Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are special ministers of Communion authorised by the Church to share the Body and Blood of Christ with fellow worshippers. They assist in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass.

Through baptism, all the baptized are consecrated into a universal priesthood of all believers wherein they offer prayer and spiritual sacrifices that witness the power of God (Lumen Gentium, #10).

Although the two (2) are interrelated, this universal priesthood is distinct from the ministerial or 'sacramental' priesthood exercised by those that receive the sacrament of Holy Orders, Bishops, Priests and Deacons.

By virtue of their ordination, Priests are the only ministers who can validly confect the Sacrament of the Eucharist in persona Christi, that is, acting in the person of Christ. An extension of this teaching is that those who have received Holy Orders, Bishops, Priests and Deacons are the Ordinary ministers for the distribution of Holy Communion (cf. canon 910, § 1 of the Code of Canon Law (CIC)).

However, where the needs of the Church require and in accordance with the provisions of the law, members of the lay faithful may be mandated or commissioned to distribute Holy Communion by a Bishop or a Priest (cf. canon 230, § 3 CIC).

These persons serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. The term 'Extraordinary' in this context refers to the distinction between the special, contingent role served by these ministers and the normative, permanent role served by a Priest and Deacon as the 'Ordinary' minister of the Eucharist.

To avoid confusion, the role should be understood and referred to according to the title designated by the Church: Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, or simply Extraordinary minister. Other titles such as "Eucharistic minister" and "special minister of the Eucharist", although perhaps easier to use, unnecessarily and improperly broaden the meaning of this service, and should be avoided (Redemptionis Sacramentum, #156).

It is important to acknowledge and appreciate the ministry that Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion fulfill in the life of the Church. They provide support to the ministry of the Ordinary minister at Mass and, in bringing communion to the sick and homebound, they perform a corporal and spiritual work of mercy that brings great comfort to the faithful.

If you are interested to be one of the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, please contact the Cathedral Rector (250-564-5225) or email (secretary@shcpg.ca) with a subject line, 'Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.'