AA Ministry Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Ministry Lead
Fran Richardson
franrichardson024@gmail.com

MISSION STATEMENT
Provide a sufficient number of Ministers of Holy Communion
so that it may be distributed in a reverent and orderly manner.

We meet every Regular Mass (Lent Ordinary Time, & Advent) , special Mass (funeral, retreat, etc.), Holy Day Mass, and Communion Service.

Bishops, priests and deacons distribute Holy Communion in virtue of their office as ordinary ministers of the Body and Blood of the Lord. (1) When the size of the congregation or the incapacity of the bishop, priest, or deacon requires it, the celebrant may be assisted by other bishops, priests, or deacons. If such ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are not present, "the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, i.e., duly instituted acolytes or even other faithful who have been deputed for this purpose. In case of necessity, the priest may also depute suitable faithful for this single occasion (GIRM 162).

How many times an EM distributes Holy Communion is up to each individual. EMs are scheduled using a tool called Ministry Scheduler Pro. The schedule duration varies but is usually over a 6-to-8-week period. The tool keeps track of how many times you are scheduled to give every EM the opportunity to serve an equal number of times during the schedule period. Each EM can serve more often by accepting another EMs request for a substitute. Generally, an EM could serve 2-3 times over the 6-to-8-week period.

To serve as an EM, you will need to pick up and complete a Safe Haven packet from the church office (if you have not already), attend an EM procedures class at least once a year, and attend a Ministry Scheduler Pro tool class to learn how to view, set, and modify the liturgical schedule.