In celebrating the Holy Eucharist, Christians follow Christ's invitation: "'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took a cup . . . 'Drink from it, all of you. . ." (Mt. 26:26-28). They also follow his command: "Do this in memory of me" (Lk 22:19). Catholics believe that Christ is truly and really present in the Blessed Sacrament, under the appearances of bread and wine.
The ordinary manner by which the faithful receive Holy Communion is from the hands of an ordained minister (bishop, priest, or deacon). These clergy are designated as "Ordinary ministers". 'Ordinary' carries a precise meaning - it refers to proper jurisdiction or authority. As ordinary ministers, the clergy most properly distribute Holy Communion because it is within their authority and jurisdiction to do so. This is contrasted with the delegation function given to certain members of the lay faithful. Thus, those who are delegated to assist the clergy in distribution of Holy Communion are designated as "Extraordinary ministers."
Extraordinary ministers assist in the distribution of Holy Communion. They have been entrusted with an important task and so must be exemplary models of Christian living in faith and conduct, and must be trained and may serve after being commissioned in a special ceremony at Mass.
If you are interested in becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Communion, please contact Marie Henderson (224-7778/edgarmarie@sbcglobal.net).
Come follow me…" We hear the words of Jesus call to us; we answer his call by how we serve him in one another.
