THE EXTRAORDINARY MINISTER OF HOLY COMMUNION

The extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is commissioned to help the priest /deacon distribute the Holy Eucharist at Mass.  This ministry may also extend to shut-ins as well as people in retirement homes or nursing homes.

The Extraordinary Minister should have a genuine love for the Eucharist and be committed to this very special ministry of the Church.

If you are interested in serving either Holy Name of Jesus Church or St. Alphonsus Liguori Church as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, please speak to our pastor or to the coordinator of this ministry.

What's an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion?

 "Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion" is the formal title of laypeople who distribute the Eucharist during Mass. As the title implies, there are also "ordinary ministers" - those who are literally "ordained" to the ministry namely bishops, priests, and deacons. These ministers are usually the first in order to distribute the Body and Blood of Christ, the deacon being the customary distributor of the cup.

In most places, especially when Communion is offered under the forms of both bread and wine, there are rarely enough "ordinary" ministers for the timely distribution of Communion.

Through the local diocese and often at the parish level, Communion ministers receive spiritual, theological, and practical preparation to fulfill their role with knowledge and reverence. Such preparation addresses appropriate attire, demeanor, and the manner in which to handle the consecrated bread and wine. For example, should there be any mishaps with the consecrated wine, the area should be washed with water, which then is poured into the sacrarium, a special sink that drains into the ground.

The Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie has released "Norms for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion" to inform those involved in this ministry of the relevant instructions of the Universal Church and the diocesan norms established by the Bishop.  Also, it serves to provide guidance as to the formation and mandating of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for service within our liturgies and to the sick and homebound.

The document is available here.