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Preparing for Mass
In the same way a lector might prepare for his or her reading at Mass by meditating beforehand
upon the texts that will be read, it is worthy for an Extraordinary Minister to prepare properly as
well. Reading the texts, spending time in prayer thanking God for the opportunity to assist in
offering The Body and Blood of Christ to His people, and regular use of the Sacrament of
Reconciliation are important ways in which one can properly dispose him or herself to worthily
receive Holy Communion as well as assist in distribution. You may also wish to make use of the
prayers located in the appendix of this manual.Scheduling
At all of our parishes, the parish secretary assigns the Extraordinary Members of Holy
Communion. If you know dates far in advance on which you aren’t going to be available, please
call the office and let the respective secretary know so that the schedule can be adjusted.
Remember: If your absence occurs in the short term after the schedule has been published,
you are responsible for finding a substitute should you be unable to be at the Mass for which
you are scheduled.
Nota Bene: From time to time, a visiting priest or deacon may arrive unannounced. If a priest
concelebrates, attends in choir dress (cassock & surplice), or if a deacon assists or attends in
choir dress, they will distribute Holy Communion in lieu of an Extraordinary Minister of Holy
Communion. Please be understanding and coordinate the proper number of ministers before
Mass and refrain from entering the sanctuary when it is time for the extraordinary ministers to
ordinarily do so.Attire
In the General Instruction of The Roman Missal, the attire for “other ministers” in the liturgy is
designated as “albs or other lawfully approved attire”. Lawfully approved attire could also be a
cassock and surplice for men.
In our parishes, we usually suggest that “Sunday Best” is the best attire for serving in the role of
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Your respect for the Ministry should be reflected in
your appearance and attire. This includes being properly groomed, wearing a suit and tie, or
clean, nicely creased trousers with a shirt and tie or nice sweater; pants suit or skirt or slacks
with blouse/sweater. The shoulders should always be covered, and skirts ought to be below the
knee.
Please note: no jeans or shorts at any time! Jewelry or clothing which would be distracting to
the Assembly should not be worn.Distribution of The Precious Body
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has stated “The proper and only permissible form for
distributing Holy Communion is to offer the consecrated bread by saying, “The Body of Christ”
and to offer the consecrated wine by saying, “The Blood of Christ”. No other words or names
should be added; and the formula should not be edited in any way” (Cf. GIRM, 161; 284-287).
Reverently hold up the consecrated host between you and the receiver and looking the receiver
in the eye, smile and say “The Body of Christ”. Wait for the person receiving communion to say
“Amen” and then place it in their hand or on their tongue, depending on which method they
prefer.
If someone comes up with their arms crossed for a blessing, it is permitted to trace the cross on
their forehead and say “Christ’s Blessing On You”. Since touching the head can be offensive for
some and also a potential health hazard, you might consider just placing you hand on the
person’s shoulder and saying “May God Bless You” or “Christ’s Blessing On You”.
If you run out of consecrated hosts, tell the person who is the next in line to wait a
moment, then go to another Extraordinary Minister or to the priest, who will share from his
ciborium.
After distributing the Eucharist, place your ciborium on the altar or hand it to the priest and step
to the side behind the ambo to wait for the tabernacle door to close. A profound bow as the
priest genuflects followed by a return of his simple bow signals it is okay to return to your pew.Distribution of the Precious Blood
Reverently hold up the chalice between you and the receiver and looking the receiver in the eye
and say “The Blood of Christ”. Wait for the person receiving to say “Amen” and then hand them
the chalice.
Make sure the person has a good grip on the chalice before releasing it. Be especially careful
when the person hands the chalice back to you. The exchange should be firm but gentle; not
forceful enough to cause a "splash" or a spill. Be even more vigilant when the communicant is a
younger child. After the person has handed the chalice back to you, wipe the place on the
chalice where they drank, and turn the chalice a quarter turn.
If you run out of Precious Blood, you can place the purificator over your chalice and step back or
you can go into the sanctuary, place your chalice and purificator on the altar, and wait for the
distribution of communion to conclude.Intinction of the Blessed Sacrament
By intinction is meant dipping the Sacred Host into the Chalice. The only one who is permitted
to give Holy Communion by this method is the priest, deacon, or bishop himself.
Communicants must not be permitted to intinct the host himself in the chalice, nor to receive the
intincted host in the hand. (Redemptionis Sacramentum, 104)Accidents
Accidents will happen. You’re human. When something happens, it’s important for you to remain
calm. The way you react will in turn influence the way that parishioners react.
Should someone drop the Precious Body: Pick up the Host and consume it yourself. If you feel
uncomfortable consuming it, hold it in the palm of your hand until after Communion is complete
and take it directly to the priest.
If you drop or spill the Precious Blood —DO NOT PANIC!— Stop what you are doing. Your
demeanor will reassure those communicants in line or, in particular, the person who may have
caused the spill. Stop serving and place the purificator over the spill and position yourself over
the spill. If possible, have another Extraordinary Minister notify the Priest. They will clean up the
spill.