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." (Matthew 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)