It was in 1971 that Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist were first permitted in the United States. At that time the Congregation of the Sacraments responded to a request of the American bishops to allow laypersons to assist priests in giving Holy Communion.

In January 1973, Pope Paul VI, in the instruction "Immensae Cariatis," extended this permission to the universal Church. He wrote "Present-day conditions demand that greater access to Holy Communion should be made possible so that the faithful, by sharing more fully in the fruits of the sacrifice of the Mass, might dedicate themselves more readily and effectively to God and to the good of the Church.”

 Extraordinary Ministers assist the priest in distributing the Holy Eucharist in the form of bread and wine to the assembled community at Mass.  Extraordinary ministers are also used in order that the sick or homebound may receive communion.  Any person who regularly takes communion to the sick is to be trained and commissioned. An individual may be commissioned for only this aspect of the ministry or may also perform this service within the Mass.  All ministers of Holy Communion should show the greatest reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist by their demeanor, their attire, and the manner in which they handle the consecrated bread or wine.  

 People interested in becoming an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist must present a letter of intent to the Pastor.  If accepted, the person must then attend the Diocesan training for Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist.

Please contact Lucy Paplin in the Rectory Office for more information.