"Extraordinary" Ministers of Holy Communion Doesn't Mean "Just Plain Awesome" Ministers of Holy Communion

After posting the Weigel article the other day, I stumbled upon this link, posted by one of the folks commenting on his article. This is from a 1997 Vatican document with commentary by Fr. Zuhlsdorf over at the WDTPRS blog: Ecclesia de mysterio…. Ever heard of it?

Sometimes Masses are very large and do need such "extra-ordinary" ministers, but it is quite confusing to see them so often behind the altar during the Ecce Agnus Dei. Indeed, it is regrettable to see so often the priest during a small Mass have numerous extraordinary ministers when he alone could distribute Communion at the cost of no more than a minute or two extra. Also, if the extra-ordinary ministers would stop giving the blessings, that would be a most welcome change. There is essentially no liturgical act within the blessing (the Mass is full of priestly blessings which derive their power from the authority of his office); so a great deal of confusion could be avoided if only priests gave blessings. As a result, many who did not intend on receiving anyway would remain in their seats, pondering (without confusion) the great mystery before their eyes.

It's a great time for liturgical renewal in the Church. I hope that the liturgical awakening leads to continued reform and progress. In the meanwhile, let's keep our eyes on Fr. Z's great blog!