Up until the fourth century it was the rule, not merely an ideal that the faithful communicate at every Mass.  Believers understood clearly that the action of all receiving the Lord’s body and blood formed an integral and natural part of every Eucharistic celebration.  Nevertheless, priests normally celebrated only on Sundays.

As a consequence, the faithful both communicated at that Sabbath Eucharist and also took a sufficient supply of sacred particles home with them for the week ahead.

This practice of lay persons-or, more specifically here, those not priests or deacons-keeping the sacred particles within the home thus made it likewise possible for the sick, prisoners and isolated monks to communicate frequently, even daily despite the fact that weekday Mass was a rarity.

While we no longer need to keep the Eucharist at home, the focus of the Eucharistic Ministry is giving service.  We assist the priests in giving the Precious Body and Blood of Christ to our fellow parishioners.  We carry the Precious Body of Christ to the sick and infirm who cannot attend Mass.  We must approach this Ministry with four attributes:  Humility, Hospitality, Gratitude and Service.  Look within yourself and decide whether you can give service as required by this Ministry.