What Is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion?
An Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion assists the priest in distributing Holy Communion only when needed.
The priest is the ordinary minister of Holy Communion.
Extraordinary Ministers help so that Communion may be distributed reverently and without undue delay.
This is a ministry of service, not a role of status.
Who May Be an Extraordinary Minister?
An Extraordinary Minister should:
- be a practising Catholic
- be properly appointed
- approach the role with reverence and humility
You are serving Christ present in the Eucharist and Christ present in His people.
Before Mass
- Arrive in good time
- Dress modestly and neatly
- Spend a moment in quiet prayer
- Do not assume you will be needed unless asked or scheduled
If unsure, wait for the priest’s signal.
When to Approach the Sanctuary
This is important
Extraordinary Ministers do not come forward immediately.
You should:
- remain in your place during the Agnus Dei
- wait until the priest has received Holy Communion himself
Only after the priest has received the Host should Extraordinary Ministers move.
Where to Go
Extraordinary Ministers:
- approach the foot of the sanctuary
- do not go up to the altar
They wait there until Communion is given to them by the priest.
Order of Receiving Communion
The usual order is:
- Priest receives Holy Communion
- Altar servers receive Holy Communion
- Extraordinary Ministers receive Holy Communion
- Sacred vessels are given to the ministers
Do not take the Host or chalice yourself.
Always receive from the priest.
Receiving the Sacred Vessels
After receiving Communion:
- the priest hands you the chalice or ciborium
- receive it reverently
- move calmly to your place
Do not rush.
Do not improvise.
Distributing Holy Communion
When giving Communion:
- look at the communicant briefly
- say clearly and simply:
“The Body of Christ”
or
“The Blood of Christ”
Wait for the response:
“Amen.”
Then give Communion reverently.
Do not add names, comments, or blessings.
When Someone Comes Forward for a Blessing
Some people come forward with arms crossed to indicate they are not receiving Holy Communion.
This may be because they:
- are not Catholic
- are not receiving Communion at that time
- are children
- are unsure
What to Do
Extraordinary Ministers do not give blessings.
When someone comes forward for a blessing:
- do not touch them
- do not make the sign of the cross
- do not raise your hand
- do not say a formal blessing
Instead, simply say quietly and kindly:
“Receive Christ in your heart.”
That is enough.
Then allow them to move on calmly.
If There Is a Problem
If:
- the Host is dropped
- the Precious Blood is spilled
- someone walks away without consuming the Host
Remain calm and quietly alert the priest.
Do not draw attention or panic.
After Communion
When distribution is finished:
- return the vessel as directed
- do not place it on the altar unless instructed
- return to your place quietly
Remain attentive until the end of Mass.
If You Are Not Needed
If the priest does not call for Extraordinary Ministers:
- remain in your place
- receive Communion in the usual way
- do not come forward anyway
This is normal.
Things Extraordinary Ministers Should Not Do
Extraordinary Ministers should not:
- approach the altar before the priest receives Communion
- take vessels from the altar themselves
- give blessings
- touch communicants
- add words or gestures
Simplicity and reverence matter most.
A Final Word
Extraordinary Ministers serve at a holy moment.
Your role is to:
- assist quietly
- move calmly
- act reverently
- and then step back
The focus is always Christ, not the minister.
Thank you for serving the Church in this way.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 