Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

“If angels could be jealous of men, they would be so for one reason: Holy Communion.”
Saint Maximilian Kolbe

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) Purpose

When the size of the congregation requires it and a sufficient number of ordinary ministers are not present, the celebrant “may call upon Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to assist” in the distribution of Holy Communion (Norms for the Distribution of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the United States of America, #28). This usually occurs when there is a particularly large number of the faithful present which would excessively prolong the distribution Holy Communion.

As such, the selection of EMHC must be discerned within the parish community, and must furthermore be trained and commissioned by the Pastor.

Will training be offered?

YES! Individual or group formation and training session(s) will be offered.

Qualifications for a EMHC

Must be a registered member of St. Rose Church, Girard
Must be 16 years of age or older
Received all the Sacraments of Initiation (i.e.. Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation)
Leads a life in harmony with the undertaking of this ministry including participation in the sacramental life of the Church

How long will I be commissioned as a EMHC?

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are commissioned to function within their own parish and for a period of three years. The commission expires after three years or if the person moves away from his or her parish.

Who do I contact if I would like to become an EMHC?

THANK YOU for considering becoming a commissioned Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion!

For inquiries, please call the Parish Office, at 330.545.4351 or by email.

EMHC to the Sick or the Homebound

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may also be used so that the sick or homebound may receive Holy Communion with the frequency as recommended in Rite for the Pastoral Care of the Sick. Any person who regularly takes Holy Communion to the sick is to be trained and commissioned. An individual may be commissioned for only this aspect of the ministry or may perform this service in conjunction with his or her service within the Eucharistic assembly. To establish the connection between the Sunday assembly and the homebound and sick of the parish,

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are ideally sent from the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist with Holy Communion to the sick and homebound.

The same qualifications will be needed for each EMHC to the Sick and the Homebound.