EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS - WATER AND WINE VERSION
At St Francis of Assisi, Paddington, Sydney, Australia
1.1 The Eucharistic Minister is a lay ministry - one which is open to all baptised people. In this ministry, the priest is delegated some of his authority to distribute, proclaim, venerate and protect the Sacred Body and Blood of our Lord.
1.2 Your job is reverently , gracefully and efficiently to distribute the body and blood of the Lord to the Faithful, but also to protect it (and therefore the faith of our Church and congregation) from irreverence, misuse or even simple innocent ignorance (it does sometimes happen that people arrive for communion who clearly have no idea what it is all about).
1.3 The Eucharistic Minister, according to Canon law (church law) can be women and men. They help the priest and people to celebrate the mass and other liturgies in a more prayerful and dignified way.
1.4 Paddington Parish will begin formally instituting this ministry at major liturgies from 2001 onwards - to give greater recognition to this ministry, and to provide better formation and confidence for Eucharistic Ministers.
1.5 The Eucharistic Minister, by delegation from the Priest, has a custodial role - and should protect the sacredness of the consecrated species. In giving communion, it is the duty of the Eucharistic Minister to observe that the host or chalice is actually consumed properly by the communicants. This means keeping half an eye on the last person you gave communion; and if they appear to be walking away with the host (it does happen sometimes) the Eucharistic Minister should gently but firmly remind the communicant that they must consume the host. In rare situations, this might mean following the communicant if they walk away.
1.6 The Eucharistic Minister should be praying in action. Don't ever forget that the main reason we are there is to worship God, and to do this in good and friendly relationships with our fellow Christians. If we're rude or stressed, we're not worshipping well. Being on time will help in reducing stress.
1.7 The Eucharistic Minister should always know what they are doing (or at least look very solemnly like they knew exactly what they were doing, even when making a little mistake)
1.8 In the Event of a dropped Chalice or Host - don't panic. Consecrated Wine must be soaked up with the purificators, and reverently tipped either into the earth or Sacrarium (we don't have one of these yet). It is never disposed of down an ordinary sink or drain. If spilt onto clothing, the clothing should be removed and the consecrated wine soaked out, and the residue disposed of reverently in the earth (where people do not walk).
1.9 If a person vomits back a host, again, the whole lot is just buried in the earth.
Anticipating all the things needed.
2.1.1 For sung liturgies on major Feasts and Solemnities, servers should arrive, ideally, no later than 10 - 20 minutes to half an hour before any liturgy begins, so that all preparations can be made in good time, and without rushing. For said liturgies, arriving a quarter of an hour before mass should be plenty of time.
2.2.2 Say hello to the Coordinator of Ceremonies and look pleased to see her/him so Sunday mass gets off in the right mood. The CC will then brief you on any other special instructions. Check if there are any members of the congregation who will need communion taken to them in their seat.
2.2.3 Ensure that enough Chalices, patens and ciboria and purificators are on the credence table.
2.2.4 Fill all but one Chalice (ie. usually two others) with sufficient wine - based on the number of people we are expecting. It is never a good thing to run out of the Precious Blood; and there is no provision in the Roman Rite to reconsecrate more during Mass if we run out. It is important to remember that the Precious Blood, once consecrated, cannot have unconsecrated wine added to it to make it go further.
2.2.5 Ensure a cruet of water is also placed in the appropriate place.
2.2.6 Take the Tabernacle key out of the safe, and place it in the tabernacle.
2.2.7 While doing this, open the tabernacle, genuflect, and then count the number of already consecrated hosts in the tabernacle. Lock it once you have done this, but leave the key in the tabernacle.
2.2.8 Tell the Coordinator of Ceremonies how many hosts are already consecrated.
2.2.9 Count out the necessary number of fresh, unconsecrated hosts and put them in the paten, with one large "Celebrant's" host on top of the paten.
2.2.10 The servers have been asked to double-check that the Eucharistic ministers have set out the right number of chalices, ciboria, breads, wine, water and purificators on the credence table (or if they have put it down gifts down the back since there is an offertory procession)
2.2.11 Check with the CC or Children's Liturgy Coordinator to see if there is an offertory procession. If there is, make sure the gifts of bread and wine are placed on the table at the back of the church. The servers will be asked to double check this, but it is the responsibility of the Eucharistic Minister.
