Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Priests and deacons are the Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.  When there are too many people at Mass for them to distribute the Blessed Sacrament to everyone, Extra-Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are called upon to help.  EMoHC's must, with their whole being, believe in the True Presence.  They distribute the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ to their fellow parishioners.  It is a humbling ministry. 

The Qualities of EMoHC

• Must be fully initiated Catholics in good standing. This means they have received the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation, and participate faithfully and fully in the celebration of the Eucharist. 
• If married, must be in a valid Catholic marriage (married in the Catholic Church by a priest or a deacon). If single, the minister’s life must be led according to the teachings and values of the Church.
• Must have a genuine love of the Eucharist.
• Because the EMoHC receives and distributes Holy Communion often, the Church recommends that they partake of the sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) at frequent intervals so that they can perform their ministry in a state of grace.
• Must be EIM (Ethics and Integrity in Ministry) certified with the Diocese of Austin. 
• Will be commissioned (deputed) during a parish Mass prior to their first service, and their names are registered with the Diocese of Austin.

From the book Eucharist by Bishop Robert Barron:

“This is why I tell people to be very careful when they approach the Eucharist.  Were the elements simply symbols - inventions of our own spiritual creativity and desire - they would pose no particular threat, but since they are the power and presence of God, they will change the one who consumes them. When the communicant says “Amen” and receives the proffered host and chalice, he’d better be prepared to live an eternal life.”