Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion: Role and Guidelines

An extraordinary minister of Holy Communion is a lay Catholic who helps distribute Holy Communion at Mass, or brings Communion to the sick, when there are not enough ordinary ministers. The ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are bishops, priests and deacons; lay people may assist when the needs of the Church require it (Code of Canon Law, canons 230 §3 and 910 §2). Below is what the role is, the Church’s rules, how to distribute Communion reverently, how to bring Communion to the sick, and a prayer for extraordinary ministers.

What the Church teaches about the role

Ordinary ministers are the bishop, the priest and the deacon. The instituted acolyte is also an extraordinary minister by virtue of his institution.
Other lay faithful may be appointed when there is real need: when ordinary ministers are lacking or the number of communicants is so large that Mass would be unduly prolonged (Redemptionis Sacramentum, 2004, nos. 154–158).
The correct name is “extraordinary minister of Holy Communion,” not “Eucharistic minister” or “special minister” (Redemptionis Sacramentum, 156).
Appointment: the pastor or the bishop chooses suitable Catholics, who receive training and are commissioned, often with the rite in the Book of Blessings.

Who can be an extraordinary minister?

Requirements vary by diocese, but usually an extraordinary minister must be:

a practicing Catholic who has received Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist;
living in harmony with the Church’s teaching, including on marriage;
of suitable age and maturity (many dioceses require at least sixteen or eighteen);
trained by the parish and commissioned for a set term.

Ask your pastor or parish liturgy coordinator if you would like to serve.

Serving at Mass, step by step

Arrive early, check in with the sacristan and pray before Mass. See our prayer before Mass.
Approach the altar at the time your parish indicates, after the priest has received Communion, and receive Communion yourself from the priest or deacon.
Receive the vessel (ciborium or chalice) from the priest or deacon; extraordinary ministers do not take vessels from the altar or tabernacle themselves unless directed.
Distribute with reverence: hold up the host and say, “The Body of Christ.” Wait for the communicant’s “Amen” before giving Communion on the tongue or in the hand. With the chalice: “The Blood of Christ,” then hand the chalice, wipe the rim with the purificator and turn it slightly.
If a host falls, pick it up reverently and consume it or set it aside as your parish directs; if the Precious Blood is spilled, cover the spot with a purificator and tell the sacristan (GIRM 280).
Return the vessels to the altar or credence table. The purification of the sacred vessels is done by the priest, deacon or instituted acolyte (Redemptionis Sacramentum, 119).

Bringing Communion to the sick and homebound

Carry the Blessed Sacrament reverently in a pyx, going directly to the sick person without stopping for other errands.
Follow the rite in Pastoral Care of the Sick: a greeting, a short reading, the Lord’s Prayer, the showing of the host (“This is the Lamb of God…”), Communion and a concluding prayer.
If the sick person cannot swallow a whole host, give a small piece. Return any remaining hosts to the tabernacle.
Bring news and greetings from the parish: you represent the whole community. See prayer for the sick.

Dress and attitude

Dress modestly and simply, as for an important occasion. Remember that you are holding the Lord himself: move calmly, make eye contact, and let your reverence teach others. Keep your hands clean, and if you are ill, find a substitute.

A prayer for extraordinary ministers

Written for this page:

Lord Jesus, you give yourself to your people in the Eucharist.
Thank you for letting me share your Body and Blood with my brothers and sisters.
Make my hands reverent, my heart pure and my faith strong.
Let me never grow used to this great gift,
and help me to see you in each person who comes to receive you. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

Is “Eucharistic minister” the right term?

The Church’s documents ask that the role be called “extraordinary minister of Holy Communion.” The ordinary minister of the Eucharist is the priest.

Can an extraordinary minister purify the vessels after Communion?

No. Under the current norms, the sacred vessels are purified by the priest, the deacon or an instituted acolyte.

How long is the commission?

Usually one to three years, renewable, according to the diocese.

More guides for liturgical ministers

Sources

Code of Canon Law (1983), canons 230 §3, 910.
Congregation for Divine Worship, instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum (2004), nos. 119, 154–160.
General Instruction of the Roman Missal, nos. 160–162, 280, 284.
Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum, Communion of the Sick.
The prayer was written for this page.