How to get in to Mass without stress, and with a sense of occcasion
2.2.1 At Solemn liturgies the Eucharistic Ministers should be at the back of the church five minutes before Mass starts, in the correct order.
2.2.2 When ready to move, the Thurifer will be at the very front of the procession, followed by the Crucifer (the cross is why incense is used) with Torchbearer 1 and Torchbearer 2 just behind. The crucifer and torches should move almost up to the beginning of the pews at the back (so the people can continue coming in). "Water" and "wine" should be right behind.
2.2.3 The choir (on choir Sundays) should be standing in two lines on the Sydney-City side of the church, ready to join in the procession, behind the torch-bearers.
2.2.4 The other lay-ministers (lectors and eucharistic ministers) should be behind the choir.
2.2.5 As the Choirmaster welcomes the congregation, the thurifer and boat-bearer move to the priest, who places incense into the Thurible. The Thurifer goes to the front of the Crucifer. The Boat Bearer, "Water and "Wine" stand behind the Torch-Bearers.
2.2.6 The procession begins as soon as the hymn starts, with the thurifer leading, incensing in front of the cross. The thurifer should set a slow pace. We're supposed to enjoy the procession in; not be out of breath by the end of it . .it's all about the people of God on their pilgrim way to the City of God
2.2.7 Upon reaching the sanctuary steps, the thurifer and boat continue up, but the other servers should spread out on either side, leaving a "gate" for the lay Ministers, priest and choir. They should stand wide enough for the five lay-ministers to form part of the gate inside them, so when the priest arrives, there is enough room for him to walk to the centre.
2.2.8 The thurifer and boat should continue straight up (unlike the other servers who wait), and stand by on the North side of the altar-table, ready for the celebrant to kiss the altar and incense it. The Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors line up with the torches, facing East until the priest arrives in the centre.
2.2.9 When the priest arrives at the centre, all genuflect on his cue (except for the crucifer, thurifer and Torch-bearers who would drop things - they just bow their heads).
2.2.10 As the priest moves up to kiss the altar, the lay ministers return to their seats, and the servers move up to their places in the sanctuary.
2.2.11 "Water" and "Wine" as well as "Bell" go to their places in the servers' pew. The priest, meanwhile, incenses the altar and cross.
Making sure the gifts of the people of God make it to the altar
3.1 If there is an offertory procession, one Eucharistic Minister should keep an eye on things - to double-check everything is actually taken down (and nothing forgotten).
3.2 We intend, later in 2001, to send down the collection monies with the offertory (so that the people's financial gifts are offered to God's work also) - stand by for further information
4. The Distribution of Communion
4.1 Once the choir (or people) begin the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God), the Eucharistic Ministers and Cantor move up to the altar, and stand on the North Side of the altar table. The CC will give you directions if you're a bit unsure.
4.2 During this, one Eucharistic Minister (or the CC) goes up to the tabernacle, genuflects, opens it and brings the ciborium down to be placed on the corporal. The door of the tabernacle should be left obviously open, and the veil pushed slightly aside.
4.3 The Minister then stands back in line waiting for communion.
4.4 The Celebrant distributes the hosts to all assisting Ministers - who do not consume, but hold it reverently in their left hands, with their "Right hand forming a throne for the left"
4.5 Once the priest has announced "behold the Lamb of God" and the people respond, all Ministers consume the host at the same time as the priest.
4.6 The Priest and MC will then distribute the Chalices and purificators. The first two Eucharistic Ministers to receive the Chalice keep them, and give the precious Blood to the other Eucharistic Minister and the servers. The Other Eucharistic Minister will be given a ciborium or paten to minister the Sacred Body.
4.7 The Priest and Eucharistic Ministers turn East and give communion to the Choir first.
4.8 The Chalice Bearers should make sure they stand far enough from the Ciboria so that the lines of people don't get backed up and communion is unnecessarily slow and confused.
4.9 After the Choir Communion is finished, the Eucharistic Ministers move down to the front of the Altar steps to give the people Holy Communion.
4.10 At very big liturgies (congregation wise) there will be a communion Station at the back of the Church as well (with extra Eucharistic Ministers rostered) - but usually there won't be.
