LEWISTON – Catholic lay ministers have been temporarily barred from administering the sacrament of Holy Communion at three Sisters of Charity institutions until steps are taken to preserve the sanctity of the act.

In a decree dated Dec. 4, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland instructed St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Maison Marcotte and the d’Youville Pavilion to prohibit lay ministers from distributing Holy Communion to patients and clients of the hospital and nursing homes. The sacrament can only be delivered by priests and deacons until the decree is lifted.

“We are actively working with the hospital to take corrective measures,” said Monsignor Marc Caron, chancellor of the diocese. “That is proceeding very well. I see this as a short-term situation rather than a long-term.”

The health care system was cited for three violations of Catholic canon concerning the sanctity of Holy Communion, the sacrament that commemorates and connects the death of Jesus with divine grace. It is considered one of the most holy sacraments within the church.

According to the decree, the diocese had evidence that Holy Communion had been given to non-Catholics; that non-Catholics distributed Holy Communion; and that the custody of the communion hosts had not been sufficiently respectful or secure. It also said there was potential for simulation of the sacrament by people who were not delegated with that authority.

“These are considered serious infractions,” said Caron, who could not remember a similar decree ever being issued by the diocese. “In fairness to the hospital, there was no evidence that they were aware of or consented to (the infractions.) We see this as remedial action, not punitive.”

Lay ministers, known as Eucharistic or extraordinary ministers, have been widely used by the church in the past few decades to help the dwindling number of priests deliver the sacrament of Holy Communion to Catholics, especially those who are unable to get to Mass. They receive training by individual parishes in strictly defined duties.

Jennifer Radel, community relations manager at St. Mary’s, said patients and clients are still receiving Holy Communion at daily Masses at the hospital and through priests or deacons who go to Maison Marcotte and d’Youville Pavilion.

“We are still meeting the needs of our customers,” she said.

Part of the decree also requires that all keys to the tabernacles on Sisters of Charity property be retained by the Rev. Donald Gagne, the priest assigned to St. Mary’s. Tabernacles are the repository for the consecrated elements – the bread or hosts and wine – of Holy Communion.

Caron said the scope of the infractions was still under debate, but that St. Mary’s did not appeal the ruling. He declined to elaborate about the circumstances that led to the decree.

“Even if there was a single event in each category, the bishop would feel obligated to take action,” said Caron. “We have to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”