Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC)
The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) distributes Holy Communion when there are insufficient numbers of priests and deacons present at the Mass. It is an honor and a privilege and requires careful preparation. Anyone discerning service as an extraordinary minister is encouraged to reflect deeply about this liturgical ministry, especially in view of the necessary preparation that makes it a spiritually rewarding activity for oneself and the assembled. If you sense that you are being called to serve in this capacity, you are encouraged to meet with our pastor Fr Irizarry. It is important to the parish that extraordinary ministers have a formal program of preparation to understand the nature of their service, be well prepared to carry it out, and properly understand the Church’s teaching, especially as regards the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Communion
Selection and Training
An EMHC must be a practicing Catholic, at least 18 years of age, baptized, confirmed, received First Communion, reverential, respectful of his/her faith and the Blessed Sacrament, of good moral character, and not in an illicit marriage. An EMHC must be a qualified person chosen and trained by a priest-chaplain. The applicant's name is submitted by the priest to the Chancellor of the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS). The EMHC must be properly installed by the priest-chaplain at a community celebration at the installation according to the rite provided in the Book of Blessings. The priest-chaplain should do training and evaluation yearly.
An EMHC is commissioned to function within the jurisdiction of the AMS for a period of three (3) years . An EMHC may distribute Holy Communion at Mass only when there are no ordinary ministers (Bishop, Priest, Deacon) present, or when those present are unable to distribute Communion, or when the large size of the congregation justifies it. An EMHC may also bring Communion to the sick or homebound members of the installation with the frequency recommended in the rite of The Pastoral Care of the Sick. EMHCs are ideally sent directly from Mass to establish the connection between the Eucharistic assembly and the sick.