EMBRO96

EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY

HOLY TRINITY PARISH

"WHEN WE EAT THIS BREAD AND DRINK THIS CUP, WE PROCLAIM YOUR DEATH, LORD JESUS, UNTIL YOU COME IN GLORY."

HISTORY OF THE MINISTRY

Prior to Vatican II (1962), all Christian Ministers were ordained. They gave instructions, visited the sick, and advised people with marital difficulties. The Laity exercised works of Christian charity. The shift to lay ministers in recent years has been due to a rediscovered appreciation of lay Christian ministry in the early church. It is a shift that recognizes the ministerial role of ALL CHRISTIANS AS CHILDREN OF GOD.

After, Vatican II, the emphasis shifted from the hierarchical church of the past, to an understanding of church as the "PEOPLE OF GOD", thus laying the groundwork for a renewed appreciation of ministry and the role of the laity. The very nature of our Christian Catholic Liturgy is to be done "By the People", not done to the people or for the people.

The Eucharistic Ministry of today, at Holy Trinity, is a duly constituted permanent body of the liturgy commission, under the directives of the Archdiocese of Seattle. The ministry is represented on the liturgy commission by the chairperson.

THE MINISTRY TODAY MISSION STATEMENT

The purpose of the ministry is to serve as Eucharistic Ministers at Holy Trinity Parish in accordance with the regulations of the Archdiocese of Seattle; To promote an awareness within the church of the holiness and dignity of all persons; To cultivate Christian Catholic Charity within all parish organizations, within the family and within the community at large.

THE SERVICES OF THIS MINISTRY INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING

Assist in the distribution of the Eucharist during Parish Liturgy. Minister to those who cannot otherwise join with the Parish Community during celebrations of the Eucharist:

Nursing Homes

Hospitals

Homebound

THE MINISTERS SHALL

Meet the effective regulations of the Archdiocese of Seattle, and the Roman Catholic Church:

They are baptized, confirmed and practicing Catholics at least 16 years of age.
If married, they are in a validly contracted sacramental marriage in the Catholic Church. (The marriage must have been celebrated in the presence of a priest or deacon and two witnesses, unless a dispensation has been obtained.)
Enter into a Eucharistic Ministry Covenant with Holy Trinity Parish.

TERMS OF THE MINISTRY

The term of the ministry is three (3) years, with a recommended maximum of two (2) consecutive terms. At the end of each term, a time of reflection allowing for discernment for the continuing in the ministry is required. This time of reflection is under the direction of the pastor or his appointed representative, and the vice-chairperson of the Eucharistic Ministers.