Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC’s) for Mass and hospital
Coordinator for Mass and Hospital: Lou Monticchio strawbed@mac.com
Coordinator for CareOne: Lee DiNatale
The reception of Holy Eucharist is the most intimate act a faithful Catholic can enter into with Our Lord. Truly it is Christ Himself who is received when one receives Holy Communion. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are graced with the privilege of sharing Christ’s Body and Blood with others. This ministry must, therefore, be regarded with the utmost dignity and reverence. Ministers should possess sufficient maturity and make sure to not call attention to themselves or to distract from the flow of the celebration. All 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 or wine.
Extraordinary ministers connect the Church to the home or hospital, when needed. When we return to our pews after receiving Communion, we see those that gather at the altar to be handed the Eucharist by the priest for distribution to those that are unable to attend Mass because of health issues or other circumstances. After Mass, when we leave the church and begin our Sunday activities, these individuals carry the most Holy Eucharist out into the community – to homes, nursing homes and hospitals.
They are indeed extraordinary – both in terms of their roles in the distribution of the Eucharist at Mass, as well as outside of the Church – however, that is not why they are called as such. The Extraordinary Minister is called extraordinary in order to distinguish him or her from the ordinary minister of Holy Communion, who is a bishop, priest, or deacon (Code of Canon Law, c. 910)
Many have witnessed the blessing of their services to the Church. For those who are sick or home bound, it is heartwarming and comforting to see a familiar face walk into the room. The visit, the prayers and the Eucharist are truly gifts for them. Will you answer God’s call to be Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs)? To sign-up and serve the ministry, please contact the Rectory (609) 585-7049 or Lou Monticchio.