Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
Contact Person: Deacon Bob Ball
Contact By: phone: 864-0622; email: bball@stgeorgeerie.org
Eucharistic worship constitutes the soul of all Christian Life. In fact, Christian life is expressed in the fulfilling of the greatest commandment, that is to say, in the love of God and neighbor, and this love finds its source in the Blessed Sacrament, which is commonly called the Sacrament of Love. ("Dominicae Cenae", On the Mystery and Worship of the Eucharist, Pope John Paul II, First Sunday of Lent, 1980)
The call to discipleship, inherent in Baptism, finds its expression through ministerial involvement. God’s people respond to the invitation of the Holy Spirit to identify and offer their gifts for the building up of the Body of Christ.
Every time the Church gathers in the name of Jesus to celebrate the memorial of His Passover from death to life and His glorification, it gathers to eat the bread of life and drink the cup of salvation. An Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion serves the assembly at that most sacred moment when Christ is present in the Eucharistic elements. The sacred character of the Eucharist should find expression in the attitude of the minister, who serves with devotion, reverence, dignity and personal attention.
Those who are called to this ministry are called to a special love and care for the Eucharist and for all those who share in the Body and Blood of the Lord. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are called to serve the Body of Christ that is the Church, as well as the Body of Christ in the Eucharist species. If you are the body of Christ and his members, you are the sacrament of what is placed on the table of the Lord; it is the sacrament of what you are when you receive. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion distribute the Body and Blood of our Lord to the assembly during Holy Communion.
Those who take on the responsibility of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, are presumed to be of good faith, eager to serve their fellow Christians, and willing to engage in ongoing formation to improve the effectiveness of their service. These ministers are expected to dress in a modest and respectful manner. They must also possess a strong commitment to serving at their assigned liturgies.
Adults and teenagers who have made their Confirmation are invited to serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for our liturgies. Guidelines for the ministry and practical training are provided. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are scheduled based on their mass preference and availability. If you wish to become an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, please contact the parish rectory for further information.