A Very Special Role, an Example for Us All
The administration of Holy Communion at Mass is an essential liturgical ministry in the parish. In addition to bringing the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ to the people of God, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) witness to faith in the real presence of Christ by their actions and by the dignity and reverence with which they treat the Body of Christ.
You must be a fully-initiated, active parish member to be an EMCH. You should be of sufficient age (at least 15 years old) and have the maturity and temperament to undertake this ministry. You must have no impediment to receiving Holy Communion and participating in the sacramental life of the Church. Candidates should be physically able to exercise this ministry.
The person who has been appointed to be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion*
must be duly instructed and should distinguish himself or herself by
Christian life, faith, and morals:
striving to be worthy of this great office; cultivating devotion to the Holy Eucharist
and acting as an example to the other faithful
by piety and reverence for this Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Immensae Caritatis
* Formerly: Special Minister of Holy Communion
Are you extraordinary?
If you wish to be an EMHC, please see the documents below for more information on the Diocese of Orlando’s requirements and its Mandating Process for Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.