An Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is a layperson authorized by the Church to assist priests and deacons in distributing the Body and Blood of Christ during Holy Mass.



Those who exercise this ministry must be distinguished by their Christian life, their faith, and their moral conduct, since they represent the Church in one of its most sacred acts: the distribution of the Body and Blood of Our Lord. To serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, it is necessary to:

• Having received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, as a sign of full belonging to the Church and of availability to participate actively in sacramental life.
• Demonstrate profound reverence and devotion to the Holy Eucharist, recognizing the real presence of Jesus Christ in the consecrated bread and wine.
• Maintain a life of prayer and Christian commitment, reflecting the values of the Gospel in daily conduct.
• To be an example of service and love towards others, distributing Communion with respect, humility and joy in ministry.
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The extraordinary ministry of Holy Communion is not only a practical service, but also a call to live the faith more fully and to draw the faithful closer to Christ by participating in the Eucharistic mystery with devotion and love. Each Extraordinary Minister is a living witness to God's presence in the community and an instrument for strengthening the faith of all the faithful.

To contribute to this function, the local clergy must ensure that “extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion receive sufficient spiritual, theological, and practical preparation to perform their function with knowledge and reverence” (NDRCH, 28). By recognizing their extraordinary role in the distribution of Communion, it is hoped that this will generate greater reverence for the Mystery the minister serves and impel them to seek not only to be a functional instrument of Communion within the physical church, but also to a greater desire to reveal and offer Christ in the fullness of his life.(1)

Coordinator: Arturo Romero & Margarita Balderas

Sub-coordinator: Rogelio Victoria and Yolanda Mondragón

Treasurer: Clara Díaz

Secretary: Jovita Hernández

Notes:

(1) Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the United States of America [NDRHC] (August 2002), no. 26 and cf. GIRM no. 162 and NRHC, no. 28