Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

What is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion?

In short, an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion is a lay person or religious who has been deputed by the bishop for a period of time, or by a priest for a single occasion, to assist the priest and deacon in distributing Holy Communion to the faithful on those occasions where a shortage of ordained clergy makes it impossible for them to distribute Holy Communion to all the faithful in a reasonable way. It is thus a privilege to which the Church invites certain individuals under given circumstances, and not a right. The distribution of Holy Communion should be seen as a more complete exercise of the proper distinction given to the ordained priesthood, but which, of necessity, must be carried out by others. This highlights the extraordinary nature of this service, which, rather than being part of the structure of the Church, is instead tied to particular needs arising from the limited number of clergy. Pope John Paul II points this out in his instruction Domenicae Cenae :

To touch the sacred species and to distribute them with their own hands is a privilege of the ordained, one which indicates an active participation in the ministry of the Eucharist. It is obvious that the Church can grant this faculty to those who are neither priests nor deacons, as is the case with acolytes in the exercise of their ministry, especially if they are destined for future ordination, or with other lay people who are chosen for this to meet a just need, but always after an adequate preparation. (John Paul II, Domenicae Cenae, 11 )

Thus the use of extraordinary ministers must be considered a sign of the shortage of priests and deacons, and should be an encouragement to pray for an increase in holy vocations to the priesthood and deaconate. Extraordinary ministers perform a very valuable service to the Church in supplying for this temporary need, but it is important to recognize that this service corresponds to an extraordinary situation in the life of the Church.

(From the Archdiocese of Atlanta Guidelines for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion)

Who Can Apply?

* Any fully initiated Catholic who will be a Senior for the 08-09 school year.

How Do I Apply?

* Prayerfully consider if you think the Lord is calling you to this ministry

* Complete and return your application with the following:

                     *2 Faculty Recommendations

                     * Parish Pastor Recommendation

RETURN YOUR APPLICATION NO LATER THAN:

                             MONDAY, MAY 19, 2008

             ***Late applications will not be accepted***