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Please make sure to check the upcoming schedule of Extraordinary Ministers in this week's bulletin or on the event calendar page.
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Principles and guidelines for EMHC Service
Introduction
The ordinary minister of Holy Communion is a bishop, priest or deacon (Canon 910, §1). However, other members of the faithful, known as extraordinary ministers of
Holy Communion (EMHCs), may be commissioned to assist with the distribution of
the Sacrament (Canons 230, §3 AND 910, §2). EMHCs can ensure a timely and reverent distribution of Communion among a large assembly.
Who can Serve as an EMHC?“In this ministry, you must be examples of Christian living in faith and conduct; you must strive to grow in holiness through this sacrament of unity and love. Remember that, though many, we are one body because we share the one bread and one cup.” -- The Rite of Commissioning Special Ministers of Holy Communion
Those selected to serve as EMHCs should be fully initiated members of the community who strive to live the Christian life, to give good example, and who are devoted to this great mystery which signifies the unity of the Church and brings it about. The Church is not expecting saints to carry out this ministry; but those who take their faith seriously and desire to grow in that faith.
- The EMHC must be fully initiated in the Catholic Church (i.e., baptized and confirmed).
- It is the pastor’s responsibility to ensure that all EMHCs receive appropriate spiritual, theological and practical training to exercise this ministry with knowledge and reverence.
- The EMHC must be commissioned to serve in the assigned parish(es)/ institution(s). Commissioning is valid for a period of three years at a time. Those interested in serving as an EMHC should contact their pastor. A pastor or bishop may terminate the service of the EMHC at any time, and the EMHC may also resign at any time.
- It is preferable that EMHCs do not serve simultaneously in other liturgical ministries, such as lectors or choir members at the Mass. It is more decorous and reverent for an individual to concentrate on a single ministry and it better represents and respects the diversity of gifts in the community.
How to prepare to serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
Prayer
Reflect upon the people to whom you will be ministering. Call to mind how you are all members of the Body of Christ. Pray for the individuals who make up your parish community and ask the Lord to grant you deeper communion with Christ and one another through the Mass. Strive to live the Christian life. Reflect upon how you live out gospel values and how you can be an agent of peace in your community. Cultivate your personal prayer life. The deeper your life of personal prayer, the more you bring to the community gathered for worship. Your ministry does not begin and end with the communion rite. Foster an attitude of hospitality and reverence for Christ in all people at all times.
Study
Prepare for Mass by reading in advance the texts to be proclaimed and reflect upon the connection between the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Learn more about the theology of the Mass and the various liturgical roles, especially the role of the baptized assembly. Learn more about the meaning of the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Christian life.
Practical Preparation
Know when you are scheduled to serve. Arrive in due time to sign in and prepare your heart for service. Be familiar with the protocol for this ministry. Dress modestly so as not to draw attention to yourself. Be sure your hands are clean. If sufficient regular ministers (Bishops, priests, or deacons) are present, the EMHC must graciously step aside from service. If you have a contagious illness, find a replacement for yourself.
(All information taken from Diocese of Calgary Liturgical Guide linked below.)