Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) are Catholic laypersons who have been specially commissioned by a pastor to assist in the distribution of the Body & Blood of Jesus Christ to the homebound and, where necessary, at Mass. Extraordinary Ministers are commissioned annually, exhorted to grow in holiness, especially in love of neighbor.
There are two promises that every Extraordinary Minister makes at their commissioning, answering “I am” to these questions posed by the bishop, priest, or deacon:
Are you resolved to undertake the office of giving the body and blood of the Lord to your brothers and sisters, and so serve to build up the Church?
Are you resolved to administer the holy eucharist with the utmost care and reverence?
– from the ‘Order of Commissioning of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion’
In order to be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, one must be:
- a baptized and confirmed Catholic adult in good standing with the Church
- a member of Saint Mark parish community
- have successfully completed a background check via the Archdiocesan Virtus volunteer portal
- have completed the Protecting God’s Children for Adults program via the Archdiocesan Virtus volunteer portal
- carry a desire to serve seeking the Eucharist
- be willing to commit to regular ministry (at least twice monthly)
At this time, we are not utilizing Extraordinary Ministers at Mass.
However, we are (re)launching our ministry of bringing communion to those who can not come to Mass (Homebound Ministry). If you are interested in learning more about this ministry – please contact the parish office.