Guidelines for EMOHC
The extraordinary minister of Holy Communion (EMOHC) performs a great service to the Church by distributing Holy Communion to God’s people on those occasions where there is an insufficient number of priests and deacons to distribute Holy Communion to the people present at the mass.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve the Church in this capacity, and of course, it requires careful preparation on the part of the extraordinary minister.
To be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion in the Catholic Church, it is essential that those individuals selected to serve in this role are chosen carefully and thoughtfully. The instruction Immensae Caritiatis describes them in the following manner: “The faithful who are special ministers of communion must be persons whose good qualities of Christian life, faith, and morals recommend them. Let them strive to be worthy of this great office, foster their own devotion to the eucharist, and show an example to the rest of the faithful by their own devotion and reverence toward the most august sacrament of the altar. No one is to be chosen whose appointment the faithful might find disquieting.” (Immensae Caritiatis, 1, VI)
The Archdiocese of Atlanta has provided concrete expressions of these norms, specifically that an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion must be baptized, have received the sacrament of Confirmation, and, if married, be married within the Church, and be at least 16 years of age. Additionally, it is necessary for the individual to receive certification from their pastor, confirming that they are properly qualified and trained.
As an extraordinary minister, you may serve at a parish or remote location (taking the Eucharist to the infirm). Each minister is required to complete the Safe Environment training program, which is also mandatory for clergy, employees, and volunteers working in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. After training, the person is formally commissioned by the Pastor or his delegate at a Mass. This commissioning authorizes them to serve in that specific parish and possibly bring Communion to the sick or homebound for a period of three years.
If you are interested in this Ministry, please contact Bill or Ann Didier - didiertrio@bellsouth. net