Lay Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is the proper title given to the men, women and young adults/teens who assist in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ during a celebration of the Mass. The name is intended to communicate our understanding of the roles within the Mass. The priest is ordained, and serves as the presider over the celebration of the Eucharist. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit working through him that the gifts of bread and wine become the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. He is the “ordinary” minister of Holy Communion by virtue of ordination. He shares that role with other priests who might be concelebrating the Eucharist. If a deacon is serving during the Mass, he is an “ordinary” minister of Holy Communion as well. Others who share in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ do so to assist in the orderly flow of the communion rite. They are of the laity (which means they have not received Holy Orders), and they are the extra-ordinary, as in “in addition to the ordinary” ministers of Holy Communion. The following information can assist you in discerning if this ministry is where God wishes you to serve. Theology and Spirituality Requirements Formation and Training Terms of service If you have any question about the Ministry of Lay Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion please contact Kimberly Clarke. 
Ministers of
Holy Communion
To serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is to bring yourself as the Body of Christ, into the role of sharing the Body or Blood of Christ with the Body of Christ, the assembly. Those who carry out this role will describe it as sacred, holy, special, a unique privilege of sharing in such an intimate faith moment. God calls men and women to this ministry of service to the Eucharist. It is up to each of us to discern God’s call. The following information can assist you in discerning if this ministry is where God wishes you to serve. (To open a window with the full text of each category please click on the title.)
As you read and pray with the descriptions (please click on the above title to open the full descriptions), listen carefully to your spirit’s response. A sense of anticipation, excitement, enthusiasm, curiosity and eagerness can indicate that God is indeed calling you to this sacred ministry.
As you read and pray with the requirements (please click on the above title to open the full descriptions), listen carefully to your spirit’s response. A sense of understanding (one of the Spirit’s gifts), a willingness to abide by these requirements, and a continued sense of enthusiasm are signs of God’s call to you.
All who serve in liturgical ministry at St. Bridget are asked to follow in the footsteps of Christ who grew in age and wisdom throughout his life. The parish Liturgy Committee has established the following ways for you to do just that as a Lay Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Discerning service in this ministry will mean not only that you have time for this work, but that you are pleased to embrace the learning journey.
Liturgy Ministry at St. Bridget is carried out in three year terms, renewable once. After up to six years of service, ministers are asked to take a Sabbath, a rest, from the work.
Lay Extraordinary