Could a lay Extra Ordinary Minister of Holy Communion give a blessing?

March 19, 2021

QUESTION / COMMENT?

Is it a liturgical abuse to receive a blessing or other non blessings during communion?   I was taught  that the communion line was only for those licit to receive the Holy Eucharist, but I don’t know where to find those facts in the rubrics or other liturgical documents.   I was also taught that the blessing was done to the entire congregation before the close of Holy Mass. 

 ANSWER!

NO they can't, read this: Are extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion able to give blessings? | Catholic Answers. 

Also read this - Eucharistic Ministers Blessing on the Forehead, Question from Brad on 04-16-2001:  

May the Eucharistic Ministers Bless children or those not able to receive Communion on the forehead, I understand that they may not make the blessing with sign of the cross as Jesus did and Priest’s can. Please answer my first question as soon possible. Thank you and God Bless. Brad. Blessedsacramentonline.com  

Answer by Colin B. Donovan, STL (EWTN Theologian) on 05-03-2001:  

EMEs have no power of blessing, and none granted in law for their role. They are there to distribute Communion, nothing more. They are not minor clergy.

*Lay people, within the context of Holy Mass, are unable to confer blessings. These blessings, rather, are the competence of the priest (cf. Ecclesia de Mysterio, Notitiae 34 (15 Aug. 1997), art. 6, § 2; Canon 1169, § 2; and Roman Ritual De Benedictionibus (1985), n. 18).