The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (CSL), the first document promulgated at the Second Vatican Council, reaffirmed that Christ is always present in the Church, and in its liturgical celebrations.  The Council stressed that Christ is especially present under the Eucharistic elements (CSL, 7).

While the heart of the liturgical celebration is the Eucharistic Prayer, the consummation of the liturgy is found in Holy Communion.  In the gathering, in the breaking of the bread, in the eating and the drinking, the faithful are joined together as members of Christ’s mystical body, sharing the one life of the Spirit.  It is not surprising then, that in order to promote fuller participation in the Holy Eucharist, the Second Vatican Council called for the faithful present at each Mass to communicate not only by spiritual desire but also by sacramental Communion (GIRM, 13).

The bishops and priests are considered the ordinary ministers of Holy Communion by virtue of their sacred ordination.  However, if a large number of the faithful are gathered, the presider will need assistance in distributing Communion.  He will regularly need this assistance when Communion is given under both kinds, the form of Communion that more clearly signifies the Eucharistic banquet.  To that end the deacon and concelebrating priests assist as Ordinary Ministers of Communion.  The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are lay people, formally commissioned for their parish, who give this assistance.

These individuals, men and women, serve Christ by ministering his Body and Blood to their sisters and brothers.  They also serve the Body of Christ by taking Communion to those members who, through sickness or old age are prevented from attending Mass.  In accord with a most ancient tradition, it is appropriate for Communion to be taken directly from Mass to the sick and homebound.

Genuine ministry is about humble service.  The model of all ministry is Christ who came to serve, not to be served.  The Extraordinary Minister must put aside personal agendas and needs, prejudices and judgments in order to serve the community and give faithful witness to Christ’s real and true presence in the Eucharist.

Those selected to be Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are to be fully initiated Catholics, registered members of the Cathedral parish, both male and female of sufficient age and maturity, and of diverse ethnic backgrounds.  Criteria are necessary for the selection, formation and evaluation of ministers.  For those who will serve in the public ministry of the Church, faith must be supported by visible signs.  To this end, the following qualifications apply: basic human wholeness, manifestation of the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity, manifestation of the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance, a positive sense of Church, a willingness to be formed in the ministry of the Church, an abiding reverence for the presence of Christ in the Eucharistic bread and wine, and in the assembly itself.

All Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should show the greatest reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist by their demeanor, their attire, and the manner in which they handle the consecrated bread and wine.

Preparation for this ministry includes but is not limited to: 

·        Formal instruction through the Diocesan Office of Worship which includes sessions on ministry, Eucharist, paschal ministry, and general guidelines

·        Instruction and training at the Cathedral about our local customs and responsibilities.

After proper formation and training are completed, the new ministers are formally commissioned to service at the Cathedral parish.

If you are interested in serving your parish as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, please call Paulette Purvis, Coordinator of Liturgy,  347-9702.

Christ is Present in the Eucharist