Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
The mission of an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is to assist the ordinary ministers (priests and deacons) with the distribution of the sacred Species (Body and Precious Blood) during Mass and to bring the Holy Eucharist to those parishioners who are unable to attend Mass.
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
-
Who We Are
-
Key Responsibilities
-
Significance
-
Who Can Serve
-
Contacts
An Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) serves as a layperson authorized to assist with the distribution of the Holy Eucharist when there are insufficient “ordinary” ministers (ordained bishops, priests, or deacons) available. An EMHC may also bring the Holy Eucharist to those parishioners who are unable to attend Mass.
Key Responsibilities
- Facilitate distribution of the Holy Eucharist during Mass when there is a large number of communicants.
- Take the Holy Eucharist to parishioners who cannot attend Mass due to illness, infirmity, or old age, such as those in hospitals or nursing homes.
The significance of an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) lies in his or her role as a bridge between the altar and the community, facilitating a deeper
connection to the Holy Eucharist for both the congregation and the homebound.
Key areas of significance include:
1. Spiritual Vitality of the Parish
-
- Wider Access to the Holy Eucharist: By assisting with distribution, EMHCs allow the faithful to receive the Body of Christ in a reverent and timely manner, preventing the rite from becoming excessively long or chaotic.
- Connecting the Homebound: Bringing the Holy Eucharist to those unable to attend Mass – due to illness, age, or disability – serves as a vital witness of the parish community’s concern and love for its most vulnerable members.
2. Witness to the “Real Presence”
-
- Public Devotion: EMHCs provide a visible example of reverence. Their deportment, attire, and careful handling of the sacred vessels serve as a public witness to the belief in the Real Presence of Christ.
- Theology of Service: Serving in this capacity is considered a profound act of service and devotion rather than just a functional task.
3. Personal Spiritual Growth for the Minister
-
- Deepened Faith: Handling the Body and Blood of Christ often fosters a deeper personal love and appreciation for the Holy Eucharist.
- Call to Holiness: The responsibility of this “sacred mission” often inspires ministers to strive for greater holiness and to be effective Christian witnesses in their daily lives.
- Evangelization Opportunities: Especially when visiting the sick, EMHCs open doors for pastoral care and spiritual conversations that may not otherwise happen.
To serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, an individual must:
- Be a fully initiated Catholic (having received Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist) and be in good standing with the Church.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Receive permission from the Pastor to attend specific theological and practical training and then be formally mandated through the Diocese of Harrisburg to serve in the Parish.
Contacts:
Fr. Richard Groff is our Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) Coordinator.
Please call the Parish Office at (717) 665-2465 to arrange for a conversation with Fr. Rich.