Distribution Of Holy Communion

[Hirsap]

Hello,

During Mass, are priests obliged to distribute holy communion (i.e.: not leaving the job to the ''extraordinary ministers")?

Thanks.

[Laudate_Dominum]

The answer is yes but with qualifications in cases such as very old or enfeebled priests.

[i]157. If there is usually present a sufficient number of sacred ministers for the distribution of Holy Communion, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion may not be appointed. Indeed, in such circumstances, those who may have already been appointed to this ministry should not exercise it. [b]The practice of those Priests is reprobated who, even though present at the celebration, abstain from distributing Communion and hand this function over to laypersons.[/b]
158. Indeed, the extraordinary minister of Holy Communion may administer Communion only when the Priest and Deacon are lacking, when the Priest is prevented by weakness or advanced age or some other genuine reason, or when the number of faithful coming to Communion is so great that the very celebration of Mass would be unduly prolonged. This, however, is to be understood in such a way that a brief prolongation, considering the circumstances and culture of the place, is not at all a sufficient reason. [/i]
- [i]Redemptionis Sacramentum[/i], March 25, 2004

See also: [i]Inaestimabile donum[/i], n. 10; [i]Immensae caritatis[/i], n. 1; [i]Ecclesiae de mysterio[/i], Practical Provisions, art. 8 § 2.