Regulations for the Extra Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Authorization

Although the Extra Ordinary Minister of Holy Communion is commissioned by the Bishop to distribute Holy Communion to the faithful, the permission is granted only for the parish in which the minister is registered and active. The permission of the pastor or priest to whom custody of the Blessed Sacrament must also be obtained before the minister is commissioned. This commission is granted for general or specific occasions and endures for three years.

Requirements

1. Membership in parish one year (at pastor’s discretion but encouraged from point of view of fidelity to the community one wishes to serve.)
2. Men or women who are 16 years of age or older, acknowledged by peers and pastor to be an active Catholic in good standing with the Roman Catholic Church.
3. Sacramental reception: Must have received the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation in the Roman Catholic Church.
4. Names to be submitted to the bishop (the pastor’s signature required on the letter of request); the list will be acknowledged by the Office of Worship and returned to the parish.
5. All the faithful, especially those who will serve as extra ordinary ministers of Holy Communion, should be properly catechized on the following:
   The ecclesial nature of the Eucharist as the common possession of the whole Church;
   The Eucharist as the memorial of Christ’s sacrifice, his death and resurrection, and as the sacred Banquet;
   The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharistic elements, whole and entire, in each element of bread and wine (the doctrine of concomitance);
   The kinds of reverence due at all times to the sacrament, whether within the Eucharistic liturgy or outside the celebration;
   The role that ordinary and, if necessary, extra ordinary ministers of the Eucharist are assigned in the Eucharistic assembly.
   
6. Six hours of ongoing formation yearly.
7. Safe Environment training every two years.
8. “Hands-on” training including the importance of fulfilling commitments as scheduled.

Special Instruction

Extra Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should cultivate a personal prayer life that includes devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, daily prayer and retreat time to deepen their relationship with God. In his/her ministry he/she should make efforts to instill reverence and respect for the Blessed Sacrament and give particular care in handling and transporting.