Extraordinary Ministers Of Holy Communion: Sharing The “Source And Summit” Of Our Faith

As Catholics, one of the things that set us apart is our belief in the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Perhaps more now than ever, after having experienced a time without in-person Mass, we have an awareness and appreciation for what a gift it is to receive our Lord — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity — in Holy Communion.

“Catholics take proper pride in our ancient tradition of belief that through the miracle of transubstantiation, Christ becomes truly present in the bread and wine, the Holy Spirit transforming them into the True Presence of Jesus Christ,” says Fr. Godfrey Mullen, OSB.

And although some things about the distribution of Communion have changed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the heart of the sacrament remains the same — our God humbles Himself in the form of bread and wine, and offers Himself to us. Here at St. Benedict Cathedral, our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) serve to assist our priests in the distribution of Holy Communion at both weekend and weekday Masses, as well as during visits to those who are homebound or in nursing homes.

As the “source and summit” of our faith (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324), the Eucharist is God’s gift to us, which nourishes and strengthens us on the journey towards heaven. Priests, Deacons, and EMHCs have the role of giving this spiritual sustenance to their brothers and sisters in Christ.

“As the fulfillment of our faith, receiving Holy Communion can always help us see through the clouds of this world to get a glimpse of what heaven has in store,” Fr. Godfrey says. “What a profound service to carry out!”

According to Fr. Godfrey, not only is serving as an EMHC an opportunity for the minister to share God’s love with others through service, but the service is a profound gift for the minister, as well.

“As ministers of Holy Communion, that we handle the ‘gifts of God for the people of God’ is an act of service for all, but a moment of grace for the minister,” Fr. Godfrey says.

Fr. Godfrey shares some of the qualities that would make someone a good fit for the role of Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, while also reminding us that none of us is worthy to hold and receive our Lord, but God chooses us anyway.

“From the perspective of piety, someone who respects Christ Jesus and His brothers and sisters is best prepared for this ministry,” Fr. Godfrey says. “Practically, someone who shows up well-prepared — modest clothing, clean hands, etc. — for scheduled ministry is appreciated.”

All parishioners are encouraged to pray and consider whether God may be inviting them to share His love with others in the Eucharist.

“The most common objection I’ve heard when asking people to consider being an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is, ‘I’m not worthy,’” Fr. Godfrey says. “My answer is always the same, ‘No one is.’ But if God only called the worthy, there would be no ministry, no priests, no apostles! God grants us the grace to serve His loved ones. He makes worthy our unworthy service — another reason for us, being received in such gracious divine hospitality, to be grateful.”

If you would like more information about becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, please contact Fr. Godfrey Mullen at 812-425-3369 or gmullen@evdio.org.