Eucharistic Minister

[Quietfire]

Hi,
I am a new Eucharistic Minister at my parish (quite excited about that and was honored to be asked)
My question is this...
If a E.M. is in need of confession, should they avoid serving until they have gone to confession.

We have schedules, but occasionally we are called up during Mass (by a slight nod from a particular priest) if they are shorthanded due to someone not showing.
Last Sunday, the priest told me on my way out after Mass that he was gonna call me up but I wasnt looking up so he nodded to someone else instead.
I told him I didnt think I could have served anyway since I needed to go to confession and couldnt make it so I didnt go up to receive either.

I actually made him think on that one and he promised he'd get back to me on it.

Im wondering though, as I type quickly so i can get to confession today, can one serve if one is in need of getting to confession. I figured no, since I cannot receive Our Lord's body then I shouldnt distribute Him either.

Thanks if you can answer this before I attend Mass tomorrow that would be great so I can tell the priest.

Peace and
God Bless

[cappie]

Canon Law says: Can. 916 Anyone who is [b]conscious of grave sin[/b] may not celebrate Mass or receive the Body of the Lord without previously having been to sacramental confession, unless there is a grave reason and there is no opportunity to confess; in this case the person is to remember the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, which includes the resolve to go to confession as soon as possible.

If you are conscious of committing a grave (mortal) sin the you have 2 choices either "keep your head down" or make an act of perfect contrition and resolve to go as soon as possible.

Edited February 14, 2009 by cappie