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The ministry of distributing Holy Communion at Mass is a valuable and necessary service to the faithful of our parish. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the priest with the distribution of Holy Communion under both species - bread and wine.
The Church teaches that the "ordinary minister" of Holy Communion is the bishop, priest, or deacon, as they represent Christ himself, who feeds us with his Body and Blood. It is only in situations of need that lay people may be commissioned to assist in this. Please read this excerpt from the document, Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the United States of America (2001).
Prospective Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion must have a deep love for and commitment to Christ in the Eucharist and a great humility in acting as his minister. They must be reliable in fulfilling their commitment to serve at Mass and they must find properly commissioned substitutes whenever they cannot fulfill their duty. If you have the desire to learn more about becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, please call or email the parish office.