It is a privilege and sacred task to become an Extraordinary minister of the Holy Eucharist and a blessing to those who are chosen. The ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are the Priest and Deacon. Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion may be appointed to facilitate the distribution of Holy Communion within Mass when there is a large number of communicants; and to allow for a more frequent, even daily, administration of Holy Communion outside of Mass to those impeded from attending Mass because of sickness or physical weakness whether at home or hospital.
Outside of Mass Administration of the Eucharist
The Eucharist that is taken to the sick is to be carried in a blessed pyx, which should be placed in a burse, if possible, and carried on the person with utmost reverence. Extraordinary ministers while bearing the Eucharist should as a rule keep silence, pray, and be especially mindful of the sacred responsibility that has been entrusted to them. The Eucharist must be borne directly from Church to the house of the sick without interruption. Training is provided for all Eucharistic Ministers and instruction on how to administer Holy Communion outside the Sacrifice of the Mass is also provided.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
“The Eucharist is the vital centre of all that the Church is and does. At its heart is the real presence of the crucified, risen and glorified Lord, who continues his saving work among us. The Second Vatican Council reminded us: ‘the most holy Eucharist holds within itself the whole spiritual treasure of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Passover and our living bread’” (One Bread One Body n.3)
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC), assist the priest and deacon in distributing the Body and the Blood of Christ at Mass; to the sick at home and in the hospitals; and to the housebound. Whether at Mass or in other special situations, the EMHC enables the recipient to share the Communion of the entire Body of Christ i.e. the Church, and share in the effects of the abiding Communion of love of the Triune God i.e. the Father, Son & Holy Spirit.
They are termed “Extraordinary Ministers” to distinguish them from the Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (bishops, priests and deacons). They are invited to serve in this ministry at the invitation of the parish priest and with the approval of the Bishop.
General Principles of Ministry at Holy Communion
In every celebration of the Eucharist, there should be a sufficient number of ministers of Holy Communion so that it may be distributed in a reverent and orderly manner. Bishops, priests and deacons distribute Holy Communion in virtue of their office as ordinary ministers of the Body and Blood of the Lord.
When the size of the congregation or the incapacity of the bishop, priest, or deacon requires it, the celebrant may be assisted by other bishops, priests, or deacons. If such ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are not present, “the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, i.e., duly instituted acolytes or even other faithful who have been deputed for this purpose. In case of necessity, the priest may also depute suitable faithful for this single occasion (General Instruction of the Roman Missal n.162).”
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should receive sufficient spiritual, theological, and practical preparation to fulfill their role with knowledge and reverence. In all matters they should follow the guidance of the diocesan bishop. When recourse is had to Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, especially in the distribution of Holy Communion under both kinds, their number should not be increased beyond what is required for the orderly and reverent distribution of the Body and Blood of the Lord. In all matters such Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should follow the guidance of the diocesan bishop.
All ministers of Holy Communion should show the greatest reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist by their demeanour, their attire, and the manner in which they handle the consecrated bread or wine. Should there be any mishap as when, for example, the consecrated wine is spilled from the chalice then the affected “area . . . should be washed and the water poured into the sacrarium [GIRM, 280].”