Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
The main function of the ministry is to assist the parish priest with the distribution of Holy Communion to the parishioners.
While this usually happens during the celebrations of Holy Mass, ministers also do home visits to parishioners who are unable to attend mass due to illness.
The minister becomes the uniting link between the parish and the parishioner they visit and need to carry out their duty with dignity at all times.
This ministry is a very humbling ministry and does not elevate ministers in any way but rather they are called to serve the parishioners in a special way.
New Ministers are assessed by the parish priest and undergo training and before they are commissioned. Commissioning usually takes place on the Feast of Christi and is renewed annually.
Ministers are commissioned to serve in their parish only.
Ministers have the additional responsibility to protect the sacred species at all times and they need to be vigilant of how others receive the sacrament and ensure that it is consumed immediately.
Any unusual or concerning activity needs to be reported to the parish priest immediately.