I was reading the Church document [i:ackl8nd1]Redemptionis Sacramentum[/url:ackl8nd1][/i:ackl8nd1] on the suggestion of Benedict and I came across many, many interesting things.
One of them is paragraph 158:
[quote:ackl8nd1]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. [b:ackl8nd1]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.[/b:ackl8nd1][/quote:ackl8nd1]
I added the emphasis on the last sentence, but it made me think a little about my own church experiences.
I am wondering if most uses of extraordinary ministers is misused according to this statement or what it actually means. What do you think?