Our reflections on the Mass now lead us to the distribution and reception of holy Communion. Last week, we discussed preparations for holy Communion. The ciboria and cups have been readied. Now, the priest quietly prays that he may receive the Eucharist fruitfully.

He raises the host above the paten or chalice so all can see, and invites the assembly to the feast that has been given to us: "This is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are we who have been called to his supper." The priest's words emphasize again that the sacrifice of Christ is the foundation for the nourishment we will receive.

In a sense, the paschal mystery of Christ's passion, death and resurrection are all wrapped up in those very few words. We cannot have this meal without the sacrifice having occurred on Calvary. We are favored to be able to partake of the supernatural nourishment He gives of Himself in every Mass. The humble words of the centurion in the Gospel are the basis for our response to the privilege we have been given: "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed." As a community, we say this all together.

The priest then consumes the body and blood of Christ. No one else, not even a deacon, ever partakes of holy Communion at the same time as the celebrant (or concelebrants) of a Mass, who acts in the person of Jesus Christ. In this way, the Church underlines the unique role of the ordained priest as leader, servant and mediator for his people.

While the priest receives the body and blood of Jesus, the Communion antiphon may be sung or recited. If the antiphon is not used, a Communion hymn may begin. Appropriate texts of Communion hymns convey the great reality before us: the crucified and glorified Christ is present in His body and blood. We are nourished as no one else can satisfy us in this world. We anticipate the heavenly banquet in which we hope to take part for all eternity. Singing at this time is significant because it helps us to acknowledge with thanksgiving the gift of the Eucharist, which unites us with each other and with the Lord.

When the priest consumes the body and blood of Christ, extraordinary ministers of holy Communion may approach the altar. As members of the lay faithful, they come forth from the assembly at the time closest to when their services are needed. This manifests (as do so many other parts of the Mass), their baptismal priesthood.

The priest will give holy Communion to the deacon, who then may assist him in distributing holy Communion to the extraordinary ministers. Such ministers always receive holy Communion at this time. They are not to wait until the end of the Communion Rite. Everyone should be well instructed, but the extraordinary ministers in a parish should be exemplary in how they receive holy Communion. We'll discuss reception of holy Communion by the laity in the next column.

The extraordinary ministers should never "take" the vessels from the altar, any more than one would "take" the host from someone distributing holy Communion. The priest, who may be assisted by the deacon, hands either a ciborium or a Communion cup to each of the extraordinary ministers. And the faithful now come forward to receive the body and blood of the Son of God.