Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (often referred to as Eucharistic Ministers) are lay people who assist the priest and deacon in distributing the Body and the Blood of Christ at Mass, and may also take Holy Communion to sick and housebound members of the parish. People preparing for this Ministry will be asked to become familiar with the Church’s teaching regarding the Eucharist and its distribution – they will be handling the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, which is a duty not to be taken lightly.
Ministers are officially commissioned and are required to renew this commission annually; this would usually be at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday evening, but in our parish this takes place during Mass on the Feast of Corpus Christi. Ministers are also encouraged to take part in the annual Diocesan Inspirational Day for Ministers of the Word and Holy Communion.
If you feel called to serve God in this Ministry, please discuss with the parish priest or deacon.
[Note: They are termed “Extraordinary" Ministers to distinguish them from the “Ordinary” Ministers of Holy Communion, i.e. bishops, priests and deacons]