What is the role of the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion?

The role of the Extraordinary Minister is to assist the priest in the distribution of Holy communion when other priests or deacons (the ordinary ministers) are not available or when the number of persons receiving Holy Communion necessitates more ministers for an orderly and reverent distribution of Holy Communion.

In cases of necessity, "the priest may Commission suitable members of the faithful for the occasion."

Specific roles include:

• Distributing Holy Communion in the parish.
• Bringing Holy Communion to the sick or aged members of the parish, at the request of the pastor.
• Administering Holy Communion under both species, bread and consecrated wine.
• Assisting with the purification of the vessels if needed.
• Saying the prayer, but not blessing throats on the feast of St. Blase.
• Distributing ashes on Ash Wednesday.

Are there occasions when EMHCs may not distribute Communion?

Yes. When there are enough ordinary ministers to distribute Holy Communion.

What is appropriate attire for EMHCs?

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should dress in secular clothing that is modest, clean and appropriate for worship.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should show the greatest reverence for the most Holy Eucharist by their demeanor, their attire and the manner in which they handle the consecrated bread and wine.

Are EMHCs permitted to exercise other ministries, such as lector/reader or cantor?

Yes. However, they may not exercise these other ministries at the same Mass.

Are EMHCs permitted to self-communicate?

No. All communicants, including deacons and EMHCs, must always be given Communion under either form, by an ordinary minister or another EMHC. Only priests and bishops may self-communicate.

What are the requirements for EMHCs?

• They must be exemplary Catholics.
• They may be either male or female.
• They must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
• They must have received all of the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist, and if married, they must be in a valid Roman Catholic marriage.

OUTLINE OF MASS
What does the EMHC do?

Before Mass:

• Arrive 15 minutes before Mass.
• Sign in - Usher's room.
• See that all stations are covered.
• EMHCs should be encouraged to wash their hands before Mass begins.

At the Communion Rite:

• After the priest receives Holy Communion, approach the altar, where after the deacon, they receive Holy Communion and then receive their sacred vessels for distribution.
• At their stations, they distribute Holy Communion under the form of bread with the words "The Body of Christ."
• The EMHC is ready to offer the Body of Christ to the person who chooses to receive in the hand or on the tongue, waiting for the resonse: "Amen." The communicant bows his or her head before receiving.
• When receiving in the hand, the communicant should take care not to do so with hands stretched out and fingers open or apart, but rather place one hand as a throne beneath the other hand.
• The chalice is offered to the communicant with the words: "The Blood of Christ," while the communicant bows their head and responds: "Amen," then takes the chalice to receive.
• After each communicant has received the Blood of Christ, the minister carefully wipes both sides of the rim of the chalice with a purificator and turns the chalice slightly.
• If Eucharistic Bread or some particle of it falls; it should be picked up reverently by the minister. The consecrated bread may be consumed or placed in a designated vessel containing water. 
• If the consecrated wine is spilled from the chalice, the area should be washed immediately and the water poured into the sacrarium, which is located in the Sacristy.

After Holy Communion/Mass:

EMHCs, with permission, consume the remaining Precious Blood in the Communion Cup if they are able, or place it on the altar where the priest, deacon or other minister consumes it.

When finished with Holy Communion, the EMHCs stand facing the altar and reverently bow together from the waist and return to their seats.

 print 

© 2022 Saint Catherine's - 31 Asbury Road, Farmingdale, New Jersey 07727 | phone: 732-938-5375 | fax: 732-938-3260
Religious Education 732-938-6229