Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Reverently Serving Our Parish and Sharing the Eucharist

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) are instrumental in the setting of the Mass. Made up of lay people in our parish community, the members of the EMHC ministry assist our clergy members in distributing the Eucharist to our congregations at Mass.

Those who take part in this ministry are participating in the call to evangelization as they bring the Body of Jesus to our parish community members. We are blessed by these volunteers who serve our parish in this way.

Marilyn Seiler has been involved with this ministry for many years.

“Currently, I am coordinating the ministry, orienting new ministers and providing ongoing training and formation,” she says.

Distributing the Body and Blood of Christ to our parish community helps bring the ministry members to a closer relationship with God. Marilyn prepares for ministry service by spending time in prayer and reading about the Eucharist, which naturally helps her grow in her faith.

“It is such a privilege to distribute the Body and Blood of Christ,” she says. “In order to do so, I must be prepared mentally so that I can focus on the ministry and each person as Jesus would.”

Being a part of this ministry, the members themselves hold great responsibility and a dedication to reverence for the Eucharist. The Norms and Guidelines for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) by the Diocese of Tulsa includes important information for those who serve in the ministry:

“In addition to bringing the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ to the people of God, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion witness to faith in the real presence of Christ by their actions and by the dignity and reverence with which they treat the Body of Christ.”

There are a few requirements for becoming an EMHC at our parish. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, and fully initiated into the Church, having received Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. They must also uphold the teachings of the Church and uphold a certain level of maturity in their faith. There is an annual one-hour training session. Presently, those serving as an EMHC do so once or twice every two months. Our pastor chooses the EMHC ministers, but anyone interested may put their name forward. Committed members serve for the duration of the liturgy.

“An EMHC is commissioned for three years and may be recommissioned if the pastor sees fit,” Marilyn says.

If you would like more information about this ministry, please contact the Parish Office at 405-372-6886. ONLINE GIVING: