The Ministry of Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
“Receive what you are. Be what you receive….You are the Body of Christ and through you, the work of redemption must go on. You are to be taken. You are to be blessed, broken, and distributed that you may be the means of grace and the vehicle of eternal love” (St. Augustine).
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMOHCs) are members of the Assembly of the Faithful who assist in the distribution of Holy Communion. Typically, EMOHCs also distribute Holy Communion to those who are unable to attend Mass, such as the sick in hospitals, the elderly in nursing homes, and the homebound, thereby providing love, support, and spiritual care to others in need.
The ordinary minister of Holy Communion is the bishop, priest, or deacon. The role of The role of the EMOHC - the giving and receiving of the Body of Christ - is a sacred duty, privilege, and a profound act of faith, which captures the essence of what it means to be a servant of the people of God at the Table of the LORD.