4.11 The Chalice Bearers should stand far enough away from the Ciboria bearers to allow a line to form at the cup without holding up distribution in the center.
5.1 As soon as the people's communion is complete, the Eucharistic Ministers go up to the credence table where they reverently consume any of the precious blood left over. If there is any need of assistance (if too much is left), they call the CC or servers to assist them.
5.2 One Eucharistic Minister returns the ciborium to the tabernacle, and takes the key to the credence table, so it can be locked in the safe with the chalices and patens.
5.3 They then purify the patens and chalices, ensuring no traces of the sacred species are left.
5.4 The insides of our chalices are becoming scratched, perhaps because of the rings people wear. Please be careful, when purifying the chalice, not to put your ring-bearing hand inside the chalice.
5.5 They then lock the silver and gold in the safe, and place the used purificators in the enamel dish in the sacristy. They return to their seats.
6. Extras and Communion to the Sick
6.1 For Maundy Thursday, the Eucharistic Ministers are invited to assist in the preparation of the Altar of Repose
6.2 It is ideal, where possible, that Eucharistic Ministers are on the roll of those who take communion to the sick - thereby extending the eucharistic community beyond those who are capable of attending Mass in person.
6.1 If needed, the "Bell" (or "Water" or "Wine") holds the missal/folder for the priest during the final prayer (so the priest can raise his hands in prayer).
6.2 As soon as the final hymn (or organ postlude) starts the servers move into the sacristy, get their stuff, and then form up down in front of the altar, forming a "gate" facing East with Cross and torches held high.
6.3 Allow enough space for the lay ministers (lectors and eucharistic ministers) to join you.
6.4 After the choirmaster's cue (usually the last verse of the hymn), all turn and lead the choir out at a slow pace. Let the choir almost reach you before you turn (so they don't have to run to catch up - it's a bad look)
7.1 At the end of Mass, "Water" and "Wine" should make sure the credence table is empty, and everything washed up and put away. The Eucharistic ministers are responsible for putting away the chalices, patens and ciboria - but double check this has been done.
7.2 If there is s a special event (like a wedding, baptism, school mass etc.), the CC will ask all the servers to assist in setting up the church quickly
7.3 After this is all done, check with the CC that everything's OK, then disrobe. Hang up your alb, put away your cincture and carefully detach the apparel from your amice, and put the amice in the server's amice drawer (properly folded and wound - of course)
7.4 On Maundy Thursday, at the conclusion of the Mass of the Last Supper, the servers assist in stripping the altars completely in preparation for Good Friday
Ambo The lectern (where the readings are proclaimed)
Alb the long white garment (neck to the top of your shoe) which represents the white robe of the baptised
Altar The Holy Table at the front of the sanctuary (nearest the people) (Back altar Former altar which now holds the tabernacle)
Amice The white square of cloth, with two long white strings, tied around the neck to cover ordinary clothes underneath (if no apparel is worn), or placed over the head and then pushed back to form a collar in the colour of the day (when the apparel is worn)
Agnus the "Agnus Dei" or "Lamb of God" (just the Latin term for it)
Apparel the decorative band (in the colour of the day) attached to the amice, and which form a collar when pushed back.
Aspergil The tree branch or silver water sprinkler-stick used to sprinkle water over the people
"Bell" The server(s) who ring the bells for the Sanctus and at other times.
"Boat" the Boat bearer is the server who carries the incense boat, and who hands it to the celebrant at the right times
Chalice The consecrated cups used to distribute precious blood at Holy Communion. These are kept in the main safe.
Chasuble The garment of sacrifice - the conical vestment worn by the priest (over the top of the alb and stole) at mass - in the liturgical colour. It's ancient predecessor was a leather "waterproof" vestment which was used to prevent blood from spilling over the priest when he sacrificed animals in the Jewish temple. In the Catholic mass, the sacrifice we offer is not a living animal, but Christ himself in the form of bread and wine - and we offer ourselves with him "as a living sacrifice".
Ciborium The gold-lined silver container used to store the consecrated hosts in the tabernacle
Cincture The long cloth belt worn around the waist of the alb, usually in the colour of the day
CC The Coordinator of Ceremonies is the person who is responsible for making sure the liturgy proceeds in good order, and who is the "trouble-shooter". The CC assists the priest, lay ministers and servers by giving quiet reminders of what comes next. All servers see the CC as their glorious leader - and are almost as obedient to the CC as they are to the Parish Priest or Pastoral Associate.
