Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Role and Function of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (English)
The Role and Function of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (English)
The Role and Function of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (English)
FUNCTION OF
EXTRAORDINARY
MINISTERS OF
HOLY COMMUNION
In general, an Extraordinary Minister
of Holy communion is a liturgical
minister who assists the priest at Mass
WHAT IS and who renders specific supportive
functions during liturgical services in
EXTRAORDINAR the Church.
Y MINISTER OF
HOLY In particular, an Extraordinary
Minister of Holy Communion is a lay
COMMUNION? person, a man or woman, who has
been deputed (authorized) to assist the
priest in giving communion during the
Mass and other liturgical ceremonies.
According to the GIRM - the EMHC is a liturgical
minister
They are liturgical ministers with special authorization
from the Bishop and parish Priest of the Diocese/parish
Their service adds to the orderly and prayerful nature of
worship
ROLE
They enhance solemnity, grace and reverence in the
liturgy
They model good liturgical participation to the
assembly through actions, prayers, hymns, and
responses
Their service is voluntary and gratuitous
SEATS
Your seats in the designated area must be
arranged so that they are clearly distinguished
from those of the clergy and other ministers.
1. Attend the Mass for which you have been scheduled to serve. Do not come in only when its time to give
communion
2. You may receive communion at every Mass you fully attended. Otherwise, you may not receive communion
if you were not present the whole time
3. Approach the altar only at designated time, that is, during the singing of the "Lamb of God" which is done
before communion.
4. Wait for the priest to give you the host for communion. Do not take the host by yourself unless the priest
allows you to do so.
5. Hold the sacred host in your hand and wait until the priest has taken his communion. Only after the priest
has taken communion that you may take your own communion.
6. Wait for the priest to give you the vessel with consecrated hosts for communion. Do not get the vessel by
yourself unless you are allowed to do so by the priest.
7. Avoid actions that may look like you are a concelebrant in the Mass like, standing near the priest in the altar
or receiving communion with him.
SPECIAL PERMISSIONS