Extra-ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
In the Catholic Church, an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) is a lay person who assists in distributing the Eucharist when ordinary ministers (bishops, priests, and deacons) are unavailable, or when the size of the congregation requires extra help to ensure an orderly and reverent distribution.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Distributing Communion at Mass: EMHCs step forward after the priest and deacons have received communion. They assist in distributing the consecrated bread (hosts) or the Precious Blood (chalice) to the faithful.
Bringing Communion to the Sick and Homebound: One of the most common applications of this ministry is taking the Eucharist directly to parishioners who are ill, elderly, or confined to their homes or care facilities and unable to attend Mass. (Requires an extra-training in order to do this)
Why "Extraordinary"?
The Church distinguishes between ordinary and extraordinary ministers:
Ordinary Ministers: Bishops, priests, and deacons are the ordinary ministers of Holy Communion by virtue of their ordination.
Extraordinary Ministers: Called upon out of necessity (e.g., large numbers of people at Mass, or physical illness preventing attendance) to supply assistance. The title emphasizes that this is a supplemental role rather than the primary office of the clergy.
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Contact: Greg and Ranae Lupus