Cope The long cape (in the colour of the day) worn by the priest on Palm Sunday, weddings, baptisms and at benediction
Corporal The square white cloth (folded nine ways) which must be spread out on the altar before the blessed sacrament is put down. It is always carefully folded back in nine ways so that no consecrated crumbs of the Lord's body are thrown on the ground. Servers should NEVER shake it out like a normal table cloth (it has been known to happen!)
Credence table The table on the side of the sanctuary where chalices, finger bowls etc. are kept for use during mass Cruets The glass pitchers used to contain wine and water for the mass.
Crucifer The server who has the dignity of carrying the cross in procession. On Great Holy Days, the Crucifer at Paddington wears the tunicle in the colour of the day in order to make clear the honour given to the cross
Deacon The ordained minister of Charity - mentioned in the Bible in 1 Timothy Chapter 3, Philippians Chapter 1, and Romans Chapter 16 (the Catholic church no longer has women deacons). Deacons can preach, marry people, bury people and lead a parish- but they cannot celebrate the mass or give absolution for confession. Paddington rarely has a deacon present, but there are now many permanent, celibate and married deacons in Australia and the world.
Eucharistic Minister The lay-minister who assist the priest in distributing Holy Communion time, and for Communion to the sick.
Feasts The second-most important days of celebration.
Finger- towel The small white cloth used by the priest to dry his hands at the lavabo
Humeral Veil (Vimpa) The veil worn over the shoulders by the server when carrying the bishop's staff of mitre. This veil is sometimes worn by the priest over his shoulders at benediction (and on Maundy Thursday Night)
Lavabo The ceremony of hand-washing which happens just after the incensing of gifts (at solemn masses) or just after the gifts have been placed on the altar (at simpler masses)
Lector The lay-minister who proclaims the reading at liturgy Monstrance Also called an "ostensory", this is the precious display container used at benediction and exposition of the blessed sacrament
Ordo The small booklet (kept in the sacristy in the glass-covered slot) which tells you the feast-day, the readings and the colour of the day.
Paschal the large ornate candle used at funerals, baptisms, and Easter until Candle Pentecost Paten The silver or gold plate/dish used for the bread to be consecrated at Mass
Purificator The thin white cloth used to wipe the chalice after different people take communion
Pyx The small silver containers (which look a bit like fob-watches) used to store the blessed sacrament when communion is taken to the sick. The pyx is usually kept in a leather wallet. There is another larger pyx kept in the tabernacle, and it stores one large consecrated host which is used at benediction.
Relics These are sacred memorials of Saints. They are usually small pieces of bone taken from the body of the saint, and are often placed in a sealed, secure place in the altar of a church - to remind us that many people have actually given their life to protect the Catholic faith. Paddington church has a relic of St Francis in a special ostensory (usually kept in the safe).
Sanctus The "Holy, Holy, Holy" (just the Latin word for it) Solemnities The most important days of celebration like the Easter triduum and Sundays.
Tabernacle The decorated safe in which the blessed sacrament is reverently kept. The liturgically coloured veil, inside white fabric lining, red sanctuary lamp, and candles on either side are signs used to show that the blessed sacrament is present in the tabernacle
Tabernacle Key The tabernacle cannot be opened without this. It is kept in the main safe.
Thurible The incense burner
Thurifer The server who carries the thurible, and whose job it is to know when, where and how incense is used at liturgies
Triduum The three great holy days of Easter: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. These are the holiest days of the Church year, and celebrate the great mystery of Jesus' death and Resurrection. They are even more important than Christmas.
Torch-bearer The server who carries the torch in processions and at the Sanctus Water The server who carries the water for the offertory and the lavabo (may also be the Bell) Wine The server who carries the wine at the offertory, and the finger towel at the lavabo (may also be the Bell)
The following guidelines were prepared by the Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy and presented to the National Conference of Catholic Bishops for discussion at the June 1994 Special Assembly on Thursday, June 16, 1994. The suggested guidelines may be used as a basis for developing diocesan guidelines
1. Although institution into the ministry of acolyte is reserved to lay men, the diocesan bishop may permit the liturgical functions of the instituted acolyte to be carried out by altar servers, men and women, boys and girls. Such persons may carry out all the functions listed in no. 68, para. 2 and nos. 142-147 of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.
