What does GIRM say about the “breaking of the bread” and Communion?
After the Sign of Peace a number of things happen that prepare both the consecrated bread and wine as well as the assembly for Holy Commun ion. Both GIRM and the U.S. adaptations have made some changes in this part of the Mass that will be noticed by the liturgical ministers and assembly members and, therefore, call for some explanation. Breaking of the bread The breaking of the bread begins after the Sign of Peace. More than simply a pragmatic gesture, the presider breaks the one bread (pours from the one carafe of wine) and this symbolizes that by our sharing in one loaf (cup) we are made one Body in Christ (GIRM no. 83). The Lamb of God accompanies the breaking of the bread and is repeated as long as it takes to complete the action. GIRM expressly states that this “rite is reserved to the priest and deacon” (no. 83). This means that Eucharistic ministers can no longer help the presider with the distribution of hosts into the number of needed vessels or pouring the wine into a number
