Category Archives: HCWEOM

Viaticum by an extraordinary minister looks like the ordinary form. Lots of Catholics don’t see this rite, and if they do, they sometimes don’t live to tell about it. There is an introduction (68) followed by a brief instruction (69): … Continue reading →

Communion to the Sick and Viaticum are treated in the Church’s documents on Pastoral Care of the Sick. I’ll just mention that when an ordinary minister (priest or deacon) is unavailable, an acolyte or lay minister may tend to the … Continue reading →

When is the “Short Rite with the Celebration of the Word” used? 42. This form of the service is used when the longer, more elaborate form is unsuitable, especially when there are only one or two for communion and a … Continue reading →

These sixteen sections give the “red and the black” for the first choice, the so-called “Long Rite.” Section 26 reads: 26. This rite is to be used chiefly when Mass is not cele­brated or when communion is not distributed at … Continue reading →

This topic covers the next three sections of the document HCWEOM. Most of it is nothing new for Catholics. But you never know when an important point will pop out for you. Let’s read: 23. The Eucharist, which continuously makes … Continue reading →

Getting to them: 21. In giving communion the custom of placing the particle of consecrated bread on the tongue of the communicant is to be maintained because it is based on tradition of several centuries. However: Episcopal conferences, however, may … Continue reading →

… for giving Communion covers the next four sections. It’s a bit long, so let’s take it in two gulps, okay? 19. When communion is given in a church or oratory, a corporal is to be placed on the altar, which is already … Continue reading →

Ordinary ministers of the Eucharist are instructed to make this ministry an ordinary part of their duties: 17. It is, first of all, the office of the priest and the deacon to minister holy communion to the faithful who ask … Continue reading →

When to distribute Communion? 16. Communion may be given outside Mass on any day and at any hour. It is proper, however, to determine the hours for giving communion, with a view to the conve­nience of the faithful, so that … Continue reading →

Leaving the General Introduction of this document aside, we turn to sections 13 through 25 for a brief look at the rites of receiving Communion outside of Mass. Sections 26 through 53 detail Communion to the sick and other circumstances … Continue reading →

The first twelve sections of the rite HCWEOM constitute its “general introduction.” These sections are to the various rites of Eucharistic worship as the GIRM is to the Roman Missal. All of the rites have them. Many clergy and liturgists … Continue reading →

That title’s a mouthful, no doubt. Our next post-conciliar document will be Holy Communion and the Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass, acronymed HCWEOM. This document was promulgated in 1973 and is easy to find online. Our task here will … Continue reading →