Extraordinary Ministers of Communion

General Principles

“In every celebration of the Eucharist, there should be a sufficient number of ministers of Holy Communion so that it may be distributed in a reverent and orderly manner. Bishops, priests and deacons distribute Holy Communion in virtue of their office as ordinary ministers of the Body and Blood of the Lord.”

Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds for the Dioceses of the United States of America [NDRHC] (August, 2002), no. 26 and cf. GIRM no. 162 and NRHC, no. 28

When the size of the congregation or the incapacity of the bishop, priest, or deacon requires it, the celebrant may be assisted by other bishops, priests, or deacons. If such ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are not present, “the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, i.e., duly instituted acolytes or even other faithful who have been deputed for this purpose. In case of necessity, the priest may also depute suitable faithful for this single occasion (GIRM 162).”

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should receive sufficient spiritual, theological, and practical preparation to fulfill their role with knowledge and reverence. In all matters they should follow the guidance of the diocesan bishop (Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds for the Dioceses of the United States of America, NDRHC, no. 28).  When recourse is had to Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, especially in the distribution of Holy Communion under both kinds, their number should not be increased beyond what is required for the orderly and reverent distribution of the Body and Blood of the Lord. In all matters such Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should follow the guidance of the diocesan bishop (IBID).

All ministers of Holy Communion should show the greatest reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist by their demeanor, their attire, and the manner in which they handle the consecrated bread or wine. Should there be any mishap–as when, for example, the consecrated wine is spilled from the chalice–then the affected “area . . . should be washed and the water poured into the sacrarium [GIRM, 280].” (NDRHC, 29).

 

The mission of the Extra-Ordinary Minister of Eucharist  is to assist the celebrant at Mass in the distributing the Eucharist and Precious Blood.  You can help in this important and helpful ministry.  Contact us if you share an interested in serving in this important ministry!  Upon acceptance on the local lever, the candidate is presented to the Bishop for final approval.  In our Diocese, an Extra-Ordinary Minister of Communion is typically commission to serve in this ministry for a period of three years, renewable by request to and acceptance by the Bishop.

 

This ministry as an Extra-Ordinary Mnister of Communion at the Parish of the Assumption is divided into two parts. A minister can participate in one or both parts of the ministry.

 

Church:  This part of the ministry is the one in which most people are familiar. The ministers assist the celebrant at Mass distributing the Eucharist and Precious Blood (Consecrated Wine). There are ministers at all of our weekend masses and daily masses, holy days and special occasions as needed.

 

Ministry to the Homebound, Hospitalized and Residents in Nursing Home Care:  This part of the ministry brings the Eucharist to a member of the parish who is sick or homebound. This can be a long term or short term assignment based upon the needs of the recipient. Once a need is communicated to the parish center, the parish center notifies the coordinator who then makes an initial call to the recipient. Then a minister is assigned to the parish member. The minister then calls the recipient and arranges to bring the Eucharist at agreed upon times.