Eucharistic Ministers
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“Come, “says my heart, “seek God’s face;
“your face, LORD, do I seek!
- Psalm 27:8
Welcome to the Ministry of Extraordinary
Minister of the Eucharist!
By "extraordinary" we do not mean special, distinguished or set apart. The ordinary ministers of the Eucharist are the priests and deacons. Primarily, the extraordinary ministers of communion assist with the distribution of Holy Communion, under both species, and are often called upon to set-up for Mass, and clean the vessels after they have been purified by the priest or deacon. Those who are called to this ministry must, above all else, know how to be truly present to others in the moment they have. They are brothers and sisters in this very body and blood they are sharing, and not only speak their own faith in saying "body of Christ," they call forth the faith of the one receiving. They may also bring the Holy Eucharist to those who are homebound, in nursing homes or hospitals, or in prison. To be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, you must be a Roman Catholic, at least 16 years old, who has received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. If married, you must have received the Sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church. Ministry formation and training sessions are offered throughout the year with the expectation of regular attendance.
"The Eucharist constitutes the very life of the Church, for the Lord said, I am the bread
of life. No one who comes to me shall ever be hungry, no one who believes in me shall ever thirst."
"In every celebration of the Eucharist there should always be a sufficient number of
ministers for the distribution of the Eucharist. Priority is always given to ordinary
ministers (bishops, priests, deacons) and auxiliary ministers (instituted acolytes). When there are large numbers of the faithful present and there are insufficient ordinary and auxiliary members at hand, special or extraordinary ministers properly appointed beforehand should assist in the distribution of Communion." (GIRM #29).
If you are a Baptized Catholic in good standing, you may be eligible for this ministry. For more information, please contact Evodio Vazquez at ministries@stmichaelmckinney.org or 972-542-4667 ext. 117.