An Extra-ordinary Minister of Holy Communion is a lay person who has been commissioned to distribute Holy Communion when there are not sufficient priests or deacons available and / or in the case of a serious necessity (e.g. taking Holy Communion to the sick and homebound).  The Extraordinary Minister is called extraordinary in order to distinguish him or her from the ordinary minister of Holy Communion, who is a bishop, priest, or deacon (Code of Canon Law, c. 910).  This privilege includes the preparation of sacred vessels on the credence tables prior to Mass, distribution of Holy Communion during the Mass, and clean-up / storage of the vessels after Mass is concluded.  EMHCs must be approved by the diocese and commissioned prior to beginning their ministry.  In addition, regular refresher trainings are required and re-commissioning must be obtained every three years.

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EMHC Training Outline (PDF)	55 KB