Extraordinary Ministers

Purpose

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist enable us to emphasize the communal ownership of the liturgy, and they facilitate the distribution of the body and blood of Christ at the Eucharist. Those who serve must be inviting, caring people. They must give each member of the assembly a gracious welcome befitting the honored guests at the table of the Lord.

Qualifications to Serve as an Extraordinary Minister (from the Archdiocese of Atlanta Website)

It is important that those individuals selected to serve as extraordinary ministers of Holy communion be chosen carefully. The instruction Immensae Cartatis describes them in the following manner:

The faithful who are special ministers of communion must be persons whose good qualities of Christian life, faith and morals recommend them. Let them strive to be worthy of this great office, foster their own devotion to the Eucharist, and show an example to the rest of the faithful by their own devotion and reverence toward the most august sacrament of the altar. No one is to be chosen whose appointment the faithful might find disquieting.(Immensae Caritatis)

The Archdiocese of Atlanta has given some concrete expressions of these norms, namely that an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, if married, be married within the Church, have received the sacrament of Confirmation, and be at least 16 years of age. In addition, it is necessary that the individual receive the certification of their pastor that they are properly qualified and trained. Additional expectations may be added by the individual parish.

Skills

This ministry is for those who wish to share their faith in the Eucharist with the members of the assembly. The best Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist have the ability to communicate their faith through eye contact and gesture. They are truly present to people in the brief moment of faith that is shared.

Benefit

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist are graced with the opportunity to share Christ's body and blood with others. They recognize Christ in the faces of all who approach. They are privileged to proclaim each person as a member of the Mystical Body by saying the words "The Body of Christ" and "The Blood of Christ." Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist profess the faith of the Church and ask for affirmation in the assembly's "amen."

Time Commitment

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist sign in at whatever Mass they attend, if needed. Time commitment varies depending on which Mass you attend and the number of EMs available.

Please note: This ministry at certain times may ask people to minister at different Masses than they normally attend (ex: First Eucharist, Christmas)

Coordination

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist are coordinated by Mass. There is a volunteer Mass coordinator who signs in the Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist at each Mass.

Training

Periodic group meetings occur for disseminating information and ongoing training. Initial training sessions are offered at least 3 times a year. Watch the bulletin for announcements for training sessions. Archdiocesan Certification is valid for a three year period after which recertification training must take place.

[ Updated May 02, 2007 ]