“Human beings all over the world today need nourishment. And this nourishment is not just to satisfy physical hunger. There are other hungers – for love, for immortality of life, for affection, for being cared for, for forgiveness, for mercy. This hunger can be satiated only by the bread that comes from above. Jesus himself is the living bread that gives life to the world. His body offered for our sake on the cross, his blood shed for the pardon of the sins of humanity is made available to us in the bread and wine to the Eucharist transformed in the consecration.”        (Pope Francis)

Extraordinary Ministers of Communion serve the Eucharistic life of the community by assisting the Ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist during the Rite of Communion. Eucharistic Ministers are people who have a reverence for the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and the meaning of Eucharist in the Catholic tradition. They want to assist others in their participation in the graces of this sacrament of our Church. They also must be steady on their feet, and have steady hands to hold the ciborium of consecrated hosts. Eucharistic ministry requires the greatest sense of devotion and reverence. It also requires an ability to respond appropriately and sensitively to the variety of people who approach you in the line to receive communion. 

The Eucharist is the heart and centre of our lives.  Ministers love the Eucharist. They know they are helping to distribute the most precious gift of all, the Body of Christ.  This ministry requires great reverence for the Eucharist, a prayerful attitude and a love for the people of God.

Consider:
Do I have a reverence for the Eucharist?
Am I willing to serve my community?
Who are the ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:

According to the norm of the law, the ordinary minister of the Holy Eucharist is a bishop or priest or deacon  “The only minister who, in the person of Christ, can bring into being the sacrament of the Eucharist is a validly ordained priest” (canon 900 §1).  It is most fitting that he distributes Holy Communion to the faithful.  The bishop, the priest and the deacon are, by virtue of their sacred ordination, the ordinary ministers of Holy Communion (cf. canon 910).

Who are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:
The faithful who are Extraordinary Ministers of Communion must be persons whose good qualities of Christian life, faith and morals recommend them.  Those who are called to exercise this ministry should reflect on the privilege of serving their brothers and sisters in the faith.  They should acknowledge their service with true humility and gratitude.  They must receive the gift of the Eucharist with grateful hearts and share that gift generously and joyfully with others, both in the ministry of giving Holy Communion and in their daily lives.  An Extraordinary Minister must be a person who is striving to develop a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ: in the Eucharist and through a life of prayer. They should develop a sense of compassion, justice and charity in their daily lives.  Willingness to serve others should mark Extraordinary Ministers.  They must always respect those who approach them to receive the Eucharist.  This entails giving particular consideration to young communicants, people with disabilities and those who are frail and elderly. They should never become casual in the way they serve at the Liturgy.  They should always maintain a sense of wonder and awe at the Sacrament they are privileged to distribute to others.
It is a wonderful privilege to serve your fellow parishioners in this way. You will find that it deepens your own personal devotion to the Eucharist.

If you would like more information on this ministry, please contact us at: [email protected]