Non-ordained faithful in cases of true necessity, may be deputed by the diocesan bishop, to the supplementary and extraordinary role of “extraordinary ministers.”  Though the habitual use is to be avoided, extraordinary ministers may assist in distributing the Most Holy Eucharist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass when “there is particularly large number of the faithful and the Mass would be excessively prolonged because of an insufficient number of ordained ministers to distribute
Holy Communion.”  

Some “extraordinary ministers” visit homebound parishioners. In this area, the non-ordained faithful can often provide valuable collaboration.  Innumerable works of charity to the sick are constantly provided by the non-ordained faithful either individually or through community apostolates. These constitute an important Christian presence to sick and suffering of the greatest importance. The non-ordained faithful particularly assist the sick by being with them in difficult moments, encouraging them to receive the Sacraments of Penance and the Anointing of the Sick, by helping them to have the disposition to make a good individual confession as well as to prepare them to receive the Anointing of the Sick.  So too, in cases of necessity, the “extraordinary ministers” bring the Most Holy Eucharist to those who they’ve helped become properly disposed through the aforementioned other Sacraments of Confession and Anointing of the Sick.

For more on Church teaching on the collaboration of the non-ordained faithful with the sacred ministry of priest, click here. 

If you think God is calling you to assist the Church in this way: Minimum requirements for becoming an “extraordinary minister of Holy Communion” (EMHC) are that you be a Catholic in good standing, regularly practicing the faith, and a registered parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul parish. Training is required following being commissioned by the Bishop.