What do they do with remaining blood of Christ?
They (the extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion) consume it. The utmost care most be shown to both the Body and Blood of Christ. The smallest crumbs of Christ’s Body and tiny drops of Christ’s Blood are to be consumed. The proper dwelling place of Christ in the Eucharist is inside us, the people for whom he gave his life. Of course, the Body may be reposed in the tabernacle. After consuming the elements, the vessels themselves are “purified” by rinsing with water which is in turn consumed. In certain cases, the water may be poured respectfully into a “sacrarium” which is a drain into the ground (not the sewer). Even the linens used with the cup, called purificators, should be first washed in water that in turn is disposed of by pouring it into the sacrarium or directly into the ground. All this is done to show our respect of our Lord and our God, Jesus Christ who is really, truly, and substantially present in the Eucharist.
-Fr. Greg
