Extra ordinary minister of the Eucharist

[Shae]

I’ve been nominated at my church for training to be an extra ordinary minister of the eucharist.
I’m wondering why this role has this said name. I will by no means be extraordinary. I’d prefer if the name were changed to humble minister of the eucharist. The other name makes me feel like I may be more special or puffed up than other people, which I’d not prefer. It is more of a privilege to do this. Not extraordinary.

Shae

 

[quiet52]

The use of this word in the Catholic Church has a different meaning than the secular English word. “Extraordinary” comes from latin, meaning “outside the ordained.” In other words, the “ordinary minister” is the ordained minister. “Extra” is the latin word for “outside of.”
Yes, indeed it is a humbling privilege to help distribute the Body and Precious Blood of Jesus.

 

[blldg13]

Also, the official term is “Extraordinary minister of Holy Communion.” Here is the US Bishops writeup on why we have more than just the ordained (the proper distributors of Jesus Christ) distributing Holy Communion: usccb.org/liturgy/girm/lit4.shtml

 

[Brendan]

The term “Minister of the Eucharist” or “Eucharistic Minister” can only apply to a validly Ordained priest, as they are the ones who can confect the Sacrament.

What Deacons and Laypeople may do is to Communicate the Sacrament, in other words, give it to the Community.

They are Ministers of Holy Communion.

A Minister of the Eucharist and a Minister of Holy Communion are Two Seperate Ministries.

A Priest or Deacon is the Ordinary Minister of Holy Communion. If there are enough priests and deacons present, no lay person is allowed to give out Holy Communion.

A Layperson may be used in Extraordinary need, thus they are called Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

 

[dylanschrader]

This is what Redemptionis Sacramentum says on the subject:

1. The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion

[154.] As has already been recalled, “the only minister who can confect the Sacrament of the Eucharist in persona Christi is a validly ordained Priest”.[254] Hence the name “minister of the Eucharist” belongs properly to the Priest alone. Moreover, also by reason of their sacred Ordination, the ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are the Bishop, the Priest and the Deacon,[255] to whom it belongs therefore to administer Holy Communion to the lay members of Christ’s faithful during the celebration of Mass. In this way their ministerial office in the Church is fully and accurately brought to light, and the sign value of the Sacrament is made complete.

[155.] In addition to the ordinary ministers there is the formally instituted acolyte, who by virtue of his institution is an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion even outside the celebration of Mass. If, moreover, reasons of real necessity prompt it, another lay member of Christ’s faithful may also be delegated by the diocesan Bishop, in accordance with the norm of law,[256] for one occasion or for a specified time, and an appropriate formula of blessing may be used for the occasion. This act of appointment, however, does not necessarily take a liturgical form, nor, if it does take a liturgical form, should it resemble sacred Ordination in any way. Finally, in special cases of an unforeseen nature, permission can be given for a single occasion by the Priest who presides at the celebration of the Eucharist.[257]

[156.] This function is to be understood strictly according to the name by which it is known, that is to say, that of extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, and not “special minister of Holy Communion” nor “extraordinary minister of the Eucharist” nor “special minister of the Eucharist”, by which names the meaning of this function is unnecessarily and improperly broadened.

[157.] If there is usually present a sufficient number of sacred ministers for the distribution of Holy Communion, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion may not be appointed. Indeed, in such circumstances, those who may have already been appointed to this ministry should not exercise it. The practice of those Priests is reprobated who, even though present at the celebration, abstain from distributing Communion and hand this function over to laypersons.[258]

[158.] Indeed, the extraordinary minister of Holy Communion may administer Communion only when the Priest and Deacon are lacking, when the Priest is prevented by weakness or advanced age or some other genuine reason, or when the number of faithful coming to Communion is so great that the very celebration of Mass would be unduly prolonged.[259] This, however, is to be understood in such a way that a brief prolongation, considering the circumstances and culture of the place, is not at all a sufficient reason.

[159.] It is never allowed for the extraordinary minister of Holy Communion to delegate anyone else to administer the Eucharist, as for example a parent or spouse or child of the sick person who is the communicant.

[160.] Let the diocesan Bishop give renewed consideration to the practice in recent years regarding this matter, and if circumstances call for it, let him correct it or define it more precisely. Where such extraordinary ministers are appointed in a widespread manner out of true necessity, the diocesan Bishop should issue special norms by which he determines the manner in which this function is to be carried out in accordance with the law, bearing in mind the tradition of the Church.

 

[Orionthehunter]

The use of this word in the Catholic Church has a different meaning than the secular English word. “Extraordinary” comes from latin, meaning “outside the ordained.” In other words, the “ordinary minister” is the ordained minister. “Extra” is the latin word for “outside of.”
Yes, indeed it is a humbling privilege to help distribute the Body and Precious Blood of Jesus.

The term “Minister of the Eucharist” or “Eucharistic Minister” can only apply to a validly Ordained priest, as they are the ones who can confect the Sacrament.

What Deacons and Laypeople may do is to Communicate the Sacrament, in other words, give it to the Community.

They are Ministers of Holy Communion.

A Minister of the Eucharist and a Minister of Holy Communion are Two Seperate Ministries.

A Priest or Deacon is the Ordinary Minister of Holy Communion. If there are enough priests and deacons present, no lay person is allowed to give out Holy Communion.

A Layperson may be used in Extraordinary need, thus they are called Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

While much of Brendon’s post is correct, the bolded part is incorrect. Quiet 52 has it right. The word “Extraordinary” has nothing to do with need but is reference to the fact the person is not ordained.

However, in the celebrant’s discretion, he is authorized to determine if there is need for assistance in distribution of communion. It can be “necessary” if there is nobody available to distribute the Precious Blood as the Church encourages reception under both species. Or it can be “appropriate” in order to make the distribution more orderly and timely.

 

[MusicMan]

Actually the proper title for the person is “lay person.” The liturgical function is called “extraordinary minister of Holy Communion.” One isn’t an emHC. They serve as an emHC.