Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

The mission of Extraordinary Ministers is to assist priests and deacons in administering Holy Communion at Mass when there is a large number of communicants; and to allow for a more frequent, even daily, administration of Holy Communion outside of Mass to those impeded by sickness or physical weakness at nursing homes, hospitals, or homebound, etc. Please contact the parish office to learn more about this ministry.

Norms for Extraordinary Ministers
In October 2018, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano announced the norms, or rules, governing liturgical and sacramental practices in the Diocese of Bridgeport, were revised over the next four years. “When we concluded the diocesan synod, one of the major initiatives which I confirmed was the need to revise the diocesan sacramental guidelines,” said Bishop Caggiano. “The sacramental guidelines are really the depository of all the norms and guidelines that allow us to pray effectively and reverently as a Church.”

The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) is a lay member of the faithful or a person in religious or consecrated life who has been deputed to help distribute Holy Communion when a sufficient number of ordinary ministers are not present, available or capable, and when the priest celebrant has determined that pastoral need requires their help. When called upon to assist, the EMHC will distribute either the host or the chalice to the faithful, keeping in mind that when communion is given under both kinds, the deacon himself administers the chalice.

To read the full Norms for Extraordinary Ministers, click here.

“This is my gift to God, being a Liturgical Reader and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion during Mass. God has given me so many gifts and if I can help at Mass in this small way,

I am blessed.” 

 - MEF

“What inspired me to become a Eucharistic Minister was the fact that I was giving our Lord to all the faithful that would walk the church’s aisle to receive him in their hearts. Every time I participate as a Eucharistic Minister, I pray for every person that is receiving Jesus so that He may fill their hearts with His unconditional love and mercy.”

Paola R.