Eucharistic Ministers or Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will assist the priest(s) in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ to the faithful. The primary requirement to be part of this ministry is a profound faith and belief in Christ present in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. A sufficient spiritual, theological and pastoral preparation will be required of those who are willing to take part in this ministry so that they can fulfill their role with knowledge and reverence. An added responsibility to the role as Eucharistic Minister is to be a Sacristan, if one chooses to be one. The main role as Sacristan is to prepare the vessels that will be needed for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
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. 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). Please visit USCCB to lear more.
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).
If you are interested in serving as Eucharistic Minister, please contact Carol Corson at ccorson10@gmail.com.
If you are new to the ministry please refer to these guidelines for ministers of Holy Communion.