What Is It With Substitute Priests?

The same thing happened a couple of weeks ago at St. Joe's. Luckily, our parishioners knew better than these guys... A letter submitted to Father Z's blog:

"At Mass yesterday morning, the substitute priest forgot to show up. Several members of the congregation took it upon themselves to have a “Communion Service” with all the readings, etc. One of the EMHCs opened the Tabernacle and got the Consecrated Hosts out and proceeded to distribute them, along with another EMHC.

QUESTION: Are EMHCs allowed to open the Tabernacle and distribute
Consecrated Hosts when no priest or deacon is present?"

I loved Father Z's response:

"I think your diocesan bishop would like the chance to answer that question.

Ask him."