2 The determination that women and girls may function as servers in the liturgy has been made by the Archbishop of Sydney (our addition) on the diocesan level so that there might be a uniform diocesan policy.
3. No distinction should be made between the functions carried out in the sanctuary by men and boys and those carried out by women and girls. The term "altar boys" should be replaced by "servers". The term "server" should be used for those who carry out the functions of the instituted acolyte.
4. Servers should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and to carry them out well and with appropriate reverence. They should have already received holy communion for the first time and normally receive the eucharist whenever they participate in the liturgy.
5. Servers should receive proper formation before they begin to function. The formation should include instruction on the Mass and its parts and their meaning, the various objects used in the liturgy (their names and use), and the various functions of the server during the Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Servers should also receive appropriate guidance on maintaining proper decorum and attire when serving Mass and other functions.
6. Since the role of server is integral to the normal celebration of the Mass, at least one server should assist the priest. On Sundays and other more important occasions, two or more servers should be employed to carry out the various functions normally entrusted to these ministers.
7. Servers should normally be vested. This is within the tradition of the Church and prevents difficulties regarding appropriate dress for these ministers. All servers should wear the same liturgical vesture [The alb is the preferred vestment for servers (see General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 298.)]
8. Servers carry the cross, the processional candles, hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary.
9. Servers respond to the prayers and dialogues of the priest along with the congregation. They also join in singing the hymns and other chants of the liturgy.
10. Servers should be seated in a place from which they can easily assist the priest celebrant and deacon. The place next to the priest is normally reserved for the deacon.
The General Instruction on the Roman Missal
This is the Main Church source document which is relevant for servers and other lay Ministers
Chapter III, Part III: Special Ministries
65. The acolyte is instituted to serve at the altar and to assist the priest and deacon. In particular it is for him to prepare the altar and the vessels and, as a special minister of the Eucharist, to give communion to the faithful.
66. The reader is instituted to proclaim the readings from Scripture, with the exception of the gospel. He may also announce the intentions for the general intercessions and, in the absence of the psalmist, sing or read the psalm between the readings. The reader has his own proper function in the eucharistic celebration and should exercise this even though ministers of a higher rank may be present. Those who exercise the ministry of reader, even if they have not received institution, must be truly qualified and carefully prepared in order that the faithful will develop a warm and lively love for Scripture from listening to the reading of the sacred texts.
67. The cantor of the psalm is to sing the psalm or other biblical song that comes between the readings. To fulfill their function correctly, these cantors should possess singing talent and an aptitude for correct pronunciation and diction.
68. As for other ministers, some perform different functions inside the sanctuary, others outside. The first kind include those deputed as special minsters to administer communion and those who carry the missal, the cross, candles, the bread, wine, water, and the thurible. The second kind include: a) The commentator. This minister provides explanations and commentaries with the purpose of introducing the faithful to the celebration and preparing them to understand it better. The commentator's remarks must be meticulously prepared and marked by a simple brevity. In performing this function the commentator stands in a convenient place visible to the faithful, but it is preferred that this not be at the lectern where the Scriptures are read. b) Those who, in some places, meet the people at the church entrance, seat them, and direct processions. c) Those who take up the collection
69. Especially in larger churches and communities, a person should be assigned responsibility for planning the service properly and for their being carried out by the ministers with decorum, order, and devotion.
70. Laymen, even if they have not received institution as ministers, may perform all the functions below those reserved to deacons. At the discretion of the rector of the church, women may be appointed to ministries that are performed outside the sanctuary. The conference of bishops may permit qualified women to proclaim the readings before the gospel and to announce the intentions of the general intercessions. The conference may also more precisely designate a suitable place for a woman to proclaim the word of God in the liturgical assembly.
71. If there are several persons present who are empowered to exercise the same ministry, there is no objection to their being assigned different parts to perform. For example, one deacon may take the sung parts, another assist at the altar; if there are several readings, it is better to distribute them among a number of readers. The same applies for the other ministries.
