Extraordinary Ministers Of Holy Communion: Sharing The Real Presence of Christ

The statistics are startling — nearly 800 million people in the world do not have adequate nutrition. You don’t have to leave the TV on for long before you’re encouraged to sponsor a child, whether in a different country or here in the United States. People are starving, and today — more than ever — we all recognize this essential need.

And yet, as important as it is to help those in need of food around the world, there is another kind of hunger that is often ignored or unrecognized. It is the hunger of loneliness, the feeling of worthlessness, anger, bitterness, and hurt. But these examples indicate a hunger that cannot be satisfied by any natural food. This is spiritual hunger, and it can only be satisfied by spiritual food.

Along with priests and deacons, laypeople within our parish serve as Eucharistic Ministers, or Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs). Recognizing the spiritual hunger in their community, they choose to serve the parish by helping to bring nourishment to those in need of the Eucharist, the “Bread of Life.”

Parishioner Lori Angel has served as an EMHC for the past several years, along with her husband and youngest daughter.

“I wanted to be a little more active within the church, and had a desire to be closer to that part of the Mass,” Lori says. “The Eucharist is what gives me strength through the week and makes Christ present in my life.

“I really feel like it is a special thing to be able to share that with others,” she adds. “It is my favorite time during Mass and it’s the part of Mass that is most alive for me.”

EMHCs attend training, which helps them embrace the heart of the ministry, as well as to understand the practical details of how the ministry functions. For Lori, there is something truly unique about being able to serve her community by literally sharing Christ with others.

“I enjoy it the most when you can make eye contact for just a second — in that moment, you’re handing them Christ to strengthen them,” Lori says. “I pray that by receiving His Body and Blood, it does touch their hearts and give them the presence of Christ. I hope that it gives them peace, comfort, joy, and hope for that day, for that coming week.”

Not only has serving as an EMHC allowed Lori to serve others, but it has also strengthened her own faith and devotion to the Eucharist.

“When I started doing it, I thought of it a little more as bread and wine, and now I think of it as truly Body and Blood,” Lori says. “When I’m receiving, I say a little prayer of thankfulness. When I’m serving, it’s humbling that God would allow me to share Him with others. I hope others see Christ live through me.

“It’s a very humbling experience to be able to share that moment with others,” she adds.

Lori encourages other parishioners to consider serving the parish as an EMHC.

“Just pray and ask, ‘Is this is the right ministry for me?’” she says. “’Is this something I’d like to do?’ Watch the bulletin and watch for the training sessions. If it’s something you’re interested in, just reach out. There is always a need.”

If you would like more information on becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion or to learn about upcoming training sessions, please contact the parish office at 859-268-2861.

Parishioner Lori Angel loves serving our parish community as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.