Extraordinary  Ministers of holy communion

At every celebration of the Eucharist there should be sufficient number of ministers for Holy Communion so that it can be distributed in a reverent and orderly manner. Additionally, the sick and those unable to participate at the Eucharistic celebration have a spiritual need to receive Holy Communion. The Church, to make access to so great a sacrament, allows for extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion when there is need. This is a ministry of bringing the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ to the People of God in a dignified and reverent manner. It also witnesses to faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the action of sharing in the Eucharistic meal of Christ’s sacrifice. 

It is for these reasons when there are not enough priests and deacons available for the numbers of faithful present, those who are authorized as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion may be assigned to distribute Communion.  

Visitation Ministers are lay people who are trained by the Church to take the Eucharist to the sick at area hospitals and nursing homes or make home visits to those unable to leave their homes to attend Mass.