What are the limits of extraordinary ministers' liturgical assistance?
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Q: The following have been hot topics among us, especially as we look forward to next year's liturgies. May extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion assist in the blessing of throats on the feast of St. Blaise and in distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday?
You really aim at long-range liturgical planning, don't you? Regarding ashes, a response to the American bishops from the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments (Jan. 30, 1975) stated that extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion may not bless ashes but may assist the celebrant in distributing them or impose ashes already blessed if no priest is present.
The response would provide also for other laypersons to distribute ashes if there is a pastoral need.
Some pastors are reluctant to ask extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion to assist with the ashes, partly, I suppose, out of concern for the sensibilities of some parishioners who may find it startling. But it is permitted.
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