A Eucharistic Minister’s primary role is to assist in disbributing the consecrated Body and Blood of Christ to the congregation during Communion services. They are also called Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in the Catholic Church and serve as a way for the priest to help ensure the communion rite is carried out in an orderly and timely manner.
Duties during a service
Distribute communion: The main duty is to help the priest and deacon distribute the consecrated bread and wine to those receiving communion.
Maintain order: They help ensure the distribution is reverent and efficient.
Assist with collections: In some churches, they may help collect offerings and handle them in the sacristy.
Broader responsibilities
Serve the sick and homebound: Some ministers take communion to those who are unable to attend services, such as in hospitals or their own homes.
Strengthen faith: The role is seen as a way to strengthen one’s own faith and share that faith with others.
Be a visible sign of faith: Ministers are meant to be a visible sign of faith, hope, and love to the parish community.
Requirements
Sacramental initiation: In the Catholic Church, one must be a fully initiated Catholic, having received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist.
Marriage status: If married, it must be a valid sacramental marriage.
Commitment and preparation: The role requires dedication, prayerful preparation, and a sense of reverence.
Eucharistic Ministry to the Homebound
A large part of our community is made up of senior citizens. Many of our parishioners are homebound, or find it necessary to live in assisted living centers.
We have formed a ministry in order to continue bringing the Gospel and the Eucharist to this group of people. All people interested in participating in this ministry are given training and material and are eventually invited to provide services at local healthcare facilities or if it is their desire, to visit people at home.
How Do I Arrange A Communion Call?
If you or a loved one is permanently or temporarily homebound or cannot get out to Church for some other serious reason, arrangements may be made to have an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EM) bring Communion to your home. A short visit, prayer and Communion will be offered. Home bound parishioners may make arrangements to have a priest come and hear your confession.