Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist

What is an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist?

In accepting the Church’s invitation to be a Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion, you are in a very concrete manner demonstrating your fundamental baptismal vocation to be another Christ.


In the celebration of the Eucharist, we receive a two-fold food: the bread of the Word and the bread of the Eucharist: “...Christ is always present in His Church, especially in her liturgical celebrations. He is present in the sacrifice of the Mass... under the Eucharistic species...He is present in His Word...” (Vatican Council, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, no. 7).


Since Vatican II we have become accustomed to the layperson reading the Word of God. As the Council tells us, “Christ is present in His Word.” In a real sense we have been receiving Christ in His Word through the lips and speech of our laypeople.


Another step has been taken. In the extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, we see laypeople distributing the Eucharistic Bread to souls in the banquet of Christ. This needed assistance given to our priests is another example of our common obligation to bring the Risen Lord to all humankind.


We should not be surprised at these changes in the Church. Rather let us appreciate the layperson and his/her role as it is outlined in Chapter IV of the Constitution of the Church. Let us encourage our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to study and reflect on this entire document of the II Vatican Council.


The Scriptures tell us that we all share in a common priesthood. We must keep clearly in mind, however, that “though they differ from one another in essence and not only in degree, the common priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial or hierarchical priesthood are nonetheless interrelated. Each of them in its own special way is a participation in the one priesthood of Christ,” (Vatican Council II, The Church, no. 10). In the ministry of distributing Holy Communion the layperson does not perform a function necessarily restricted to ordained priests. Rather, he/she exercises his/her own proper priesthood of service acquired at Baptism and deepened through Confirmation.

Qualifications

The Archdiocese of Atlanta has given some concrete expressions of these norms, namely that an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion:


  • if married, be married within the Church,
  • have received the sacrament of Confirmation,
  • Be at least 16 years of age.
  • In addition, it is necessary that the individual receive the certification of their pastor that they are properly qualified and trained.
  • Be a registered member of the parish.
  • Be a mature Catholic of excellent character who shows reverence and love for the Eucharist.
  • Attend Mass regularly
  • Be spiritually growing through daily prayer and liturgical prayer, especially the Sunday Eucharist.
EM Resources

Check your ministry schedule with Ministry Scheduler Pro! Click here.

Are you ready to become an Extraordinary Minister at St. John Vianney?  Please fill out an application HERE.

EMs' Dress Code:


Gentlemen:  dress slacks and a polo style shirt, button down dress shirt, sweater or plain t-shirt with sleeves. Suit or coat with or without tie.

Ladies:  slacks, dress, or skirt (the knee or longer), blouse, sweater or shirt with a modest neckline.

Please avoid:  shorts, flip flops or slippers, very high heels as they are tripping hazard, tennis shoes, spaghetti strap or strapless tops, excessively tight clothing. Political buttons, wristbands, clothing etc. are not appropriate.


If you are still unsure of what is appropriate, ask yourself “Is my attire suitable for one who is …”

  • Proclaiming God’s Word
  • Distributing the Body/Blood of our Lord
  • Greeting those who have come to receive the Word and Holy Communion
  • Preparing the “things that are necessary” for the celebration of the Liturgy.

Do you have questions?

Ana is happy to help!  As Mission and Evangelization Coordinator, she will guide you through the Altar Server process.  From training to ministry schedules, she is the one to call with any questions or concerns.  She looks forward to serving you.

Ana Aleman de Cortez

Mission and Evangelization