EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

"Is not the cup of blessing we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread we break a sharing in the body of Christ? Because the loaf is one, we, many though we are, are one in body, for we all partake of the one loaf." 1 Corinthians 10:16

The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is a member of the Christian faithful delegated to serve in distributing Eucharist to the faithful. Serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion in the parish community is both a privilege and a responsibility, not a right. Those who serve in this ministry should be people who manifest a reverence for the sacrament as well as for their fellow parishioners. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are encouraged to participate frequently in the celebration of Mass as well as striving to nurture their spiritual growth through reading and meditation.

The pastor is to decide who should be chosen to be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for the parish, bearing in mind the following:

• Men and women, sixteen years and older, representative of the parish community, may be chosen.
• Each person selected should be a practicing Catholic, in good standing, whose conduct of life does not contradict the teachings of the Catholic Church as described by the Magesterium, who is fully initiated through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
• Those persons selected for this ministry are to be given appropriate formation.
• Diocese of Rockford: Norms and Guidelines for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at Mass

Responsibilities include:

• Regular attendance at Mass
• Complete and return the pre-schedule by the date requested.
• Keep scheduled assignments. Preferred Mass time will be honored as much as possible.
• Find a substitute when scheduled assignments cannot be met.
• Arrive in the sacristy no later than 15 minutes before Mass begins to perform any set-up duties.
• Allow time following Mass to help with the necessary final tasks.
• Dress appropriately when serving.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are approved by the pastor and appointed by the bishop for a term of 3 years. There is a training session with respect to the manner in which the distribution of communion takes place.

Extraordinary Ministers may also be appointed to bring Holy Communion to the sick, elderly and homebound, who, by reason of their illness and/or confinement at home or other care facilities, are not able to be physically present for the celebration of Mass. The purpose of this ministry is to bring Holy Communion to them and thus unite them spiritually to the worshiping community.

If you are interested in serving in this ministry, please call 630.896.6816