The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is a parishioner, selected by the Pastor and mandated by the Bishop, who serves, distributes, and administers the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ during the Holy Communion or Eucharist of the Mass. They are also referred to as Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion.
Eucharistic Ministers assist the Pastor by preparing the Altar and the Credence table with the vessels before Mass and assist with purifying the vessels after each Mass.
Eucharistic 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.
Eucharistic Ministers are also asked to bring Holy Communion to people within the parish community who are sick and/or homebound. The experience in bringing the Body of Christ to others, who can not attend mass due to illness or other limitations, is truly a gift from God.