Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers
In liturgical celebrations each person, minister or layman, who has an office to perform, should do all of, but only, those parts which pertain to his office by the nature of the rite and the principles of liturgy.
In every celebration of the Eucharist there should always be a sufficient number of ministers for the distribution Communion.
Priority is always given to ordinary ministers, i.e. bishops, priests, deacons.
If such ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are not present, “the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, i.e. formally instituted acolytes or even some of the faithful who have been commissioned according to the prescribed rite.” (GIRM, no. 162).
Those invited to serve in this ministry are designated only for service in this parish.
Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers should not take it upon themselves to bring Communion to a parent, family member, friend or neighbor.
Please remember: your respect for the Ministry should be reflected in your appearance and attire; appropriate attire includes being properly groomed and wearing a suit and tie or clean, nicely creased trousers with shirt and tie or nice sweater; pants suit or skirt or slacks with blouse/sweater.
Please note: no jeans or shorts at any time! Jewelry or clothing which would be distracting to the Assembly should not be worn.
When offering Eucharist, state in a clear, audible, but not loud voice, "The Body of Christ." This is a faith statement and should not be modified in any way under the guise of making it more "meaningful" by such statements as "Take Jesus", "The Precious Body of Jesus" etc.
Allow each communicant a moment to respond "Amen".