Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

“…looking up to heaven, He said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.” (Mt. 14:19)

Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion are members of the lay faithful who have been appointed by the bishop for the role of assisting the ordinary ministers (priests and deacons) with the distribution of the sacred Species (Body and Precious Blood). To assist with this role, local clergy should ensure that "Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should receive sufficient spiritual, theological, and practical preparation to fulfill their role with knowledge and reverence.” (NDRCH, 28) By recognizing their extra-ordinary role in the distribution of Communion, hopefully it brings about a greater reverence for the Mystery the minister serves and drives the minister to seek to not only be a functional instrument of Communion within the physical church, but also leads to a greater desire to reveal and offer Christ in the fullness of their lives.

The Ministry of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) is open to Catholics who are in good standing with the Church and who have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. 

Requirements include being a registered parishioner at St. Thomas More, attending a training session and being commissioned as an EMHC.

Adults (18 years and up) must be Ethics and Integrity in Ministry certified.