Extraordinary Ministers of Communion

Any member who has been confirmed, may become an extraordinary minister of communion [often also called a Eucharistic minister].  The parish provides training for this ministry at least once a year.  Eucharistic ministers help prepare the altar, water, wine, hosts and sacred vessels about half an hour before weekend Masses.  They distribute the Body and Blood of Christ to the assembly.  Some Eucharistic ministers also bring the eucharist to the sick and homebound.

“In every celebration of the Eucharist there should always be a sufficient number of ministers for the distribution of communion. Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should receive sufficient spiritual, theological, and practical preparation to fulfill their role with knowledge and reverence” [GIRM #160-162]. The role of extraordinary ministers is vital to the worship community. The preparation for carrying out their role occurs before, during, and after the Eucharistic celebration.

The responsibilities of Extraordinary Ministers of Communion are:

1] prepare sacred vessels, cloths, bread and wine prior to Mass,

2] ring the church bells prior to Mass,

3] Assist altar servers as needed,

4] distribute the Body and Blood of Christ,

5] purify and clean vessels at the end of the Mass.

6] Take Eucharist to the homebound and those in hospitals and nursing homes.