:
No. But I think that you knew that. If this not your normal parish , I would suggest simply not going there. But I feel bad for those who go there regularly.
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