Document on Communion Ministers

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

from the document "Redemptionis Sacramentum"

1. The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion

[154.] As has already been recalled, “the only minister who can confect the
Sacrament of the Eucharist in persona Christi is a validly ordained Priest?
[254] Hence the name “minister of the Eucharist?belongs properly to the
Priest alone. Moreover, also by reason of their sacred Ordination, the
ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are the Bishop, the Priest and the Deacon,
[255] to whom it belongs therefore to administer Holy Communion to the lay
members of Christ’s faithful during the celebration of Mass. In this way their
ministerial office in the Church is fully and accurately brought to light, and
the sign value of the Sacrament is made complete.

[155.] In addition to the ordinary ministers there is the formally instituted
acolyte, who by virtue of his institution is an extraordinary minister of Holy
Communion even outside the celebration of Mass. If, moreover, reasons of real
necessity prompt it, another lay member of Christ’s faithful may also be
delegated by the diocesan Bishop, in accordance with the norm of law,[256] for
one occasion or for a specified time, and an appropriate formula of blessing
may be used for the occasion. This act of appointment, however, does not
necessarily take a liturgical form, nor, if it does take a liturgical form,
should it resemble sacred Ordination in any way. Finally, in special cases of
an unforeseen nature, permission can be given for a single occasion by the
Priest who presides at the celebration of the Eucharist.[257]

[156.] This function is to be understood strictly according to the name by
which it is known, that is to say, that of extraordinary minister of Holy
Communion, and not “special minister of Holy Communion?nor “extraordinary
minister of the Eucharist?nor “special minister of the Eucharist? by which
names the meaning of this function is unnecessarily and improperly broadened.

[157.] If there is usually present a sufficient number of sacred ministers for
the distribution of Holy Communion, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion
may not be appointed. Indeed, in such circumstances, those who may have
already been appointed to this ministry should not exercise it. The practice
of those Priests is reprobated who, even though present at the celebration,
abstain from distributing Communion and hand this function over to laypersons.
[258]

[158.] Indeed, the extraordinary minister of Holy Communion may administer
Communion only when the Priest and Deacon are lacking, when the Priest is
prevented by weakness or advanced age or some other genuine reason, or when
the number of faithful coming to Communion is so great that the very
celebration of Mass would be unduly prolonged.[259] This, however, is to be
understood in such a way that a brief prolongation, considering the
circumstances and culture of the place, is not at all a sufficient reason.

[159.] It is never allowed for the extraordinary minister of Holy Communion to
delegate anyone else to administer the Eucharist, as for example a parent or
spouse or child of the sick person who is the communicant.

[160.] Let the diocesan Bishop give renewed consideration to the practice in
recent years regarding this matter, and if circumstances call for it, let him
correct it or define it more precisely. Where such extraordinary ministers are
appointed in a widespread manner out of true necessity, the diocesan Bishop
should issue special norms by which he determines the manner in which this
function is to be carried out in accordance with the law, bearing in mind the
tradition of the Church.
from Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum

78th World Mission Sunday

78th World Mission Sunday focuses on the theme, "Eucharist and Mission", with
a special emphasis on the "Need of Apostles Who Are 'Experts' in the Eucharist"
for world evangelization. More on this at The 78th World Mission Sunday.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Philippines

Though the Catholic Church is essentially uniform in her celebration of the
Eucharist, for local churches in particular nations, the lay ministries are
adapted to the specific needs, customs and culture of those nations. For
communion ministers in the Philippines, there are specific ways of going
about the ministry. More on this at Communion Ministers: Philippines

A Paraliturgical Rite for Communion Ministers

There are different ways of proceeding in performing the communion ministry
to the sick. Below is a form of proceeding with the ministry.

A Paraliturgical Rite for Communion Ministers

The minister who brings Holy Communion to the house greets in a warm and personal way:
"Peace be with this house and with all of you."

He puts the sacrament on the table. All kneel for some time before the sacrament, either in silent adoration, or singing a hymn of adoration.

The minister then invites the sick person and all present to an act of repentance:
"Brothers and sisters, let us be mindful of our sins, so that we may be worthy to take part in this service of Holy Communion."

After a few moments of silence:
"I confess to Almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and I ask Blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God."

The minister concludes:
"May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and lead us to everlasting life."

One of those present of the minister himself now reads a suitable passage from Holy Scripture: e.g. Jn 6,54-58; Jn 14,6-7; Jn 15,4-5; Jn 15,10-14; 1 Jn 4,10-13; or the Gospel of the day:

The Minister:
"To prepare ourselves to receive the Body of Christ let us now pray together as our Lord taught us: Our Father.... ..."

Showing the Holy Sacrament to the faithful he says:
"This is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper."

Response, reception of communion, and purification of the pyx as usual. A period of silence may then be observed.

In conclusion, the minister prays in these or other words:
"Let us pray. Lord, Holy Father, almighty and eternal God. We trust in you and pray for our dear brother (sister), who has just received the most holy Body of Christ your Son. May the reception of this great sacrament be of help for his (her) mind and body, both now and for life everlasting.
We ask this through Christ our Lord." "Amen."

The minister then invokes the blessing of God, signing himself and saying:
"May almighty God bless us, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." "Amen."

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