Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

There are times when the pastoral care may dictate the need for additional assistance in distribution of Communion.  In these cases some of the lay faithful my be deputed to assist as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. In accord with canons 910 paragraph 2 and 230 paragraph 3 the permission for deputing the lay faithful must be granted by the local ordinary.  In our diocese that is The Most Reverend Edward Lohse JCD.  

Pastors must write, sign, and mail a letter to the Bishop, attesting to 1. the need of the parish for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and 2. the assurance of the Christian character and witness of the people to be deputed and 3. that those to be deputed have been duly prepared.  All names of those to be deputed (both for Mass or distribution to the homebound) are to be listed.  The bishop will send a letter giving permission for the pastor to depute them for ministry for a term of one year.  

The Most Reverend Edward M. Lohse JCD
EMHC Request
215 N. Westnedge Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Click here for a resource from the USCCB to train those who will be deputed as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.



Why Extraordinary?  The Ordinary Minister of Communion is an ordained clergy (bishop, priest, deacon).  Anyone else distributing Communion is extraordinary or out of the ordinary.  An installed acolyte would be the primary extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and does not need to be deputed as this is part of their office by installation as acolyte.