Why don we use extraordinary (Eucharistic) ministers very often here at St. Marys?
This past month the Vatican clarified the Churchs position that lay people are not permitted to purify the vessels (i.e. chalice, ciborium, etc.) after Mass. Evidently some parishes permit this practice. The Vatican stated that this sacred service is reserved to the clergy. This decision allows me the opportunity to explain why we do not make more use of Eucharistic ministers here at St. Marys, since sometimes people ask me this question. The Vaticans decision and our parish policy are based on the Churchs teaching concerning the common priesthood of believers, and the ministerial priesthood. All of the baptized are members of the common priesthood: those who have a call to holiness, and who offer their lives as spiritual sacrifices. Christ also instituted the ministerial priesthood which is at the service of the common priesthood: these are the bishops, priests and deacons. The Church teaches that the ministerial priesthood differs in essence from the common priesthood of the faithful
