Formacja i posługa nadzwyczajnego szafarza Komunii świętej

Abstract

The extraordinary ministry of the minsters of the Holy Communion in the Catholic Church was introduced twenty-eight years ago. The Conference of the Episcopate gave its permission to bishops in Poland on 2nd May 1990. The study shows the theological foundations of the ministry of the extraordinary minsters of the Holy Communion as consequences of the mystery of the Church, the Eucharist, and the remaining sacraments, especially baptism, and as a spiritual good of the faithful and a true necessity in particular cases. As well as retreat and individual formation, the extraordinary ministers take part in monthly and quarterly prayer-formative meetings in parishes and dioceses. The formation is combined with a varied commitment of the ministers in apostolic activity in their parochial fellowship (work in youth groups, aid in state and occupational pastoral care, aid in catechesis and the sacramental preparation for the Holy Communion, confirmation, marriage, and activity in charitable work). The study postulates that the Commission for the Cult of God and the Discipline of Sacraments of the Episcopate of Poland should establish a national pastor for the extraordinary ministers of the Holy Communion. Three parts of particular issues deal with the liturgical vestments of a minister, his ministry during the Holy Mass, and his direct distribution of the Holy Communion to the sick.