72. If only one minister is present at a Mass with a congregation, he may carry out several different functions.
73. All concerned should work together in the effective preparation of each liturgical celebration as to its rites, pastoral aspects, and music. They should work under the direction of the rector of the church and should consult the faithful.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 903. "LAY people who possess the required qualities can be admitted permanently to the MINISTRIES of lector and acolyte.[Cf. CIC, can. 230 # 1.] When the necessity of the Church warrants it and when ministers are lacking, LAY persons, even if they are not lectors or acolytes, can also supply for certain of their offices, namely, to exercise the ministry of the word, to preside over liturgical prayers, to confer Baptism, and to distribute Holy Communion in accord with the prescriptions of law.'[CIC, can. 230 # 3.]"
The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
The non-ordained faithful already collaborate with the sacred ministers in diverse pastoral situations since "This wonderful gift of the Eucharist, which is the greatest gift of all, demands that such an important mystery should be increasingly better known and its saving power more fully shared".
[95] Such liturgical service is a response to the objective needs of the faithful especially those of the sick and to those liturgical assemblies in which there are particularly large numbers of the faithful who wish to receive Holy Communion. § 1. The canonical discipline concerning extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion must be correctly applied so as to avoid generating confusion. The same discipline establishes that the ordinary minister of Holy Communion is the Bishop, the Priest and the Deacon.
[96] Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion are those instituted as acolytes and the faithful so deputed in accordance with Canon 230, § 3.
[97] A non-ordained member of the faithful, in cases of true necessity, may be deputed by the diocesan bishop, using the appropriate form of blessing for these situation, to act as an extraordinary minister to distribute Holy Communion outside of liturgical celebrations ad actum vel ad tempus or for a more stable period. In exceptional cases or in unforeseen circumstances, the priest presiding at the liturgy may authorize such ad actum.
[98] § 2. Extraordinary ministers may distribute Holy Communion at eucharistic celebrations only when there are no ordained ministers present or when those ordained ministers present at a liturgical celebration are truly unable to distribute Holy Communion.
[99] They may also exercise this function at eucharistic celebrations where there are particularly large numbers of the faithful and which would be excessively prolonged because of an insufficient number of ordained ministers to distribute Holy Communion.
[100] This function is supplementary and extraordinary [101] and must be exercised in accordance with the norm of law. It is thus useful for the diocesan bishop to issue particular norms concerning extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion which, in complete harmony with the universal law of the Church, should regulate the exercise of this function in his diocese. Such norms should provide, amongst other things, for matters such as the instruction in eucharistic doctrine of those chosen to be extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, the meaning of the service they provide, the rubrics to be observed, the reverence to be shown for such an august Sacrament and instruction concerning the discipline on admission to Holy Communion.
To avoid creating confusion, certain practices are to be avoided and eliminated where such have emerged in particular Churches: · extraordinary ministers receiving Holy Communion apart from the other faithful as though concelebrants; · association with the renewal of promises made by priests at the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, as well as other categories of faithful who renew religious vows or receive a mandate as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion; · the habitual use of extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion at Mass thus arbitrarily extending the concept of "a great number of the faithful".
§ 1. In this area, the non-ordained faithful can often provide valuable collaboration. [102] Innumerable works of charity to the sick are constantly provided by the non-ordained faithful either individually or through community apostolates. These constitute an important Christian presence to sick and suffering of the greatest importance. The non-ordained faithful particularly assist the sick by being with them in difficult moments, encouraging them to receive the Sacraments of Penance and the Anointing of the Sick, by helping them to have the disposition to make a good individual confession as well as to prepare them to receive the Anointing of the Sick. In using sacramentals, the non-ordained faithful should ensure that these are in no way regarded as sacraments whose administration is proper and exclusive to the Bishop and to the priest. Since they are not priests, in no instance may the non-ordained perform anointings either with the Oil of the Sick or ony other oil.
§ 2. With regard to the administration of this sacrament, ecclesiastical legislation reiterates the theologically certain doctrine and the age old usage of the Church [103] which regards the priest as its only valid minister. [104] This norm is completely coherent with the theological mystery signified and realized by means of priestly service. It must also be affirmed that the reservation of the ministry of Anointing to the priest is related to the connection of this sacrament to the forgiveness of sin and the worthy reception of the Holy Eucharist. No other person may act as ordinary or extraordinary minister of the sacrament since such constitutes simulation of the sacrament. [105]