Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

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Who We Are & What We Do

We are lay members of St. Ann’s parish, called to assist in the sacred ministry of distributing Holy Communion. With deep reverence for the Blessed Sacrament, we are trained to serve at Masses, ensuring the distribution of the Eucharist is carried out with devotion and care.

Why We Exist

“In every celebration of the Eucharist, there should be a sufficient number of ministers of Holy Communion so that it may be distributed in a reverent and orderly manner. Bishops, priests, and deacons distribute Holy Communion in virtue of their office as ordinary ministers of the Body and Blood of the Lord. When the size of the congregation requires it, the celebrant may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him.” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal 162) As Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, we serve to meet the needs of the liturgy, ensuring that the distribution of the Eucharist is carried out in a timely and reverent manner.

Who We Serve

We assist in distributing Holy Communion at daily, weekend, and special liturgies, bringing Christ to our parish community in a profound way. This ministry is both a privilege and a responsibility, with ministers recommended by the pastor and commissioned for service

Volunteer Opportunities

Help is needed at all Masses. We do not pre-schedule Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion; instead, we rely on volunteers arriving early to sign up at the Narthex board prior to each liturgy.

  • Weekend Masses: A sign-up board is available in the narthex before each Mass.
  • Daily Masses: Please inform the sacristan before Mass if you are available to serve.
  • Special Liturgies: Opportunities arise during Holy Days, sacramental celebrations, and other parish events. Ministers are asked to arrive at least 10 minutes before Mass to ensure all communion stations are covered.

Special Requirements

To serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age and a practicing Catholic in full communion with the Church (having received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation).
  • Have a deep reverence for the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
  • Complete Archdiocesan-required training, which must be renewed every three years for adults and annually for teens under 18.
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