Our parish is thankful for the many parishioners who step forward to share the body and blood of Jesus Christ with Catholics at Mass and those in nine nursing homes, the hospital, Hospice and more. But the title of this ministry can seem a little odd, so let’s explain: According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, the precious body and precious blood of our Lord is to be distributed by an ordained bishop, priest or deacon. He is the “ordinary” means by which the Blessed Sacrament is shared. A lay person who assists, then, is considered “extraordinary.”
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should receive sufficient spiritual, theological, and practical preparation to fulfill their role with knowledge and reverence. In all matters they should follow the guidance of the diocesan bishop (Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds for the Dioceses of the United States of America, NDRHC, no. 28).
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. Please click here for the guidelines for distribution of Holy Communion at St. Francis Xavier Parish (updated 2023).
Those who wish to be considered for this ministry should call the parish office at 330-725-4968. Training is required, and not all Catholics are suited for this ministry. Please click here to see this list of considerations.