Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
WALLSEND | SHORTLAND
Serving Christ in the Eucharist and His People
The ministry of an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) is a privileged ministry of service within the liturgical and pastoral life of the Church. Extraordinary Ministers assist with the distribution of Holy Communion when the number of communicants or other pastoral circumstances make their assistance appropriate. They may also be commissioned to take Holy Communion to parishioners who are sick, elderly, housebound or unable to participate in Mass.
At the heart of this ministry is our Catholic faith in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. For this reason, the ministry is undertaken with profound reverence, humility and care. The minister is not simply distributing something sacred but is entrusted with the Body and Blood of Christ, offered as spiritual nourishment to God’s people.
A Ministry of Reverence and Service
Extraordinary Ministers should be practising Catholics who participate faithfully in the sacramental life of the Church and seek to live in a manner consistent with the ministry they undertake. Their service should flow from a personal love for Christ, particularly in the Eucharist, and from a sincere desire to serve the community.
Preparation is important. Ministers should arrive sufficiently early, be appropriately dressed, know their assigned place and responsibilities, and participate prayerfully in the entire Mass. Their movements around the sanctuary should be calm, dignified and reverent.
When distributing Holy Communion, the minister should give full attention to each communicant. Holding up the Sacred Host, the minister says clearly, “The Body of Christ,” to which the communicant responds, “Amen.” The approved liturgical words should be used without additions or alterations.
Careful attention must always be given to the reverent handling of the Blessed Sacrament and to the directions provided by the priest and parish.
Bringing Communion to the Sick
One of the most beautiful expressions of this ministry is bringing Holy Communion to those who cannot come to church because of illness, age or frailty.
In these moments, the Extraordinary Minister becomes a visible connection between the person and the worshipping parish community. The minister carries not only the Eucharist but also the prayer, friendship and pastoral concern of the Church.
This ministry should never be hurried or treated merely as a practical task. A visit to the sick or housebound should be undertaken prayerfully, compassionately and according to the approved rites and parish procedures.
An Invitation to Serve
At Divine Mercy Parish Wallsend–Shortland, we are deeply grateful to those who already serve faithfully as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Their ministry contributes greatly to our celebrations at St Patrick’s, Wallsend, and Our Lady of Victories, Shortland, as well as to our pastoral care of the sick and elderly.
We also encourage suitable parishioners to consider whether God may be calling them to this ministry. Training, formation and practical guidance will be provided, and ministers serve according to the needs and procedures of the parish.
To serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is ultimately to serve Jesus Christ—present in the Eucharist and present in the people to whom we minister. It is a ministry to be undertaken not as an honour or status, but with gratitude, faith, humility and love.
