Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Communion Ministers) are properly formed, instructed and commissioned lay persons. They may be male or female and should reflect the cultural diversity of the parish. These ministers are appointed for the parish to aid in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass, to the sick and to the homebound when ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are not available. Communion Ministers are not to function apart from the St. Christopher parish community. Ordinarily, they do not perform any other liturgical ministry at the Mass at which they serve as a Communion Ministers.

When the situation requires, the presider of the Mass may call upon members of the faithful who are not Communion Ministers to aid him in the distribution of Holy Communion on that one occasion. Those called must be Catholics in good standing who are themselves able to receive the Eucharist.

As the Church teaches, the bishop is the chief liturgist of his diocese. For this reason, the Archbishop Louisville regulates this ministry and all other liturgical ministries in collaboration with the pastors of the parishes of the Archdiocese.

Selection Criteria: In order for a person to be appointed as an EMHC, the following conditions must be met:
• Be a Catholic living in harmony with the teachings of the Church and be able to receive the Eucharist
• Be of sufficient age and maturity to perform the duties of an EMHC at Mass or to the sick and homebound in various locations (i.e. private homes, nursing homes, hospitals)
• Be chosen and appointed by the pastor for the parish entrusted to him

Formation and Training - Prior to beginning their ministry, EMHCs should be formed and trained in the following:
• Theology of the Eucharist and understanding of the Mass
• Theology and spirituality of ministry
• Universal church, archdiocesan and parish guidelines and procedures for their ministry

The Archdiocese provides a program for those preparing to serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in their parishes, as well as those who are presently serving in this role but have not attended this program in the past. This formation program will fulfill the training portion of the canonical mandate required for Communion Ministers. To learn more or to register for the program, click on Archdiocesan logo above.