Extraordinary Ministers

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are to assist the priests in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and to homebound members of the parish.  Upon volunteering, individuals receive appropriate instruction and then may volunteer for or possibly be assigned duties at the various Masses.

Besides assisting with the distribution of Holy Communion at our parish Masses on Saturday evening and on Sundays, it also requires bringing Holy Communion to our homebound parishioners on Sunday mornings after the 8:45am Mass.

Ideally, a minister would serve once every 5 or 6 weeks. It is a very rewarding ministry, and our grateful homebound parishioners look forward to your visits every week. Depending on the assignment, it typically requires 1 to 2 hours to complete.

Attendance at a Diocesan training workshop is mandatory for newly appointed ministers.  The mandate that the bishops’ office issues for each minister is not a permanent one. It is for a 5-year term, renewable once. The reason for this is that neither the Church nor the Diocese desires to have Extraordinary Ministers see their ministry as a permanent one. Only a bishop, priest, or deacon is a permanent minister of the Eucharist.

All ministers of Holy Communion should show the greatest reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist by their demeanor, their attire, and the manner with which they handle the consecrated bread.

A suitable candidate should have a devotion to the Eucharist and possess the ability, time, and willingness to serve in this capacity. Since the Extraordinary Minister is a steward of the parish, it is important that the candidate possess a serious and mature faith commitment. The person embodies in his or her daily life what he or she says: “The Body of Christ”.  Not only do Extraordinary Ministers share their faith with others; by their reverence for God and care for others; they call forth faith and invite others to a deeper relationship with the Lord.